Ford/Simmons Mock Draft (Will Celtics Hold On To Both Picks?)

[Rondo2287]

If Zeller slips i'd be pumped. I think he could come in and start right away for us and average 10/10.

I agree, I think Zeller has a very similar game to Andy Varejao.  Which at mid first round money would be a bargain.

I don't see the similarity in those two.

Really?  Physically they are very similar.  AV listed at 6'11 260 LB, Zeller listed at 7 Foot 250 LB, im sure once he gets on the pro workout routine he will put on another 5-10 pounds.

They are both very effective rebounders.  Zeller averaged almost 10 rbs per game even with the ACC DPOY lined up next to him on a night in night out basis.

Both have very quick feet on the defensive end.

Both have complementary offensive games which in the NBA will rely on layups and putbacks.

I don't think Zeller is all that quick and I question if his athleticism matches AVs.

I'm also confused by the complimentary bit on offense. Zeller was UNCs go to scorer in the half court.

Draft Express also says that Zeller is an athlete.

His intrigue from NBA standpoint starts with his physical profile, as he's a solid run and jump athlete for a 7-footer, showing great speed running the court, as well as the ability to finish above the rim. Somewhat upright in his stance and not overly fluid, his frame could still use some extra bulk, but he's made progress in that area since coming to North Carolina, and he should continue to add strength as he puts in the work in the weight room.

Zeller combines his outstanding running ability with a nice set of hands and a good motor for a player his size, both of which help him as a finisher sprinting the floor. He's able to beat most any big men down the court and catch the ball running full speed, where he's then shown the ability to quickly gather himself and elevate for a dunk, resulting in him converting on an excellent 79% of his field goal attempts in transition this season.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz1z1VZDn3T
http://www.draftexpress.com

[33_Larry Legend_33]

already had a Zeller...Eric Montross

I would actually suggest Brett Szabo...

[Fafnir]

His ability to get up and down the floor isn't what concerns me, its his quickness.  The profile mentions "not overly fluid". That sounds like "she's got a great personality" when it comes to lateral/overall quickness.

[Army_of_One_Nation]

But, seriously, though, the Celtics number one weakness last season was rebounding on both ends. If they can address that problem, I would be happy whoever it may be they draft. The 2nd round is where Ainge makes his living. I hope he considers Eric Griffin, if he doesn't go small forward in the 1st round.

[Rondo2287]

His ability to get up and down the floor isn't what concerns me, its his quickness.  The profile mentions "not overly fluid". That sounds like "she's got a great personality" when it comes to lateral/overall quickness.

I wouldnt characterize AV as fluid but I think he good quickness on the defensive end. Zeller not only has good quickness when defending in the low block but I think he also has a sound understanding of making defensive slides, I can't count the amount of times I saw him step in for a charge.

On the defensive side of the ball, Beeken writes that Zeller may lack some girth to defend bigger NBA centers, but "he's a very cerebral defender who understands positioning, as he does an excellent job in drawing charges." Beeken goes on to write that Zeller's smarts and instincts should enable him to fit into a defensive scheme, where he has the potential to excel defending ball screens and making the proper rotations.

[Fafnir]

His ability to get up and down the floor isn't what concerns me, its his quickness.  The profile mentions "not overly fluid". That sounds like "she's got a great personality" when it comes to lateral/overall quickness.

I wouldnt characterize AV as fluid but I think he good quickness on the defensive end. Zeller not only has good quickness when defending in the low block but I think he also has a sound understanding of making defensive slides, I can't count the amount of times I saw him step in for a charge.

On the defensive side of the ball, Beeken writes that Zeller may lack some girth to defend bigger NBA centers, but "he's a very cerebral defender who understands positioning, as he does an excellent job in drawing charges." Beeken goes on to write that Zeller's smarts and instincts should enable him to fit into a defensive scheme, where he has the potential to excel defending ball screens and making the proper rotations.

I think AV had (who knows with how banged up he's been for a few years now) great quickness for his size.

Zeller's propensity for sliding under people and flopping fits AV to a T, on that you have it right.

[Rondo2287]

His ability to get up and down the floor isn't what concerns me, its his quickness.  The profile mentions "not overly fluid". That sounds like "she's got a great personality" when it comes to lateral/overall quickness.

I wouldnt characterize AV as fluid but I think he good quickness on the defensive end. Zeller not only has good quickness when defending in the low block but I think he also has a sound understanding of making defensive slides, I can't count the amount of times I saw him step in for a charge.

On the defensive side of the ball, Beeken writes that Zeller may lack some girth to defend bigger NBA centers, but "he's a very cerebral defender who understands positioning, as he does an excellent job in drawing charges." Beeken goes on to write that Zeller's smarts and instincts should enable him to fit into a defensive scheme, where he has the potential to excel defending ball screens and making the proper rotations.

I think AV had (who knows with how banged up he's been for a few years now) great quickness for his size.

Zeller's propensity for sliding under people and flopping fits AV to a T, on that you have it right.

So we agree that he is a solid rebounder, good at running and scoring in transition, (79% of his points last season at UNC came in transistion) and is adept at taking flops. 

That sounds alot like AV to me overall.  The only thing that you are questioning is whether or not he is quick enough to defend the post in the NBA right?

[Fafnir]

His ability to get up and down the floor isn't what concerns me, its his quickness.  The profile mentions "not overly fluid". That sounds like "she's got a great personality" when it comes to lateral/overall quickness.

I wouldnt characterize AV as fluid but I think he good quickness on the defensive end. Zeller not only has good quickness when defending in the low block but I think he also has a sound understanding of making defensive slides, I can't count the amount of times I saw him step in for a charge.

On the defensive side of the ball, Beeken writes that Zeller may lack some girth to defend bigger NBA centers, but "he's a very cerebral defender who understands positioning, as he does an excellent job in drawing charges." Beeken goes on to write that Zeller's smarts and instincts should enable him to fit into a defensive scheme, where he has the potential to excel defending ball screens and making the proper rotations.

I think AV had (who knows with how banged up he's been for a few years now) great quickness for his size.

Zeller's propensity for sliding under people and flopping fits AV to a T, on that you have it right.

So we agree that he is a solid rebounder, good at running and scoring in transition, (79% of his points last season at UNC came in transistion) and is adept at taking flops.  

That sounds alot like AV to me overall.  The only thing that you are questioning is whether or not he is quick enough to defend the post in the NBA right?

AV's value is almost entirely based on his defense, offensive rebounding, and hustle/energy type plays. Being an elite pest and all around defender.

I don't think Zeller is the same level of offensive rebounder and I don't think he has the athleticism to be a plus defender in the NBA. Plus I question whether or not he has the energy level that AV brought at his best.

Its easier getting charges in college basketball than the NBA.

[Celts Fan 92]

i would like for us to go after a wing player wit on eof those picks

[Rondo2287]

His ability to get up and down the floor isn't what concerns me, its his quickness.  The profile mentions "not overly fluid". That sounds like "she's got a great personality" when it comes to lateral/overall quickness.

I wouldnt characterize AV as fluid but I think he good quickness on the defensive end. Zeller not only has good quickness when defending in the low block but I think he also has a sound understanding of making defensive slides, I can't count the amount of times I saw him step in for a charge.

On the defensive side of the ball, Beeken writes that Zeller may lack some girth to defend bigger NBA centers, but "he's a very cerebral defender who understands positioning, as he does an excellent job in drawing charges." Beeken goes on to write that Zeller's smarts and instincts should enable him to fit into a defensive scheme, where he has the potential to excel defending ball screens and making the proper rotations.

I think AV had (who knows with how banged up he's been for a few years now) great quickness for his size.

Zeller's propensity for sliding under people and flopping fits AV to a T, on that you have it right.

So we agree that he is a solid rebounder, good at running and scoring in transition, (79% of his points last season at UNC came in transistion) and is adept at taking flops.  

That sounds alot like AV to me overall.  The only thing that you are questioning is whether or not he is quick enough to defend the post in the NBA right?

AV's value is almost entirely based on his defense, offensive rebounding, and hustle/energy type plays. Being an elite pest and all around defender.

I don't think Zeller is the same level of offensive rebounder and I don't think he has the athleticism to be a plus defender in the NBA. Plus I question whether or not he has the energy level that AV brought at his best.

Its easier getting charges in college basketball than the NBA.

Thats definitely true since you don't get the star calls in the NCAA

On the offensive Rebounding, Zeller lead his team last year with 146 o-rebounds which accounts for about 39% of his total rebounds.  AV's offensive rebounds last year accounted for 38% of his total rebounds.

I also think Zeller has quite the motor and will probably be just as much a energy as AV.

[Who]

I am sacred off of Tyler Zeller. Heard he struggled mightily against NBA quality big men in summer workouts at UNC. Brendan Haywood destroyed him.

Zeller just didn't have the bulk or the length to defend Haywood effectively. Nor did he have enough size or skill to score around the rim or create his own shot against Hawyood's length.

I don't see Zeller as much more than a 4th big in an NBA rotation.

[cman88]

im not sure why so many posters here say that Sullinger will never fall to us..

even the vp of nba said they didnt invite him to the green room because he is likely to "go in the late teens, 20s"

thats definitely in our range

[Tr1boy]

5 percent chance Zeller drops to us. I would be amazed if that happened.

If you don't want a Jeff Foster + PJ Stock on your team than your crazy. He is an athlete 1st and foremost. Plays C, high iq, works hard , has a vet feel to his game. Also has underrated 20 footer, good at ft and has a deadly hook he can shoot from either side.

I like Sullinger, but man its risky bc he could struggle hard in the nba. Like BBD, he will get stuffed tons under his comfort zone, bc of lack of height and ability to jump. Also footspeed is not so good, will have problems working with our D system. If you want him as a bench guy, thats all great. But celts def have to shoot higher than him , especially right now.

[ThaPreacher]

Tyler Zellar to me is a Jeff Foster type. Very good backup C , but not much else. He seems really soft to me though.

I don't think he's soft, he played very physically for UNC in the post and on the boards.

I agree hes not soft, he is also pretty fiery. 

Finkel?
Lohaus
Montross
Stiesma,


Look, no way both Zeller and Sullinger slip to Boston's picks at 21 and 22.
Some mock drafts have Zeller going in top 12.
I think that the Celtics want to add a pick at the end of the 1st Round because they are going to try to move up.
They want two draft picks because, Danny wants to stockpile assets.  Rookie's who are drafted are a great way to save cap money for free agents.

Draft Express has

Quincy Miller
John Jenkins
Jared Cunningham
Doron Lamb

all going in Round 2.

Say good-bye to Etwaun Moore if Danny is able to do this.

Wow! this draft is going to be interesting.  Package 21 and 22 to move up.  And then,
Imagine if you could get a couple early 2nd Rounders.

[tyrone biggums]

Sorry if there is a topic about this already...

An interesting article on Grantland between Ford and Simmons picking the first 22 picks of the draft. They have the Celtics taking Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger. I had been under the impression there was no chance the Celtics hold onto both picks, but after reading this maybe there is a chance?

Having said that, isn't Sullinger really a much more polished, saner version of Big Baby Davis, only if Baby could score on the low block and rebound more consistently? Don't we have a few years of evidence that Kevin Garnett thrives playing next to someone like that? Maybe the Sullinger experience wouldn't work for every NBA team, but playing that Big Baby role for a slower veteran team like the Celtics? Absolutely.

And..

FORD: If Sullinger is your guy at 21, then I'm going with Tyler Zeller here with Boston's 22nd pick. Mostly because I want to see what swear words you are and aren't able to use on Grantland. But c'mon. He's gotta be better than Greg Stiemsma. Right? And he can play right away and he runs the floor very well. You gotta like that, right?

Thoughts?

they'll both be gone before the C's pick.  If they get either right I'd be amazed, particularly Zeller.

I think Sullinger is going to be there at 21, that being said Zeller will probably be gone by 15th. Just like in any draft, someone unforseen is going to drop and its up to a team like the C's to trade up and pounce.