Weak draft says who!? Some intriguing bigs in the 2013 NBA draft

[BleedGreen1989]

All I hear about is how weak this draft is. However, there are a number of bigs who catch my eye that could be available when the C's draft (high teens/early 20's I'm assuming)

1. Kelly Olynyk (7' 240)

Olynyk is another big riser in this year's draft. He was flying way under the radar before this season, having red shirted last year with Robert Sacre as the team's starting center. Olynyk lacks athleticism and quickness but shows the skill set of a 10-year veteran. Some question his ability to have the same success in the NBA facing high level athletes on a nightly basis. He's got a Euro-style game, but many scouts appear to be sold that his skill level and size will be enough to overcome a lack of sheer athleticism and become a solid NBA post player.

2. Isaiah Austin (7' 220)

Austin has opened some eyes with his outside shooting ability and combination of length and fluidity. He's an alluring prospect due to his ability to run the floor and knock down shots. He's played with good intensity this season, to the surprise of some, and though he's been a little up and down, his stats (14.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg) are impressive for a freshman. His free-throw shooting percentage and lack of trips to the line show that he needs to get stronger and tougher. He plays a finesse game, but with such a big frame, scouts appear to be enamored with his talent enough to make him a lottery selection.

3. Rudy Gobert (7'1" 230)

Gobert has struggled to put up consistent numbers in the French League. So the question is whether teams will be willing to look past the lack of productivity and draft him on potential. He has ridiculous length with a reported 7-foot-9 wingspan. He has good shooting touch and also appears to have a body that will allow him to add strength and eventually battle in the paint in the NBA. His mobility and athleticism are average by NBA standards and he still needs to get much tougher.

4. Jeff Withey (7' 240)

Withey certainly appears to have shot blocking potential for the NBA. The all-time block record holder for the NCAA tourney has seen his game steadily progress as he's become a factor on the offensive end as well. Detractors will point to the fact that it took him so long to make an impact in college and that he's beating up on players 2-3 years younger than himself. He lacks great foot speed and dexterity, but appears to be an ideal future back up in the league for years to come.

5. Lucas Nogueira (7' 230)

Nogueira is extremely raw but players with his size and agility are rare. He had a breakout performance at the Copa America U18 tournament in 2010 and some NBA scouts came away saying he had Top 5 pick potential. He lost most of that hype with a dreadful showing at the 2011 adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, but this season he's playing in Spain for Estudiantes and regaining momentum. He's so long and athletic, it's just a matter of his desire. "Bebe" developed a reputation for being soft and lazy, but over the past year it's apparent that he's focused and working to get stronger and develop his game. He's got some touch on his shot, but his strength and toughness must improve, along with defensive intensity

My dream scenario is Austin. I doubt this kid will be available when the C's pick but I've seen 2 mock drafts have him available when the C's pick so I can dream, right?

I believe Withey and Olynyk are the most polished and ready to contribute right away but they also likely have the lowest upside.

What do you guys think? If we target a big who would you want? (which I think is a no-brainer unless somebody surprisingly drops)

[MVPPierceNoJoke]

Well with Fab Melo unfortunatly I don't think Danny should draft another high ceiling project guy. I would want to see more of an NBA ready player like Withey because we despertly need a space clogger in the middle ,even if he only gives us 12 minutes a night. Especially with Sullinger battling injuries I don't know how much the Celtics can count on him in this offseason.

[celticmania]

Olynk is okay but can't rebound or play defense.
Isiah Austin reminds me of Jahuan Johnson.
Rudy Gobert is probably going to be Alex Ajinca.
Jeff Withey is going to be a solid back-up center.
Don't know much about Nogueira.

[Evantime34]

Drafts are usually judged by their superstar talent. This one has some solid big men prospects but no superstars.

[CelticConcourse]

Never even heard of these guys

[BleedGreen1989]

Drafts are usually judged by their superstar talent. This one has some solid big men prospects but no superstars.

Yea I don't see any stars but some interesting mix of big men

[Evantime34]

Never even heard of these guys

You'll know Olynyk soon enough, his team should get a one seed, and he's a wooden award finalist.

[lightspeed5]

all talentless scrubs. jajuan johnson is better than every player named.

[CelticConcourse]

all talentless scrubs. jajuan johnson is better than every player named.

He's a beast.

[Scribbles]

all talentless scrubs. jajuan johnson is better than every player named.

I don't think I've seen you say one positive thing about any players ever tbh.

[nickagneta]

Not 100% certain he is coming out but if he does Willie Cauley-Stein might slip to the Celtics. If he did, that's the big guy I draft. Unreal athlete(he played wide receiver in high school football) for his size(a real 7'0" and 245 lbs of muscle), Cauley-Stein is a major project offensively but has giant upside defensively with some of that coming almost immediately.

I think if he could learn the system fast enough, Cauley-Stein could be giving this team rotation worthy minutes before the end of next year. He would be the rim protector, weak side shot blocker, defensive inside anchor that this team could build around long term, well, along with Rondo, Sully, Bradley and Green, that is. And if he ever untaps his potential as a low post offensive threat, watch out. He could be a star. His athleticism is that good. He runs so naturally, like a sprinter and has good hands and can finish noisily on the break.

My secret desire is that Danny trades up and drafts Nerlens Noel but other than that, I would want Cauley-Stein. He would fit perfectly if he develops as some project. Is he a project? Yes. But I think a more sure bet to invest in than Fab Melo with much much higher upside.

Then again, he would have to fall some for the C's to land him at this point. He's probably gone by 15 or so.

[cman88]

Drafts are usually judged by their superstar talent. This one has some solid big men prospects but no superstars.

you never really know though how some players will work out in the NBA..it always seems like drafts tht are deemed to be "weak" sometimes end up producing stars no one even thought about.

heck, the draft Kyrie irving came out in was supposed to be "weak"

[BleedGreen1989]

Not 100% certain he is coming out but if he does Willie Cauley-Stein might slip to the Celtics. If he did, that's the big guy I draft. Unreal athlete(he played wide receiver in high school football) for his size(a real 7'0" and 245 lbs of muscle), Cauley-Stein is a major project offensively but has giant upside defensively with some of that coming almost immediately.

I think if he could learn the system fast enough, Cauley-Stein could be giving this team rotation worthy minutes before the end of next year. He would be the rim protector, weak side shot blocker, defensive inside anchor that this team could build around long term, well, along with Rondo, Sully, Bradley and Green, that is. And if he ever untaps his potential as a low post offensive threat, watch out. He could be a star. His athleticism is that good. He runs so naturally, like a sprinter and has good hands and can finish noisily on the break.

My secret desire is that Danny trades up and drafts Nerlens Noel but other than that, I would want Cauley-Stein. He would fit perfectly if he develops as some project. Is he a project? Yes. But I think a more sure bet to invest in than Fab Melo with much much higher upside.

Then again, he would have to fall some for the C's to land him at this point. He's probably gone by 15 or so.

Yea the kid from Kentucky. he's massive that's for sure. I didn't list him because all the mocks ive seen have him gone in the top 10.


And to say all these guys are worse than jujuan Johnson? seriously? lol

[CelticsFan9]

Not 100% certain he is coming out but if he does Willie Cauley-Stein might slip to the Celtics. If he did, that's the big guy I draft. Unreal athlete(he played wide receiver in high school football) for his size(a real 7'0" and 245 lbs of muscle), Cauley-Stein is a major project offensively but has giant upside defensively with some of that coming almost immediately.

I think if he could learn the system fast enough, Cauley-Stein could be giving this team rotation worthy minutes before the end of next year. He would be the rim protector, weak side shot blocker, defensive inside anchor that this team could build around long term, well, along with Rondo, Sully, Bradley and Green, that is. And if he ever untaps his potential as a low post offensive threat, watch out. He could be a star. His athleticism is that good. He runs so naturally, like a sprinter and has good hands and can finish noisily on the break.

My secret desire is that Danny trades up and drafts Nerlens Noel but other than that, I would want Cauley-Stein. He would fit perfectly if he develops as some project. Is he a project? Yes. But I think a more sure bet to invest in than Fab Melo with much much higher upside.

Then again, he would have to fall some for the C's to land him at this point. He's probably gone by 15 or so.

I'd like Cauley-Stein too, but I don't think he's going to be leaving.

The only guys leaving that UK team are Harrow, Goodwin, and Noel.

[ManUp]

Backups and long term projects. Olynyk(rotational) and Withey(3rd stinger/4th big) can make it as backups. Isaiah Austin is a unique bang or bust type prospect. Gobert and Nogueira are long term projects who probably don't make it to a second NBA contract.