First post here guys. I feel that too many people are buying into "experts" mock drafts and assuming the Celtics are just gonna take one of the players ranked in the 4-9 range with their #6 pick. I think that is unlikely to happen because, simply, none of those players fit our needs. Yes, many of them are intriguing. But if you watch alot of college basketball and Celtics, you know that our area of strength/depth is PF and our pick falls right in the midst of many talented PFs.
The fact is, we need an athletic shot-blocking center and a go-to shooter/scorer who is preferably a 2/3 wing. Jeff Green was our top scorer at 16.9 PPG which ranks #40 overall, and most teams have at least 1 or 2 guys averaging 20+ PPG. Our top scorer doesn't even have a scoring mentality and his game is extremely predictable. We also need a shot-blocking presence in the paint as Sully had to play out of position alot and KO just isn't athletic enough to compete with the best NBA centers. Ainge also promised Sully that he'd get a center for next years team. Right now I'm sure Ainge is gauging what each top 3 team is looking for in return for their pick, and also knows that next year's draft picks are more expendable because the talent level is nowhere near that in this years draft. We have enough assets to get what we want, its just finding where the best value is.
Here's the 5 players i think we have the best chance of picking (yes we will try to trade up):
1) Embiid - This fit is just too perfect. Everyone has seen the way Brad Stevens likes to run offense right? He stretches the floor with bigs, creates mismatches, and takes advantage. Any open shot he encourages you to take. Embiid has a PURE stroke from distance and his athleticism and intangibles would fit into our system/team perfectly. He is a shotblocker in the paint and makes anyone driving to the hoop think twice about it. Youve seen the difference with Serge Ibaka in/out of OKC's lineup. You simply can't find kids like this often.
2) Wiggins - He fits the bill of an athletic 2/3 wing who can score (improving) and play solid D with length. We need this type wing player because it allows us to play a small (rondo, bradley, wiggins, green, sully) lineup and a bigger lineup (rondo wiggins, green, sully, olynyk) while balancing offense/defense.
3) Parker - He will provide instant scoring and has a solid IQ and polished game, I could definitely see him being a Celtic. Although, it would bring up some interesting positional roster scenarios (i.e. share time w Green?)
4) McDermott - Yup, I said it. This kid is underrated simply because he's white and looks soft. Think Tom Brady. We're talking about a SHARP SHOOTER who has shot over 50% FG all 4 years and over 40% 3PT all 4 years. His career average is 45.8% from 3PT, that is INSANE. He's one of the best scorers EVER in college basketball and his tremendous bball IQ, instincts, and knowing his role will allow him to succeed in the NBA; especially in a Brad Stevens offense. We need scoring and he has shown CONSISTENTLY that he can provide. How he fits into our current roster is a great question, but I don't think Ainge will be scared to pull the trigger on him if we remain at #6. You've seen it in the our last 2 drafts with KO and Sully.... basketball skill out-trumps athletic ability every time.
5) Stauskas - Here's another scorer who's confident and also a deadly shooter. Hit fits our roster better than McDermott and would provide more flexibility at the guard position. He excels in pick & roll offense and can also handle point duties better than bradley. Has a deadly crossover and quick release on his shot. I don't see us taking him as early as 6, but if we can't get any of the players above I woudln't be surprised if we moved down a couple of picks with him being our target. I like the idea of getting more picks in this draft as there are some very talented players all the way throughout the 2nd round.
The one person I hope we don't take?
MARCUS SMART. He's one of the most overrated players i've ever seen. He's not an NBA caliber shooter and doesn't even have a true strength. He's your typical combo guard who can never find a starting role on a team because his inability to shoot or dominate any aspect of the game. It boggles my mind knowing some fans think we need another guard who cant shoot. All I hear about Smart is "he brings toughness and has some strength for a guard at 6'3". Listen, that doesn't mean
Edited. Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline. in the NBA. I watch more college basketball than you probably think is possible and I legitimately would take some players who will go undrafted (i.e. Billy Baron) over Smart.
How's that for a first post
