What if...the Celtics keep the pick?

[D.o.s.]

My guess is that Smart will spend his rookie year as a poor man's Tyreke Evans (who had a monster of a rookie season).

[bogg]

My guess is that Smart will spend his rookie year as a poor man's Tyreke Evans (who had a monster of a rookie season).

Rookie Year Tyreke was a hell of a player. He showed flashes of coming out of exile at the end of this past year, and if he really is back then New Orleans might be in surprisingly good shape.

[Future Celtics Owner]

Draft Vonleh. He has the size, length, and frame to be a great rebounder. Not to mention a 37 inch max vertical.

[crimson_stallion]

I don't think Smart is a great pairing with Rondo because neither are good three point shooters and Randle and Vonleh play the same position as Sully.  I'd have Gordon coming off the bench behind Green and play him a few minutes at the 4. 

Just a few points:

1) Wade and Lebron were both terrible three point shooters up until this season (when Lebron improved a lot, but Wade is still terrible).  To be frank I don't really see anything that Wade had as a prospect that Smart doesn't have now.  Same firey attitude, and desire to win same lack of jump shot, same questionable ball handling, same impressive defensive abilities.  I think Smart will have an immediate impact in the league, much like Beal/Oladipo/Lillard did before him. 

2) Vonleh averaged 14 rebounds and >2 blocks per 40 minutes in college this season and is 6'10" and 250lbs with a 7'4" wingspan and an 36.5" max vertical.  He also has a reputation as a guy who will not shy away from contact on either end of the floor.  I don't see any reason why he couldn't be a very effective center in today's NBA...considering guys like Monroe, Bosh and Horford have had plenty of success at that position.   I think the days when centers needed to be 7-foot behemeths (with an elite low post game) are long gone.