There is plenty of starting talent at 16.
Pick 16:
We could potentially fill some starting spots with a couple of these players:
Sam Dekker:
I think that he may see a slight drop after workouts and pre draft.
Would fit really well with the Celtics are doing. Reminds me of Chandler Parsons instead of the ridiculous comparisons of Gordan Hayward.
Rodnae-Hollis Jefferson:
I honestly love Hollis-Jefferson because of his defensive abilities and athleticism. He may be raw offensively, but as a slasher he will contribute right away. We've all seen what Stevens and Co. did with Smart's shot. Honestly I think his shot will get better with more reps. At Arizona against lesser athletes he didn't need to develop a jumpshot. His mechanics aren't terrible, but his shot is just raw. Really reminds me of a Danny pick and one I wouldn't regret.
Justin Anderson:
When I first saw Anderson I wasn't enamored with him, but have warmed up to him as a prospect. What some people don't realize is that Anderson has a similar body and has put up the same stats as the lottery pick Justice Winslow. Of course he's a junior, but I still feel like he should have more intrigue to NBA teams. Anderson has NBA athleticism for sure along with great lateral quicks. Really became a good shooter in this season and put up great % at like 42% from 3. Is a very good defender and is a player that could start right away at SF. Another Danny pick that I wouldn't be surprised if he selected them.
Trade up in the later first from 28 up to 20-24 with our 2nds to select:
RJ Hunter:
He is exactly what the Celtics are looking for. A playmaking SG that can knock down the 3 and hit the mid range shot. Is long, has NBA athleticism, and averaged 19 points per game. Isn't a #1 option, but I think could be a low end #2, and good #3 scoring option for a playoff team. Really underrated in the big picture of the draft because of youth, only a sophomore, and his ability to get buckets. May not be a great defender, but showed that he can stay in front of his man and use his long arms to create turnovers.
If we do end up trading for Lawson I think we will probably end up sending Bradley away and I'm not opposed to it. I think the best realistic case scenario for the Celtics is we trade away Bradley and It for Lawson. Keep our picks. Draft Hollis-Jefferson and then move up for RJ Hunter. Sign Robin Lopez in free agency because there is a very realistic possibility that LA leaves for somewhere else.
Starting lineup:
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: RJ Hunter
SF: Rodnae Hollis-Jefferson
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Robin Lopez
Definitely a playoff team. Would keep our potential lottery picks from Dallas, Brooklyn, and keep our own. Leave open a good amount of cap space with everyone on semi-friendly contracts so that we could potentially add someone in FA. Move Smart and Turner to the bench where they are better suited.