Ford "Grade A" Mock

[Eddie20]

It's a long read, so I'll only post the C's part unless anybody wants the rest.

Boston Celtics

Needs: C, rim protection, SF

Round 1 (16) Sam Dekker, F, Jr., Wisconsin
Round 1 (28) Tyus Jones, PG, Fr., Duke
Round 2 (33) Robert Upshaw, C, So., Washington
Round 2 (45) Branden Dawson, SG, Michigan State

Analysis: Celtics fans are rightfully stoked that this year's squad made the playoffs. But it came at a huge price. There are 10 to 12 real difference-makers in this draft, and the Celtics fell to No. 16. If it cost them a chance at a rim protector like Cauley-Stein or Turner, or an upgrade at small forward like Winslow or Hezonja, this year's run hurt the franchise in the long term. I'm not sure exactly where to take the Celtics here, but given their need at small forward, I think Dekker is worth a shot. He's big, athletic and while he's not a lights-out shooter, I do think he can improve. His confidence waxed and waned under Bo Ryan, but I see Brad Stevens as the perfect type of coach for him. Jones won a national championship and might be the best pure point guard in the draft. He's small and lacks elite athleticism, but he should be a terrific change of pace guard behind Marcus Smart.

Upshaw is the one guy who could be a big factor for them. He has major off-the-court red flags, but he was the best shot blocker in the country last year and if he can stay out of trouble will be an absolute steal for the Celtics at No. 33. He's worth the risk given the Celtics' needs. Dawson has the body, athleticism and defensive ability of a first round pick. He could never really get his offense going. Still he could be a defensive stopper for the Celtics down the road.

What is a 'Grade: A' mock draft?

Every year I produce roughly 12 Big Boards and eight mock drafts as a way of reporting how NBA scouts and GMs rank various players in the draft (Big Board) and what each individual team is thinking about doing with its draft picks (mock draft). Both are reported pieces that examine what NBA teams think, and what they're likely to do.

My opinion typically doesn't come into play until after the draft is over, when I produce my annual draft grades column. It's the first take of the year from me on whom I actually liked and didn't like in the draft.

This year, my editors asked me to try something a little different. My NFL draft counterpart Mel Kiper produced a "Grade: A" mock draft last month, playing the role of GM for all 30 teams and taking what he believed to be the best possible player and fit for each team. In other words, it was what every team would have to do to earn an A grade from Kiper.

[slamtheking]

TP for the info E20 -- as crappy as his picks are

[PhoSita]

I'd be OK with it going down like that, if the Celts don't make any moves on draft day.

[Evantime34]

That would be a brutal turn out for the C's imo

[Eddie20]

TP for the info E20 -- as crappy as his picks are

You know I'm warming up to the idea of Dekker. There is a lot of talk that he dominated in the LeBron and Durant camps in more wide open/free flowing offenses like Stevens runs. However, he was not a good fit for Bo Ryan and the way he restricted free flowing play. Wisconsin ran a very disciplined offense, which was primarily run through Kaminsky, and had Dekker playing tentative as a result.

Stevens looks like a perfect fit for Dekker.

[celticsfan8591]

After seeing these, I can see why Ford had to go back and change his old picks.

[Denis998]

TP for the info E20 -- as crappy as his picks are

You know I'm warming up to the idea of Dekker. There is a lot of talk that he dominated in the LeBron and Durant camps in more wide open/free flowing offenses like Stevens runs. However, he was not a good fit for Bo Ryan and the way he restricted free flowing play. Wisconsin ran a very disciplined offense, which was primarily run through Kaminsky, and had Dekker playing tentative as a result.

Stevens looks like a perfect fit for Dekker.

Completely agree, I've been hearing the same kind of things from several podcasts. A common reoccurrence is that Stevens a perfect coach for any rookie drafted.

[notthebowler]

That would be a brutal turn out for the C's imo

Agreed.  That's pretty close to a worst case scenario in my book.  When the drug addict who was selected with your 3rd choice is the highlight of your draft, you know something went terribly wrong.

[TheFlex]

Yuck.

And by the way, isn't it fairly obvious that if the Celts can't use their picks to move up, they'll use them to move out of the draft (outside of 16)? I'm not all that turned off by keeping 16, trading 28 + 33 for an intriguing 2016 1st, and selling 45 for cash (or grabbing a draft and stash Euro).

[Birdman]

That would be a brutal turn out for the C's imo

I agree!!!

[JHTruth]

I'm sorry but if that's our draft I'm calling last season a failure. How in the heck can anyone be excited about Sam Dekker, who is bombing in workouts, or druggie Upshaw?

This is an unmitigated disaster of a draft..

[Schiller]

I think it's ridiculous to think the C's will stay put with the current picks. However, if we did stay put, I would be pulling my hair out with these picks.

[Donoghus]

I would be seriously disappointed if they actually used all four picks.

[Tr1boy]

Eddie20 sure loves Ford

[CFAN38]

I might be in the minority but I would be happy with those picks if the Cs actually where to draft 4 players. I am a believer that while not a super high ceiling player Dekker will be a solid to above averae starting SF. I think he has the makings of a wing who is a better fit in the NBA game then the college game. I hate the comp but chandler parsons comes to mind. T jones would be a value pick at 28. Upshaw is a likely bust but in the 2nd round why not take a gamble? Dawson has a real chance to stick in the league because of his defensive potential. With the small ball trend he maybe a nice fit as a bottom of te bench utility defender.