Chad Ford Mock 7.0 (post lottery)

[Eddie20]

The part on Dunn is really interesting. First I heard of them really liking him.

3. Boston Celtics (via Nets)
Jamal Murray
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard
Staying at No. 3 was a tough outcome for the Celtics, because the top two players seem to tower over the rest of the draft. Celtics GM Danny Ainge has been searching for a superstar and got so, so close.

I think the Celtics will seriously explore trading this pick along with other assets, parlaying them into a veteran who can help right now.

If it's not traded, I think the pick will be between Murray, Kris Dunn and Buddy Hield. The Celtics really like Dunn, and he might eventually be better than the point guards they already have, but Murray's shooting ability and versatility might make him a more valuable player (or trade chip) for the Celtics.


16. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)
Ante Zizic
Croatia
Age: 19
Center
The Celtics are unlikely to keep all of their picks. You can expect GM Danny Ainge to shop them hard. If they do keep them, don't be surprised to see Boston gamble on a few projects it can develop over time. Zizic's elite motor, offensive rebounding and production in Croatia make him very intriguing.



23. Boston Celtics
Thon Maker
Australia
Age: 19
Forward
This is the third first-round pick for the Celtics, and on the slim chance they keep all three, this gives Ainge a chance to swing for the fences.

Maker could end up rising dramatically in the next few weeks with great workouts. He nailed his measurements, athletic testing and interviews at the combine. If he plays well in workouts, the Celtics might have to grab him at No. 16. If he struggles? He could end up in the second round.

[PhoSita]

The Celts desperately need a star.

Bender could be a bust but I think the pick at 3 has got to be him unless it's traded for Okafor or Butler.

Close your eyes, hold your nose, and hope like heck for the next Porzingis.

[Eddie20]

The Celts desperately need a star.

Bender could be a bust but I think the pick at 3 has got to be him unless it's traded for Okafor or Butler.

Close your eyes, hold your nose, and hope like heck for the next Porzingis.

I agree.

This is what he had on Bender:

While the Suns would've loved to have jumped into the top two, this isn't a bad outcome for them. They really need a stretch 4 and Bender is likely to be there for them to take.

Many GMs believe he's the third-best prospect in the draft. Bender is young and a bit inexperienced, but he could bring many of the same qualities that Kristaps Porzingis brought to the table as a Knicks rookie.

[celticmania]

How many franchise players have been European?

[celticmania]

How many franchise players have been European?

Or all-stars ?

[Rondo9]

How many franchise players have been European?

Dirk?

[dreamgreen]

The thought of watching another guard we draft sit on the bench while the front court throws up all over themselves makes me want to throw up.

[Evantime34]

I'd be happy with Murray. He's a natural born scorer. I would also be fine with Bender or Heild.

I would be upset if we drafted Dunn.

I hope we don't pick a draft and stash at 16.

I like the upside pick of Maker.

[celticmania]

Very rarely do European players work out.

[hwangjini_1]

How many franchise players have been European?

Dirk?

Beat me to it. To for speed.

[max215]

I'm #TeamDragan. He fills a position of need and has great upside.

[alldaboston]

Join the Murray hype train guys!

[Eddie20]

Very rarely do European players work out.

The Gasol brothers say "hello".

[knuckleballer]

The Celts desperately need a star.

Bender could be a bust but I think the pick at 3 has got to be him unless it's traded for Okafor or Butler.

Close your eyes, hold your nose, and hope like heck for the next Porzingis.

I think Bender is too big of a risk.  Murray and Hield are almost certainly going to be good players.  If we end up with nothing from the #3 pick because Bender busts, that will be hard to take.

[hwangjini_1]

Very rarely do European players work out.

Arvydas Sabonis, Detlef Schrempf, Dino Radja, Drazen Petrovic, Predrag Danilovic, Rik Smits, Sarunas Marciulionis, Andrei Kirilenko, Danilo Gallinari, Dirk Nowitzki, Hidayet Turkoglu, Joakim Noah, Marc Gasol, Pau Gasol, Predrag Stojakovic, Toni Kukoc, Tony Parker, Vlade Divac, Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Gee, I guess you are wrong.