With the Third Pick in the NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics select...

[Rondo9]

I just watched highlights of Bender, Murray, and Brown, either Simmons and Ingram are just so good or I don't know why people are not happy with us at 3.

I think it's mostly disappointment at missing out on the top two. Those two are the only really good prospects in this draft.

At three it's not easy to say what the definite best selection is.

It's hogwash to say those two are the only really good prospects.  Those two are a step above the rest, but there are other really good prospects.  This draft isn't 2013.

I mean those are the only two you can draft and feel very good you're getting a potential All Star.  The rest of the draft is pretty hard to parse, other than an above average number of potential role players at PF/C

Surefire all star sure, but I think you are really underrating the rest.

[chambers]

But seriously, Ainge is gonna reach for Jaylen Brown after failing to trade for Jimmy Butler and I'm gonna break my hand in the aftermath.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDS2mSLuMxI

What isn't there to like?

I don't think Jaylen Brown has any skills that will allow him to play NBA team basketball. I think he will need to have the ball in his hands to do anything. I think he's at least a few years away from helping a team, and even then who knows if he will ever shoot pass or defend well enough to be a quality part of a decent team.

Bender seems like much less of a stretch. Fewer leaps required to become valuable. Higher ceiling due to his size and apparent shooting.

He had one of the best assist ratios of all SF's in the NCAA.
Dude can really pass, he just attacks the rim alot ala Westbrook.
He can also defend very well and with his athleticism and size will be versatility personified on the defensive end (which Ainge and Stevens love).

I think he's probably a reach at #3, but you're not giving him enough credit. Incredible prospect and would arguably be the best athlete at SF in the NBA.

[PhoSita]

Anybody seen any old school Euros in Bender?

Kukoc? Radja? Schrempf?

[PhoSita]

I've been trying to figure out who Bender reminds me of.

Andrew Garfield.  He looks like Andrew Garfield.

[max215]

Anybody seen any old school Euros in Bender?

Kukoc? Radja? Schrempf?

Kukoc is the comp I've seen most often.

[alewilliam789]

So can someone explain to me what's going on? On Maccabi Tel Aviv's site I've read that Bender shot like 39% from the 3 point line, but on every other stats site I'm getting low 20s. Could this be Maccabi's way to help their player get drafted or are all these other sites not updated/accurate?

[alldaboston]

So can someone explain to me what's going on? On Maccabi Tel Aviv's site I've read that Bender shot like 39% from the 3 point line, but on every other stats site I'm getting low 20s. Could this be Maccabi's way to help their player get drafted or are all these other sites not updated/accurate?

yeah ive seen varying numbers too. with so many numbers being bounced around here too, its tough to see exactly what his actual numbers are.

[alldaboston]

I've been trying to figure out who Bender reminds me of.

Andrew Garfield.  He looks like Andrew Garfield.

whoa. yes. literally put that hair down and its a copy.

edit: found a decent pic. lets compare:

[GratefulCs]

It's gonna be fun on a bun


....


Daffoldil

[LooseCannon]

He shot 40.4% in the Israeli league, where teammate Jordan Farmar (a 37.4% NBA three-point shooter) shot 30.2%.  He has shot at a lower percentage in Euroleague games, but with a much smaller sample size.

[alewilliam789]

Also people that are willing to take Bender at 3, explain to me why you wouldn't take Ellenson?
Pretty much the exactly the same measurables besides the fact that Ellenson is just as mobile and versatile at 242 lbs. Is a better rebounder, statistically a better 3 point shooter and scorer. A better defender and was the focal point of his offense. If we grab Ellenson at 3rd overall I'd be completely fine with it. My big board is Henry Ellenson, Jamaal Murray, and then Dragan Bender. The Bender selection is predicated on whether he shot 39% from the 3 point line because right now every site is telling me different stats. If not I'd take Peoltl at 3rd overall. Personally I'd take Ellenson because of his very versatile skillset, ability to stretch the four, and the physical talent that he has.

[LooseCannon]

Ellenson is seen as a guy with questionable athleticism which may make him not good enough to play NBA defense.  Bender is seen as a guy with the athleticism and toughness to be an above-average NBA defender.

[celticmania]

Murray is such a good player but we have a ton of guards. I know best player available should always be the choice but our frontcourt is sad and our backcourt is deep (Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Evan Turner, plus Terry Rozier and RJ Hunter are going to comman minutes next season hopefully). I love to hate on Bender but he may be the most logical choice by default.

[chambers]

Bender is a high risk, high reward pick.
He's probably not going to bomb like Barngani, but he also could be Kristaps poor little brother.
The reason for taking him is purely and simply his age.

He is 18. 12-18 months younger than most draftees. He's already 7'1" with a 9'3" standing reach.
That is a monsterous 18 year old.
The plan would be to draft him and mold him under Stevens for 5 years. The attraction of this kid is what he will be at Marcus Smart's age with Brad Stevens as his leader and eating an NBA meal plan and lifting in an NBA gym for 5 years.

[tankcity!]

After Ainge works them out, I think he will draft Jaylen Brown. He will remind Ainge of Winslow.