History of Boston Celtics #2-6 picks since 1960

[hpantazo]

I thought it would be interesting to look at who the Celtics have acquired at picks #2-6 over the past 56 years.

1970       pick #4: Dave Cowens      Result: Celtic legend, hall of fame player, two time champion

1978       pick #6: Larry Bird           Result: NBA legend, hall of fame player. 3 time champion

1980       pick #3: Kevin McHale  Result: Celtic legend, hall of fame player, 3 time champion

1986       pick #2: Len Bias             Result: died of drug overdose before playing an NBA game

1996      pick #6: Antoine Walker     Result: Multiple time all-star, 1 time NBA champion, master of the walker wiggle

1997       pick #3: Chauncey Billups  Result: NBA Finals MVP, 1 time NBA champion, multiple time all-star

1997:      pick #6: Ron Mercer          Result: BUST

2014:      pick #6: Marcus Smart       Result: TBD

2016:      pick #3: TBD


So, looking back, we have gotten 3 HOF players/multiple time NBA champions, 2 multiple time all-stars and 1 time NBA champions, 1 player that died, and 1 true bust out of 7 picks in this range. I'd say the odds are [dang] good that we land a star, possibly a future celtic legend if we use the pick going by this summary.

At pick 3, we have twice landed a multiple time all-star caliber player with potential to be NBA Finals MVP and a core member of a championship team.

[ahonui06]

Really looking forward to it.

[droopdog7]

Pretty amazing that we have drafted in the top #6 only nine times in 56 years.  Some teams seem to have done that in one decade.

[manl_lui]

TP for this. I am actually excited for this draft. I honestly feel Smart will be much more...my wish is just for his offense to improve.

[LarBrd33]

Mercer actually was pretty solid as well.  Smart might be the only bust of the group, but there's still some hope he develops beyond defensive role player.

[ahonui06]

Mercer actually was pretty solid as well.  Smart might be the only bust of the group, but there's still some hope he develops beyond defensive role player.

Smart already isn't a bust considering his most recent playoff performance. A stellar defensive player considering his age and a work in progress on offense.

[PaulP34]

Smart has made some improvement but not enough to say he's not a bust. Not worth #6 overall IMO

[PickNRoll]

People have unrealistic expectations for a #6 pick.  The average production of a #6 is around 10ppg.  There's about a 25% chance of striking gold and finding a star player.  Smart is definitely not a bust.  He's playing 30mpg on a playoff team and contributing in season 2.

Mercer was in the league over 10 years and averaged nearly 20 a game for a while.  Wouldn't call that a bust.

http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm

[ahonui06]

Marcus Smart has already shown more promise than Ron Mercer. I also trust Ainge making draft picks than Rick Pitino. Those were bad years.