Chad Ford Mock

[Evantime34]

In Ford's second mock, he has the Celtics selecting Lonzo Ball at #2 (Fultz went #1).

2. Boston Celtics (via Nets)*
Lonzo Ball
UCLA
Freshman
Guard

I'm not sure there's a Celtics fan left on the planet who doesn't know that Boston owns the rights to the Nets' draft picks for the next two years. Last year, picking in the Nets' position produced Jaylen Brown. This year, the reward might be much higher.Point guard isn't an immediate need for Boston, but Ball is such a terrific prospect that I don't think it will matter much to GM Danny Ainge. His combination of size, playmaking, shooting and sizzle doesn't come along very often.

The Celtics can always move other pieces around. Ball would immediately be the highest-ceiling player on the roster.

Odds of winning lottery (via Nets): 19.9 percent (Boston owns the rights to swap picks with Brooklyn.)

Projected record: 22-60

I'd love to hear thoughts on this.

[GreenShooter]

All you have to do is look in the Fultz vs. Ball thread.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=88129.0

[Tr1boy]

In Ford's second mock, he has the Celtics selecting Lonzo Ball at #2 (Fultz went #1).

2. Boston Celtics (via Nets)*
Lonzo Ball
UCLA
Freshman
Guard

I'm not sure there's a Celtics fan left on the planet who doesn't know that Boston owns the rights to the Nets' draft picks for the next two years. Last year, picking in the Nets' position produced Jaylen Brown. This year, the reward might be much higher.Point guard isn't an immediate need for Boston, but Ball is such a terrific prospect that I don't think it will matter much to GM Danny Ainge. His combination of size, playmaking, shooting and sizzle doesn't come along very often.

The Celtics can always move other pieces around. Ball would immediately be the highest-ceiling player on the roster.

Odds of winning lottery (via Nets): 19.9 percent (Boston owns the rights to swap picks with Brooklyn.)

Projected record: 22-60

I'd love to hear thoughts on this.

Ball is a nice player. Very confident. Likes to hush the crowed with big plays/shots.

[saltlover]

At number 2, Ainge would absolutely pick the best available player if he deems it better than making the best available trade. Ball certainly looks to be a great talent.

[The One]

Could be a James Harden type...

[Cman]

At number 2, Ainge would absolutely pick the best available player if he deems it better than making the best available trade. Ball certainly looks to be a great talent.

Ditto. Doesn't matter that we already have tons of PGs. If that's who is there, that is who gets picked.

[clevelandceltic]

I would not be a fan of this pick. I think Ball is a very boom or bust prospect which scares me. I could deal with that if I didnt have a guy like Tatum in this draft. The other issue I see with him being so boom or bust is that you are going to have a major team turnover for a guy that Im not sure if he is the stud player you are looking for.

[libermaniac]

That Mock is old news.  The Nets just moved into the worst spot (top pick), so if he re-did his mock today, he'd have us taking Fultz. 

[clevelandceltic]

Can anyone shed light on the rest of the top 10?

[Denis998]

I dont see how Ball is better than Smith or even Tatum

[KG Living Legend]

I dont see how Ball is better than Smith or even Tatum

 Have you watched UCLA play a full game Denis?




 He's Jason Kidd Jr. Dennis Smith JR is Steve Francis. He's selfish, Lazy defender a total me guy. Not a Celtic IMO.

[tazzmaniac]

I dont see how Ball is better than Smith or even Tatum

I'd take Ball over Smith but not Tatum.  Other than on the fast break, Smith hasn't impressed me much.  Right now I'd take Fox over Smith and possibly Ntilikina as well. 

[KG Living Legend]

 This is great News!

 Ball could transform our team. He is a true Celtic! One of the most unselfish players you will ever see!

 Heard great reports about him personality wise. Nice, humble Kid off the court.

[Tr1boy]

I dont see how Ball is better than Smith or even Tatum

I'd take Ball over Smith but not Tatum.  Other than on the fast break, Smith hasn't impressed me much.  Right now I'd take Fox over Smith and possibly Ntilikina as well.

Smith is more than just a menace on the fastbreak

He is good.

Highlight (19 pts 16 assists 5 days ago)

https://youtu.be/Vsv67XAvweY

[PhoSita]

Drafting a guard shouldn't be considered an issue for the Celts.

In two years they'll have a decision to make on Isaiah and Bradley.  My guess is they keep one and let the other go.

As for Smart and Rozier, both are expendable and likely to be included as sweeteners in any offer Ainge makes in trade discussions for star caliber players.

Even if the Celts re-sign Isaiah, as he ages he'll have to play fewer minutes and carry a lighter load.  Having a top young guard prospect backing him up or playing alongside him wouldn't be a bad thing, and point guards typically take 3-4 years to develop to the point where they're prepared to lead a good team, anyway.