Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#16 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Trading up for C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, Junior)
The Celtics can only be labeled as a “young team” for so long. Most of their best players are in the 24-26 years old range, so going for a 19 year old like PF/C Myles Turner, although bursting with potential and a skillset that would fit perfectly in Boston, wouldn’t make much sense as his development timetable could last quite a few years. They need a rim protector and a rebounder that can produce immediately, and that would be Willie Cauley-Stein. Averaging a ridiculous 2.23 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 6.2 rebounds per game during his three seasons at Kentucky, Cauley-Stein is a fantastic rebounder and defender already. Obviously, at number 16 the Celtics would have to trade up to get him, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Stacked with prospects, draft picks, and just trading assets in general, Boston can give any team in the top 10 exactly what they want in exchange for their draft pick. Cauley-Stein could come in and be an instant contributor for a young, playoff team.
Worst Case Scenario: None
The Celtics have two needs entering the draft: outside shooting and rim protection/rebounding. Rim protection is probably the one they’d rather address, as there a few guys they have that could develop into solid shooters, as well as plenty of free agent snipers that Boston could go after (particularly SG/SF Danny Green). Still, three-point threats is a need, and there are a handful of shooters could help at this point in the draft: SF Sam Dekker, SF Kelly Oubre Jr, and SG Devin Booker, to name a few. If these guys get taken before Boston is on the clock, then the Celtics will simply look to the big men foursome: Myles Turner, Trey Lyles, Frank Kaminsky, or Bobby Portis. Since there are a ridiculous amount of players that would fit in with Boston and only so many teams picking in front of them, the Celtics are bound to be satisfied with their selection on draft night.
(#16 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Trading up for C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, Junior)
The Celtics can only be labeled as a “young team” for so long. Most of their best players are in the 24-26 years old range, so going for a 19 year old like PF/C Myles Turner, although bursting with potential and a skillset that would fit perfectly in Boston, wouldn’t make much sense as his development timetable could last quite a few years. They need a rim protector and a rebounder that can produce immediately, and that would be Willie Cauley-Stein. Averaging a ridiculous 2.23 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 6.2 rebounds per game during his three seasons at Kentucky, Cauley-Stein is a fantastic rebounder and defender already. Obviously, at number 16 the Celtics would have to trade up to get him, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Stacked with prospects, draft picks, and just trading assets in general, Boston can give any team in the top 10 exactly what they want in exchange for their draft pick. Cauley-Stein could come in and be an instant contributor for a young, playoff team.
Worst Case Scenario: None
The Celtics have two needs entering the draft: outside shooting and rim protection/rebounding. Rim protection is probably the one they’d rather address, as there a few guys they have that could develop into solid shooters, as well as plenty of free agent snipers that Boston could go after (particularly SG/SF Danny Green). Still, three-point threats is a need, and there are a handful of shooters could help at this point in the draft: SF Sam Dekker, SF Kelly Oubre Jr, and SG Devin Booker, to name a few. If these guys get taken before Boston is on the clock, then the Celtics will simply look to the big men foursome: Myles Turner, Trey Lyles, Frank Kaminsky, or Bobby Portis. Since there are a ridiculous amount of players that would fit in with Boston and only so many teams picking in front of them, the Celtics are bound to be satisfied with their selection on draft night.