Celtics Post-Draft Analysis

Celtics trade picks 31 and 35 for LAC protected 1st rounder in 2019

I truly feel for the Celtics fans attending the draft last night. Not that this was a bad move, but these poor fans thought that Beantown had finally made a splash by drafting Deyonta Davis, only to learn minutes later that we had traded him away.

Again, though, I think the Celtics made the right move. We can’t keep sending all our players off to Europe hoping that they’ll turn into something and we can bring them back. Might as well get a real game-changer a few years down the line and actually use these assets for something. That said, this is a heavily protected pick that may not yield tremendous returns.

The Rest of the Bunch

Demetrius Jackson, PG… Round 2, Pick 45

This felt like a best player available kind of pick, but it certainly brought Ainge back into Boston’s good graces. Jackson is a first round talent in a draft loaded with guards. Unfortunately, Boston is also loaded with guards. I think Jackson carries value, but likely as either trade bait or a replacement for a departing guard a few years down the line.

Ben Bentil, PF… Round 2, Pick 51

We’re rolling now. Of course, this probably wasn’t the Providence player fans wanted, but he

comes at a much lower price. With Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Tyler Zeller, Amir Johnson, and James Young all potentially gone by next season, Boston could be in serious need of forwards. Because of that, Bentil could actually challenge for a roster spot.

Abdel Nader, F/G… Round 2, Pick 58

Is it who or whom? I know where– Nader will spend the 2016 season stashed in the NBA D-League.

Next: Red Sox in the Midst of June Swoon

So it wasn’t the franchise-changing draft we were expecting. Reports, if they can be trusted, were claiming that Chicago wanted Avery Bradley and the number 3 for Butler. I don’t blame Ainge for balking. We still have Brown, a full stable of draft picks in the coming years, and a hefty amount of cap room. Number 18 may not be far away.