The Boston Celtics have a plethora of options this off-season, and it all starts with the draft.
The Boston Celtics, like most teams, still have plenty of room for improvement. Unlike most teams however, the Celtics have enough cap space and draft options to address a lot of their weaknesses.
Big men should be the Celtics first priority. Boston needs guys who can defend well as well as dominate the glass.
While Boston can stockpile big men with their three 2nd round picks, they can also package all three picks in a trade for an established PF or C.
Overall, the Boston Celtics will likely have a top 10 pick in next years draft (from Brooklyn) as well, which is loaded with forwards and centers. In the meantime, here are four players the team should target in the draft. Each player provides skills that could help provide quality depth on the current playoff-bound Celtics team.
Despite being listed as a PG, the size and style of play by Markelle Fultz might make you think he’s a SG.
While the Celtics need forwards, Fultz is a talent that just can’t be passed up on. His best attribute might be that he can score with ease, but Fultz is also a proficient defender because of his long wingspan. There is good reason to believe Fultz will move to SG if he joins the Celtics.
Boston has an MVP candidate PG in Isaiah Thomas and two young PG’s who are improving daily (Smart, Rozier) If the Celtics do decide to keep Fultz at PG, there shouldn’t be many issues with the roster. Thomas can effective being the field general, as well as playing off the ball; which can give the young Fultz time to figure out — Markelle Fultz can make an instant impact and if the Celtics retain the No.1 pick, he’ll most likely become a Boston Celtic.
Jordan Bell may be the best defender in the 2017 draft, but it is his improved offense that has GM’s raving. He’s gotten national attention as of late because of his pure domination in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
With 13 PPG 13 RPG 3 BPG and 2 APG in the four tournament games, Bell has helped lead Oregon to the Final Four. Bell can possibly be a replacement for Amir Johnson who will likely be leaving the Boston Celtics this summer.
Bell has improved all aspects of his game since he was a freshman at Oregon. Bell has perfected his game to become a dominate re-bounder and shot blocker, and he has the size to do it at the next level.
If Jordan Bell continues to dominate in the Final Four his draft stock may rise, decreasing the chances the Celtics are able to draft Bell barring any trades.
Dwayne Bacon is a lottery talent, but his draft stock as fallen as a result of inconsistent play.
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Bacon, who almost entered the draft last year, decided the stay another year at Florida State to improve his stock. Averaging 28.8 minutes per game his freshman and sophomore year, Bacon improved his stat line last year.
Not only improving his FG%, 3P%, and FT%; Bacon increased his points, assists, and blocks per game while averaging less turnovers and personal fouls. On top of that, Bacon paired with potential lottery pick Jonathan Isaac led Florida State to one of their best seasons ever despite a poor finish, finishing 26-9 and 7-3 against ranked opponents.
These great improvements may get overlooked unfortunately. Bacon who was already labeled as inconsistent, shot 0-15 from three-point range in his last 4 collegiate games. If Bacon can become a more consistent shooter, he would be a steal this late in the draft.
Kennedy Meeks is the kind of big man the Celtics are looking for. His presence in the paint is unlike many others in this draft, and after spending four years in the North Carolina weight room he in physically ready for the NBA. It is an added bonus that he not only has four years of experience under his belt, but has played on a team that knows how to win.
Meeks may be more reliable in big games than stars like Markelle Fultz, because of Meeks experience at North Carolina. While Al Horford is earning every penny of his contract, he isn’t a typical big man that dominates the glass and protects the paint. Meeks experience in big games is a plus, but he may be targeted by the Boston Celtics because of his size and NBA ready weight.
With a wide frame, being 6’9″ and 280 pounds; Meeks bares a little resemblance to former Celtic Jared Sullinger.
Next: Why Top Seed is Important for Celits Playoff Success
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