Boston Celtics land top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Markelle Fultz is the likely pick
The Boston Celtics have landed the #1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. That likely means PG Markelle Fultz will land in Boston.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards in Game 7 just two days ago to head to the Eastern Conference Finals that begin on Wednesday. They earned another win Tuesday night as they won the NBA Draft Lottery and were awarded the #1 overall selection in the upcoming draft.
The pick comes courtesy of the Brooklyn Nets, who sent the Celtics a boatload of picks in exchange for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge met with the media after the lottery, and as expected he was in a great mood.
"“I think sitting here right now with the No. 1 pick in the draft, the answer is obviously yes [this shows the value of patience], and sitting in the Eastern Conference finals, the answer is obviously yes. I think that sometimes you need to be patient. It’s hard for me to be patient. I like action. But we have a good group of guys around us. My whole staff and ownership, we sit and calmly try to figure out what the best path is to take. We don’t want to make any mistakes, and so far, we’ve been pretty good.”"
The ping pong balls finally went Boston’s way. Two decades ago they dropped to #3 overall and missed out on generational superstar Tim Duncan. Ten years ago they dropped to #5 and missed out on Kevin Durant. Now, with the #1 pick, it seems like the Celtics will land the extremely talented point guard out of Washington, Markelle Fultz.
Of course, Boston could also explore trade opportunities if they feel like that helps to improve the team more than any player in this year’s draft. Ainge noted that the Celtics will now have more clarity in terms of the pick they have to trade away, compared to previous trade deadlines.
"More from Boston Celtics3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonBlake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With CelticsGame-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament ScheduleKristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ OptimismMarcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule“Getting the No. 1 pick is very fun. It’s very exciting. We’ve never had that before, so that would be a lot of fun to explore those options. But right now, it’s just good to have clarity as to where everybody is in the draft. When you’re in the trade deadline and you’re talking about trading picks, it’s 1-4 or possibly 5 if Brooklyn starts winning games and so forth. There’s so much uncertainty when you’re [exploring] the trades, I think for both teams. And now there’s certainty and clarity.”"
The Boston Celtics, in my opinion, will keep the #1 pick and select Fultz. He is a tremendous guard and would be able to play well with fellow Washington alum Isaiah Thomas. Avery Bradley would still keep his spot as a starter for now, but Fultz would get into the mix. Imagine a bench group of that Fultz, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown. Terry Rozier would also be able to contribute off the bench.
Ainge and the Celtics also have three second round picks this year. They have the #37 pick, #53 pick, and the #56 pick. In 2018, Boston also will have Brooklyn’s first round pick. This is not a swap though, the Celtics will also retain their own first rounder.
Boston may also land a big free agent star this offseason, so Celtics fans should be nothing but excited. Gordon Hayward is the name tossed around most as a potential fit in Boston, as he can reunite with Brad Stevens.
Next: Who is the greatest Boston athlete of all-time?
For now, the Celtics will take on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals which begin on Wednesday night. No matter what happens, Boston Celtics fans should be excited about the future of the team.