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Boston Celtics: 5 potential No. 1 picks in the NBA Draft

By Riley Culler

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Markelle Fultz has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick for a while, some scouts having Lonzo Ball over him but most have him locked in at No.1. Now I know what you’re thinking, the Boston Celtics don’t need more guards! Well Fultz isn’t just any PG and he is too talented to pass up on.

Ball and Fultz will most likely go 1 and 2, both being point guards who are on the taller side (Fultz 6’4″ – Ball 6’5″), you’d think they were similar, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Ball is an elite passer, while Fultz is a predominant scorer.

This may concern some, we have a PG who specializes in scoring, so why add another PG with the same skill set. Well Fultz could possibly move to SG because of his size, he and Thomas have also both said they don’t mind playing off the ball.

Here is what NBA Columnist Adrian Wojnarowski had to say about Thomas and Fultz together.

Another plus for Fultz is rebounding, he has a 6’10” wingspan, which is amazing for someone who is 6’4″. Some concerns were his speed, not that quick in the half-court and some scouts question if he can lead a team. His team Washington finished 9-22 last season, but that wasn’t Fultz fault.

Fultz averaged 23/6/4 (Pts, Reb, Ast) in 5 games against ranked opponents, Washington went 0-5 in those games. So it is easy enough to see he wasn’t the problem

College Statistics

23.2 PPG 5.7 RPG 5.9 APG 1.2 BPG 1.6 SPG : FG% (.476) 3P% (.413) FT% (.649)

Strengths & Weaknesses

S: Versatile. Smooth. Excels at getting to the basket. Good 3PT range. Tons of steals.

W: Needs to be quicker. Improve shooting and free throw shooting.

Potential Roster Fit

Fultz could play the role that Marcus Smart did this season, coming off the bench as the 6th man. If he performs well enough in the summer league he could potential start at SG, if Brad Stevens want to have Bradley become the 6th man. Fultz may also just play behind and with Thomas, both can bring the ball up the court and both can play off the ball.

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