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Boston Celtics mock draft 3.0: Team to target forwards in 2nd round

By James Carson

May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston Celtics dance team waves flags before the start of game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston Celtics dance team waves flags before the start of game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Feb 22, 2017; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cameron Oliver (0) shoots a three point shot in front of Boise State Broncos forward David Wacker (33) in the second half at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick 53: Cameron Oliver, PF from Nevada

Cameron Oliver continues to feel like a perfect fit for the Celtics, but his name is starting to spread more and more. Oliver was projected to go to Boston with their final pick in our previous two mock drafts, but the aggressive rim protector from Nevada is now creeping up more and more draft boards.

Potentially the best sleeper in the draft, Oliver’s skillset fits perfectly with what the Celtics are missing. A strong man inside was clearly needed in some of the Celtics playoff games as Al Horford and Kelly Olynyk were both expected to rebound as well as shoot from distance. Oliver is a great scorer inside and averaged 9.4 and 8.7 rebounds over his two college seasons.

Part of Oliver’s growing recognition is the improvements he made in shooting from deep, which is a nice skill that will let him compete to make whichever team takes him, but not something the Celtics necessarily need him to do. His strength on the boards will set him apart from the other Boston big men, but the ability to make an open shot if he has one can only help his case.

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