Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Beyond No. 1 who should they target?

By Logan Jakubajtys

Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) holds the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) holds the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Markelle Fultz is the Boston Celtics clear pick at #1 in the NBA Draft, but who should they target with their three second round picks?

When the Boston Celtics are on the clock 1st overall in the NBA Draft, we all know they’re going to select Markelle Fultz. Beyond that, no one seems to know what Boston will do with picks 37, 53, and 56.

The Celtics need big men like centers and power forwards, but I wouldn’t rule out the selection of another guard.

These are some players that the Boston Celtics may target ahead of the NBA Draft.

Round 2 Pick 37: C Thomas Bryant, Indiana

The Boston Celtics could grab a young 6’10” center to develop as the middle man of the future. Thomas Bryant out of Indiana can be that man. He would help the Celtics in the post offensively, and would certainly help the team on the glass. His offensive rebounding skills are superb and that is exactly what Boston needs.

Bryant would take a few years to develop, but at just 19 years old the team would have the time to allow for it.

This past season Bryant averaged 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as a sophomore. He has already worked out with the Heat, Celtics, Magic, Nets and Sixers. Bryant will meet with the Hawks, Jazz, Trail Blazers, Bulls, Kings and Pacers before the draft.

Round 2 Pick 53: PG Frank Mason III, Kansas

Frank Mason III says he doesn’t model his game after anyone, but the small guard says he does root for Isaiah Thomas.

"“I really don’t model my game after anyone, but, you know, I always had confidence in myself, no matter who’s in the league. But I look at Isaiah Thomas and I really root for him, because people counted him out and said he couldn’t do the things that he’s doing now. So I have a lot of players in the league that I like, but I’m really rooting for Isaiah.”"

More from Chowder and Champions

Maybe Mason could join Thomas in Boston. The Celtics will be loaded with guards with the selection of Fultz, so he’d have to carve out a role inbetween Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier. Bradley is going to remain a starter and Smart and Rozier are solid bench players, but Mason could find a role.

Round 2 Pick 56: PF Alpha Kaba, France

Adding more size, the Celtics could add Alpha Kaba a power forward out of France. He’s already 21, but his game has been developed in strong European leagues.

A year in the D-league could help Kaba prepare for the NBA game, and if he proves he has what it takes I could see him up in Boston in a year or two. Kaba could also follow a path similar to that of Ante Zizic.

Next: Jaylen Brown 2016-17 report card

Boston of course could select just about anyone with their second round picks. For the latest make sure to follow @ChowderAndChampions on Twitter.

Home/Boston Celtics