Boston Celtics draft news: Markelle Fultz had bad shooting day during workout
The Boston Celtics are expected to draft Markelle Fultz with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but will a less than stellar workout sway them away?
The answer to that question is most likely not. When June 22nd rolls around, it is a pretty good bet the Boston Celtics will announce Markelle Fultz as the No. 1 pick overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Unless Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is blown away with a deal he can’t refuse for the pick, I really can’t see Boston passing up on Fultz. ESPN basketball insider Jeff Goodman agrees.
Despite a not so great shooting performance during his Celtics workout, Goodman told Dale & Holley during a radio interview on Friday that the visit did not drop Fultz’s draft value with the team.
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"“From what I’m told, Fultz didn’t shoot the ball exceptionally well in his workout in Boston,” Goodman said, via WEEI. “But they know he can shoot the ball. So, it’s one workout. …I still think it’s gonna be Fultz at [No.1], Lonzo Ball at [No. 2].”"
Bad shooting days happen, so the Celtics will certainly not base their overall assessment of Fultz based on such a small sample. Let’s hope not anyway.
Fultz wants to play for Boston
As far as the overall visit went, the 6-foot-4 guard really enjoyed his time in the city Boston. He also felt a sense of belonging as he got acquainted with the history of the team as well as all the lore that goes with wearing Celtics green.
"“It almost feels like I belong here,” Fultz said last week, via ESPN."
Related Story: Boston Celtics draft prospects: Markelle Fultz wants to be the No. 1 pick
The Celtics remain the only team Markelle Fultz has worked out for. While his visit went great, there is still no guarantee Boston will make him the No. 1 pick. The chances are good, but he knows he has to continue to work for it.
"“I gotta earn everything,” Fultz said when asked if the team promised him the No. 1 selection. “Just talking to them, we didn’t really talk about me getting drafted or anything like that, but more about me being a better young man, no matter where I go. Just what’s going to make me the best player I can possibly be.”"
Along with the workout, Fultz had medical tests along with a film session with Celtics coach Brad Stevens. In all, he had a great experience.
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Now it all comes down to June 22. On that night Markelle Fultz may or may not become officially a Celtic.