Boston Celtics should package their second round picks to trade up
The Boston Celtics hold three second-round picks in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft. They should bundle them up and trade back up into the first round.
In the upcoming NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics have the No. 1 overall pick, which they’re expected to use for Markelle Fultz. After that, it’s a mystery what they’ll do in Round 2.
I’ve already made some projections for what the Celtics could do if they keep those three picks, but there is another option. Boston could look to trade away their three Round 2 picks for another pick in Round 1.
Boston has picks No. 37, No. 53 and No. 56 in Round 2 of the draft. They could add more depth to their development system, or they could flip those picks for one in the first. One trade partner this would hypothetically work with is the Portland Trailblazers.
Portland has three picks in the first round, so giving up one may not be a huge deal for them. They hold picks No. 15, No. 20 and No. 26. Boston should be able to pry No. 26 from them.
Using Fansided‘s NBA Draft Trade Value Chart, this actually works out almost perfectly. The chart assigns a numerical value to each pick in the draft, which helps to evaluate if a trade is actually fair or not. On the chart, Portland’s No. 26 pick has a value of 1.49. The total value of Boston’s three Round 2 picks is 1.47, so it’s nearly a perfect match. There is minimal value lost, and the Trailblazers would still get to keep their other first round selections to add key players. The Trailblazers would then be able to add more depth and developmental players in Round 2.
If I’m Danny Ainge, this is a trade I’d make 10/10 times. The Celtics would then be able to add a big forward or center, helping with rebounding immediately off of the bench.
Potential picks at No. 26
So, let’s say Boston and Portland make this deal. What type of player could the Celtics hope to land late in the first round? There are actually plenty of options. All strength and weaknesses analysis is from NBADraft.net.
SF/PF Semi Ojeleye, SMU
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 235lbs
Strengths:
"“He can handle the ball in the open court and make shots from the perimeter both spotting up or on the move … He is also a solid shot creator in the half-court, and he gets to the free throw line frequently by using his combination of strength and mobility … Ojeleye may be a valued later pick in this draft, as an explosive combo forward that can stretch the floor, create his own shot and be a factor defensively”"
Weaknesses:
"“Ojeleye is a bit undersized for a power forward even in today’s small ball heavy NBA at 6’7”, and he doesn’t have elite length either at 6’10” (wingspan) … Defensive fit will be a big question mark going forward as he’s not quite big enough to match up with traditional fours, and he doesn’t have a ton of experience guarding NBA-level wings, as a result of playing in the AAC.”"
C Anzejs Pasecniks, Latvia
Height: 7’1″
Weight: 220lbs
Strengths:
"“He has a remarkable wingspan, combined with solid mobility … With his size and mobility, he’s the ideal target in the paint area in P&R situations, both for lobs or put backs … He has a nice handle for his size, with the ability to challenge the defender off the dribble and to finish with either hand … He has also shown intriguing potential as a shooter since he is able to hit shots from behind the three-point line in catch and shot situations.”"
Weaknesses:
"“Despite his frame, he still needs to add some pounds of muscle and work on his physical toughness, since stronger opponents in the painted area often bounce him back … He lacks positioning and defensive fundamentals.”"
PF/C Bam Adebayo, Kentucky
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 245lbs
Strengths:
"“Elite athlete for a player of his build … At his best in the open court … Can turn the burners on and beat opposing bigs down the floor easily … Active on both ends of the floor … Finds himself often within the vicinity of the ball on every play … Willing to battle on the interior … Great as the roll man in the pick-and-roll.”"
Weaknesses:
"“Despite decent form was not a great free throw shooter (65.3 percent as a freshman) … For all his muscle, was not able to reel in many defensive rebounds … Basketball IQ is lacking, as he doesn’t always respond well to double teams.”"
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PF T.J. Leaf, UCLA
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 225lbs
Strengths:
"“A versatile offensive player who shows the ability to play both inside and out … He has a European-like skillset and does a great job of exploiting mismatches on offense … Although he is not an advanced post player at this stage in his career, he has shown flashes of good footwork and a variety of post moves from the block … He has a nice touch around the basket and effectively utilizes jump hooks, turnaround jumpers, and even an occasional dream shake.”"
Weaknesses:
"“The biggest area of concern for Leaf at this point is his lack of strength … He needs to add leg and core strength to better absorb contact and maintain balance … The good news is that he is only 19 years old and that there’s plenty of time for his frame to fill out.”"
Next: Should the Celtics bring Sullinger back?
So, would you make this deal Celtics fans? I know I sure would if I could land one of the four players named above. Check back here for the latest on the Boston Celtics NBA Draft plans, as well as post-draft analysis.