Boston Celtics: 3 Top 10 prospects on Danny Ainge’s wish list
Luka Doncic
European League star Luka Doncic appears to be the big prize for Danny Ainge.
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The 6-foot-8, 19-year-old point guard is a rare talent who could be the Boston Celtics answer to Ben Simmons. Considered at one point to be the No. 1 pick overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ainge would have to give up the remainder of his stockpile of future draft picks to get a player like Doncic.
With the Atlanta Hawks strongly believed to select Doncic at No. 3, the Celtics would have to part with Terry Rozier, this year’s first-round pick as well as next year’s Sacramento Kings pick to even entice the Hawks in a conversation.
Since Atlanta has two other first-round picks, a potential deal to add another first rounder this year and more first round picks in the next two drafts may intrigue the Hawks. Unless they ask for Jalen Brown as part of the deal, Ainge will be willing to give up his all his future draft stock if he believes Doncic is the real deal, which it appears he does.
What Doncic gives the Celtics
The young EuroLeague MVP would give the Boston Celtics some size in the background. A versatile guard who would pass and score the basketball would complement Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving perfectly.
Because of the star power the Celtics already have, he wouldn’t have too much pressure to produce right away. Playing under a coach like Brad Stevens, he would be put in the best position to succeed.
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Is he worth a roll of the dice? Danny Ainge typically wins these types of gambles. Until he loses one, it’s in Ange we trust.