Boston Celtics draft day live: 3 things that could happen
The 2018 NBA Draft is here and the Boston Celtics will be looking to make a splash despite just having a late first round draft selection.
Leave it to the Boston Celtics to create some noise in the 2018 NBA Draft despite selecting late in the draft.
Coming off a deep playoff run that ended in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a loss to LeBron James, the Celtics find themselves in a position where they only need to add parts.
But, that doesn’t mean Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge won’t be aggressive or won’t be ready to create some draft night fireworks. With a chest of future assets, which includes the Sacramento Kings No.1 protected first round pick, the man known as Trader Danny has some ammunition to make some moves if there is a player he really wants.
Ainge also has some players on the current roster he can dangle at times. That does include Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris. While Brown is deemed untouchable unless Ainge can get the No. 1 pick overall, Rozier and Morris are players the team can use as chips to get into the top 10 of the draft.
With players like Michael Porter Jr., and Michigan State’s Miles Bridges possible available in or around the late top 10, Danny Ainge could strike and add yet another young player to a team already in contention to make it to the NBA Finals.
Team selections
Round 1, No. 27; Round 2, no picks.
The Celtics only have one pick in this year’s NBA draft. But, as mentioned above, don’t be surprised if they use future draft picks and current players to either move up in the draft or acquire additional picks.
How to watch the NBA draft
When: Thursday, June 21 at 7 p.m. EST
Where: Barclays Center — Brooklyn, N.Y.
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo TV
Main areas of need
With Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Daniel Theis all returning from injury, the Boston Celtics will take care of a few of their needs.
However, one main area of need is a big man who can both protect the rim and be a presence on the offensive end. Veteran center Aron Baynes did a good job with the Celtics this season, but he was a liability on the offensive end despite establishing a three-point shot during the team’s playoff run.
With both Baynes and Greg Monroe set to hit the free agent market, Danny Ainge will be looking for a big man in the draft who could fit in with the type of offensive and defensive sets Brad Stevens likes to run.
In a deep draft of big men, look for the Boston Celtics to go big. Also, don’t be surprised if they select another backcourt player who could defend like Marcus Smart in case the restricted free agent moves on in free agency.