Boston Celtics 2019 NBA Draft: 5 prospects who could contribute now

Boston Celtics Draft Rumors 2019: 5 NBA prospects who could contribute immediately

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrates after his team's made three pointer against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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2019 NBA Draft Rui Hachimura (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Rui Hachimura PF, Gonzaga

An NBA prospect who has been linked to the Boston Celtics the past couple of months is power forward Rui Hachimura.

Like his teammate Brandon Clarke, Hachimura is an around the basket finisher who can add toughness to the team. Averaging 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds as a junior at Gonzaga, Hachimura is not a polished basketball player, but his size and power will make him a solid contributor until the rest of his skills develop.

A big-body banger, Hachimura’s work ethic makes him a player worth taking a chance on with the No. 20 or No. 22 pick. Of course, playing in the NBA and a coach like Brad Stevens, the Gonzaga product will have to learn to be more comfortable shooting the three. If he develops that shot, it would make him a more effective NBA player.

Not as overall skilled as Brandon Clarke but it is the untapped potential of Rui Hachimura that makes him an intriguing option late in the draft. He certainly possesses the type of physicality the team is looking for.

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