A look at who the Boston Celtics selected in the 2020 NBA Draft.
There are many expectations for the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft, but now that it has concluded, let’s take a look at Boston’s selections.
In an unprecedented year due to COVID-19 it isn’t a surprise to see this NBA draft to be virtual.
What is surprising is some of the picks made throughout the lottery segment of the draft (picks 1-14). Some players fell, others rose, but with three first round picks and one in the second round, there were many of possibilities for the Celtics.
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With the No. 14, No 26, No. 30 and No. 47 pick, there were some high expectations for the Celtics. Danny Ainge has proven as a capable drafter and an unbelievable general manager. He always has a few tricks up his sleeve and proves to be successful year in and year out. Here is a look at each pick made by the Celtics.
Aaron Nesmith from Vanderbilt University at the 14th slot was a great pick.
Nesmith is considered to be one of the top shooters in this draft class. The small forward averaged 52 percent from beyond the 3-point line in college. This could be incredible for the C’s.
The versatile shooter will be able to spread the floor for Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Celtics’ core.
As a stellar catch and shoot type player, there are many possibilities for him in Brad Steven’s offense.
Aaron Nesmith can be a stretch-3 as well meaning he is capable as a power forward and even as a center. His 6-foot 10-inch wingspan is essential for his high shooting capabilities. The biggest caveat for Nesmith is his defensive IQ.
Nesmith is clearly an athletic small forward, so, with some seasoned training, by the coaching staff and some in-game NBA experience his defensive IQ will likely go through the roof.
Boston Celtics reach a bit by selecting Oregon product Payton Pritchard.
The Boston Celtics also had the 26th pick in the first round as well.
With that pick, Payton Pritchard was selected.
The Oregon point guard was a First Team All-American. He is proven to be a durable point guard as he has started all 105 games in his three seasons in college.
Pritchard is considered a clutch performer and a hard worker. He is a great scorer and could be a great compliment for Kemba Walker off the bench.
Here is what Danny Ainge had to say about the team’s new rookie point guard, via MassLive.com:
"“Payton is just a guy that I’ve been attracted to the way he plays. He brings a great intensity, even as a freshman, and watching his development into his senior year where he had to carry much more of an offensive load. But he’s a guy I think can play in any system. He can play with any players. I love how he pushes the pace. He’ll make guys run. He’s playing with the ball in his hands. He gets the ball up the court very quickly and I think that’ll be a help to get the rest of the players up the court very quickly. He has that kind of leadership ability with the ball in his hands. He’s a fun player and I’m very excited to get him.”"
He will be a great player and a young talent to come off the bench. As a point guard at Oregon he showed a keen understanding of defensive and offensive schemes.
It’ll be interesting to see him develop as a shooter and a passer. Payton Pritchard is going to prove his worth throughout his rookie season. He seems to be an excellent selection for Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics.
Boston Celtics trade No. 30 and select Yam Madar in second round.
According to ESPN, The Boston Celtics traded the 30th pick to the Memphis Grizzlies.
TCU shooting guard Desmond Bane was selected by in return for an unnamed future draft pick.
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Despite this, the Boston Celtics still had the 47th pick in the draft. With this pick, the Boston Celtics chose to take the risk with 19-year-old Israeli point guard, Yam Madar.
Although there isn’t much known about Yam Madar, his comparison to a current NBA player is that of Patrick Beverly.
In Israel he proved to be an “energetic two-way player.” This means he is a capable defender and an excellent passer.
As a player for Hapoel Tel Aviv, he had long stints of success against many other teams. Unlike the other selections by the Boston Celtics, it is very likely that we won’t see Yam Madar until the 2021-2022 NBA season.
He still has one year left on his contract in Tel Aviv, so it would not be a surprise if we saw the 6-foot 2-inch point guard develop even more.
What will Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics do next?
The Boston Celtics had a very successful 2020 NBA Draft.
With three picks and the gaining of some future draft capital, the Boston Celtics are well set. It will be exciting to see how the NBA Free Agency goes stating November 20th.
There could be some very interesting moves that occur, and some unexpected signings by Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics made great picks draft night with Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, and Yam Madar.
All of these future NBA rookies bring something new to Boston that will help grow and excel the team to new heights.
Given a successful free agency, the addition of a key center, and a few other bench additions, the Boston Celtics could easily become a powerhouse in the NBA.