2022 NBA Mock Draft: 5 forwards with Boston Celtics written all over them

The Boston Celtics would had won the NBA Championship if only…

That’s the question all of Celtics Nation is asking. After being up 2-1 in the series and almost securing a 3-1 series lead in game four, the momentum shifted in the Golden State Warriors favor and they rode it to their fourth championship in eight years.

No shame in losing to a dynasty, but the questions of what the Celtics were missing will linger.

One thing that would had made a difference was having better depth. Head coach Ime Udoka could only turn to Derrick White, Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard off the bench. As a result, the starters played a ton of minutes.

How the Boston Celtics should approach the 2022 NBA Draft

Adding a swing man to spell relief for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown should be high on Boston’s priority. But with Daniel Theis benched against the Warriors, depth behind Robert Williams and Al Horford should be important too.

Boston could use another big man to defend, rebound, and provide additional scoring. Out of the draft-eligible players, these five the Boston Celtics should be interested in and realistically could get their hands on one of them. Two may require trading up for. What also stands out is these prospects are experienced, with just one sophomore out of the quintet.

That should mean, like Williams and Pritchard, any of these prospects if selected by the Boston, would be able to contribute quickly.

Now there’s nothing wrong if the Celtics don’t draft any of the prospects mentioned. They should draft the best player available if they keep the 53rd overall selection. It’s still possible that Boston signs one or two to the Summer League roster to take a closer look.

Whatever they do, the Boston Celtics need quality reinforcements that will get Boston over the top the next time they’re in the NBA Finals. Improving the depth starts with the draft.