2022 NBA Draft Mock Draft: 2 playmakers Boston Celtics must admire

Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga, 6-5 193
11.8 Pts .383 3P percent 5.8 Ast 1.9 TO 3.4 Reb

Going from a star to a role player isn’t always an easy transition. No second rounder is coming to the Boston Celtics and is going to supplant either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown as one of the primary scorers.

Andrew Nembhard won’t have that problem.

The beauty of Nembhard is he played for Gonzaga, setting up lottery pick Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme. Sure Nembhard must adjust to the level of competition, but he’s familiar with playing a complimentary role. That should ease his adjustment from college to the pros.

That almost worked against Nembhard. But at the draft combine, Nembhard stole the show, dropping 26 points and 11 assists. Maybe Nembhard could had been more than a compliment to Holmgren and Timme. Making that sacrifice for the team speaks volumes about the team first player Nembhard is.

Nembhard plays downhill. He wants to push the ball off defensive rebounds, turnovers and even following made baskets. He always keeps his head up to spot teammates and hit them in stride for easy buckets. Even without a long pass, Nembhard pushing the ball often beats the defense, leading to quick scoring opportunities. This would be very much welcomed in Boston.

In the half court, Nembhard surveys the floor and conducts the offense. He will make the game easier for his teammates by getting them open looks, and he can bail them out as a shooter (.383 on threes).

Because of his draft combine performance, Nembhard’s stock blew up. He went from likely undrafted to a second round selection. Some mocks even have Nembhard selected in the first round. If the Boston Celtics are lucky, Nembhard could fall right to them. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Celtics had to make a move up to get the former Bulldog.