4 players Boston Celtics must draft at No. 35 in the 2023 NBA Draft

Boston Celtics draft: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana

At the top of this list is the decorated leader of the Indiana Hoosiers, Trayce Jackson-Davis. For years the Boston Celtics needed big man depth. It caught up to Boston at the worst time.

According to reports, Robert Williams dealt with a stomach bug during the playoffs. It limited him to 14 minutes in game seven against the Miami Heat, as he was throwing up whenever he exited the game.

A healthy Williams may not had changed the result of game seven, but having another defensive presence for the Celtics to turn to would had been very valuable.

Jackson-Davis was selected All-Big Ten first team and All-Big Ten Defense first team. He was second in the conference in scoring (20.9), second in rebounds (10.8), first in blocks (2.9) and seventh in assists (4.0).

The assists stand out. Jackson-Davis has excellent court vision. He’s able to lead the break and find open teammates anywhere on the floor.

Jackson-Davis is a great all-around athlete with a 36.5” max vertical and a 7-1 wingspan to defend the rim. And as a senior, he should be ready to play on day one.

Though Jackson-Davis is a productive post scorer, he’s very left hand dominant, with very little ability to finish with his right hand. Nor can he stretch the floor. In four years in Indiana, Jackson-Davis attempted and missed just three 3-pointers.

Despite his offensive limitations, Jackson-Davis provides necessary depth, defense and ball movement the Celtics dearly need. For years I endorsed the idea of Boston having another Rob Will. Jackson-Davis could be that guy.

The question is whether Jackson-Davis will be available by the 35th selection. He could sneak into the first round, if not selected just before the Boston Celtics are on the clock.