Even though the NBA Finals are in full swing, Celtics fans have turned their attention to the looming offseason. The first order of business for the Boston Celtics is nailing their draft day decisions on June 25. Armed with the 28th and 32nd-overall picks, GM Brad Stevens will try to find difference makers on rookie contracts to kickstart the new era of Celtics basketball.
The Celtics can go in a variety of directions at the draft. They could package their two picks to move up in the first round, use them in a bigger trade package when shedding salary, or select two rookies to be a part of the team going forward. Knowing Stevens, he will undoubtedly leave no stone unturned.
Amid all these discussions about what the Celtics should do, one prospect has emerged as a popular pick among the media and the fans.
Ryan Kalkbrenner Is Everyone's Favorite Celtics Draft Target
Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner is the Celtics media's favorite name in the draft, with NBC Sports Boston, CelticsBlog, and USA Today all speculating about his fit in Boston over the last week.
This is understandable. Kalkbrenner is an older rookie who spent five years at Creighton. He is as ready to contribute from Day 1 as any prospect in the draft. At seven-foot-one with elite length and defensive skills, he fills the big void at center for the Celtics, which could be exacerbated by the potential departures of free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet this summer.
The winner of the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award last year, Kalkbrenner, is one of the best rim protectors in the nation. He also has some shooting ability, increasing his three-point accuracy to 34.4% last season, albeit on a low volume. This unique skill set makes him an intriguing fit for Joe Mazzulla's system, who wants his big men to space the floor and protect the rim. If he were to work out, Kalkbrenner could be a long-term Kristaps Porzingis replacement as well.
As things stand now, we don't know which way the Celtics are leaning at the draft. If they go the route of using their picks on a prospect, Kalkbrenner will almost certainly be on the shortlist of candidates if he is on the board.