A glaring need that the Boston Celtics should look to address is the frontcourt depth on the roster. One name the Celtics could take a look at is someone fans may be familiar with: former UConn Husky Tarris Reed Jr.
Reed began his career with the Michigan Wolverines before transferring to UConn after his sophomore season. While he played in 35 games his junior season, the St. Louis native only had one start. In his senior season with UConn, Reed once again played in 35 games, but started in all of them.
Recently, Boston had Reed in for a pre-draft workout, according to Hoopshype. So, how could he help the Celtics out?
Tarris Reed Jr. would be help on the interior for the Celtics
If Boston were to draft Reed, the biggest thing they'd get is a strong defensive big. This past season, the 22-year-old averaged two blocks per game, controlling the paint. He's also a strong rebounder, averaging nine rebounds, with 3.2 offensive rebounds per game.
A defining trait of Reed is his hustle and toughness. You can see this by watching how hard he would crash for rebounds and finish around the rim through contact.
Offensively, Reed has a solid touch around the rim, finishing with a field goal percentage of 60.7, while averaging 14.7 points per game. Reed accomplished this in pick-and-rolls and by posting up other players. With his ability in the post, the big man could take advantage of size mismatches at the NBA level.
While not overly impressive in college, Reed does have some instincts as a facilitator, averaging 2.3 assists this past season.
Some knocks on Reed are his size. At the NBA combine, he measured in at 6'9.75 barefoot, with a 7'4.25 wingspan and a 9'2 standing reach. Though the wingspan and standing reach are great, his height may hurt him in certain matchups at the next level, since Reed can only be a center at the NBA level.
His height can also hurt him offensively, as his ability in the post may weaken against taller defenders. This lowers his overall offensive ceiling, as he may not be able to consistently win one-on-one against bigger defenders.
Shooting-wise, Reed won't be a threat. In his entire collegiate career, Reed is 1-for-7 from three, going 0-4 this past season. Reed's free throw percentage isn't much better, sitting at 61.7% this past season and 58.2% for his career. With his poor free-throw shooting, he may not be able to be on the court in certain late-game situations.
Finally, Reed isn't the most explosive athlete, hurting his chances against athletic frontcourts. When guarding out on the perimeter, Reed can struggle against quicker guards, hurting his defensive switchability.
The Celtics should only draft Tarris Reed Jr. under one condition
Similar to fellow UConn draft prospect Alex Karaban, Boston should have better options available at pick 27. While I like Reed's game and think he can carve out a role in the NBA as a defensive center, Boston would be better off looking elsewhere.
Yes, Reed would help address the Celtics' biggest need, but better options exist in the draft. It would be better for Boston to target one of them at 27 over Reed. If the Celtics were to trade down or Reed were to fall to them at pick 40 in the second round, then I think it would be a fine pick.
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