Celtics Projected to Draft Al Horford Replacement in 2024 NBA Mock Draft
As good as Al Horford has been, the Boston Celtics will need to find a replacement for him soon. The Draft could be a good way to do it.
By Cem Yolbulan
The Boston Celtics are rolling. They easily have the best starting five in the NBA, with arguably the most versatile and impactful sixth man in the league in Al Horford. They certainly don't need any reinforcements to win the championship this season, but they will need to make some moves in the offseason to extend their championship window and replace their aging stars.
The best way to do that is through the NBA Draft, especially if you are an expensive team with salary cap concerns like the Boston Celtics. Therefore, who the Celtics select in the 2024 NBA Draft will be crucial for the future of the franchise.
Unfortunately for the Celtics, they will select at the end of the first round since they are likely to finish with the best record in the NBA. It is generally difficult to find high-end talent with the 30th pick, but a solid role player could certainly be found.
NBA Mock Draft: Celtics Select Enticing Big Man To Replace Horford
In his latest mock draft, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor has the Celtics drafting a solid role player who could potentially replace Al Horford going forward.
O'Connor describes Daron Holmes II out of Dayton as a "throwback big who can block shots and finish lobs, with the benefit of modern switchability".
"With Al Horford nearing retirement, the Celtics could use this pick to invest in a frontcourt prospect. Holmes has come along as a shooter this season, adding to his enticing blend of big man skills."
- Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer
That sounds a lot like Al Horford, who miraculously is having another excellent season at age 37. However, he is obviously not going to stay at this level forever.
It is hard to find an Al Horford replacement. He has good size, toughness, shooting, passing ability, and defensive chops. It's hard to find that combination with the 30th pick in the draft. But, if anyone is going to do it, it will be GM Brad Stevens.
The Celtics are currently the favorites to win the NBA title with +300 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Don't forget to sign up for FanDuel and claim your $150 in bonus bets when you deposit $10 and bet $5 on any event, regardless of the outcome.
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