The Celtics currently sit in the NBA Draft at picks #14, #26, and #30. Assuming they keep these slots in the draft and don’t add any others, there are certain prospects that they have a shot at selecting and ought to target. Here are the top 5 players the Celtics should target:
Jalen Smith, C, Maryland - Smith is a true pick and pop center who is tailor-made for the NBA. He is a “freak” athlete with a lot of defensive upside, most notably being a strong rim protector; he had five games last season with four or more blocks. This is something the Celtics truly lack on their roster. Daniel Theis is a strong defender, but many wouldn’t consider him a rim protector. Robert Williams is a strong defender at the rim, but his inability to fit into Brad Stevens’ offense has been his downfall. Smith, on the other hand, would fit in perfectly. He also shot above 40% from three-point land after January 1st last season, and was one of the best high-volume pick and pop scorers for the Terrapins. One weakness scouts have noted about Smith is his wiry frame. If the Celtics select Smith and have plans to play him his rookie year, they have to be aware that he will be outmatched physically against NBA centers.
Aaron Nesmith, SF Vanderbilt - Nesmith was the best shooter in the college game last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He shot 52.2% from three-point land, hitting seven or more in four games. The Celtics simply need more shooting, and Nesmith could come in and give the Celtics a spark from the bench. A weakness of Nesmith is on the defensive end. He is not a defensive liability, but Nesmith is stiff on his feet and poor while moving laterally, according to scouts. The question is whether Nesmith’s shooting is good enough to entice the Celtics to take him with the 14th pick; we’ll soon find out.
Patrick Williams, SF/PF, Florida State - Williams is one of the more intriguing draft prospects given his combination of size (6’8”, 6’11” wingspan) and defensive prowess. Williams has the ability to switch every position on defense, which is something Brad Stevens and the Celtics love. However, Williams is only 19 and would require immense patience on the developmental side, as he is most likely not ready to contribute right away. His upside is high, though, as he could eventually be a good 3-and-D PF and potentially play C in super tiny lineups. An area where Williams can improve is his shooting, as he only shot 32% from behind the three-point line last season. He only made one three-pointer in the last five games of the season for the Seminoles.
Saddiq Bey, PF, Villanova - Bey shot 45.1% from three-point land for Villanova as a sophomore last season. He is the definition of a 3-and-D type player. He is a strong-bodied defender with long arms and quick hands, and plays with a high basketball IQ. He can also guard many positions, which intrigues the Celtics, and runs the floor in transition. A weakness that many scouts have outlined about Bey is that he is not very athletic. He doesn’t have the foot speed to contain guards, and instead relies on his length to contest shots, which won’t cut it against high-level shooters. Still, if the Celtics are targeting a defensive stopper with the ability to make shots, Bey is sure to be high on their radar.
Precious Achiuwa, SF/PF, Memphis - Achiuwa is 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan and is gifted athletically. He has the potential to be a defensive anchor and a true switchable big. The potential is there, even if Achiuwa doesn’t always show it. He has shown that he has the ability to be very versatile. He can guard smaller players and has shown he can block shots with ease, averaging 1.9 per game last season and tallying five blocks on three different occasions. He’s a high energy type player who does all the dirty work on defense. Think of Achiuwa as a bigger Marcus Smart. However, Achiuwa has to be a much more consistent shooter and limit his turnovers if he wants to make an impact right away in Boston. But with his upside, if the Celtics are targeting a defensive stopper, Achiuwa should be at the top of their list.
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