Offseason Primer Part 2: The Draft (part 1)

Let's start diving into the draft

Yesterday, we looked at the Boston Celtics’ upcoming free agency period — who their impending free agents are/could be, potential minimum contract targets, dates to watch, and news/rumors of this past week.

Today, we turn our attention toward the draft. Boston has the 30th and 55th picks. If Brad Stevens resists the urge to trade out of the first round, it will be the first time he actually makes a first-round pick since taking the job in the front office.

I haven’t had much time to delve into the draft this year. I was too busy covering a championship run. And, of course, in the UK, college basketball isn’t as prevalent as it is in the States.

So, I’ve drafted in some help - pun intended.

Today, we will be hearing from

Corey Tulaba

of

No Ceilings

. I reached out to Corey with 5 different questions in the hope of getting some idea of what type of targets could be available to the Celtics. I also asked another draft expert these questions, and we will look at their answers in the coming days.

Let’s dive in!

Me: Hey Corey! The Celtics have picks 30 and 55 in this year's draft; who do you have floating around those numbers on your big board, and who would be the best bet at each of those positions ?

Corey: Some guys that I think could outplay their draft slot I have hovering around the 30 spots on my board are Dillon Jones and Jonathan Mogbo. Both guys are a little older and are fairly unique. Jones is a 6’5” wing who plays like a guard but rebounds like a center. Mogbo is a small ball center that can operate like a guard. Some intriguing guys in the later part of my top 60 board who interest me are Isaiah Crawford and Keshad Johnson. Both guys are funky small ball fours. Crawford has a bit more perimeter creation, but both guys are capable two-way guys, especially if the shots really come around.

Names to watch at 30:

Dillon Jones

Jonathan Mogbo

Names to watch at 55:

Isaiah Crawford

Keshad Johnson

Me: With the new CBA in effect, the Celtics might look to get genuine value out of these draft picks. Are there any ready-made contributors available for each pick? In the sense that they could spell minutes off the bench if needed or potentially crack the back end of the rotation?

Corey: It’s pretty tough to get ready-made guys who can provide real playoff value to a championship team, but I think that if a guy like Tyler Kolek from Marquette dropped a bit, he could provide floor general minutes.  He’s a knockdown spot-up shooter and one of the draft’s best playmakers. He’s also a mother f’er. Baylor Scheierman is another one. He’s 6’8”, he boards, he passes, and he shoots the crap out of the ball.

Potential for instant impact:

Tyler Kolek

Baylor Scheierman

Me: What if the Celtics went for long-term upside? Are there any low-floor, high-ceiling guys you like? 

Corey: AJ Johnson is a former five-star who originally committed to Texas before deciding to head over to Australia to play for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. He’s a buckety combo guard that’s around 6’6”. He really, really struggled in Australia. Mostly with just finding a rhythm due to inconsistent minutes, but he did show some really fun flashes. He grew up hooping with Jalen Green, to the point that most people mistake him for Jalen’s brother. The situation in Australia was wonky but the talent is certainly there.

Punting on potential:

AJ Johnson

Me: Boston is developing a reputation for turning two-way talents into NBA contributors: See Hauser and Queta for recent examples...Are there any high-floor low-ceiling guys that could be good pick-ups after draft night? 

Corey: Jalen Bridges from Baylor is a guy who could fit that mold. He’s 6’8” and shot 40% from three on 5 attempts per game. He’s a pretty safe bet to be in that mix.

Adam: Appreciate you, Corey! Finally, if you were Brad Stevens, how would you approach this draft? 

Corey: I’d continue to look for guys who can shoot, defend, and process the game at a high level, even if there are sexier options on the board. The Celtics already have their main cogs, so I’m not sure how valuable taking an upside swing would be given the likelihood of that player reaching that perceived upside. Continue bringing in good-culture guys who compete and have an NBA skill to hang their hat on.

You can also purchase the No Ceilings draft guide here.