Lucky Numbers 14, 26 and 30

                                                                                                                              Photo credit: CBS sports  

 With the NBA draft now set, the Boston Celtics after two straight years have received the 14th overall pick along with 26 and 30. Last year the Celtics took Romeo Langford out of Indiana at fourteen, who to some draft boards, fell from the lottery. The Celtics look to have similar success adding another player of that skill level falling to them again. For now, let’s look at some guard and wing players I think the Celtics should consider. While gathering these players I took the pick number and fit surrounding the current roster into consideration and assuming Gordon Hayward opts into his last year of his contract. The NBA Draft will be on October 16th.

Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn 

Photo Credit: The Game Haus

 Talkathon.com has Okoro going 7 so this could be simply wishful thinking but similarly to Romeo, Okoro has the potential to fall to 14. Okoro is an excellent defender at 6’6 and only 19 years old, earning Second team All SEC, SEC All Freshman Team, SEC All Defensive team this past season. The Auburn star only shot 29% from three and 67% at the line so shooting will make or break how impactful he truly can be in his NBA career. If he can turn into a reliable three and D wing the Celtics would love to bring off the bench, Okoro could garner the defensive assignment of the best player on the opposing team like Marcus Smart to let players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown focus more on the offensive end. 

Tyrese Maxey, CG, Kentucky

Photo Credit: Forbes

 Tyrese Maxey is another player with great skill who can fall in this draft because of his size at 6’3 and uncertainty at what position to play him. As the NBA continues to evolve teams like Boston and others out there best five players out on the court to win the game. As for Maxey he is a microwave scorer, averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 42% from the field. Despite only shooting 29% from three I think Maxey is a better shooter then the numbers show. His low 3pt percentage and 3/2 turn over to assist ratio will have teams questioning how high Maxey deserves to go. That being said seeing what a guy like Gary Trent(a little taller 6’6) is thriving in Orlando with a role similar to what I see Tyrese Maxey having on a team to a certain extent. With the Celtics he would be a off the bench a la Lou Williams and be asked to score. Maxey will have to become a better defender to truly gain major minutes at the next level.

Killian Hayes, Point Guard, Ulm of Bundesliga

                                                                                                          Photo Credit: Sir Charles In Charge

This may be the biggest reach of a player like Killian Hayes who has had extreme hype on almost every draft board but there is also much he needs to work on before being able to be a top point guard in the NBA and that may be seem to be too long of a wait in the lottery for teams. Hayes is a dominant left handed player who excels at attacking the rim and going left. His game reminds me of Goran Dragic combined with D’angelo Russell. Killian is a very skilled offensive threat who will look to maximize his potential working on his right hand, getting stronger and cutting down turnovers. If Hayes does drop to 14 look for the Celtics to find there backup to Kemba for the next 3 years of his contract and the potential future point guard of the organization.

Aaron Nesmith, Wing, Vanderbilt 

                                                                                                                             Photo Credit: Nola.com

 The NBA is all about pace and space and if Aaron Nesmith can do anything, he can spread the floor. A sniper from three, he shot a remarkable 52% from three on 8 attempts per game. Nesmith looks like the prototypical three and D wing every team loves to have especially the rate Nesmith knocks down the three. If the Celtics add Nesmith look for him to come off the bench spreading the floor, knocking down open threes and playing solid team defense. Not a player with star potential but someone you can rely on to knock down open shots with defenses focused on Celtics stars Jayson and Jaylen. His role would be simple and with all that attention to his teammates Nesmith could see great looks from three.

Jahmi’us Ramsey, Wing, Texas Tech

 

Photo credit: Texas Tech Athletics

 Similar to Okoro, Jahmi’us Ramsey is a 6’6 defensive minded wing who shot better than Okoro from three at a respectable 42%. Ramsey will play multiple positions in the league but looks to be either a 2 or 3. If the Celtics add Ramsey they’re getting a tough, hard working player with offensive upside but he will garnish most of his minutes early in his career being a defensive pest. I wouldn’t take Ramsey with the 14th pick but if he’s there at 26 or 30 look for Boston to at least take a look.

Tre Jones, PG, Duke

                                                                                                                     Photo credit: Bleacher Report

 A two time ACC All Defense, 2019-20 ACC POY, 2019-20 All ACC, 2019 All ACC Tourney player, and 2019-20 ACC DPOY, Tre Jones knows how to run a team. The Duke sophomore thrives in pressure situations and his demeanor never changes through the course of the game. His lack of size is made up for with his tremendous defensive skills and feel for the game, getting countless steals on simple feel for the game reads. Celtics would happily add a player like Jones to their team, he could be a quality backup in the league for many years to come. 

Tyrell Terry, CG, Stanford

                                                                                                                           Photo Credit: At the Hive

Similar to Maxey, Tyrell Terry’s size will have scouts question his production in the league. An offensive minded guard who seeks his offense out averaged 14 ppg, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in his freshman year. Terry’s assist to turnover ratio was only 3 to 2 however he shot the three at 40% and 89% at the free throw line. Tyrell has no problem scoring or shooting the ball but his size and questionable position and lack of athleticism will have teams questioning what he could be in the NBA. If he’s still there at 26 or 30 looks for the Celtics to add a off the bench microwave scorer who can shoulder carrying Boston’s second team when their stars aren’t on the floor.

Nico Mannion, PG, Arizona 

                                                                                                           Photo credit: Arizona Desert Swarm

  Arguably the best passer in this years draft, Nico Mannion is a traditional point guard who likes to push the ball up the court or making the outlet pass to get the break going. Averaging 11 ppg, on only 39% shooting. Mannion attempted 5 threes a game and only averaged 1.7 makes per game(.327%) is a better shooter then numbers show he still has major ground to make up in a league that is predicated on being able to knock down an open shot. If the Celtics can get Mannion at 26 or 30 could be the steal of the draft, his 5.3 assists per game compared to his 2.6 turnovers per game is a very respectable turnover to assist ratio for a heavily used freshman. If Mannion finds himself in Boston look for him to thrive under starting point guard Kemba Walker, similarly to Devonte Graham did from Charlotte.