With the NBA draft 6 weeks away the Celtics will look to make a splash with a couple of first and second picks. This draft has been labeled a top heavy draft, but it’s filled with players who have skills that match the Celtics needs. When describing the combine last year Brad Stevens said, “The best part is the interviews. That’s my own personal opinion. You know a lot about these guys as players and we’ve seen them play … the basketball stuff is good, but there’s not as much that’s unknown out here right now. But getting in those rooms and interviewing, I think it’s good, even though you only get 30 minutes.”
The Celtics were busy during day one of the interviews meeting with guys like Willey Cauley-Stein, Stanley Johnson, Justise Winslow, Christian Woods, Robert Upshaw, and Justin Anderson. Of course, a few of these guys probably won’t be around when the Celtics pick unless they make a drastic trade up, but this process is usually protocol. Boston submit the type of players they’re looking for to the NBA, and the league decides who they will interview. With 5 on 5 scrimmages, and drills there was a lot going on. But here are some notes from a few guys that caught my eye.
Larry Nance Jr.
2nd rounder, active body, very active on boards, but limited finishing ability. Slender frame could make post defense an issue at the next level, but rebounding ability makes him a possible late second rounder. Will have a chance to showcase more of offensive skills in individual workouts.
Quinn Cook
Doesn’t look that confident in himself as a point guard, will struggle defending pick and rolls at the next level. Offensively, will have to learn how to finish against size in the lane, become a better ball-handler, and become a more natural pick and roll player. Because of his size the best bet to be successful at the next level will be how he progresses as a point guard.
Ryan Boatright
Confident. Size obviously an issue, but gets after it on defense. Showed he can score at the rim, and can create space for himself offensively. Has a tendency to hold the ball a little too much, but looks like a guy who can play himself into a high second round pick
Rakheem Christmas
Defensive versatility will be where he stands out. 6’9, long, potential rim protector, and very active on both sides of the court. Biggest negative is he’s 23, but upside still available, and will be worth a look. He had 20 points and 6 rebounds in Thursday’s scrimmage.
Aaron White
Iowa product, really doesn’t have a position, but looks long and lengthy measuring at 6’8, but only a 6’11.5 wingspan. Looked a step slow and out of sync on both ends during scrimmage, but runs the floor well. He’ll be a guy who needs to show up during team workouts if he wants to raise his stock, looks like an end of the second round prospect.
Justin Anderson
Great lateral quickness, looks like he’ll be able to guard multiple positions at the next level. Has a smooth jumper, and has NBA ready body (had a 43 inch vertical)which will bode well when attacking the rim. Fits the mold of a Celtics player.
Stanley Johnson
Very confident. When asked why he should be drafted said “Because I’m the best player in the draft.” Called Celtics a potential destination. Didn’t participate in any scrimmages, but did measure out at 6’6.5 with shoes and a 6’11.5 wingspan.
JP Tokoto
Extremely athletic, can defend multiple positions, and is an above average rebounder. Biggest concern for Tokoto is his ability to shoot, doesn’t look for his shot often and is going to have to prove he can shoot if he wants to improve his stock. Still a mid second round projection.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Another confident guy from Arizona referring to himself as a “Defensive genius” who is playing chess while everyone is playing checkers. He’s known as a hard-worker who may not always jump at you in the box score, but makes winning plays (think Marcus Smart). He’ll be a guy in the Celtics range, but I’d be surprised if Celtics picked him, he doesn’t fit a need Boston has, and probably won’t be best available.
Mouhammadou Jaiteh (photo above)
6’11 beast of a man with a 7’4 wingspan, he may be one of the most interesting prospects. He has a nice touch around the rim, runs the floor well, rebounds, and has the length to become a rim protector. Also at about 249 pounds he’ll have the weight to compete on the post defensively. He’s still a bit of unknown coming from France, but he’s only 20, and has the physical tools and skills to potentially sneak into the 1st round.
Andrew Harrison
Did a great job controlling the pace of the game during the second half of the scrimmage. With his elite size for a point guard (6’6), he is able to run the pick and roll successfully, and sees the floor very well. Doesn’t hesitate to give up the ball, and looks patient when it comes to his own offensive game. This wasn’t always the case at Kentucky, but it didn’t hurt his case to be a late first rounder.
Pat Connaughton
Shooting guard from Notre Dame, and Massachusetts native. Hard-worker who scraps on both ends of the court, and a guy that loves to compete. Really gets after it defensively, and has a nice looking jump shot. He was first in lane agility, no step vert, and max vert jumping a ridiculous 44 inch vertical. The athleticism is a good indicator that he can stay with guards at the next level which was one of the main questions for him coming into the draft. He did a great job improving his stock today. He’s also a member of the Baltimore Oriels.
Potential picks at 16
RJ Hunter – Shooter who has ridiculous range, but needs to improve shot selection, and prove he can defend his position at the next level.
Justin Anderson – Prototypical Brad Stevens guy, and my favorite for the pick. Big NBA body, defends multiple positions, has a great looking jump shot. Really reminds me of Wesley Matthews, would make a huge backcourt paired with Marcus Smart.
Trey Lyles – Played out of position in Kentucky, and was really limited by Cal, but has tons of talent. Smart player who figures to be a power forward in the league. Can shoot the midrange, sees the floor well, knows how to finish at the rim, and has potential to become a three point shooter. Question will be how versatile he can be defensively, but showed throughout the year he was a capable shot-blocker who knows how to pick his spot.
Montrezel Harrell – Isn’t a big guy (6’7), but does have an impressive wingspan at 7’4.5 and a really great motor. He’s a high intangible guy with an improving jump shot that he’s trying to stretch beyond the arc. A fierce rebounder on both ends who can have an immediate impact in a reserve role. Being able to defend both frontcourt positions will determine how many minutes he gets early on.
Devon Booker- High IQ player with maybe the purest jumper in the game. Defensive versatility and limited athleticism are his biggest concerns, but knows how to play around it. At 6’5 he’s a good height for a prototypical shooting guard, and fills an immediate need for the Celtics.
Potential picks at 28
Mouhammadou Jatieh – He’s my first option, and one of my favorite prospects. He’s huge, young, can score in the post, run the floor, and has shot-blocking capabilities. He’s a name to watch for as the draft approaches.
Robert Upshaw – Great shot-blocker who can run the floor, and has great size. Red flags with off the court conduct which eventually got him kicked out of school. Would be a gamble to take in a young locker room, but his ability to fill a need could be worth the risk.
Dakari Johnson – Big body who has showed some ability to score in the post, not much of a shot-blocker, but can hold his own defending the post and alters his fair amount of shots.
Rakeem Christmas – High motor guy who has a great wingspan (7’5), but is a little undersized for a guy that figures to play both the 4 and 5. Showed off a decent looking midrange shot, ran the floor well, and competed on the boards.
Christian Wood – Still haven’t seen much of him, but still looks very raw and lengthy, reminded me of John Henson. He’s still developing a jump shot that could be relevant in a couple years, but as of now would probably be better suited as end of bench guy to develop in the D-league.
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