Over the years, freshman phenoms and high school prodigies have gained the attention of teams to take risks and select them in the beginning of the draft. The trend has continued it’s way to 2017, and according to nbadraft.net, the first thirteen or so players soon to be selected are projected to be freshman in the latest mock draft.
In the Celtics draft situation, they are in very good place to select very highly scouted freshman, who have high ceilings, and if they keep the second round picks, they can scoop up upperclassmen/underclassmen who have been consistent throughout their collegiate careers.
Here are some viable options the Celtics could potentially target if Brooklyn continues to decline and we swap with Brooklyn for the #1 or wherever Brooklyn falls pick:
Freshman PG Markelle Fultz (Washington)- As of right now, Fultz is one of the highest prospects, if not the highest prospect, in the 2017 class if he decides to forgo college. His all around combination of scoring, three point shooting and defensive efficiency is already enough for teams looking for a point guard that can do it all. Averaging over 23 points a game thus far with six boards and six rebounds a game, Fultz is a complete package. His 6’4 almost 200 pound body is NBA ready and would complement Isaiah Thomas (former Washington Husky himself) and Avery Bradley (from the state of Washington) in the backcourt with physicality and shooting. If Fultz were to join Boston, it would shake up the roster most certainly and it could cost players minutes if Fultz were a full time starter from the start. Interesting prospect here.
Freshman SG/SF Josh Jackson (Kansas)- Aggressiveness and swagger come to mind when you watch Josh Jackson on the court. The 6’8 208 pound hybrid guard and forward is a threat behind the arc and consistently pulling down boards. His cocky attitude and demeanor is something coaches should be aware of but nonetheless, he is a smart player that gets the job done. His 16 points per game so far along with seven boards is helping Kansas try and get a number one seed in the NCAA tournament. If Jackson were to forgo this year, his contributions to Boston, if they decide to take a flyer on Johnson, his style of play fits Boston nicely. Paired up with Jae Crowder on the wing, Jackson has the same physical mentality along with his winning attitude.
Freshman PF Jonathan Issac (Florida State)- For his size alone (6’10 and 210 pounds), Issac can run the floor and score in transition. A Florida native who decided to stay in- state, Issac, along with several others, are revamping the Florida State basketball program, as you mainly hear about them during the football season. Issac is an intriguing prospect with great length and guard like abilities for his size. If Boston decides to choose him if he declares, Issac would need some development first off, but down the road, he is a two way stud.
Freshman PF/C Robert Williams (Texas A&M)- A pick that will leave some people questioning why, but the tape on Robert Williams does not lie. A 6’9 almost 240 pound body (similar to Jared Sullinger even though Sully was out near 270), Williams has major upside to his game and could be a draft steal for what he brings to the table. A 7’5 wingspan, Williams has the ability to snatch rebounds in this league and a productive scorer as well (over 7 boards a game so far). A future double double machine if he continues to get solid minutes for A&M, Williams is emerging on draft boards, so we will see what transpires on draft night.
Late round projection picks:
Senior G/F Josh Hart (Villanova)- An all around prospect that has flourished under Coach Jay Wright, Hart has become one of college premier players, especially during last year’s national championship run and eventually winning on a game winning shot. Hart is a valuable asset to the Wildcats and with no question, his game can translate well to the NBA. A tough kid with consistency each night, Hart is averaging roughly 19 points a game so far to go along with roughly 7 boards and 3 assists a game. the 6’5 215 pound hybrid would fit nicely with Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder with the emergence of a small ball lineup. Hart would be a nice addition to any team, but personally I believe Hart can thrive in Boston’s system under Coach Stevens.
Junior SG EC Matthews (Rhode Island)- A left handed shooter, who is from a local school, that can spot up at the three point arc and mid range, Matthews is a deadly shooter that can complement the Celtics style of play and add another pure shooter to the team. About 15 points a game so far with about 4 boards, Matthews is progressing, but would be a late draft pick up to a team that loves to shoot the three ball. Matthews this year is shooting roughly 35% behind the arc.
Sophomore C Thomas Bryant (Indiana)- A big man (6’10 255 pounds), with a dunk show reel all the time, Bryant is the quintessential big man. Indiana lost some valuable big men this past year which includes Yogi Ferrell and several others but instead of forgoing early, Bryant stayed at Indiana to develop more. This year is has not been the perfect season for Indiana, but for Bryant, this may be the year he jumps to the pros. Averaging roughly 14 points a game to go with 7 boards, Bryant has been showing signs of no sophomore slump and could be a future Celtics rim protector with the future of Amir Johnson in question with his one year left and his $12 million dollar contract.
Freshman SG Frank Jackson (Duke)- This may be a bit out of range, but the young Frank Jackson (6’3 210 pounds) could be a prospect Boston develops, but down the line, this kid is a freak athlete and has the tangibles to keep up with the elite. The numbers are not eye popping but the basketball mechanics you see with Jackson are unbelievable. The freshman phenoms are taking over college basketball, and what Boston did with James Young from Kentucky a few years back, could be something they do with Frank Jackson. They could look to Jackson for key critical shots in the NCAA Tournament this year, and that very much so could boost Jackson’s status in the draft, but I am high on this guy as he could be a solid NBA guard.
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