Going into the 2015 NBA Draft, all eyes were on Danny Ainge. What could he do with all of those picks? Will he move up for a star? In the end, Ainge used all four of picks and didn’t move any of them on a night full of movement. Let’s recap the Boston Celtics choices and determine the rationale behind them.
#16 – Terry Rozier, PG (Louisville) – When the pick was announced, many were surprised. Most had Rozier going later in the first round or even early second round. Having said that, Danny Ainge absolutely loves this pick for a good reason. Rozier is a classic Danny Ainge guard; tough, physical, a good defender with offensive upside and a lack of emphasis on size. It remains to be seen how Rozier can play in a crowded backcourt with Marcus Smart, Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, and James Young among others. However, he has the skills to earn his spot, and could be a surprise in this draft class.
#28 – R.J. Hunter, SG (Georgia State) – This is an absolutely dynamite pick for the Celtics at number 28. The Celtics desperately need shooting and there aren’t many pure scorers in the draft who could out gun Hunter. Brad Stevens recruited Hunter while he was still the head coach at Butler and lost out on him to Hunter’s father at Georgia State. Now, Stevens can use Hunter to space the floor and flat-out shoot. He can also utilize the driving ability of Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart to give Hunter open looks. Hunter has an aggressive shooting mindset but is also an underrated passer. Hunter could be a great scoring option on the second unit.
#33 – Jordan Mickey, PF (LSU) – The Celtics had a big need for rebounding and shot blocking and got a little lucky when Mickey slid to the second round. Mickey was the NCAA’s leading shot blocker in the nation, despite being just a hair under 6-foot-9. Mickey doesn’t have to worry about his offense as much with the shooting ability of Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk around him. His play could be affected if the Celtics sign a big man in the offseason, but he has the motor to earn his spot and be a nice contrast between the stretch 4’s on this roster.
#45 – Marcus Thornton, SG (William & Mary) – Thornton has a lot of work to do to carve out a roster spot on this team but could still be a sleeper pick. The CAA Player of the Year and William & Mary’s all-time leading scorer can be explosive. He can step out and shoot the three but is also able to drive effectively. If he can settle into a niche, Brad Stevens could accommodate him into the roster. Defense will be a key factor if he can crack the rotation. Only time will tell, but he could spend time in the D-League or abroad.
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