ESPN Insider Chad Ford has another mock draft and I’m not a fan of the prediction.
4. Dante Exum | Boston Celtics | 10.4 percent to win lottery
Analysis: The Celtics’ biggest need is in the middle. Kelly Olynyk was their draft choice last year, but he’s more of a stretch 4. But there aren’t a lot of those players in the draft after Embiid, which is partly what makes him so valuable. The Celtics could go with Julius Randle here, but with Jared Sullinger playing so well, the need for a physical frontcourt player isn’t as pressing. The Celtics’ backcourt is pretty set with Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley, but that wouldn’t stop the Celtics. General manager Danny Ainge is a fan of Exum, Rondo’s future in Boston is perpetually in doubt and while Bradley has been good, Exum might be an upgrade long-term.
Sigh. It’s imperative the Celtics land in the top 3 to ensure a chance at Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker. You can throw anyone of them alongside the current core of Rondo, Bradley and Sullinger.
For those who want to draft Exum and trade Rajon Rondo, check out the kid’s scouting report:
Positives
- Long, athletic point guard
- Excellent penetrator
- Quick with the ball
- Pushes the action
- Acrobatic finisher
- Good passer
Negatives
- Needs to add strength
- An inconsistent shooter from the perimeter
Gee… sounds an awful lot like someone we love to hate.
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