Mock Draft Roundup: Who Celtics Are Picking In 1st Round
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NBA Draft is just over a week away, guaranteeing that the next eight days will be filled with speculation, rumors and (of course) plenty of mock drafts.
The mocks are fascinating for the Boston Celtics, who own eight total picks in this year's draft. Three of those selections come in the first round, including the third overall pick, and everyone seems to have a different opinion of who Boston should take after Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram go 1-2.
The last thing the Celtics need on their young roster are eight rookies, so don't count on them taking all of those picks come June 23. Danny Ainge is reportedly shopping that third overall pick pretty hard in hopes of landing an established star player, but any move likely won't happen until Boston finds themselves on the clock.
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So while we wait for "Trader Danny" to find a trade partner, let's take a look at what the pundits think the Celtics will do with their first-round picks -- if they're forced to actually take them.
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No. 3: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky
Look, the Celtics don't need Murray. I think that Danny Ainge finds a way to move this pick before it's selected. The Celtics just have too many assets, and if they really want to move it they should have no problem getting the right compensation for the pick. I've gone with Murray here, as I think he'd be the most likely candidate someone would trade up to acquire.
No. 16: Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga
The Celtics here select Sabonis, who is the kind of smart forward that Brad Stevens has had success with thus far in his career. The 6-10 son of Hall of Famer Arvydas, Domantas is a terrific talent who can really rebound the heck out of the ball, has terrific touch around the rim, and plays with fire seen by few in the NBA.
No. 23: Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia
The Celtics are going to have to stash some picks, potentially even in the first round. Zubac may or may not be willing to be a stash, but if the Celtics can convince him to spend another year in the Adriatic League it would give them some flexibility later as well as a really good prospect who at 7-foot-1 could turn into a physical force down low.
No. 3: Dragan Bender, C, Croatia
For all the talk about the possibility of the 76ers making trades, the Celtics are probably the best candidate of all as a team pushing to get in position for a long playoff run now. Veterans are more appealing than prospects. If they stay, though, the need for shooting, especially behind the arc, puts Buddy Hield in the mix for the top three. But some teams think Bender has a chance to be great and one GM said he could see the Croatian becoming the best player in the draft in time. Bender is not another Kristaps Porzingis no matter how many people want to make the comparison -- Bender is a better distributor, Porzingis has better range -- but the offense is very intriguing.
No. 16: Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State
The important part of the Final Four team in 2014-15 had a nice climb up draft boards last season with more experience and a larger role for an elite program. He could easily break into the lottery and maybe even the top 12. Valentine earned the centerpiece spot at Michigan State as a 22-year-old senior who is smart and versatile. He shot 44.4 percent behind the arc and also easily leading the team in assists, a testament to his ability to become a secondary ball handler in the pros as well as score.
No. 23: Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas
The Mali native who attended high school in New York state had a very choppy freshman season at Kansas, from missing two exhibitions and five games as the NCAA sorted through eligibility issues to undependable play once he was cleared. There were stretches when just staying on the court was a challenge, and he averaged 7.5 minutes. But athleticism, size and potential on defense makes him a very intriguing prospect. While it would not be a surprise if he dropped out of the first round, some team will be lured by the physical tools to invest intensive coaching and a lot of D-League time -- more likely a team making its third pick.
ESPN (Insider Content)
No. 3: Jamal Murray, PG, Kentucky
Murray may be the best pure scorer in the draft. His playmaking ability gives him versatility. He's not a great defender but he's tough and competitive.
No. 16: Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State
Davis gives the Celtics a player who has similar athletic abilities to [Marqueee] Chriss without the offensive versatility.
No. 23: Ivica Zubac, C, Bosnia
Zubac is another upside pick who should be able to carve out a career in the NBA for the next decade. He's a skilled low post player -- something that's very hard to find these days.
No. 3: Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington
No. 16: Malachi Richardson, SG/SF, Syracuse
No. 23: Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State
No. 3: Dragan Bender, C, Croatia
No. 16: Furkan Kormaz, G, Turkey
No. 23: Tyler Ulis, G, Kentucky
No. 3: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma
No. 16: Henry Ellenson, PF/C, Marquette
No. 23: Diamond Stone, C, Maryland
