While it’s unfortunate the Cs are done so early in the postseason, being able to look at offseason moves is always exciting.
Today, I am going to give some draft takes for the Celtics and try to address the major issues with the roster. The Celtics, in my opinion, need another traditional center option. Although if the Giannis trade rumors are true, a stretch big could really benefit from Antetokounmpo’s created space.
Credit: Boston Celtics-Twitter/XLook at Brook Lopez and Myles Turner, who were brought into Milwaukee because of this. After that, a combo guard could go far.
Let’s look at the first round today, but closer to the draft, I’ll give a rundown of the second round as well.
Note: measurements are based on the NBA Combine if the player attended.
1) Henri Veesaar, North Carolina // Center, 7’0″, 22 years old
Veesaar showed immense improvement after his transfer from Arizona last season. He made the All-ACC team and is a great screen setter, but, interestingly, also a solid 3-point shooter. The Lakers could look to target Veesaar, who is two picks ahead of Boston. He’s not a bad passer as well, and being a seven-footer certainly helps with rebounding.
His pick-and-roll with Tatum would be entertaining. He’s a safe, realistic pick to start behind Queta come October. It’s not flashy, but it feels correct for the Celtics.
2) Luigi Suigo, Serbia // Center, 7’4″, 19 years old
Suigo has fallen off the radar while overseas, playing with KK Mega Basket in Serbia. His per-36 numbers jump off the page for the young Italian. He has some stretchability, but not as much as Veesaar. That’s still something that can develop with time.
I feel Suigo might be too raw for the Celtics, who seem to be in win-now mode, but we just took Hugo Gonzalez (despite differing outlooks on the upcoming season). Brad Stevens is not afraid to look abroad and take on projects, and Suigo is absolutely an intriguing prospect. He might go play college ball, which he still hasn’t been told.
3) Isaiah Evans, Duke // Guard, 6’6″, 20 years old
Evans was an absolute flamethrower for one of the powerhouses of the last college basketball season, averaging 15 points and 37% from three. He’s great off the ball, which would work amazingly next to the Jays. His defensive skills still need improvement, but it’s hard to deny his offensive capabilities.
He fits the role-player archetype well and would slide right into a winning environment in Boston. I think it’s possible Denver takes him in the pick right before Boston, but if he is there, he should be the surefire take.
4) Amari Allen, Alabama // Guard, 6’5″, 20 years old
Allen had questionable measurements during the Combine, but he should still be a target for the Cs if he does not go back to Bama. He’s not a great three-point shooter, only shooting 34% last season, but his defensive abilities have wowed scouts.
I think the Celtics might like him for his length, and even though his height isn’t as claimed, it’s still hard to deny that his measurements are solid for a defensive-minded guard. If his offense can catch up, he will be a solid role player for years to come.
5) Tarris Reed Jr., UConn // Center, 6’10”, 23 years old
I’m a Husky, so there is an incredible amount of bias in this entry. But it’s hard to deny Reed Jr.’s incredible ability on both sides of the floor. He’s an older prospect, but he lends himself perfectly to stepping right into a championship hunting squad. He’s a lob threat and sets great screens, which was the entirety of UConn’s offensive identity last season. Dan Hurley ran a EuroBasket-style offense that parallels the Celtics’ offense, and he would fit in great.
While he lacks any stretch, he’s my favorite defensive center on the list. He had a great measurement at the Combine, and if he performs well, I could see the Most Outstanding Player of the East Region sneaking into the first round and potentially to Boston.
