The NBA Draft

Bob

You're right.  We should start to see a lot of activity.

Players that move to a new location are probably not moving their family in the middle of a pandemic.

I mentioned something about 100+ new infections per day but now I realize I underestimated the spread.  

I hope everyone stays safe.  There is light at the end of the tunnel for us provided we do not find ourselves below ground before we can see that light.

I will not be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family.  It will be the first time that has ever happened.  

This forum has been one helluva sanctuary for me.  I am looking forward to our Tuesday zoom get together.  You have done a awful lot of work profiling prospects.  You and kdp59 have put in all the grunt work.  Thanks to both of you.

He has a profile like Marcus Smart as a future defensive specialist. But we need shooting more than another perimeter defender. I cannot seem to wrap my head around all the Holiday discussions.  The Celtics cannot possibly be looking to add a $25 million per year player.  One of our core guys would have to be included to make it work.  I just cannot envision that happening unless Danny is ready to fix his mistake getting KW.

The biggest problem with trading away draft picks for a really good player is the salary match situation.   Moving up in this draft is not particularly appealing to me because I see a tremendous level of parity the more I study all the prospects.  There is only one true center in the lottery.  All the other positions 2-4 have more than enough talent at #14 to get one.

You have PG's, 2 guards, 3's 3 and d guys and PF's so why move up in this draft unless you are going after Wiseman?

For example Patrick Williams appears to be a quick riser but he only averaged 9 PPG in college.  So why would you move up to get him if you could get Bey out of Nova at #14.  From what I can see all of the top 8 prospects have noticeable flaws.  More so than we usually see.  That does not make this a weak draft class overall but just a weak draft in the so-called top tier.

my current combined mock draft rankings.

I used  draft net, Draft room, My NBA draft and draft site. They all updated their two round mocks on 11-11 or 11-12.

Rank------Player--------------Pos---Hgt-----School
1------Anthony Edwards------SG---6-5-----Georgia
2-------LeMelo Ball------------PG---6-7------none
3-------James Wiseman--------C----7-1----Memphis
4-------Deni Avdija------------SF----6-8-----Int
5-------Obi Toppin-------------PF----6-9----Dayton
6------Onyeka Okongwu-------C----6-9-----USC
7------Patrick Williams------PF/SF---6-8----Florida St
8------Tyrese Haliburton-------PG----6-5----Iowa St
9-------Killian Hayes-----------PG----6-5-----Int
10------Issac Okoro-----------SF-----6-6-----Auburn
11------Devin Vassell---------SG-----6-6-----Florida St
12------Aaron Nesmith------SF/SG---6-6----Vanderbilt
13--------Saddiq Bey----------SF-----6-8----Villanova
14------Precious Achiuwa-----PF-----6-9-----Memphis
15--------Kira Lewis Jr--------PG-----6-3-----Alabama
16--------Tyrell Terry----------PG-----6-2-----LSU
17--------RJ Hampton---------SG-----6-5----Int
18---------Jalen Smith---------PF-----6-10---Maryland
19---------Tyrese Maxey-------PG-----6-3----Kentucky
20---------Cole Anthony-------PG-----6-3----N. Carolina
21---------Josh Green---------SG-----6-6----Arizona
22---------Desmond Bane-----SG-----6-6----TCU
23-------Aleksej Pokusevski----??-----7-0----Int
24----------Theo Maledon------PG-----6-5----Int
25----------Zeke Nnaji----------PF----6-11---Arizona
26---------Jaden McDaniels-----SF----6-10---Washington
27-----------Tyler Bey----------SF -----6-7----Colorado
28---------Robert Woodard II--PF-----6-7----Mississippi St
29----------Isaiah Stewart-----PF/C---6-9----Washington
30----------Malachi Flynn------PG-----6-2----S. Diego St
31---------Leandro Bolmaro---SG/SF--6-7-----Int
32----------Grant Riller---------PG-----6-3----Charleston
33----------Nico Mannion------ PG-----6-3-----Arizona
34----------Xavier Tillman------PF------6-8----Michigan St
35---------Jahmi'us Ramsey----SG-----6-4-----Texas Tech
36----------Devon Dotson------PG------6-2-----Kansas
37----------Paul Reed-----------PF------6-9-----DePaul
38----------Vernon Carey Jr-----C------6-10----Duke
39----------Daniel Oturu---------C-----6-10-----Minnesota
40-----------Trey Jones----------PG-----6-2------Duke
41---------Payton Pritchard------PG----6-2------Oregon
42----------Elijah Hughes--------SF-----6-6-----Syracuse
43---------Cassius Stanley------SG-----6-6------Duke
44-----------Jalen Harris---------SG----6-5------Nevada
45-----------Isaiah Joe-----------SG----6-5-----Arkansas
46-----------Killiam Tillie---------PF----6-10----Gonzaga
47---------Immanuel Quickley---PG----6-4-----Kentucky
48---------Abdoulaye N'Doye-----PG---6-7------Int
49---------Udoka Azubuika--------C----7-0-----Kansas
50----------Jordan Nwora---------SF----6-8-----Louisville
51--------Ty-Shon Alexander------PG---6-4-----Creighton
52-----------Reggie Perry----------PF----6-9----Mississippi St
53----------Cassius Winston-------PG---6-1-----Michigan St
54-----------Mason Jones----------SG---6-5-----Arkansas
55------------Paul Eboua-----------SF---6-8------Int
56------------Josh Hall--------------SF---6-9-----HS
57------------Skyler Mays----------PG---6-4-----LSU
58-------------CJ Elleby---------SF/SG---6-6----Washington St
59-------------Karim Mane---------SG---6-4----Vanier College (Can)
60-------------Jay Scrubb----------SG---6-6-----JUCO
61-------------Yam Madar----------PG----6-2-----Int
62------------Lamar Stevens-------PF----6-7----Penn St
63------------Naji Marshall---------SF----6-7----Xavier
64------------Kaleb Wesson--------PF----6-9----Ohio St
65------------Nick Richards---------C----6-11----Kentucky
66------------Mamadi Diakite-------PF---6-9-----Virginia
67------------Ashton Hagans-------PG---6-3-----Kentucky

Bob


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https://www.nbaanalysis.net/2020/11/14/nba-draft-rumors-new-york-knicks-rebuffed-boston-celtics-attempt-trade-up/


Knicks rebuffed Celtics’ attempt to trade up to No. 8 in NBA Draft


November 14, 2020

Grant Afseth



Onyeka Okongwu, 2020 NBA Draft
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports



The Boston Celtics hold three 1st round picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. With the amount of talent on their roster, making selections with all of those picks isn’t a sensible option. Trading up has been mentioned— could the New York Knicks be a potential trade partner?

According to Legion Hoops Ross, the Celtics have attempted to move up to the No. 8 spot in the 2020 NBA Draft by engaging the Knicks in trade talks. Boston has been rebuffed by New York in their attempts.

Ross
@LegionHoopsRoss
Source: Knicks have rebuffed all trade calls for the 8th overall pick in the draft.

As of right now, Knicks plan to keep their pick.
7:02 AM · Nov 14, 2020


The Celtics may not be able to use all three of their 1st round selections to move up in the NBA Draft order. Boston may need to swap out one of those later selections with a recently selected prospect that has shown promise in order to put together a more appealing trade proposal for the Knicks.

Numerous teams are seeking to jump the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft as they have allegedly made a promise to select Patrick Williams if he’s still available. Teams have been working to move up to No. 6 via trade with the Atlanta Hawks to get it done.

It’s clear the center position will be a focus to improve for the Celtics during the NBA offseason. Daniel Theis is a cohesive role player but simply isn’t a dynamic enough contributor in any particular area to be sufficient for a team seeking to make a run at a championship.

The top 10 of the 2020 NBA Draft does feature intriguing possibilities like James Wiseman and Onyeka Okongwu. However, the Celtics may not be able to gain a position sufficient to select either of those talents— considering they have encountered troubles getting up to No. 8.


Bob
MY NOTE:  I'm not sure I'm completely on-board with this statement:  "It’s clear the center position will be a focus to improve for the Celtics during the NBA offseason."  Theis anchored a top 4 defense.  That's better than the Lakers defense which had Davis, McGee and Howard. Does he need help?  Yep, for sure, but help isn't the same as "we have to fix this!!"  We need beef, it can be Kanter or Tacko or Baynes or McGee (if he doesn't resign with the Lakers) or whomever, but we need one of those.  We need The Time Lord to realize his time is almost up if he doesn't step up.  I just don't think Danny and Brad are as obsessed with a major upgrade at center as some of us are.  


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https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/how-important-celtics-14th-pick-2020-nba-draft


Mannix: Celtics' 14th pick needs to be a slam-dunk


NOV 13, 2020

BY JUSTIN LEGER
PRESENTED BY TD BANK - BOSTON


The Boston Celtics have three first-round picks in next week's 2020 NBA Draft, with their first selection coming at No. 14 overall.

There's been plenty of speculation about a potential deal in which the Celtics would package their picks (nos. 14, 26, and 30) to acquire New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday. But what if they decide to hold on to that 14th pick?

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated believes if Boston does choose to go that route, it's imperative it drafts a player who can step in and play right away.

"I don't think it's hyperbolic to suggest that this is one of the more important picks in recent Celtics history," Mannix said. "If they decide they have to stay at No. 14, they need to get a guy that can play. And every single year there are guys that can play. Where would Miami be without Tyler Herro, who was drafted one pick before the Celtics' pick last year? Giannis [Antetokounmpo] was drafted in the middle of the first round.

"The Celtics have found some guys in the second half of drafts, but they've got more misses than they do hits. I mean, you look down the list of these picks in the teens, Guerschon Yabusele was drafted in the teens. Kelly Olynyk was a pretty good player, but James Young was drafted in the teens. The jury's still out on Romeo Langford, whether he can actually play. This is a pick they have to hit on if they decide to stay here."

Celtics president Danny Ainge recently admitted it "wouldn't be ideal" to add four rookies via the draft, so it's fair to expect some sort of deal to be made on draft night. Whether it'll involve that 14th pick remains a mystery.


Bob


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bobheckler wrote:https://www.nbaanalysis.net/2020/11/14/nba-draft-rumors-new-york-knicks-rebuffed-boston-celtics-attempt-trade-up/



Bob
MY NOTE:  I'm not sure I'm completely on-board with this statement:  "It’s clear the center position will be a focus to improve for the Celtics during the NBA offseason."  Theis anchored a top 4 defense.  That's better than the Lakers defense which had Davis, McGee and Howard.  Does he need help?  Yep, for sure, but help isn't the same as "we have to fix this!!"  We need beef, it can be Kanter or Tacko or Baynes or McGee (if he doesn't resign with the Lakers) or whomever, but we need one of those.  We need The Time Lord to realize his time is almost up if he doesn't step up.  I just don't think Danny and Brad are as obsessed with a major upgrade at center as some of us are.  


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I agree with you. I am concerned in the short term with potentially missing Langford and Walker to injury and Hayward if he opts out and leaves. Long term, a replacement for Walker is just as important as that for Theis. At least with Hayward, the Cs have both Langford and Smart as potential long term options. We may be better off with a center rotation of Theis and Rob Williams and Grant Williams as a small ball option. Maybe the Cs use a pick in the 20s to compete with Fall and Poirier or as you indicated add a vet.

Daniel Theis is a backup center.  

The Celtics used a collection of Backup centers.  

We need to secure a starting center to better compete against the league.  If watching Bam destroy us while averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists does not give us an inkling that DT is simply not good enough, i do not know what to say.

I am certainly not ready to point to one thing as the cause of our team getting smoked by the Heat.  This team has some holes to fill.  The debate, which is reasonable, will continue as it relates to priority # 1 2 and 3.  

The only thing I know is that Boston's bench was 29th in scoring.  So I would address that first and they can do that without making any major move.  

We also need to find a PG with size and length.  Draft him now and play him later in hopes that Kemba's knee does miss games come playoff time due to more wear and tear throughout the regular season.

The most difficult piece to find is a quality center.  If we want to see that position addressed now it needs to come from a trade.

It could be that Boston can only address 2/3 of their major needs this offseason.  The draft and even the lower level MLE should be able to be used to  address scoring now and PG development later.

https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/draft-082020-previewing-what-the-celtics-could-find-in-the-2020-draft


Previewing What the Celtics Could Find in the 2020 Draft


By Marc D'Amico |  @Marc_DAmico
Celtics.com
August 20, 2020



BOSTON – Now that the Boston Celtics know that they own the Nos. 14, 26, 30 and 47 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, you might be wondering who they might wind up with should they go on to use those picks. We’re glass-half-full people here at Celtics.com, so we’re going to give you the best-case scenarios.

Below is a breakdown of the top five players in NBA history who have been chosen at each of Boston’s slots, the top selections the Celtics have made at those accompanying slots, as well as the last five players who were drafted at those slots.

It’s time to dream big! That’s what the Draft is all about, isn’t it?

Pick No. 14 – via Memphis
Boston acquired this pick during a Jan. 12, 2015 three-team trade with Memphis and New Orleans. This was the trade that sent forward Jeff Green from the C’s to the Grizzlies, and now five years late, we know that it netted Boston a lottery pick.

Top Picks of All-Time at No. 14

Clyde Drexler (1983 – Portland)
Tim Hardaway (1989 – Golden State)
Peja Stojakovic (1996 – Sacramento)
Dan Majerle (1988 – Phoenix)
Michael Cage (1984 – LA Clippers)
Notable Celtics Picks at No. 14

Romeo Langford (2019)
Eric Williams (1995)
Last Five Players Drafted at No. 14

Romeo Langford (2019 – Boston)
Michael Porter (2018 – Denver)
Bam Adebayo (2017 – Miami)
Denzel Valentine (2016 – Chicago)
Cameron Payne (2015 – Oklahoma City)


Pick No. 26 – Boston’s Own Pick
This selection is Boston’s own pick after logging the fifth-best win percentage in the NBA this season.

Top Picks of All-Time at No. 26

Vlade Divac (1989 – Sacramento)
Kevin Martin (2004 – Sacramento)
George Hill (2008 – San Antonio)
Samuel Dalembert (2001 – Philadelphia)
Jerome Williams (1996 – Detroit)
Notable Celtics Picks at No. 26

Never chosen at No. 26
Last Five Players Drafted at No. 26

Dylan Windler (2019 – Cleveland)
Landry Shamet (2018 – Philadelphia)
Caleb Swanigan (2017 – Portland)
Furkan Korkmaz (2016 – Philadelphia)
Nikola Milutinov (2015 – San Antonio)


Pick No. 30 – via Milwaukee (acquired from Phoenix)
Boston acquired this pick during a July 6, 2019 trade with the Phoenix Suns. This trade sent center Aron Baynes and the draft rights to guard Ty Jerome to Phoenix in exchange for this conditional pick and a traded player exception.

Top Picks of All-Time at No. 30

Spencer Haywood (1971 – Buffalo)
Jimmy Butler (2011 – Chicago)
David Lee (2005 – New York)
Nate McMillan (1986 – Seattle)
Anderson Varejao (2004 – Orlando)
Notable Celtics Picks at No. 30

J.R. Giddens (2008)
Last Five Players Drafted at No. 30

Kevin Porter (2019 – Milwaukee)
Omari Spellman (2018 – Atlanta)
Josh Hart (2017 – Utah)
Damian Jones (2016 – Golden State)
Kevon Looney (2015 – Golden State)


Pick No. 47 – via Brooklyn (acquired from Charlotte)
Boston acquired this pick during a July 6, 2019 trade with the Charlotte Hornets, during which the team acquired Kemba Walker and sent out Terry Rozier. Charlotte sent the least favorable of its owned 2020 second-rounders to Boston in the trade.

Top Picks of All-Time at No. 47

Paul Millsap (2006 – Utah)
Mo Williams (2003 – Utah)
Gerald Wilkins (1985 – New York)
Vernon Maxwell (1988 – Denver)
Alvin Williams (1997 – Portland)
Notable Celtics Picks at No. 47

Darren Morningstar (1992)
Ronnie Williams (1984)
Last Five Players Drafted at No. 47
Ignas Brazdeikis (2019 – Sacramento)
Sviatoslav Mykhailluk (2017 – Los Angeles)
Ike Anigbogu (2016 – Indiana)
Jake Layman (2015 – Orlando)
Arturas Guadaitis (2014 – Philadelphia)


Bob
MY NOTE:  This could all be moot in about 20 minutes, when trades can be officially announced and some (or all) of these picks are gone with players.


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https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/2020-nba-mock-draft-projecting-all-30-first-round-picks



2020 NBA Mock Draft: Projecting all 30 first-round picks



Five months delayed, NBA Draft week is finally upon us. It’s time to find out just how wrong all of our mocks have been. But not before taking one final stab at how things might play out.

In last week’s lottery-only mock, LaMelo Ball tumbled down our draft board. But this year’s draft is so volatile that it wouldn’t surprise us if Ball was the top overall pick on Wednesday night. Which is exactly where we slotted him this time around.

Our draft partner in crime, Rob Snyder, NBC Sports Boston’s resident college hoops guru, has been tasked with making all the even-numbered picks in Round 1, which means he’s responsible for all three of Boston’s selections. We threw him a few curveballs along the way to simulate some of the tough choices that Danny Ainge could face if familiar names come off the board before Boston’s turn on the clock.
BY CHRIS FORSBERG AND ROB SNYDER
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55M AGO


1. LaMelo Ball
Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball, G, International
Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball, G, International
USA TODAY Sports photo

6-7, 190 pounds
In a draft where nothing is a slam dunk, the Timberwolves try like hell to make a deal — even if it’s just to move back and take Ball at a later spot — but ultimately end up with a player with elite passing skills and cross their fingers on his development. — Forsberg


2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, C, Memphis
2020 NBA Draft Highlights: James Wiseman

7-1, 247 pounds
Wow, Anthony Edwards still on the board. The Warriors however, have a need in the paint and Wiseman is too good a prospect not to pass up. He’ll have plenty of room to operate down low in the Bay Area. — Snyder


3. Charlotte Hornets: Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia
2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Anthony Edwards, Georgia

6-4, 235 pounds
The Hornets have a glut of young, score-first guards but Edwards’ potential is too tempting to pass at this spot. With Edwards on board, maybe it gives Michael Jordan even more motivation to ship some of his other young pieces to Houston to try and pluck Russell Westbrook. — Forsberg


4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, F, International

Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija, F, International
USA TODAY Sports photo

6-9, 225 pounds
Want to hear something only a pro’s pro would say: I have only seen YouTube highlights of this guy. Yeah, same with everyone else but at least I ADMIT IT! From all we’ve heard and seen, he’s a can’t-miss International prospect that the Bulls should be all over. — Snyder


5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin, F, Dayton

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Obi Toppin

6-9, 220 pounds
The Cavaliers desperately need wings and shooting but nabbing the local guy (Dayton is three hours away) gives them a young big to complement their recent guard choices and allows them to consider trading Kevin Love and/or Andre Drummond. — Forsberg


6. Atlanta Hawks: Killian Hayes, G, International

Atlanta Hawks: Killian Hayes, G, International
USA TODAY Sports photo

6-5, 192 pounds
What’s that? Another guy I’ve never seen play a full game? Again, everything about him is intriguing and, as one of the youngest guys in the draft, he might end up with the highest ceiling. Hawks may very well trade out of this pick too. — Snyder


7. Detroit Pistons: Tyrese Haliburton, wing, Iowa State

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State

6-5, 175 pounds
The Pistons get a brilliant young playmaker, which affords Danny Ainge the opportunity to swoop in and try to pluck Derrick Rose for a late first-round pick. That is, unless Hailburton is secretly the apple of Ainge’s eye and maybe there’s a way to get Detroit to swap out of this spot by feeding them picks. — Forsberg


8. New York Knicks: Devin Vassell, F, Florida State

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Devin Vassell

6-7, 195 pounds
Leave it to the Knicks organization to fall ass backwards into one of my favorite guys in the draft. Vassell checks so many boxes that he’s the clear “best player available” here. Knicks fans rejoice! You’ve made a solid selection. — Snyder


9. Washington Wizards: Onyeka Okongwu, F/C, USC

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Onyeka Okongwu, USC

6-9, 245 pounds
We had Okongwu coming off the board at No. 2 in our lottery mock but you can see the potential for him to slide a bit if Wiseman goes first and teams hunt guards and wings early. Another opportunity for Ainge to consider fighting up if Okongwu and his Bam-like talents intrigue the Celtics. — Forsberg


10. Phoenix Suns: Kira Lewis, Jr., G, Alabama

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama

6-3, 165 pounds
The Suns could use a playmaking point guard off the bench (or in the starting lineup when Rubio goes down). Lewis is ultra fast and could provide even more fun to an already fun team. — Snyder


11. San Antonio Spurs: Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Isaac Okoro

6-6, 225 pounds
Offensive development is a big question mark but there’s no denying he oozes exactly what teams want from modern wings and his defense will make him an immediate rotation player regardless of situation. — Forsberg


12. Sacramento Kings: Patrick Williams, F, Florida State

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Patrick Williams

6-8, 225 pounds
What a find for the Kings as they get a guy who could go as early as 5, but ends up here. Williams was a versatile scorer in college but I worry about his inside game now that he’ll be playing against bigger competition. Still he offers great 3-and-D potential. — Snyder


13. New Orleans Pelicans: Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Saddiq Bey

6-8, 216 pounds
Did I make this pick solely so Buckets couldn’t pick Bey at No. 14 like we’ve had him in just about every mock we’ve done? Maaaaaaaaybe.

The Pelicans might be looking for guard help if they do indeed move Jrue Holiday but the more shooting they can put around Zion the better. — Forsberg


14. Boston Celtics: Jalen Smith, F, Maryland

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Jalen Smith

6-10, 225 pounds
NOOOOOOOOOO! A mock without Saddiq Bey going to Boston?? The Celtics decide to go the big man route and take Smith who provides solid rim protection with a shockingly sweet 3-point stroke. — Snyder


15. Orlando Magic: Aaron Nesmith, G/F, Vanderbilt

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt

6-6, 215 pounds
I don’t hate the Smith pick for Boston, but I do think he’s going to be on the board if the Celtics wanted to try to package 26 and 30 to snag him later in teens or early 20s.

If Bey is off the board, we’d rather go with Nesmith, who shot 52.2 percent on 8.2 3s in the pandemic-shortened season. The Magic gleefully swoop him up. — Forsberg


16. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky

6-3, 200 pounds
Maxey provides a future when CJ McCollum moves on and, in the meantime, offers up solid perimeter defense and streaky-but-potentially-deadly scoring off the bench or in 3-guard lineups. — Snyder


17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington
USA TODAY Sports photo

6-10, 201 pounds
With LaMelo added to the Karl Towns/D’Angelo Russell core, the Timberwolves could probably be swayed to move off this pick for future assets or established talent. In the absence of a desirable offer, they hunt a floor-stretching 4 with a dynamic skill set whose stock slid after an underwhelming year at Washington. — Forsberg


18. Dallas Mavericks: Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Tyrell Terry

6-2, 160 pounds
Dallas strikes potential gold here getting the guy with maybe the greatest range in the draft. Dallas is in win-now mode, and Terry provides deadly 3-point shooting. — Snyder


19. Brooklyn Nets: Desmond Bane, G, TCU

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Desmond Bane, TCU

6-6, 215 pounds
If the Nets lose Joe Harris in free agency, Bane should be able to provide shooting. If Brooklyn thins its depth in pursuit of a third star — James Harden or otherwise — it’s going to need NBA-ready contributors like Bane. — Forsberg


20. Miami Heat: Aleksej Pokusevski, F, International

Miami Heat: Aleksej Pokusevski, F, International
Getty Images

7-0, 195 pounds
Maybe the toughest guy in the draft to judge. Has so much upside being a 7-footer with nearly unlimited range but he’s so outrageously thin that he makes Dragan Bender look like Ivan Drago. — Snyder


21. Philadelphia 76ers: Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Cole Anthony

6-3, 190 pounds
The Sixers get a backup point guard and shooting help, filling two of their more glaring needs. Anthony is a bit of a steal this late and Daryl Morey pounces to start his Philadelphia tenure. — Forsberg


22. Denver Nuggets: Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Precious Achiuwa

6-9, 234 pounds
Great value here for the Nuggets, who need some inside muscle. Achiuwa provides that as Denver continues to build well around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. — Snyder


23. Utah Jazz: Josh Green, G, Arizona

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Josh Green, Arizona

6-6, 210 pounds
The Jazz get a plug-and-play 3-and-D guy who can help immediately and he’s got potential to really blossom. — Forsberg


24. Milwaukee Bucks: Jahmi’us Ramsey, G, Texas Tech

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Jahmi'us Ramsey

6-4, 195 pounds
This may surprise some people but the Bucks want some bench shooting, and bench shooting they get. Ramsey will likely not have a big role immediately but, if he reaches his potential, he could easily crack the rotation in the near-term future. — Snyder


25. Oklahoma City Thunder: RJ Hampton, G, International

Oklahoma City Thunder: RJ Hampton, G, International
USA TODAY Sports photo

6-5, 185 pounds
While making alternating picks, Buckets and I would scream at each other about how improbable it was that Hampton was sliding. We told him Sam Presti was about to pull a Pat Riley and nab Hampton one spot before Boston got back on the clock.

This would be another Presti coup, especially with all the draft assets he’s collecting. — Forsberg


26. Boston Celtics: Theo Maledon, G, International

Boston Celtics: Theo Maledon, G, International
Getty Images

6-5, 180 pounds

It happened again! I assume Ainge wouldn’t wait around if he liked Hampton that much. But we have to stay in order so the C’s go with Maledon, who doesn’t have the ceiling that Hampton does but may have a higher floor. — Snyder


27. New York Knicks: Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington

New York Knicks: Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington
USA TODAY Sports photo

6-9, 250 pounds
First off, I love the Maledon pick for Boston and it’ll be a hit with fellow Frenchman Vincent Poirier -- if he sticks on the roster. Maledon is 19 with great size and an NBA-ready body.

Speaking of guys with NBA-ready bodies, Stewart is exactly the sort of hulking big man that Tom Thibodeau will run up and down the floor for hours at a time. — Forsberg


28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Immanuel Quickley, G, Kentucky

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Immanuel Quickley

6-3, 190 pounds

The Thunder get one of my favorite under-the-radar players to replace Dennis Schröder. Quickley showed how high he can go by improving greatly from year 1 to year 2 with Kentucky.

There’s a lot of teams that could be potentially upset in a year or two that they passed on this guy. — Snyder


29. Toronto Raptors: Payton Pritchard, G, Oregon

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Payton Pritchard

6-2, 195 pounds

Not going to lie, I pretty much Googled looking for the draft prospect that is most like Fred VanVleet. Come on down, Payton Pritchard! — Forsberg


30. Boston Celtics: Zeke Nnaji, F, Arizona

2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Zeke Nnaji

6-11, 240 pounds

C’s go best available here and also get another big. Nnaji has nice moves at the rim and a surprising midrange game. Could be a project, could be a really nice find who acts as insurance if Jalen Smith ends up as a bust. — Snyder


Bob


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Chris Grenham @chrisgrenham
2 minutes ago
Washington's Isaiah Stewart on his Zoom meeting with the Celtics: "It went great. It was a great Zoom interview. ... Great organization with a great coaching staff."


Bob


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Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
about 11 minutes ago
Arizona forward Zeke Nnaji says he went vegan and is now under 6 percent body fat. Eat your veggies.


Bob


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Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
about 6 minutes ago
Austin Ainge on having draft and free agency in the same week: "We're used to a frenzied pace here. (Moves) usually happen all at once, even in a normal year."

reply retweet like


Jay King
Jay King @ByJayKing
about 11 minutes ago
Austin Ainge says the Celtics missed having more in-person draft workouts. They used those, in part, to test guys in situations that weren’t considered strengths. Helped the team determine if players had more than they showed in college.


Bob
MY NOTE:  Players are allowed to work out in person for teams.  There can only be one coach present, I believe, but they are present.  Why can't that coach ask the player to demonstrate a specific skill set or scenario?

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Chris Grenham @chrisgrenham
about 6 minutes ago
Arizona's Josh Green says has worked out for the Celtics, as well as a Zoom interview.


Bob


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Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
about 11 minutes ago
Jaden McDaniels has not had any contact with the Celtics.


Bob
MY NOTE: He appeared in numerous mock drafts as going to the Celtics.


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Bob


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Just a reminder as to where we got our picks from:

#14 - from Memphis, from the 2015 trade of Jeff Green

#26 - our own pick

#30 - from Phoenix in the Aron Baynes trade (originally Milwaukee's)

A couple of minor coups here by Danny.  He got a lottery pick, albeit a low one, for Jeff Freaking Green and he got the #30 pick for a player that wanted to leave after Horford left.  I don't blame Baynes for wanting to leave, we were all feeling like we took a big step back when Al went to Philly, and Danny facilitated that for him and got the #30 pick in this year's draft as compensation.

We'll see tomorrow, hopefully, if Danny can pull another rabbit out of his hat (a lucky leprechaun's derby).


Bob

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https://www.yahoo.com/sports/important-celtics-14th-pick-2020-221232104.html



How important is the Celtics' 14th pick in 2020 NBA Draft?


Justin Leger

Fri, November 13, 2020, 2:12 PM PST



The Boston Celtics have three first-round picks in next week's 2020 NBA Draft, with their first selection coming at No. 14 overall.

There's been plenty of speculation about a potential deal in which the Celtics would package their picks (nos. 14, 26, and 30) to acquire New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday. But what if they decide to hold on to that 14th pick?

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated believes if Boston does choose to go that route, it's imperative it drafts a player who can step in and play right away.

"I don't think it's hyperbolic to suggest that this is one of the more important picks in recent Celtics history," Mannix said. "If they decide they have to stay at No. 14, they need to get a guy that can play. And every single year there are guys that can play. Where would Miami be without Tyler Herro, who was drafted one pick before the Celtics' pick last year? Giannis [Antetokounmpo] was drafted in the middle of the first round.

"The Celtics have found some guys in the second half of drafts, but they've got more misses than they do hits. I mean, you look down the list of these picks in the teens, Guerschon Yabusele was drafted in the teens. Kelly Olynyk was a pretty good player, but James Young was drafted in the teens. The jury's still out on Romeo Langford, whether he can actually play. This is a pick they have to hit on if they decide to stay here."

Celtics president Danny Ainge recently admitted it "wouldn't be ideal" to add four rookies via the draft, so it's fair to expect some sort of deal to be made on draft night. Whether it'll involve that 14th pick remains a mystery.

The 2020 NBA Draft is set to begin Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.


Bob
MY NOTE:  Kawhi was a #15 pick (drafted by Indy and traded on Draft Night to Pop.  The trade was Kawhi plus a "Who is that?" and Davis Bertans for  George Hill.  As best as I can tell that's correct.  A #15 pick plus 2 more players for a #26 pick).  Not too shabby a choice. Danny seems to have a talent for picking elite talent with high draft picks (e.g. Smart #6, Jaylen #3, Jayson #3) and a respectable eye for drafting talent in the lower 3rd or so of the draft (e.g. Avery Bradley #19, Rondo #21, Sullinger #21 (a weight-limited career, but not bad when he could play), Tony Allen #25 and Robert Williams #27) when most draftees don't survive their rookie contract but seems to be a little inconsistent in the mid-first round.  Leaving Romeo out because it's too early to call he has Yabby #16, Scary Terry #16 (but not as good as he thinks he is), James Young #17, Kelly Olynyk (moved up from #16 to #13) and Gerald Green #18 and Troy Bell #16.


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Saw an interesting deal for Boston and Detroit where we get up to #7 by trading all 3 1st rounders. I heard that the knicks already said no on trading #8.

I actually could see Detroit moving the pick to Boston. They have a lot of holes to fill.

Marc Stein: The Celtics keep searching for trade pathways to get into the top three of tonight’s NBA Draft, league sources say. 10-ish hours left to find one … – via Twitter TheSteinLine


Ryan McDonough: BREAKING – sources say projected Lottery pick Onyeka Okongwu currently has an injured foot. Teams in tonight’s NBA Draft Lottery are a scrambling to get medical info on Okongwu’s foot to determine the severity of the injury. Okongwu has fans with teams in the mid/late Lottery. – via Twitter McDNBA

Rick Bonnell: Two NBA sources: Onyeka Okongwu has a foot injury that could cost him training camp and maybe some of the regular season. Could impact where he’s chosen in tonight’s NBA draft (but not a lot). – via Twitter rick_bonnell

I wonder who Ainge is targeting with a top 3 pick?

kdp59 wrote:I wonder who Ainge is targeting with a top 3 pick?

Maybe Wiseman at 2?

Such active imaginations!

worcester wrote:Such active imaginations!

True. Though Hayward would end up in yellow and Wiggins in green

KyleCleric wrote:

worcester wrote:Such active imaginations!

True. Though Hayward would end up in yellow and Wiggins in green

I'd be looking more for something along the lines of Halle Berry in yellow and Megan Fox in green but that's just how my active imagination works.


Bob


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