Celtics Linked To G League Guard In Expert’s Latest NBA Mock Draft Hardy was the No. 2 overall player in the Class of 2021

Celtics Linked To G League Guard In Expert’s Latest NBA Mock Draft
Hardy was the No. 2 overall player in the Class of 2021

NESN by Jenna Ciccotelli

The NBA Draft is still a ways away, scheduled for July 22, but that hasn’t stopped experts from forming their mock drafts. And with the Boston Celtics slated to pick No. 14, there already is plenty of speculation about what top-level talent they could add.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman on Wednesday released his latest mock draft, and in doing so linked the Celtics to G League Ignite guard Jaden Hardy.

Here’s what he had to say about the 19-year-old:

“Considering the preseason top-five hype for Hardy, scouts have been mostly underwhelmed by his feel and athleticism. This past week, they’ve seen the best and worst from the 19-year-old, who followed an 0-of-11 dud against the Long Island Nets with a 31-point, nine-assist game versus the Capital City Go-Go.

“Hardy’s skill level as a creator, shot-maker and passer is too high for a serious draft-night slide. His lack of explosion and decision-making could allow teams in the late lottery or teens to have a shot at grabbing him later than most expected in October.”

Hardy, who was ranked as the top guard and No. 2 overall player in the class of 2021, has averaged 17.7 points with 4.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists through 12 games in the G League.

Wasserman also tabbed the Celtics to select Saint Joseph’s guard Jordan Hall, who has averaged 14.9 points per game through 20 outings for the Hawks.
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ESPN’s top guard and No. 2 player overall in the class of 2021, Hardy averaged 30.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.4 assists as a junior at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nev., earning the Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year and the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Boys Athlete of the Year awards. He was unable to play a normal season as a senior due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he was still named a 2021 McDonald’s High School All-American and selected to the 2021 USA Nike Hoops Summit Team. Hardy also participated in three minicamps with the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team in 2019.

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This would be a steal if the Celtics grabbed him in the first round! And only 19!!!!

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I am confused on why an NBA team has to "draft" a guy who is already playing professionally in the G League?

wideclyde wrote:I am confused on why an NBA team has to "draft" a guy who is already playing professionally in the G League?

According to the G League website, “A player who has not yet entered the NBA Draft can still sign a G League contract and enter the league through the NBA G League Draft. That player will maintain his NBA Draft eligibility but will be unable to be called up to the NBA that season.

I’m not sure why the team would want to take a player who has been so inconsistent at 14.

Haven’t we already taken two questionable picks at 14 in recent drafts?

It may be tough to find starter material at 14, but I think it would be time to go with the best available player. One that appears NBA ready, regardless of position, who can help build the bench. With the exception of Richardson, we have no proven top tier bench depth at this time. A player who is hot and cold in the G-League doesn’t seem like the role player that is needed.

The draft is a crapshoot, remember that.

Nesmith and Langford both had good pedigree at that time and as of yet can’t even get consistent rotation minutes, and other players taken after them are much better. I’m getting impatient with both, they both have shown a few glimmers, but still unreliable for giving us anything night in night out for the most part.

NYCelt,

Thanks for the info. I guess I need to catch up on my GM skills and knowledge.