Celtics Workout Thread

[bobheckler]

Over the coming month players will be showing up to work out for the Celtics.  This is where we'll talk about them.


http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-work-out-six-prospects-wednesday




Celtics work out six prospects on Wednesday
May 20, 2015, 1:15 pm




BOSTON – The following players had workouts with the Boston Celtics today.  All heights are in sneakers unless otherwise noted.

Aaron Thomas, Florida State
6'5", 195#, SG, 23 years old
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Aaron-Thomas-7018/


Anthony Brown, Stanford
6'8 1/2", 211#, 6'11 1/4" wingspan, SF, 22 years old
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Anthony-Brown-6222/


Dez Wells, Maryland
6'4", 209#, 6'9 1/2" wingspan, SG, 23 years old
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Dez-Wells-6251/


Malcolm Miller, Holy Cross
6'7", 210#, F, birthday?
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Malcolm-Miller-41325/


Julian Washburn – UTEP
6'6 1/2" in barefeet, 205#, 6'11 1/2" wingspan, SF, 23 years old
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Julian-Washburn-42092/


Sir'Dominic Pointer – St. John’s
6'5", 193#, 6'8" wingspan, SF, 23 years old



bob
MY NOTE:  Starting off with throwing a few boness to some players who should be happy just to have been invited.  At best these guys look like our #48 pick.


.

[Sam]

I assume the workout are closed so that neither we nor other teams can get a line on how a given player looked.  Sometimes the presence of a player has implications.  But, otherwise, aren't we sort of out of it?

Sam

[kdp59]

Possible summer league invitees.

[gyso]

Possible summer league invitees.

That, and training camp invitees. The last couple of players cut at the end of training camp can then sign with their D-League team.

[bobheckler]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/lsu-jordan-mickey-draft-stock-rises-will-work-out-for-boston-celtics








LSU's Mickey draft stock rises, will work out for Celtics
May 21, 2015, 1:00 pm








BOSTON – One of the most impressive performers at the Chicago pre-draft combine earlier this month was LSU’s Jordan Mickey, who will be among the players to work out for the Celtics.

Mickey, a 6-foot-8 forward, had a chance to speak with the Celtics at pre-draft interviews in Chicago earlier this month.

“It was a great conversation,” Mickey told CSNNE.com. “The guys that interviewed me, I felt like they enjoyed having me in there. I felt it was a good interview.”

Prior to the combine, Mickey was considered a solid second-round pick after electing to leave LSU after his sophomore season.

With the Tigers, he averaged 15.4 points and 9.9 rebounds, along with being named first-team all-SEC as well as being named to the league’s all-Defensive Team.

But a strong showing at the combine has him now projected to go near the end of the first round or early in the second.

That means there’s a good chance he’ll be among the players available when the Celtics pick at No. 28, and possibly No. 33 as well.

Mickey said he went into the combine hoping to show very specific skills that he believes will transfer to the next level.

“My defense,” he said, “I hope that I showed I could play defense, 4s (power forwards), 5s (centers), even keep some guards in front of me.”

In the first Day of 5-on-5 drills at the combine, Mickey had 17 points but even more important was his interior defense (eight rebounds, eight blocked shots) which stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the players.

Although he’s 6-foot-8 with shoes, Mickey weighs 238 pounds and has great instincts for blocking shots and providing a presence as a help-side defender.

And it doesn’t hurt that he has a 7-3 1/2 wing span either.

Of the 11 players measured at the combine with a wing span equal to Mickey’s or greater, all were taller than him.

Mickey had a solid performance in Day Two as well. While he only had eight points, he once again played well defensively and on the boards (9 rebounds, four blocks) which he is well aware can get you on the floor sooner rather than later in the NBA.

“Scoring’s not a big thing for me,” Mickey said. “Even though it’s a plus to score, I pride myself on defense.”



bob

6'8", 238#, 7'3 1/4" wingspan

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jordan-Mickey-7104/


MY NOTE:  I don't see the point here unless they are just convinced that Jae Crowder won't re-sign with us.  Another possibility, just to try to make sense of why players that are marginal talents and don't fill a specific need still get worked out, is because GMs share some of their knowledge of these guys so they can do some swapping.  Other than that, I don't get it.  Just so you can have another body for 5-on-5?

On the other hand, 8 blocked shots!!?


.

[kdp59]

think of him as a Brandon Bass with hops!

and without Bass's mid range shot I guess.

on second thought, maybe he's more like Draymond Green!!!!!

something to ponder come those late first round picks for GM's.

[bobheckler]

Out here in the bay area, there is a sports company named BDA.  They put athletes through training regimens.  Some of their athetes are working out at UCSB (University of California at Santa Barbara).  I believe UCSB is where Upshaw was working out pre-Combine.

At UCSB to see some BDA Sports prospects work out for teams. Danny Ainge, Dennis Lindsey, Gary Sacks, Kevin Pritchard, Pete D'Alessandro, Mitch Richmond, Sean Marks, John Hammond, Sam Hinkie here - Bulls reps here

Eric Pincus: I would say representatives from most if not all 30 teams were present for BDA Sports Day - identified some earlier in my timeline Twitter @EricPincus


Eric Pincus: BDA Sports Day lineup: Jahlil Okafor (not expected to work out), Harrison twins, Frank Kaminsky, Kelly Oubre, Stanley Johnson, and more. Twitter @EricPincus



bob


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[Sam]

This guy would seem to fit the category of due diligence by Danny.  A guy who has a defensive resume might look better in the second round (aka the epitome of the crap shoot) than a more offensively minded player.

I don't think Crowder is the question mark at SF.  I believe the question mark is who's going to start, because I believe Crowder's more valuable as part of the secon team shock troops.  I'm sure Swish will agree that the Celts need a strong offensive player at that position to work in tandem with Crowder.

Sam

[rambone]

Stanley Johnson just might fall to 16. He's a lot like Crowder but a better shooter with better ball handling, and he's barely 19 if that.

He measured out shorter than expected at the combine. He was thought to be 6'8" but turned out to be 6'6" in shoes, same as Crowder with the same build.

[kdp59]

some chatter has Johnson being picked at #5.

Johnson has been compared to Ron Artest.

[rambone]

Most of that top 5 chatter is older, but I think I'd honestly rather have RHJ at 16 than Johnson. RHJ is an underrated mid-range jump shooter, a good FT shooter, and finishes around the rim much better than Johnson. Not to mention being much more athletic and a better defender and shot blocker.

Johnson would probably be better offensively in the half-court, but RHJ would help our transition offense more, and his dribble driving in the half court has a whole lot of potential.

[bobheckler]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/boston-celtics-host-six-draft-prospects-workouts-wednesday?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo



Celtics host six draft prospects for workouts Wednesday
May 27, 2015, 10:30 am












WALTHAM, Mass. – The Celtics will conduct their second set of workouts this morning with the following players:

Bobby Portis, F, Arkansas

Summary: SEC Player of the Year; does a little bit of everything good, nothing exceptional; doesn’t have Kevin Garnett talent, but brings similar intensity to the game. He gets hyped before games by envisioning his opponent slapping his mother; expected to go middle-to-late part of first round.



Jordan Mickey, F, LSU

Summary: First-team all-SEC. Has 7-foot-3 wing span which allows him to play bigger than his 6-foot-9 frame. Strong showing at pre-draft combine has him on the cusp of being a first-round pick.



Marcus Thornton, G, William & Mary

Summary: All-American guard with elite athleticism; had impressive scores at pre-draft combine including a 43-inch vertical leap; shot better than 40 percent on 3s last three seasons; a player worth considering in the second round of the draft.



Rakeem Christmas, F, Syracuse

Summary: Undersized power forward with 7-3 wing span; came on strong as senior after three so-so seasons at Syracuse; impressive pre-draft combine has him a probable second-round pick.



Shannon Scott, G, Ohio State

Summary: Good speed and quickness but struggled throughout his career at Ohio State shooting the ball; most likely a candidate for Boston’s summer league teams.



David Kravish, F, Cal

Summary: Has good size, solid rebounder in college; has shown signs of being a decent rim-protector at the pro level; most likely a candidate for Boston’s summer league teams.



bob



.

[Sam]

Poor Marcus Thornton.  Gets unloaded by the Celtics and demoted all the way back to the college ranks in the same year.

Sam

[bobheckler]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/boston-celtics-bring-in-6-more-for-pre-NBA-draft-workouts



Celtics bring in 6 more for pre-draft workouts
May 28, 2015, 10:15 am







WALTHAM, Mass. – The following players will participate in workouts with the Boston Celtics today:


David Kravish, 6-10, Center (California)

Summary: Worked out for the Celtics on Wednesday; had solid but unspectacular career at Cal; Ranked 49th-best senior in the draft by Draftexpress.com

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/David-Kravish-40950/

240#, 22 years old.  Ranked 49th best senior, not #49 pick.





Chasson Randle, 6-2, Guard (Stanford)

Summary: Honorable mention All-America after senior season; Was MVP of postseason-NIT Tournament; combo guard but with his quickness and size he’ll have to play the point at the pro level.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Chasson-Randle-6265/

6'7" wingspan, 4.5% body fat (Jeez!  He'd give Ray Allen a run for his money!).  33.5" no step vertical, 39.5" max vertical.




Cliff Alexander, 6-9, Forward (Kansas)

Summary: Missed games at Kansas due to “impermissible benefits” received by his family; physical, hard-nosed player; offensive game needs lots of work.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Cliff-Alexander-7138/

7'3 1/2" wingspan.  9' 1 1/2" standing reach.  239#, was 254# in 2014 at Nike Skills Academy, so he dropped 15#.  Projected to be drafted #41.





George de Paula, 6-6, Guard (Brazil)

Summary: Had a good showing at pre-draft combine in Chicago; Has good instincts at the point and great size (6-6); played his way into a possible second round pick.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/George-De-Paula-80325/

19 years old.  7'0" wingspan.  28" no step, 34" max.  Projected to be #40 pick.  Described by draftexpress as a POINT GUARD, says he is the same size as MarShon Brooks when he came out of Providence except de Paula plays exclusively at point. A 6'6" point guard.  Oooh.  #7 in hand width and #2 in hand length at Combine.  For a 6'6" player that's pretty amazing.  This guy could be a draft and stash with one of Danny's bottomless glass of 2nd rounders.








Maxie Esho, 6-8, Forward (UMass)

Summary: Averaged 11.3 points per game as a senior; a possible summer league addition.


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Maxie-Esho-18858/

24 years old.




Satnam Singh, 7-2, Center (IMG Academy)

Summary: At 290 pounds, Singh will likely be the biggest player Boston has in for a workout; tremendous size for a 19-year-old; was born in Punjab region of India.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Satnam-Singh-46333/

290#.  19 years old.  Didn't speak a word of english before coming to the US in 2010.  VERY raw.  D-league candidate.





bob
MY NOTE:  The perfect Blakely piece, where a dry recitation of facts in evidence is precisely what is appropriate.  If he ever decides to change careers I predict he'd be a smash as a court recorder.

The links to their draftexpress pages and comments following those links are mine.


.

[Sam]

Wasn't David Kravish the next door neighbor on "Bewitched?"

Sam

[bobheckler]

Wasn't David Kravish the next door neighbor on "Bewitched?"

Sam

sam,

I thought he was the leader of the Branch Davidian cult.


bob


.

[Sam]

Bob,

I think that was his night job.

Sam

[rambone]

I'm a big fan of Cliff Alexander, pictured above. He's just the type of long, athletic, strong, hard nosed warrior we need. I'd be excited to land him at 33, as a back up for PF and C.
He's going to fill out to about 255-260, and I think he has more offensive talent than advertised. He's just relatively new to the game.

[bobheckler]

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/05/2015_nba_draft_workouts_boston.html



2015 NBA Draft workouts, Boston Celtics: Cliff Alexander seeking redemption; 7-foot-2 center Satnam Singh proves to be 'very interesting prospect'






Cliff Alexander (AP photo)

Print Email Jay King | mjking@masslive.com By Jay King | mjking@masslive.com

on May 28, 2015 at 5:00 PM




WALTHAM -- Maxie Esho didn't know how to pronounce Satnam Singh's name, but understood that in the middle of a pre-draft workout, the largest person on the court -- maybe in the entire state of Massachusetts -- had hit him with an inadvertent elbow underneath the eye.

"I don't want to say his name wrong, but the biggest guy here," Esho smiled, revealing the culprit. "He might hit me again."

For Esho and the Boston Celtics, Thursday's six-man pre-draft workout served as a discovery period. The former UMass forward learned Singh's name, and the Celtics unearthed more about the 7-foot-2, 290-pound Indian center who played for IMG Academy in Florida this past season. Along with two other young prospects -- Cliff Alexander, a former top recruit trying to work his way up draft boards after a down freshman season at Kansas; and George de Paula, a Brazilian point guard with a silly 7-foot wingspan -- Singh gave the session a mysterious feel.

"It was my first time seeing him," said Austin Ainge, the Celtics director of player personnel.

"Whether it's this year or down the road, you never know when we're going to have to evaluate him," Ainge said. "He put his name in the draft, so we thought we'd come in and see how he did. He's humungous. He's really, really big."

Singh received interest from a number of colleges, including UMass, but declared for the draft after being unable to qualify for a scholarship, according to an article in Sports Illustrated. While he's projected to go undrafted, his sheer size has put him on the NBA radar. Game tape shows a plodding big man who could one day develop into an Aaron Gray type; at IMG, Singh reportedly averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for the No. 2 team in the nation.

"His dad's taller than him, which is incredible," Ainge said. "He said he has a grandmother that was 6-9, so, big family.

"He's a little raw, but he actually shoots the ball pretty well. Pretty surprising. And he's not just tall. He's also thick. I mean, he's a big, strong kid."

After somebody piped up that Singh could be a stretch 4, Ainge cracked, "He's a stretch 5-and-a-half. He's a big guy."

"He did well," Ainge said. "I think he's got a bright future. Very interesting prospect."

Indeed:



Alexander seeks redemption

One year ago, Alexander looked like a possible lottery pick after entering Kansas as a top-5 recruit. But the 6-foot-9 power forward's freshman season qualified as a letdown. He failed to earn major minutes, came off the bench for a big chunk of the season, and was ruled ineligible due near the end of the campaign after a bout with NCAA rules.

"I was coming off the bench starting the season, and then when I was playing, I didn't live up to my expectations. And when I sat out (for the suspension), it hurt me," said Alexander, who was in his first pre-draft workout. "So I just need to redeem myself, just come back, get that hunger, get back hungry."

Regarding his mother reportedly accepting a loan based on his future earnings, which violated NCAA rules, Alexander said, "My mom got tricked into something. She didn't know what she was doing. She had never went through this process before, and we needed money at the time."

"I felt bad. I felt like I let my team down, and most importantly let my coaching staff down," he added. "It played kind of a little bit into (the decision to enter the draft). I felt like they were going to rule me ineligible for my sophomore season, so that's when I made my decision to declare."

Despite the disappointing stretch at Kansas, Alexander still owns the physical traits that made him so coveted one year ago. But this year dragged down his draft stock. He will need to convince a team he can perform against a higher level of competition.

"He's very athletic. Very athletic," Ainge said. "And strong. And he can shoot a little better than you could see at Kansas."


de Paula shows promise

An 18-year-old with some of the most unique body measurements ever for a point guard, George de Paula is a fascinating prospect. The Brazilian's 7-foot wingspan is unrivaled by at his position in the DraftExpress database, and his 9.5-inch long hands -- the same size as rim protector Willie Cauley-Stein -- tied for an incredible second place at this summer's combine.

While everyone seems to agree de Paula is a long way away from contributing, his distinct natural gifts provide him with a head start.

"Big hands," Ainge said. "Long arms. Really good feel for the game. He's a good passer. He's just young. He's got some developing to do, but a very intriguing package of athletic ability and instincts."


Kravish back for more

In addition to the aforementioned players, Boston also worked out Stanford product Chasson Randle (No. 88 among DraftExpress' top 100 prospects) and former California big man David Kravish (unranked). Kravish competed in front of the Celtics brass for the second straight day.

"It worked out on the schedule where he could stay for both days," Ainge said. "We had (more) bigs (than guards) both days, and it just made sense."

Esho, Randle and Kravish all played four years of college ball. The other three prospects had one year of NCAA experience between them.

"It was a very interesting workout," said Ainge. "We had three four-year college guys and three 19-year-olds out there. And you could tell which is which pretty easily, but (there is) a lot of potential in the young guys. They've got some growth to do, but they've got a lot of talent."



bob



.

[bobheckler]

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/05/2015_nba_draft_workout_travis.html#incart_story_package



2015 NBA Draft workout: Travis Trice, Scott Eatherton and four more participate in Boston Celtics workout





Travis Trice and five other prospects worked out for the Boston Celtics on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Print Email Tom Westerholm | twesterh@masslive.com By Tom Westerholm | twesterh@masslive.com

on May 29, 2015 at 10:14 AM, updated May 29, 2015 at 10:15 AM





The Boston Celtics continued to examine 2015 NBA draft prospects on Friday, bringing in a six-man group of four guards and two bigs. None of the prospects are projected first-round selections, but the Celtics have multiple second-round picks and could certainly acquire more if the need arises.

Here's the list, provided by the Celtics:

Gerard Coleman — Georgetown College (KY) - 6'5", 24 years old.  He's a shooter.

Scott Eatherton — Northeastern - 6'8", 234#, 23 years old.  No chance.

Yanick Moreira — SMU - 6'11". 220#, 23 years old.  Projected to go #35.

Keifer Sykes — Wisconsin-Green Bay - 5'11 3/4", ranked #80

Travis Trice — Michigan State - 6'0", 22 years old.

Corey Walden — Eastern Kentucky - 6'2", 22 years old.  Projected to go #45.

Two of the prospects have Boston connections. Coleman — who played for three college teams including Providence, Gonzaga and NAIA Division I school Georgetown College — is a Boston native who attended West Roxbury High School and the Tilton School in New Hampshire. Eatherton, meanwhile, was the leading scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker for the Northeastern team that pushed No. 3 seed Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA tournament this year.

Travis Trice averaged 15.3 points per game for Michigan State on its run to the NCAA Final Four.

As always, we'll have more from the workout later.



bob
MY NOTE:  The bolds are my additions.


.

[bobheckler]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-work-out-high-talented-wings-next-week



C's to work out high-talented wings next week
May 29, 2015, 6:30 pm






BOSTON – If you’ve been a bit underwhelmed by some of the players brought in recently by the Boston Celtics for workouts, take a number.

Not to fear, Celtics Nation.

There should be a noticeable improvement in the quality of talent in town next week.

Arizona’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Virginia’s Justin Anderson are among the players expected to work out for the Celtics next week.

Hollis-Jefferson, projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the early 20s, is arguably the most defensive-ready wing player in this year’s draft.

And during the Chicago pre-draft combine last month, the 6-foot-7-inch Hollis-Jefferson said he is familiar with the Celtics and some of the current players.

“I know Evan Turner, (Marcus) Smart,” said Hollis-Jefferson who is from Chester, Pa. “When Evan Turner was with the Sixers, I grew a relationship with him. He’s a real good guy.”

As for the Celtics, Hollis-Jefferson said, “I think they’re a good program. I think they need one more piece.”

I asked him whether he was that piece.

“Definitely possible,” he said with a grin.

Anderson is another talented wing defender who is widely regarded as a first-round pick in a similar range as Hollis-Jefferson.

At the pre-draft combine in Chicago, the 6-6 small forward said it was pretty much “written down in stone” that he would work out for the Celtics on Monday.

Anderson said the transition for him from college to the pros wouldn’t be that difficult in large part because of head coach Brad Stevens.

“Playing for him would be similar to playing for (Virginia Head coach Tony) Bennett,” Anderson said. “A guy that, he’s a player’s coach for sure. I see what he did at Butler. And also the tradition there, and I love tradition. I love coming into a program where they’re all about winning. And they try to find ways to win every single day no matter what. I think that young program is on the rise.”

Boston will work out at least one other highly-regarded wing player prior to the June 25 NBA draft.

Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker, one of the stars of this past NCAA Tournament, does not have a definite date to work out for the Celtics yet. However, his agent Mark Bartelstein told CSNNE.com that the 6-9 forward will work out for Boston at some point prior to the draft.



bob
MY NOTE:  Sam Dekker is interesting perhaps.  At 6'9" he'd be a replacement at long SF for 6'8" Gigi, I guess.  Personally, I don't know why, for the small amount of additional money Gigi would cost ($2.2M/year qualifying offer) over a #16 pick ($1.7M/year) Danny wouldn't go with the veteran of two continents and multiple leagues but...I mean, it's not like we need to get younger.  Dekker is a toothpick who makes Kelly look like Charles Atlas.  The other two wings make me wonder about Young's future in green.  I know the NBA has become a "wing's league" but unless we can unload Wallace don't we have enough wings?  I can feel my testosterone go into overdrive when I see reports of Satnam Singh and trying to move up for WCS etc.  I don't see Singh as an NBA player now, but I'm soooo hungry for size and length I drool at the mere appearance of it.  One exception, whom I have not researched much yet but his stats look intriguing, is that 6'6" Brazilian point guard with the 7'0" wingspan, George de Paula, they worked out.


.

[Sam]

It might not be a good idea for Hollis-Jefferson to become a professional prognosticator.  One more piece will suffice for the Celtics?  And a small forward at that?

Sam

[bobheckler]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-work-out-hollis-jefferson-anderson-four-others?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo



Celtics work out Hollis-Jefferson, Anderson, four others
June 1, 2015, 10:00 am







WALTHAM, Mass. – If the Boston Celtics sit tight with the No. 16 pick in this month’s draft, there are a couple guys working out for the team today that will get some consideration at that point in the draft.

Arizona’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Virginia’s Justin Anderson highlight the six players working out for the Celtics today.

Both Hollis-Jefferson and Anderson are considered first-round locks who can go as high as the mid-teens of the first round, but shouldn’t slide past the early 20s.

The Celtics brought in some intriguing prospects that could come into play at one of their other three draft spots – No. 28, 33 and 45.

Keep an eye on Texas’ Jonathan Holmes.

The 6-foot-9, 242-pound forward is viewed as a late-first, early-second round talent.

That’s just one of the qualities that has some comparing him to former Michigan State forward Draymond Green who has been an instrumental figure in Golden State’s run towards the NBA Finals and will be among the most coveted free agents this summer.

Holmes’ versatility has been on display throughout the workout process, with some believing Texas’ system didn’t afford his versatility to be on display more in his senior season.

Here’s a brief summary on each of the six players Boston is working out this morning.



Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona
Summary: Exceptional athlete; has potential to be standout defensively in the NBA; finishes well around the rim.


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Rondae-Hollis-Jefferson-6466/


6'7", 211#, 7'2" wingspan, 5.0 body fat, 32" no step vertical, 38" max vertical.  7.1ftas/40minutes is most of any small forward. Projected to go #20.








Justin Anderson, Virginia

Summary: Much-improved 3-point shooter final season at Virginia; exceptional defensive player; a tough guy, both physically and mentally.


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Justin-Anderson-5676/

6'6", 231#, 6'11 3/4" wingspan, 38" no step vertical, 43" max vertical. Projected to go #22.









LeBryan Nash, Oklahoma State
Summary: Has good NBA size (6-7, 235) for small forward position; above-average rebounder for his size; 3-point touch all but non-existent.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/LeBryan-Nash-5721/

Projected to go #37.



Brenden Dawson, Michigan State
Summary: What he lacks in traditional power forward size, he makes up for with high basketball I.Q.; 6-foot-11 wing span allows him to defend multiple positions; strong for his size.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Branden-Dawson-6246/


Projected #87.  Very limited offensively.  No offense, in Brad's scheme of things, means no chance.  You have to at least be "3-and-D" with him.


Levi Randolph, Alabama
Summary: Academic All-American, first ever for the men’s basketball team; had solid showing at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this spring; overseas or D-League most likely his next basketball stop.


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Levi-Randolph-6245/

Projected #44.



Jonathan Holmes, Texas
Summary: Can play both forward positions at the next level; 3-point shooting inconsistent; moves well defensively.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jonathan-Holmes-42028/

6'9", 242#, 6'11 1/2" wingspan.  Projected #35.

"he dips the ball unnecessarily on the catch and thus shoots it with a fairly low release point makes his jumper easier to contest when well defended and/or under pressure. How consistent of a shooter Holmes is able to become will play a huge role in whether or not he's able to carve out a real role in the NBA. His consistent mechanics, combined with the fact that he made 78% of his free throw attempts leaves a lot of room for optimism—particularly with better spacing and ball-movement than he enjoyed at Texas."



bob
MY NOTE:  All info and notes, from the link to the players' draftexpress page and down, including videos, are my additions and not from the original author.


.

[bobheckler]

http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/draft-052915-draft-workout-Cs-Invite-Physical-Defensive-Minded-Small-Forwards



Draft Workout: C's Invite Physical, Defensive-Minded Small Forwards


Posted: Jun 01, 2015




By Taylor C. Snow |  @Celtics
Celtics.com
June 1, 2015



WALTHAM, Mass. – The Virginia Cavaliers allowed a nation-low 51.5 points per game this past season. For a program that prides itself on defensive prowess, that number was a result of an outstanding collective team effort. But it was also reflective on the play of their defensive leader: small forward Justin Anderson.

His staunch defense earned him notice in the NCAA. It’s why he will be selected in this year’s NBA Draft, and it’s one of the reasons why the Boston Celtics invited him to a Draft workout Monday morning.

He was joined by four other athletic, physical small forwards, including defensive specialist Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a projected first round pick from the University of Arizona.

Director of player personnel Austin Ainge called the workout a “bloodbath,” and stressed the value of defensive-minded swingmen in a league full of high-volume scoring small forwards.

“Some of the toughest matchups in the league are at small forward,” said Ainge. “LeBron [James], Carmelo [Anthony], Paul George, all the way down the list, there’s a lot of them. You’ve gotta have a 3-man with some size.”

“Jae Crowder did a great job for us in that role this year,” Ainge continued. “We could use a few more like that."

Anderson has shaped his game around his defensive skillset. He wasn’t the strongest offensive contributor when he entered UVA, but his lockdown abilities earned him significant playing time.

“I knew I didn’t have consistent enough offense to become the best player I wanted to be, so I needed to be really good at one thing,” said Anderson, who measures in at 6-6, 231 pounds. “Going into college, I had to be really good at defense.”

Similarly, Hollis-Jefferson was Arizona’s lockdown defender this past season. Coach Sean Miller regularly put the 6-foot-7, 211-pound forward up against the opposition’s top scoring threat, and he rarely faltered.

“Coming from Chester [Penn.], we take a lot of pride in things we do,” said Hollis-Jefferson. “Not being showed up [is one of those things], so no matter who you are, I’m going to defend you and give you my best shot.”

He will have to give nothing less than his best shot when going up against the league’s top small forwards, a few of whom Ainge alluded to moments before.

“I think it would be a big challenge to see how you can hold your own in this man’s league,” said Hollis-Jefferson. “It would be a good [test] to see if you’re ready for this stage, and I feel like I’m ready.”

While each of their games revolve around defense, their abilities on the other end of the floor have also improved.

Anderson, who had the second-highest vertical leap at the Draft Combine (43 inches), averaged 12.2 points per game during the 2014-15 campaign. His 3-point percentage spiked from .294 in 2013-14, to .452 last season.

Hollis-Jefferson led his team with 43 dunks this past season and shot .502 from the field. His .207 3-point percentage was mediocre, though he claims his jump shot is greatly improving.

“It’s gotten better and they could tell in the workout,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who is a bit lanky for the three, but benefits from a 7-2 wingspan. “It still needs work, but it’s something fixable.”

Anderson and Hollis-Jefferson are both steadily improving on the offensive end, but whoever drafts these two, will certainly be obtaining an athletic three that is capable of providing steadfast defense from the get-go.

Le'Bryan Nash receives visit from ex-teammate Marcus Smart

On the eve before his workout with the Celtics, Le'Bryan Nash received a much-needed boost from former Oklahoma State teammate, Marcus Smart.

The Celtics point guard showed up at Nash’s hotel room Sunday night and spewed out advice to his fellow Cowboy alumnus before the 6-7 forward hit the big stage the following morning.

“He said whatever you put in, is what you’re going to get out,” said Nash. “If you’re going to work hard and dedicate yourself to this game, then you’re going to be one of the best players.”

He continued, “That was the big advice I took from him because I want to be a player that plays on the court and makes an impact on the court, so I took that and I ran with it. I came out here and I just told myself, ‘play hard, play hard, play hard.’”

The pair have known one another since their high school days, going up against each other during high school and AAU before they both suited up for Oklahoma State.

This past season, Smart served as a positive example for Nash, who hopes to take after his close friend.

“Seeing him [play] for this team and what he did his first year, I want to make the same impact,” he said.

Nash is setting the bar high, but he insists, “That’s that DNA in Dallas. We’re going to compete as hard as we can.”

Also in attendance

Seniors Branden Dawson (Michigan State), Jonathan Holmes (Texas) and Levi Randolph (Alabama) also participated in today’s workout … Dawson, a 6-6, 225-pound forward, tallied 11.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this past season, and knocked Anderson’s Cavaliers from the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year … Holmes, a 6-8, 240-pound forward, averaged 10.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game and led the Longhorns to a Tournament berth … Randolph, a 6-5, 208-pound shooting guard, was the leading scorer (15.2 PPG), distributor (2.4 assists per game) and second-leading rebounder (5.0 RPG) for the Crimson Tide this past season.



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[bobheckler]

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/06/2015_nba_draft_workouts_andrew.html



2015 NBA Draft workouts: Andrew Harrison, Olivier Hanlan among group of guards auditioning for Boston Celtics





Andrew Harrison during his Kentucky days (AP photo)
Print Email Jay King | mjking@masslive.com By Jay King | mjking@masslive.com

on June 02, 2015 at 9:45 AM





WALTHAM -- Andrew Harrison and Olivier Hanlan will headline a group of guards working out for the Boston Celtics on Tuesday morning.

Courtesy of the team, a list of participants for the pre-draft workout follows:

Andrew Harrison – Kentucky
Olivier Hanlan – Boston College
Terry Rozier – Louisville
Josh Richardson – Tennessee
Corey Walden – Eastern Kentucky

Of the five guards, Harrison tops DraftExpress' prospect rankings at No. 37. The website also has Rozier and Hanlan projected as second-round picks, with Richardson on the cusp of breaking into the second round.



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