The Boston Celtics have made their first selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, taking former Indiana Hoosiers guard Romeo Langford with the 14th overall pick.
Langford, who left Indiana after just one season, averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks per game in 2018-19 while shooting 44.8 percent from the field. He’s primarily a slasher and has a solid handle as well as the athleticism and finesse to be an upper echelon finisher. His playmaking ability, both for himself and others, makes him an intriguing prospect for teams despite his 27.2 percent mark from deep.
At 6-foot-6 and 216 pounds with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Langford also possesses defensive upside due to his length, agility, footwork and tenacity.
Langford, who would describe his game as “real smooth,” commented on Boston’s style of play and looks forward to the Celtics’ versatility and positionless basketball.
Still, his skillset is so similar to swingman Jaylen Brown, fans have to wonder if Celtics president Danny Ainge has a plan to move Brown down the line. If Langford and Brown both remain on the roster, it’s more likely for one of the two to start and the other to be in the second unit.
Langford played through a torn ligament in his right thumb last season and that likely effected his efficiency from deep. Nonetheless, Langford — who had surgery to repair his thumb in early April — expects to be ready for Summer League.
If it means anything for the Celtics, their pick received the approval of fan favorite Marcus Smart. Smart and Langford share an agent in Happy David Walters of Catalyst Sports & Media.
