For most fans of the Boston Celtics (and truthfully, most of the league), the halfway point of the 2023-24 season is far too early to be thinking about the 2024 NBA draft. But for those who earn their paychecks by looking at the flow of prospective players from the NCAA and abroad into the Association, it is just starting to heat up in terms of analysis. Most college teams are into conference play by now, and overseas leagues are deep into their respective current seasons.
And such is the case with Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, who has put together a full two-round mock draft update that has the Celtics selecting three new players.
Let’s take a look at each.
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No. 50. (via Dallas Mavericks): Baylor Scheierman - Creighton
“Baylor Scheierman may be mastering the connector skills that also make his athletic limitations less worrisome,” writes Wasserman.
“At (6-foot-7), he’ll be one of the draft’s most proven shot makers who also rebounds, averages 3.9 assists and thrives in ball-screen situations.”
No. 41. (via Chicago Bulls): Zach Edey - Purdue
“There will be teams that have no interest in adding a (7-foot-4) center who can’t shoot or switch, but one is bound to see a risk worth taking on men’s college basketball’s most dominant player,” suggests the B/R analyst.
“The ideal outcome has Edey continuing to get clean, high-percentage looks for himself in the post while his size, tools and mobility translate to routine easy baskets and shot-blocking.”
No. 30. Boston Celtics: Jaylon Tyson - California
“Jaylon Tyson’s breakout seems more real by the game, as he’s consistently scoring 20-plus points off a combination of shot making, self-creation and physical drives,” writes Wasserman.
“While scouts are still assessing if he’s quick enough for an NBA wing, at (6-foot-7), 215 pounds, the potential to operate as a small-ball 4 should relieve some concern.”
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