More than a few recent mock drafts circulating recently have seen the Boston Celtics primarily focused on big men or wings, but a new USA Today mock draft by analysts Jeff Zillgitt, Scott Gleeson and Mark Medina projects a backcourt-oriented draft strategy for Boston.
The mock uses the current standings as a means for predicting what teams choose when, with the Celtics looking at owning the No. 17 overall pick (owed them by the Memphis Grizzlies), their own pick at No. 26, and the 30th overall pick (from the Milwaukee Bucks).
That range reflects the current standings in the NBA, though this could change if some part of the NBA’s 2019-20 regular season is restarted in some form, a prospect far from certain to happen.
That said, let’s take a look at Boston’s projected selections.
No. 17 overall (via Memphis): Theo Maledon – ASVEL (France)
Maledon is a 6-foot-4 point guard with solid defensive skills at just 18 years old, which combine to make a promising start. But the list of things needing work isn’t a short one, either.
The Rouen native is a walking foul machine, averaging 2.7 per game in just 17.3 minutes per game, and turns the ball over 1.6 times a game over as many minutes.
His 3-point shot in’t terrible at 33.3 %, but he also only shoots it 2.5 times a contest, only hitting 42.1 % of his field goals overall.
Shooting, at least, is a very teachable skill, and with defensive fundamentals in pace and decent height and passing abilities, Maledon could end up a solid starter or better with some luck in a system — like Boston’s — that doesn’t ask too much of him too soon.
No. 26 overall (Boston’s own): Kira Lewis Jr. – Alabama
Another fascinating but less rough option at point guard, there’s a good chance Lewis will not be on the board by the time the Celtics’ own pick is up for selection.
But he’d be an outstanding choice for Boston if he was. He has one of the tightest handles in his draft class with a lightning-quick first step. He’s a solid 3-point shot at 36.6 %, hits 45.9 % overall, and can distribute quite well for a 19-year-old.
So why would he even have a chance be on the board this late in the draft, you ask? Turnovers — 3.5 per game — and avoidable fouls coupled with less-than-ideal defense for his height (6-foot-3) are big reasons, as is his thin frame at just 165 pounds.
As far as faults go, much could simply be age and a lack of proper resources to bulk up or enough time to have learned fundamentals — which make Lewis a fairly safe bet for his late in the draft.
No. 30 overall (via Milwaukee): Xavier Tillman – Michigan State
Previously reviewed by the Celtics Wire after NBC Sports NCAA expert Rob Dauster projected the Spartan big man to Boston in an earlier mock draft. the 21-year old center presents a safe option to restock Boston’s frontcourt.
While only 6-foot-9, Tillman’s 7-foot-1 wingspan and high motor make up for it, and his defensive skills are already high. Averaging 13.7 points, 10.3 boards and 2.1 blocks per contest as a junior at Michigan State, he’s also an adept and willing passer for a big man.
While his 3-point shot needs plenty of work, it’s conceivable that the Grand Rapids native could develop one, even if most of his offense comes near the basket.
It’s hard to say if a player with Tillman’s limitations would get drafted in the first round, but the skills he brings to the table make it a distinct possibility.
