The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie and Jared Weiss have continued their review of prospects they believe the Boston Celtics should be interested in this week.
Shifting from players who ought to be in range of the pick owed them by the Memphis Grizzlies — currently slotted 17th overall — to the picks Boston controls later in the first round, Weiss and Vecenie continued their assessment of late first-round prospects.
Those picks, the Celtics’ own (likely 26th overall) and the first owed them by the Milwaukee Bucks (No. 30 if current standings hold), may not even be used by Boston, instead packaged to move up or out of the 2020 draft.
But Vecenie and Weiss reviewed nine more prospects who might fall within Boston’s range, which could be fluid due to the dearth of star power and lack opportunities to assess prospects.
So let’s take a look at who they had in mind.
A 6-foot-3 point guard out of Alabama, Lewis could be an option to succeed Kemba Walker longer term, and an excellent backup in the interim.
“Lewis has good size for the position and elite-level speed ,” observed Vecenie. “[He] averaged 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists on a 56.0 true-shooting percentage, and did so … at 18 years old.”
Another young prospect, the 6-foot-9 forward defends the rim well above his 18 years, and projects as a shooter to some scouts, according to Vecenie.
“They love his motor because he never stops competing,” he added. “And his skill level as a scorer around the basket is quite strong.”
Weiss agreed, noting “I love Oturu’s screen setting … [a]nd he acts quickly off the catch in the post, another rarity that makes being a post player way more viable.”
A versatile big man able to shoot the three and defend the rim at 6-foot-10, Oturu is worth a look despite being 20 years old and a bit turnover-prone.
“Oturu does have some concerns in terms of stiffness when guarding the perimeter,” notes Vecenie, “but he’s another big who should develop into a shooter in time, and his length allows him to be an effective rim protector.”
Xavier Tillman – Michigan State
While just 6-foot-9, Tillman’s 7-foot-1 wingspan, defensive skills and excellent court vision make him an intriguing prospect even at 21 years old.
“Everything about his game screams polish and fit at the next level,” opines Vecenie. “He’s a master in the dark arts of screen-setting at 21 years old. He has ball-skills for dribble hand-offs. His passing acumen is superb. He’s a monster perimeter defender against wings and forwards.”
Maybe the most athletic big in the draft, Nnaji is a hypermobile, modern big with potential as a shooter based off of his free throw percentages (76 %).
“His body control is superb, and I think he’s probably going to shoot it at some point,” predicts Vecenie. “His ball skills are solid, but still developing. The big question is defense, as he’s kind of a tweener and doesn’t have superb instincts.”
Patrick Williams – Florida State
A versatile wing with quick hands, good defense, solid basketball IQ and potential from 3-point range at just 18 years old, Williams is an interesting prospect for either of Boston’s latter two picks.
“He’s 18, but man is he a difference-maker on defense already,” notes Vecenie. “The issue, however, is he’s just really raw on offense … He’s for sure a project, but he’s a high upside one that could top out as a starter if you believe in the offense.”
Aleksej Pokuševski – Olympiacos B
Rail thin at 201 lbs. as a 7-foot-1 center, Pokuševski needs bulk — but has a very complete game at just 18. With an outside shot, crafty defense and some rim-protecting abilities, the Serbian center is worth a look.
“He’s 7-foot-1, but moves legitimately like a guard,” observes Vecenie. “He has potential to really shoot it. His wingspan is plus-three, so he’s legitimately center-sized.”
Leandro Bolmaro – FC Barcelona
Bolmaro is another option to replace Walker long-term, with excellent court vision and solid defense — plus, at 6-foot-7, some size as well.
Vecenie isn’t as much a fan as some scouts, but gets the appeal of a playmaker with size, noting, “he’s athletic and fast once he makes decisions as a slasher, and does have strong feel for the game.”
Tre Jones – Duke
A former top high school recruit, Jones could also be a solid backup and eventual replacement for Walker as well, averaging 16.2 points, 6.4 assists and 1.8 assists per game in his sophomore season.
“He’s an elite-level on-ball defender, his feel for the game is terrific, and he’s more athletic than he gets credit for,” suggests Vecenie, who believes he is faster than his brother Tyus, a reserve guard for the Grizzlies.
