In the Celtics Wire’s second composite mock draft of 2019-20, we review who three of the NCAA’s top analysts believe the Boston Celtics should be considering in the 2019-20 NBA Draft.
The franchise may well have to rely on prior scouting and interviews from a distance as the entire draft process may be impacted by the same coronavirus pandemic suspending NBA activities in general.
But with plenty of eyes on the film of these prospects at the NCAA level or wherever they played before the draft, it’s very plausible teams can still make solid choices in the absence of a combine and individual workouts.
But who are the Celtics going to look at — and who should they be looking at?
To that end, we’ve again assembled another composite draft with some brief information and video about prospects falling in range of the Celtics’ three first-round picks, assuming the draft order reflects the standings on Mar. 11.
Drawing on the expertise of CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish, NBC Sports’ Rob Dauster and The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, we’ll briefly review their projected picks for the Celtics.
While Dauster doesn’t mock prospects to specific teams, we’ll assume his order reflects the state of the NBA standings at the moment.
As of now, Boston would end up with the 17th overall pick via the first round selection owed them by the Memphis Grizzlies, the 26th overall pick (their own) and the last pick of the first round (No. 30 overall), owed them by the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks.
So, let’s get started with the 17th pick.
No. 17 overall (via the Memphis Grizzlies)
Gary Parrish/CBS – Isaiah Stewart, Washington
An undersized center is something Boston has had luck with all the way back to Dave Cowens. And you can see a little of Cowens’ fire in Stewart, who at 19 years old and 6-foot-9, rebounds and attacks the cup on offense with a similar intensity.
The problem is, in the modern NBA no away-from-the-basket player needs an especially elite skill to be worth a first-round pick, and Stewart doesn’t really have one to speak of.
Rob Dauster/NBC Sports – Patrick Williams, Florida State
Williams is probably a better player than his stats indicate as a reserve in a deep Seminoles team, but at 18 years old and standing 6-foot-8, is already a solid defender who plays the four for Florida State.
He doesn’t shoot or rebound especially well. He can also be a little turnover-prone, but his shooting form isn’t terrible, and his free throw percentage high — another good sign — though this is probably too early to select him.
Sam Vecenie/The Athletic – Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt
20-year-old small forward Aaron Nesmith is one of the most intriguing options of the draft should he still be available. At 6-foot-6, he’s a deadeye shooter with excellent form.
He’s not a very good defender, though, and isn’t a very capable passer, wither. While he rarely turns the ball over, he also doesn’t rebound much for his position, nor does he get to the line. That said, he’d be an ideal pick here.
No. 26 overall (Boston’s own pick)
Gary Parrish/CBS – Josh Green, Arizona
Green is a defensive-minded shooting guard unlikely to be around this late in the draft. But if he is, he’s worth a gamble at 19 years old and 6-foot-6, with some obvious similarities to current Celtic veteran guard Marcus Smart.
And while he’s a 36.1 % 3-point shooter at the NCAA level, he could stand to improve his overall shot selection (as Smart had to), he’s a bit foul prone and not a great passer — unlike the Texan defensive specialist he resembles in some ways.
Rob Dauster/NBC Sports – Xavier Tillman, Michigan State
Another excellent defender, Tillman plays the center for the Spartans and could probably function as such in the NBA as a reserve. He passes well, too, but it seems a bit of a stretch to project him in the first round given he’s a 26.1 % shot from beyond the arc.
It’s certainly possible the Michigan State big man’s court vision is enough to make him of interest for the Milwaukee pick the Celtics control, but the likely lack of a combine or workouts won’t so his chances any favors.
Sam Vecenie/The Athletic – Vernon Carey Jr.
It’s undeniable that Carey has an incredible engine and athleticism coupled with immense strength for an 18-year-old, 6-foot-10 center. But he doesn’t shoot often (even though he’s hit 38.1% of his shots behind the arc), and relies heavily on post-ups.
He’s mobile enough to have a solid career at the next level, and while and he probably won’t be taken by anyone in the first round, it wouldn’t be a stretch to gamble on his future late in the first round, either.
No. 30 overall (via the Milwaukee Bucks)
Gary Parrish/CBS – Zeke Nnaji, Arizona
While Nnaji, at 19 and 6-foot-11, is an intriguing scorer with a knack for getting boards, he needs work on his shot, and doesn’t protect the rim much to speak of.
He’ll need to do much better than the 29.1 % he’s shooting from three, but he’s young with a high motor, and would be worth the gamble if available late in the first round as well.
Rob Dauster/NBC Sports – Udoka Azubuike, Kansas
A true 7-footer and prodigious rebounder with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and an excellent shot blocker, 20-year-old Azubuike is still a bit slow of foot, turnover-prone, and a terrible free throw shot at just 44.1 %.
He’ll likely never be more than a high-end reserve, but his defensive potential is probably worth at least a look at the end of the first round.
Sam Vecenie/The Athletic – Devon Dotson, Kansas
Datsun, a 6-foot-2, 20-year-old guard with a knack for finishing and lightning-quick speed is an interesting choice for a team that will need to look for younger depth at point guard.
His shooting could be better — he hit less than 30 % from 3-point range this season — and he could improve on defense, but a solid choice this deep in the draft if available.
Summary
This trio of experts has some intriguing prospects projected in Boston’s future. Not all of them are ideal fits for head coach Brad Stevens’ system, and several have substantial risk attached based on their current games and flaws.
In a draft where they may be no opportunity to check on concerns in person, we may see many more “safer” picks with lower ceilings if also floors.
But don’t be surprised if team president Danny Ainge zigs when others zag, as it will be difficult for the Celtics to roster all three picks without some other moves in advance.
