Should the Celtics take Josh Jackson instead of Markelle Fultz?

Debate the answer with Chad Finn and Boston sports fans at The Sports Q.

Kansas guard Josh Jackson was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after averaging 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File

By Chad Finn

June 16, 2017

2 minutes to read

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Think there’s any truth to the report the Celtics might take Josh Jackson instead of Markelle Fultz? Jackson does seem like Danny Ainge’s type of player. – Dave in DC

First, here’s the referenced report via ESPN’s Chad Ford (no relation):

“I’ve picked [Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge’s] brain for years,” one GM said. “Jackson is an Ainge player all the way. Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he’s keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I’m convinced they’ll take Jackson No. 1.”

I’m not buying it. This GM — and honestly, his identity is the most intriguing thing about this conversation — is right in that Jackson is Ainge’s kind of player. He’s going to be really good.

But he’s also somewhat redundant with last year’s No. 1 pick, Jaylen Brown, and he carries more questions than Fultz. Can he shoot? Why were there off-the-court brush fires with him at Kansas?

There’s a reason Fultz is the consensus No. 1 pick. He is the best prospect in this draft. And I think the more the Celtics look into him, the more there is to like, whether it was a high school guidance counselor marveling to Brad Stevens about his capacity for and interest in learning or the film from his freshman year at Washington confirming that he never took a play off on defense even during a frustrating season for the team.

This is the silly season, when all of the rumors real and imagined are flying. This rumor isn’t unreasonable. But I’d be surprised if it’s accurate. Ainge is bold and trusts his own knowledge over conventional wisdom, but by all measures Fultz is the obvious choice.

What do you guys think? Will Ainge choose Fultz, or is Jackson in play at No. 1? Set your draft board in the comments.