10 players the Celtics could target in the upcoming NBA Draft
Big men Ryan Kalkbrenner and Maxime Raynaud could help fill a void.
As the NBA transitions from the postseason to the offseason, the Celtics find themselves at a potentially franchise-shaping crossroads.
The roster will almost certainly look different next year, and it’s possible it could look dramatically different.
There’s always a chance the Celtics will trade their picks as part of a major blockbuster that shakes up the basketball world. If they elect to keep them, they’ll have the 28th and 32nd selections Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens has a knack for finding gems later in the NBA Draft. Here are 10 players the Celtics could target with those picks, in alphabetical order.
Koby Brea, Kentucky SG/SF
If the Celtics have to part ways with Sam Hauser, Brea could be an ideal replacement to complement Baylor Scheierman. A career 43.5 percent 3-point shooter with a quick release and limitless range, he could provide a spark off the bench for years to come. Defense is a question mark, but like Hauser, he’s someone who’s always fine-tuning and steadily improving his game.
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida PG
Clayton is a tricky one. At first glance, his measurables aren’t that impressive (6’2, 199 pounds, 6’4 wingspan, and 8’1.5 standing reach), but Clayton has a unique swagger and clutch component to his game like Kemba Walker. He steered the Gators to a national championship this past spring, hitting a steady stream of big-time shots with everything on the line. The Celtics could use another backup point guard, and Clayton may be worth a shot.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton C
Kalkbrenner was one of the absolute best players in college basketball this past year. He increased his scoring average all five seasons, finishing with 19.2 points along with 8.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his last run with the Bluejays. Lateral mobility is a legitimate concern, but like with Donovan Clingan or Zach Edey, you can’t teach height. Plus, don’t sleep on his surprisingly solid range, defensive instincts, or basketball IQ. He would certainly relish the chance to reunite with his former teammate Scheierman.
Chaz Lanier, Tennessee SG
Lanier (6’4, 199 pounds) is a bit of an in-between size, but he’s a lethal shooter and plays hard defensively. He averaged 18 points and shot 39.5 percent from 3 last year and was a critical part of one of the best defenses in the country. Lanier’s the type of player who should earn his way onto a roster because of his work ethic, then once he gets comfortable, the shots will start to fall.
Drake Powell, North Carolina SG/SF
With tremendous instincts and anticipation, Powell (6’6, 195) has a chance to blossom into an elite NBA defender. He also shot 37.9 percent from 3-point range last year as a freshman and could emerge as a legit two-way player. Think Aaron Nesmith, in terms of a long-term project with upside that may take some time but could yield fruitful results.
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford PF/C
Raynaud, a 7-foot-1-inch force from France, averaged 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks for Stanford last year. He moves well for his size, excels in the pick and roll, and is also a 3-point threat. Raynaud has a high floor and high ceiling, and if he’s still available, the Celtics shouldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Will Riley, Illinois SF
Much like Jayson Tatum was in 2017, Riley is “only 19” with tremendous upside. At 6 feet, 8 inches, 180 pounds, he’s long, athletic, and should be able to bulk up in the years to come. He averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last year at Illinois, including a 22-point performance in a tournament triumph over Xavier that offered a glimpse into his true potential.
Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest SG
Sallis began his career at Gonzaga before transferring to Wake Forest and emerging as a star. He’s a reliable slasher and athletic finisher at the rim who can match up with guards or bigger forwards as needed. The 22-year-old Sallis may not have as much upside as some players on this list, but his floor may be among the highest in the group.
Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm PG
Saraf, a crafty and enticing 6-foot-6-inch point lefty point guard, plays with pizzazz and has a little Beno Udrih in him. A clever passer who keeps his opponents guessing, he could mesh nicely with Boston’s shooters and help the Celtics play with pace. He could also allow Payton Pritchard to play off-ball more and free him up for open looks.
Danny Wolf, Michigan PF/C
Wolf is one of the more intriguing players in this year’s draft. With some Kelly Olynyk and some Boris Diaw, he’s a heck of a passer and playmaker. He’s a tough one to gauge, because he could end up as a Franz Wagner-like star on a good team, or he could end up struggling to find a home. The risk may be worth it because of his unique skill set.
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