2013 NBA Draft: Who should Boston not "pass" over?
The Celtics certainly need size, but they also need someone who can handle the ball. If there was one thing to take away from Boston's first round exit, it's that without Rajon Rondo the Celtics have no one to take care of the ball and need a legit point guard on the bench. Also, if Avery Bradley does not improve offensively, Boston could be looking for a backup plan at shootig guard.
It's hard to imagine Boston using their first round pick for a player who won't see much playing time when Rondo returns or will be a platoon player at best, but it's a glaring need nonetheless.
Archie Goodwin - SG, Kentucky, 18, 6'5", 195 lbs.
Goodwin has all the physical attributes to be a very good SG in the league with his 6'5" height and ridiculous 6'10" wingspan. He would be a great running mate of Rondo's as he is fast and a good finisher around the basket. At 18 years old, he still has much to learn and will need to bulk up to battle against the bigger two-guards in the league. His shot also needs work and the Celtics may not want to draft another shooting guard who can't shoot, but if Danny Ainge is playing the long game and is building assets for the future, Goodwin could be a great piece.
Shane Larkin - PG, Miami, 20, 5'11", 162 lbs.
Larkin had a breakout performance this year and was a major reason Miami had a two-seed in the championship tournament. Speed and quickness are Larkin's best attributes and he can also knock down a jumper. He's not a bad passer, but needs to improve to be a legit point guard in the NBA. Size is his biggest weakness and will impact his finishing at the rim. Larkin is all over the mock draft boards from top 10 pick to second round, but odds are he will be available at 16. If the Celtics want a guy who can take care of the ball while Rondo rests, Larkin is a servicable pick.
Allen Crabbe - SG, California, 21, 6'6", 205 lbs
Crabbe is a scorer and a good catch and shoot player who could pick up where Ray Allen left off in terms of Doc Rivers' scheme of using shooters off screens and setting up outside the three-point line. He also has a quick release which never hurts. His defense is decent and should only get better, but he's not a great ball handler, so this would be an insurance pick for Bradley or for a bench scorer.
Dennis Schroeder - PG, Braunschweig, 19, 6'1", 180 lbs.
Schroeder has burst onto the scene after going under the rader playing in Europe. He has great handles, quickness and works well in both half-court and transition. He's excellent at reading the floor and can knock down a shot. If the Celtics are really looking for a backup point guard or a replacement for Rajon Rondo and Schroeder is available, he's a no-brainer pick.
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