Weekly mock draft roundup - who do the Celtics take at 6 and 17?
Somehow, the draft is now only one week away. The Celtics continue to host pre-draft workouts in Waltham in preparation of what we all expect to be a huge night.
As they have all season, mock drafts are shifting around like crazy. We even learned earlier today that Joel Embiid, who most favor to be the top selection, has a broken foot and will need surgery, which should cause him to fall.
Last week, three different mock drafts had the Celtics taking six different players between their two first-round picks. This week there seems to be a bit more consensus, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot of change.
Chad Ford, ESPN insider:
6th pick: Aaron Gordon (Arizona, freshman)
17th pick: Zach LaVine (UCLA, freshman)
Gordon has been Ford's pick here for a while. Original reports were that the Celtics were 'locked in' on him, but now some other options are opening up. A few players seem plausible with the sixth pick, but with that said, a source close to the team said that Gordon's workout stood out above the others. He is still a very safe bet with the sixth pick.
LaVine is becoming a hot name with the 17th pick. He is one of the best athletes in the draft because of his size for a guard and his ability to play both backcourt positions. He has all the physical potential to be a star, the rest of his abilities just need to develop. If the Celtics came out of the draft with these two, they would be getting two of the best three athletes in the draft (with Andrew Wiggins being the best). There is risk involved, but if both players were to reach their ceilings they would be a scary duo.
DraftExpress.com:
6th pick: Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State, sophomore)
17th pick: Zach LaVine (UCLA, freshman)
Any scenario where I see Danny Ainge using both picks on guards makes me question how likely that actually is -- especially two players who advertise themselves as point guards. Since Rajon Rondo is still here it doesn't make much sense, unless of course Rondo were to be traded.
If these are the two players picked, I think it would be safe to say that the C's not only fail to land Kevin Love, but also move Rondo for a combination of draft picks and young players. Smart would likely play the point guard while LaVine would move off the ball. That's a young team with Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and the return Ainge gets from the Rondo trade. However, if it developed to its full potential, it would be a scary team.
The keys would be in the hands of the young Marcus Smart. I attended the media portion of his pre-draft workout last Friday -- Brad Stevens not only holds high expectations for him, but believes he is a great leader. Smart was by far the best interview in the workout session, check out the piece here.
NBAdraft.net:
6th pick: Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State, sophomore)
17th pick: Kyle Anderson (UCLA, sophomore)
Welcome to a new name, Kyle Anderson. 17 is probably a reach on Anderson, but he proved he could fill it up in college. He averaged 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists as a sophomore for a talented UCLA team. He has the ability to be a well rounded NBA player at the small forward position. Combine that with a do-it-all player like Smart, and the Celtics come out of the draft with two semi-experienced players that are NBA ready.
This draft just continues to get more interesting. You can check out my latest mock for WEEI.com here as well (pre-Embiid injury), and stay tuned for more mock updates each week here at Celtics Life.
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Sources: Chad Ford - ESPN insider, DraftExpress.com, NBAdraft.net, WEEI.com
