Should we really be expecting the Celtics to move up in the draft?
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| Portis is among the top prospects to visit Boston. |
With Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins in place and having taken Nik Stauskas last season, the Kings could pass on a slew of top-notch wings and frontcourt types and deal the pick to a team like Boston in order to acquire more assets. The Celtics roster features several skilled young bigs, but none with the ability to anchor a defense like Cauley-Stein. He’ll thrive alongside a solid guard corps and help push Boston’s rebuild forward.
The ongoing Cauley-Stein to Boston rumors have been floating around for quite some time, as have reports of the C's interest in trading up. But why are we so convinced that this is the case? Scott Souza of the MetroWest Daily News made a great point yesterday:
Judging by all names #Celtics have brought in last 6 draft workouts, agents not exactly willing to buy that they are poised to trade up.
— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) June 3, 2015
Through two weeks of pre-draft workouts, Boston has yet to take a look at any potential lottery picks. In fact, the Celtics have barely even had a glimpse of anyone who might be chosen at No. 16:
Seems likely #Celtics top pick June 25 has not yet stepped foot in Waltham. Anderson, Hollis-Jefferson. Portis possible of those who have.
— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) June 3, 2015
Obviously this could all change next week, but it's something to think about. And who knows, maybe the C's are leaning in the other direction and considering trading down? Austin Ainge jokingly hinted as much back on Day 1 of workouts:
Austin Ainge referenced Bill Belichick's draft strategy when asked about the Celtics potentially moving up: pic.twitter.com/hwAVD8Hu3F
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) May 27, 2015
Follow Mark Vandeusen on Twitter @LucidSportsFan
