Report: Celtics may attempt to move up in draft to snatch Darius Garland
Jonathan Givony of Draft Express has reported that the Boston Celtics may be one of several NBA teams looking to move up in the draft to snatch Vanderbilt's Darius Garland. Garland only played five games last season before going down with a meniscus injury. He is a 6'3", 174-pound guard whose best attribute is his shooting prowess.
Darius Garland will conduct a last-minute workout in Tarrytown with the New York Knicks tomorrow, a source told ESPN. Garland is in serious consideration for the No. 3 pick. Minnesota, Boston, Chicago are teams looking at potentially trading up to No. 4 with Garland in mind.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 18, 2019
Most mock drafts have Darius being taken at the #3 or #4 slot. He averaged 16.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG and 2.6 APG in his lone season at Vanderbilt, hitting 54% of his field goals and 48% of his 3-pointers. He is an excellent and tricky ball handler, changing speeds in an instant. Despite the mere 2.6 assists per game, he is an able passer and continues to improve in that part of his game. Without making skill comparisons, his quick shot release is reminiscent of Steph Curry's, as is his frame.
It is far from clear what package Danny Ainge would offer to the Pelicans to move up to #4 in Thursday's draft. Should Kyrie Irving depart for Brooklyn, acquiring Garland would be a major coup for Danny, depending on what he gives up in the transaction. Only two days to draft time.
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