Boston Celtics Draft Profile: Furkan Korkmaz
Another potential international draft target for the Boston Celtics, Furkan Korkmaz could be exactly what they are looking for on the offensive end, especially as a late first round draft pick. All the issues of sample size and level of competition will make Korkmaz a difficult player to gauge, but if they are looking to improve their offense, then he could be a difference maker in the near future.
The biggest problem with whether or not the Celtics will seriously consider Korkmaz is his defense. The Celtics will have to flip the script by selecting an NBA ready scorer who has a lot of developing to do on the defensive end.
Particularly with his size, the Celtics would love to be able to use the 6’7 guard at the small forward position. That, however, will require a significant defensive boost considering it is backing up the most important defender on the team, Jae Crowder.
Korkmaz is one of the youngest players in the draft and he will need time to add to his frame and develop on the defensive end. That being said, he has shown some of the tools necessary to being a productive defender for the Celtics.
Korkmaz is a long ways away from having the size and frame to be a formidable defender in the paint, but his quick hands and defensive activity could make him a great fit with a unit that flourishes with steals. Korkmaz may not be able to hold his own in one on one half court defense but turnovers have been absolutely crucial to the Celtics and that alone would be enough to get him minutes.
Korkmaz would be a project for the Celtics that needs time before he can take over a significant role, but he has the exact kind of high end potential that they are in desperate need of on the offensive end. The Celtics have enough picks that they can afford to take players that will need to spend time overseas or in the D League.
That being said, if Korkmaz can prove that is incredible scoring ability can translate into Stevens’ system, then he may have a role right away. Especially if Turner is lost to free agency, the Celtics are going to need an offensive instigator with the second unit. And Korkmaz has an arsenal that absolutely dwarfs Turner’s mid range game.
It is incredibly difficult to gauge Korkmaz’s results and statistics. All of it is in small sample size and it is unrealistic to project much from them. That being said, the potential appears to be unlimited. A willing three point shooter has shown the ability to stretch the floor and, thus far, he is expected to be a knock down three point shooter at any level.
Korkmaz’s versatility is what makes him most appealing. Three point shooting is the Celtics’ most glaring offensive need, but they need more offensive instigators and more players that can be trusted to hit any opportunities, rather than be limited by one specialty.
Stevens needs to use someone like Turner in a specific way in order to get the results he needs. With Korkmaz, Stevens should have all the options he needs when it comes to getting him involved on the offensive end and he could terrorize defenses who will try to anticipate how he will attack.
The shooting is what is most valuable to the Celtics. They are looking to cut out mid range shots but there is no reason to doubt Korkmaz’s potential to be a trustworthy option when it comes to hitting open shots anywhere on the court.
Korkmaz also has the aggressiveness and awareness that the Celtics try to get out of all their players on offense. In order to maintain their pace the Celtics need willing shooters, but they need to avoid taking bad shots.
It will get a lot more difficult at the next level and it will certainly be a part of his development but signs are pointing to Korkmaz having the kind of awareness that will allow him to be as efficient and effective as possible. And, with his remarkable shooing ability, fearing he will not shoot enough is far from a concern.
Where the Celtics would draft Korkmaz is a bit of a mystery. As it would be with any 18 year old european player, it is maddening to try and gauge where Korkmaz is and the same goes for his draft stock. This is where the Celtics 8 total picks come in handy. If they believe in the high end offensive potential of Korkmaz, then they will certainly have multiple opportunities to pick him.
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The Celtics have been setting a trend by drafting NBA ready defenders and have done a phenomenal job in that area, but they need to address more pressing needs. With Korkmaz’s potential to be a truly complete offensive player while being productive on the defensive end, he is the kind of player the Celtics need to be willing to take a risk on. At such a young age Korkmaz would have an opportunity to be developed in a system that has found offense in far less talented players and that would allow Stevens to figure out how to get the most out of what could be one of the most complete offensive arsenals on the Celtics.