Top International Draft Prospects

This year’s draft has international prospects throughout the first and second rounds.

The 2016 NBA Draft set a record for the most players born outside of the United States to be drafted in the first round. Out the 15 prospects taken, the Boston Celtics took two of their own in Guerschon Yabusele and Ante Zizic.

The Celtics ended up stashing the two players overseas due to their jam packed roster. This year, there are talented international prospects yet again. Mostly bigs, the Celtics could be interested in one of them to stash overseas just like Yabusele and Zizic.

Here’s a look at the top international prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives to the basket during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Frank Ntilikina: PG, France

Ntilikina is a talented young point guard with an incredibly difficult name to spell. The french point guard is an exceptional athlete, and pick and roll ball handler. Ntilikina has the potential to become one of the best players in this draft if he reaches his two way potential.

The Celtics might give Ntilikina a look since they will be right around the draft range that the guard will be selected. I’m not sure if he will provoke Danny Ainge to pass on the other top point guards, but Ntilikina will be a name to watch come draft time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he shoots up draft boards and into the top five.

Lauri Markkanen: PF, Arizona

Markkanen doesn’t play overseas, but he is originally from Finland, and is a prototypical stretch big. He is a great three point shooter and ball handler for his size, but lacks athleticism and defensive instincts to be considered a top prospect.

Boston would only look at Markkanen if he has a great finish to the rest of the season and they believe he would be a great replacement for Kelly Olynyk, who might leave during free agency. Unless the Celtics decide to trade back into the first round, Markkanen is likely not happening.

Isaiah Hartenstein: PF, Germany

Hartenstein is an extremely skilled big man who can shoot, dribble, and run the floor with the best of them. I think that once teams can get a better look at him, the German big man will rise up draft boards. At 6’11”, Hartenstein has the potential to be a versatile defensive player on any team thanks to his foot speed and active hands.

Like Markkanen, Hartenstein wouldn’t be an option for the Celtics unless they traded back into the first round. With Zizic coming over from Turkey, I don’t see an immediate fit for Hartenstein on this Celtics team. However, this player is very talented, and is worth a look come draft time.

Alpha Kaba: PF, France

Kaba, who played on the same team as Sixers swing man Timothe Luwawu-Cabbarot last season, is a nice combination of size, skill, and athleticism. Kaba moves his feet very well, and gets himself a lot of easy buckets running the floor with his guards. Kaba has a solid perimeter jump shot that extends to the three point line. It’s a slow release, but if he can stretch defenses in the NBA he should have no problem getting minutes.

Kaba is projected to be a late second round pick in the draft, so the Celtics could take a flyer on a talented big man who is still polishing his game. They could stash him overseas and wait until he develops to possibly add some front court shooting and activity to their bench unit.

Michael Fusek: C, Slovak Republic

Fusek will draw a lot of attention around the league because he is 7’5″. However, Fusek moves well for his size, and could develop into a dynamic player if he maximizes his frame. He’s still a bit skinny, so he’ll need time to become NBA ready, but it’s hard to ignore that height.

Fusek is another late second round selection that Ainge could take as a low risk high reward prospect. If he doesn’t pan out then Ainge wastes an almost worthless late second rounder, but if he becomes a useful NBA player, then Ainge will look like a genius snagging a talented giant at the end of the draft.

Next: Will the Celtics Land Paul George on Draft Night?

Jonah Bolden: SF, Australia

Bolden played at UCLA last season before he backed out and decided to play international. Bolden would have been a nice addition to the Bruins with his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. At 6’9″, Bolden utilizes his great length on the defensive end, and could be a great 3-and-D wing player in the NBA if he develops.

The Celtics could look at Bolden at the end of the second round knowing that he has enough talent to be a starter on one of the best college basketball teams in the country, and how he could offer shooting and defensive versatility to the roster. Two things that Brad Stevens loves.