How Can The Celtics Effectively Use Their Second Round Picks
By Ian Riaf
There are many talented players projected to go in the second round of the draft, who could help the Celtics.
Looking ahead to the 2017 NBA draft, the Celtics are the best positioned team for the future. While still in the playoffs, the Celtics secured the first pick of this year’s draft, which is said to possess a lot of top tier talent. Many of the top picks could become future franchise players.
The Celtics not only have the first pick but they also have three in the second round. While little attention has been paid to the later picks in this draft, there are many talented players who could help the Celtics in the rebounding and rim protecting department. Even though the Celtics might use the strategy of choosing the best player available for their top pick, they can be a bit more selective for their later round picks.
While the Celtics have a fairly deep rotation, they could be looking to part ways with various free agents such as Jonas Jerebko, Amir Johnson, Gerald Green and James Young. If the Celtics do not pickup Amir Johnson’s contract they will simply not have a capable rim protector coming off the bench.
So who are some talented rim protectors the Celtics could pick up in the second round of the draft?
Johnathan Motley
At 6’9″ with a 7’4″ wing span, Motley is a force to be reckoned with. He is lean but has an NBA ready build at 230 pounds. He is known for being both a high energy rim protector and a skilled finisher. His defensive versatility while at Baylor allowed him to step out and guard multiple positions. He is known for being aggressive on the offensive glass, a category the Celtics also need to improve. Motley’s NBA comparison would be a player such as Noah Vonleh or a Dewayne Dedmon.
Semi Ojeleye
Out of SMU, Ojelye is ranked as the second best junior in this draft. He possesses many skills that could translate immediately over to the NBA game. One of these skills is his ability to defend both on the perimeter and in the interior. At 6’7”, 235 pounds, Ojelye’s frame makes it difficult for defenders of any height to push him around.
He also brings a polished offensive game as he can stretch the floor but also use his strong center of gravity to post up smaller defenders. While predictions show he might go late in the first round, the Celtics would be smart to pick him up if he slips into the second round. Motley’s NBA comparison would be a player such as Draymond Green or a Jae Crowder.
Cameron Oliver
Similar to Ojeleye and Motley, Oliver is not the traditional height for an NBA center. He is 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan. Oliver is a bonafide defender as he ranked 13th in college hoops in blocks per game. In addition to his rim protecting abilities, Oliver is a skilled rebounder, averaging close to nine rebounds per game last year. Oliver can play the three through the five spot as he is very versatile on defense. He draws comparisons to the likes of Kenneth Faried and Taj Gibson.
The Celtics need athleticism at the four and five spot. Motley, Oliver, and Ojeleye are not the only rim protectors in the draft but they are three capable players who could provide the Celtics with rebounding and defensive intensity coming off the bench. Look for the Celtics to target one of these players with one of their second round picks.