Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated tweeted:

“Source says Iowa State F Royce White does not have a promise from Boston.”

Either way, the Celtics obviously seem interested. So lets take a look at Royce White and see what he could possibly bring to the Boston Celtics.

Who is Royce White?

White is a 6’8″, 261 lb small forward/power forward from Iowa State. In his sophomore year, White lead his team in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks.

To do that playing at a big school like Iowa State, he must be really good.

Like Jared Sullinger, White has been red flagged, but for different reasons. White suffers from anxiety when having to fly, and he’s had a few off the court issues. His anxiety can always be dealt with, and if he can stay out of trouble, he may be a very good draft choice.

Offense

Offensively, White is a jack of all trades. He can play in the post, drive to the basket, take an outside shot, can set up the offense, and can dish the ball. In these days, he’d be known as a point-forward in the NBA.

He can run the fast break, and surprisingly for some his size, he can start and finish in transition. From what I see he has all the tools to become a good offensive player. Like I said earlier, he’s just got to stay in line, and improve on his anxiety problems.

Defense

On defense, White can matchup against most power forwards. While he did lead his team in blocks, its unlikely he’ll get as many at the next level considering most of the other power forwards in the league are bigger.

He’s an exceptional defensive rebounder, and for someone who’s going up against players 2 to 3 inches taller down in the paint, its quite impressive that he grabs so many boards.

Overall

I think Royce White could become a really good ball player. He won’t much of a project on the court since he’s developed enough to play right away. His off the court issues are my only concern, but if he can stay out of trouble and doesn’t let his anxiety of flying hinder him, then he’d be worth drafting.

About a week and a half ago, sources came out reporting that Sullinger had some back issues, and was medically red flagged. It was said that all NBA teams were aware of this before that report became public. Right now, it looks like Danny Ainge is one person who is willing to take a chance on him. Seeing that this year the Celtics have 2 first round draft picks, it might be worth taking the risk.

Who Is Jared Sullinger?

Sullinger is a 6’9″, 268 lb power forward from Ohio State. In his sophomore year, he averaged 17.5 points per game, and 9.3 rebounds.

Some people may call him “undersized” to be playing at power forward, but his weight alone will make it very hard for opposing players to score on him.

Offense

Offensively, Sullinger is mostly found down on the post. He’s got exceptional post moves and is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. If I could compare him to someone, he’d be like Glen Davis, but more skilled when it comes to playing in the interior.

One thing that Sullinger has trouble with is transition offense. He’s not very quick on the fast break, but neither was Kendrick Perkins, and the Celtics made that work.

All the Celtics need is a guy who just plays in the post. Most of the points they scored this season were outside the paint. If the Celtics can get a low post threat like Sullinger, his lack of speed on fast break opportunities won’t really matter.

Defense

Defensively, Sullinger will struggle when faced against more athletic power forwards. Because of his weight issues, faster players can easily get by him when he is playing defense at the top of the key. Even though he’s never played center, I think he’d be a better defender if he covered slower, bigger players. Sullinger is very strong, and in the past, when smaller, stronger forwards play center, they cause matchup problems for opposing teams.

Sullinger is a great rebounder, which like I’ve said many times before, it would be huge if the Celtics can get a player who rebounds. He uses his size and strength to grab boards, and if can just do small things like that, he’d be a great asset to the team.

Overall

Personally, if Jared Sullinger is available at the 21st pick, I say take him. To acquire a player with his talent and potential without even trading up would be a steal in this year’s draft.

I don’t mind if he doesn’t run the floor that well, we can leave that to Rondo, Bradley, and the quicker forwards.

Knowing Danny Ainge, I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes the gamble on taking Sullinger. Ainge has made a living off drafting players that most teams overlook. If Sullinger can stay healthy, and his back won’t be a major issue, I think he’d be a great draft choice in the first round.

Recently, Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe reported the Celtics are looking to move up in the draft and they have a specific player they’d like to go after. Supposedly, the Celtics want Harrison Barnes from the University of North Carolina.

Like in all rumors, I’d take this with a grain of salt, but its worth noting since Bob Ryan isn’t the only person mentioning the possibility of the Celtics trading their picks.

Andy Katz of ESPN would be surprised if the keep both picks in this year’s draft.

I’ll be surprised if Boston keeps both 21 and 22, but the Celtics need to make sure there is a palatable trade. This is a huge summer for Boston’s two 2011 draft picks, Purdue’s E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson, who didn’t get a chance to play much as rookies.

Seeing that there are multiple sources reporting this, its possible that we may see the Celtics move up. With this draft being as deep as it is, the talent level, and potential in this year’s class, trading up would be a great move by the Celtics.

I personally believe that if they can get into the top 10 picks, they’ll find their next franchise player, or at worst a very decent player who they could trade for an established star.

As time has gone on, it’s becoming quite clear that Danny Ainge wants to trade up to get a better quality player player. At what cost is he willing to get the player he wants? Thats unclear. But if he can pull off a deal without moving one of the main pieces of the team, then it will be possible to rebuild on the fly.