Mar 24, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Kris Joseph (32) reacts in the first half of the finals in the east region of the 2012 NCAA men

Kris Joseph fell all the way to pick 51 on Thursday night, and Celtics fans have a lot to be excited about with Joseph.  The 6’7″ Syracuse alum has the potential to some day be an NBA starter.  His scoring prowess is undeniable, and he has an 8’8″ reach and 6’11″ wingspan.

His profile on NBA.com lists his strengths as being a great athlete, an explosive finisher, having a well rounded game, and an improved 3 point shot.  It says, however, that he must find consistency, aggressiveness, and learn how to hit the boards.  The NBA projection warns that some didn’t see Joseph being drafted at all, but he was 2nd team All American and led the Syracuse Orange in scoring, putting up 13.4 points per game in the Big East, one of the toughest conferences year in and year out.  He’s the first Canadian ever to earn All Big East First team, and NBA.com went as far as to compare his upside to Wilson Chandler.

“He’s come up big lately.  I think he’s starting to be more aggressive in every game,” Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said.  Joseph said he knew he wasn’t going to be counted on to put up 20 every night, but in the NBA, if the role called for it, he could.

He’s going to benefit a lot playing behind Paul Pierce as he learns the tricks of the trade from a true Celtics legend in “The Truth.”  Pierce should be able to impart some wisdom to Joseph that will allow the naturally gifted athlete to eventually flourish in the NBA, and hopefully on the Celtics.