Now that the NBA Draft is over, let’s take a look at the newest additions to the Celtics for next year. Considering they had two late first round picks, and a 51st pick in the second round, I think the Celtics came away with three good players.
Jared Sullinger
Throughout the last week or so, Sullinger dropped significantly in mock drafts due to back issues, but I would have thought one team would have taken the risk and drafted him before the Celtics did.
From what I heard on draft night, Sullinger is going to be like Glen Davis, but with more skills on the offensive end. His defense will have to improve, but if KG returns next season, he will have a new student to teach in Jared Sullinger. Like everyone, his back is a concern, but from what I hear he may or may not need surgery, it just depends on how bad his condition is.
The Celtics had to take Sullinger because of his potential. If he can stay healthy, he could be a steal for us. He brings size, scoring down on the post, and length which is exactly what the team needed.
In his two games at the TD Garden during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight, Sullinger posted some good numbers. Versus Cincinnati, he had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Against Syracuse he scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
According to sources, the Celtics got a good look at Sullinger while he was in Boston during the NCAA Tournament. Amazingly three months later, they got their man.
I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table. I think if his back doesn’t give him problems, he could see a lot of minutes next season. I’m looking forward to seeing him play during the summer league, and from there we may get a preview of what we’re going to see from him in the years to come.
Fab Melo
With the Celtics second pick in the first round, they selected 7 foot center Fab Melo. At first I wasn’t really excited about drafting Melo because of his immaturity at times. But what better team is there for him to mature and learn from veterans?
I like what he could bring to the team. He’s a good low post defender, and he’s 7 feet which cannot be taught. Having a duo of Sullinger and Melo in the front court excites me. We finally have size and hopefully these two can become a dynamic force in the paint.
Melo may be more of a project than Sullinger, but if he reaches his full potential we may have a solid front line in a few years.
Kris Joseph
Kris Joseph will join his former Syracuse teammate Fab Melo after the Celtics drafted him late in the second round.
I’m very surprised he didn’t get selected earlier. Joseph is a decent basketball player who was the lead scorer for Syracuse this season.
When it comes to Joseph, I don’t really know his game and what he brings, unlike Melo and Sullinger. So I’ll leave it to the experts to explain his strengths.
NBADraft.net on Kris Joseph’s upside
"Excellent frame and length for the small forward position- measured in with a 6’11 wingspan and 8’7.5 standing reach at the pre-draft combine. Looks the part of an NBA swingman, with well above average physical tools and agility. He bulked up significantly during his four years at Syracuse without adding much extra weight. Primary scoring option on a balanced elite eight team during his senior season (13.4 PPG). At his best in the slashing game where he can gather momentum without the dribble. Improved strength, body control and right/left hand aptitude allows him to complete plays around the rim. Dramatically improved in the mid-range game knocking down pull jumpers after a few power dribbles. Needs to get his legs underneath the shot and go straight up- not efficient when forced to drift horizontally. Solid base, good elevation. 35% three-point shooter, most of the standstill variety. Accuracy from deep is night and day from two short years ago (22%). Confident dribble/driver with dominant right hand. Long strider. Smooth repertoire with just enough herky jerky to keep opponents off balance. For better or worse, does not step out of his comfort zone on the court. Committed under a turnover per game last season. Length wreaked havoc in 2-3 zone, consistently getting deflections and jumping passing lanes (1.4 SPG). Projects as a versatile defender possessing size, athleticism and lateral quickness."
Overall
After looking at what the Celtics had to work with on draft night, I think they did an excellent job in finding players that could play immediately, including Joseph. I would have preferred them drafting Perry Jones III, but the Celtics chose need over talent this year.
Let’s hope that Danny Ainge once again had a successful draft, and all three of our new rookies have long and very productive careers in Boston.