Celtics Draft Need: Rebounder

The Boston Celtics need to add a rebounder through the draft this year

In the 2016 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics will be doing a lot of thinking and perhaps even dealing. The Celtics own three first-round picks and will be able to address some needs with those picks.

As a team, Boston ranks eighth league wide in rebounds per game with 53.3. That isn’t a bad total at all, especially considering that both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors sit behind them. The problem is that they only have three players averaging more than five boards a game, Jae Crowder (5.1), Amir Johnson (6.2), and Jared Sullinger (8.6). Johnson has a team option this off-season, while Sully is a restricted free agent. Rebounding isn’t a need for Boston, but a rebounder is.

Jakob Poeltl, Utah, C, Sophomore, 7’0:

The big Aussie entered the season as a projected late lottery pick, but has now he has put himself in top seven consideration. Poeltl leads the NCAA in PER at 36.2 and is averaging 17.6 points and nine rebounds per game.

According to the Utes’ website, the big man is 248 pounds. For somebody of his size he is very agile. He makes it seem easy getting open looks. His combination of size, footwork, and soft hands lead many to believe he is a top 3 rebounder in this year’s class.

His main weaknesses are that of a typical center, free throw shooting and passing. If he can polish those skills he will be a factor on any NBA roster.

NBA comparison: Andrew Bogut

Ivan Rabb, Cal, PF, Freshman, 6’10

Rabb is an athletic forward that has a very well-rounded skill set. A smooth stroke from mid-range, an explosive step that can carry him to the rack, an efficient rebounder, and a skilled defender. Rabb, like most prospects, needs to add weight to succeed in the NBA. Personally, I feel he is one of the most versatile players in the draft, but at the same time has plenty of room for development.

NBA comparisons: Ed Davis, Chris Bosh

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Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga, PF, Sophomore, 6’11

Sabonis is the son of NBA Hall of Famer, Arvydas Sabonis. During his freshman year, most of his minutes came off the bench and he still managed to lead the Bulldogs in rebounding with 7.1 per game, while putting up 9.7 points.

This year, as a starter, Sabonis lifted his averages to 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per contest, good enough for fifth nationwide. He has strength and stamina, both of which help him excel in the post.

His weakness is his athleticism. He simply isn’t quick, doesn’t have a high vertical reach, and his foot step isn’t up to par. He will probably not be a starter due to his weaknesses, but he does make for a strong backup, good for the 24^th overall pick.

Player Comparison: Enes Kanter

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My pick here would be Rabb. I like the style of Poeltl, but his ceiling is not that high in my opinion. Sabonis is a solid pick at #24, but Rabb has too much upside to pass on with the Mavericks’ pick.