Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics Draft Profile: Malachi Richardson

By Joshua Bateman

Mar 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts to scoring during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers in the championship game of the midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts to scoring during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers in the championship game of the midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Any guard selected by the Boston Celtics in the upcoming draft will be hard pressed to get much playing time. Even if Evan Turner leaves in free agency, the Celtics have already made it clear that they are comfortable with Terry Rozier filling in as a backup guard. The Celtics have all kinds of guard depth, but that does not mean that they will pass up on a great player because of their position.

Malachi Richardson is a potential mid first round draft target for the Celtics that may have the tools he needs to find a way into the rotation. It will be incredibly difficult for any defensive liability to have any kind of role, and Richardson could immediately have an impact on that end.

He has great size for a two guard and a monstrous wingspan will allow him to fit in with an incredibly disruptive second unit. Richardson combines his length with great movement and phenomenal effort, and that is exactly what someone needs to succeed on defense with the Celtics.

Richardson will fit in just fine on the defensive end and he will have a lot of opportunities to create turnovers. With great perimeter defense all around him, Richardson will be able to take advantage of a lot of mistakes, and if he fights for the 50/50 balls the way the rest of the Celtics do, then he will earn his way to a significant role.

The Celtics have drafted more NBA ready defensive guards in previous years. Richardson may not quite be at the level of Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier, but he is already better on the offensive end, while having the potential on the defensive end..

There are consistency issues but the Celtics are used to players going cold on offense. Stevens will make sure that Richardson does not rely too heavily on the jumpshot, allowing him to take advantage in more than one way on the offensive end. He is comfortable in one on one , but that could change quickly once he gets to the NBA. Stevens will need to be able to evaluate how Richardson needs to attack in order to be the most effective.

That’s not to take anything away from his capabilities as a shooter. He may be inconsistent, but 35.3% from three point range is a good sign. It is surprising to see his overall shooting percentage just under 40%, but that could quickly improve with the Celtics.

The Celtics should have better floor spacing next season and with the way they move the ball, Richardson will have a lot of room to create good offensive opportunities. He is likely to remain an off ball player but he can sustain their ball movement. Richardson has not been the most willing passer. 2.1 assists per game could be seen as low for a guard, but Richardson’s ability to pass cannot be denied. In an Avery Bradley type role, shot selection is much more important to the offense than assist numbers.

Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) shoots defended by North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) and Marcus Paige (5) during the second half in the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) shoots defended by North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) and Marcus Paige (5) during the second half in the 2016 NCAA Men /

Stevens may need time before he can get Richardson fully integrated into a system where he will need to always play fast while being able to decide when he has a good enough of an opportunity to take a shot. That being said, if he can get comfortable, then his efficiency will certainly go up, and he could prove incredible value as an offensive player maker and defender.

It’s hard to imagine Richardson ever having a shot as the starting unit, but the Celtics need more offense from their backup guards and Richardson can bring that without hurting them too much in other areas.

With both Turner and Bradley’s future uncertain, the Celtics need to make sure they keep their core of guards as strong as possible. Richardson may need to spend time in the D league, but at just 20 years old he has time to grow and develop before taking over a significant role with the Celtics.

He also offers the kind of position versatility that Stevens would love on his bench. With his length there is no doubting he could play the small forward position, and that would allow Stevens to continue to give Rozier the opportunities he needs to get after the season he just had.

While guard is not a priority for the Celtics, shooting and defensive stability are. They need players that will ensure they do not lose their defensive edge, while giving them a much needed offensive boost. Richardson is far from a finished product but has the potential to do just that.

The Celtics also look for a particular relentless mentality and Richardson appears to have the kind of attitude that will make him fit right in with Smart. He was a leader as a freshman at Syracuse and if he can get results on the court then he can join the true impact emotional leaders on the team.

Next: Whats Going on With Kris Dunn?

The Celtics may wind up with multiple chances to select Richardson, and if they go for a front court player with their first pick, then Richardson is certainly one of the better guards that will be available later in the first round.

Home/Celtics News