Report Card: Boston Celtics Draft
By Jeremy Karll
Celtics & Grizzlies Trade
A blockbuster trade never took place for the Celtics involving the third pick, however, they were able to strike up a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round. Boston sent Memphis the rights to the 31st and 35th picks in the draft for the Los Angeles Clippers 2019 protected first round pick.
The pick is lottery protected in both 2019 and 2020 but will turn into a second round pick in 2022 if not sent by then. The Grizzlies got back arguably the steal of the draft in Deyonta Davis and also Rade Zagorac.
It was a questionable move to say the least for the Celtics as there is no guarantee they will get a first round pick out of this deal. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are both free agents next off-season and it’s not a sure bet that they’ll stay with the Clippers. That could cause the Clippers to go downhill very fast and miss the playoffs both seasons.
Also, Deyonta Davis was easily a first round talent that many believed should have been selected in the lottery and possibly in the top-10. He’s still very raw but has the potential to become a dominating big man in the NBA. He should’ve stayed at Michigan State for another season, although, the Grizzlies could have walked away with the steal of the draft.
Next: Celtics Come Up Big in Second Round
I understand that they couldn’t keep all eight picks, but this seemed like a questionable trade when a lottery talent player fell into their laps in the second round.
Grade: D