Initial Draft Reactions For The Boston Celtics
By Alex Eddy
The Boston Celtics never pulled the trigger, but have a lot of picks to be excited about
The Boston Celtics ultimately decided to take the Duke freshman, Jayson Tatum, with the third overall pick in the draft. The Celtics have not had a perimeter offensive threat with Tatum’s offensive skill set since the days of Paul Pierce.
For now, it seems as though the Celtics will hold onto Tatum. Tatum has the talent and the tools to be a star, and will be able to contribute much more offensively than a Jae Crowder or Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics also had three second round selections. They took SMU’s Semi Ojeleye with the 37th pick. Ojeleye is a physical specimen who had a sensational season from 3-point range this past year.
The Celtics took a pair of seniors in Arizona’s Kadeem Allen and Cal’s Jabari Bird with the 53rd and 56th picks respectively. Allen has great leadership qualities, is vocal, and works extremely hard when on the court. He has a 6’9″ wingspan at the point guard position, and is an unbelievable competitor with a fantastic motor.
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Defensively, he fits right in with the Celtics. Bird is a former top 25 ESPN recruit and McDonald’s All-American, who never panned out at California. He never transpired into the player that many thought he was capable of being. Known for his perimeter shooting, Bird never was consistent enough with his jump shot over the course of his four years in Berkeley.
All three second round picks will have to fight and compete for a spot on the Celtics’ roster. The Celtics decided to take three experienced players with their second round selections after taking the young Tatum in the first round.
The Celtics did a great job with Tatum, and he has star potential written all over him. He has great size at the small forward position, and will even play some stretch four. Ojeleye was a solid pick as well, especially with Ojeleye being a late first round talent.
Next: Top Five Options for Celtics at 3
As for Allen and Bird, the Celtics took two seasoned players that will come in and compete right away, regardless if they make the roster or not. Overall, the Celtics did a good (and relatively safe) job on draft night.