Don’t get me wrong, I think the Celtics are really good right now.
I mean, how else could they win 16-straight games? Still, for the Celts to build a long-term plan of success they need to continue to add talented players.
After years of being a possible free-agent destination, the C’s are practically all locked up financially. This leaves one clear avenue to acquire talent — the draft. Luckily, Danny Ainge prepared for this and has stockpiled picks for years to come. Of all of these picks, the Lakers 2018 protected draft pick is the most crucial.
The Celtics acquired the Lakers pick in a deal with the 76ers, which gave Philly into Markelle Fultz for Jayson Tatum and the pick. However, Philadelphia added protections on the pick only allowing it go to Boston if it falls between 2-5. For the Celtics, it’s absolutely pivotal that this happens.
Boston is actually pretty loaded at every position. Well, that is except for one: center. While
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Horford can play center, he is much more comfortable as a power forward and although Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis have impressed, they aren’t on that superstar level. The 2018 draft is loaded with ultra-talented big men.
Now, I know that Brad Stevens preaches “position-less” basketball, however there is almost always at least one big man on the floor for the C’s. So, adding one of these elite prospects would be significant for the team.
If the Celtics are able to land Los Angeles’ pick they will have the luxury of choosing from the “cream of the crop.” This pool of talented big men include Duke’s Marvin Bagley III, Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton, and Texas’ Mo Bamba.
Each of these prospects are former 5-star prospects coming out of high school, and have not disappointed at the next level. In limited time they have flashed their extremely diverse skill-set complete with post moves, midrange game, and 3-point range. While the 3 are similar in many ways, they each have unique strengths that the others lack. Bagley has guard-like qualities, Ayton is a master in the low post and Bamba may be the best shot-blocker in the country.
Most importantly all of the big men have the ability to be franchise-changing players. Adding any of these big men to the Celts would complete their team. Pairing one of these young, talented big men along side Al Horford would be a tall task for any team to defend.
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This it isn’t to say that the likes of Michael Porter Jr. and Luka Doncic won’t be on the team’s radar. Both prospects are extremely talented in their own right, but I believe the C’s will be more focused on getting a big man.
Now we just need to pray the Lakers struggle for the majority of the season.