Boston Celtics Draft Day Sleeper: Rawle Alkins

Rawle Alkins is a player the Boston Celtics should keep their eye on

There is no doubt that Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics have established a defensive culture. When they are clicking on that side of the floor, this team is so fun to watch (remember that crazy win streak at the beginning of the year). Since the Celtics will have a late first round pick in the 2018 Draft (unfortunately we have to move on from the Lakers pick), one particular name comes to mind. Rawle Alkins.

Strengths

Defensive Ability/Build:

Alkins is physically built like a linebacker. You can throw in any adjective you want. Burly, stocky, robust, he is all of the above. His strong body/frame helps him bang with bigger guys in the paint (he is not very easy to move), but he also can match up with wings on the perimeter. He has quick hands and can switch onto multiple positions. Alkins averaged 1.3 steals per game this season. His defensive potential is very intriguing at the next level.

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Passing/IQ:

Alkins is a very good passer for his position. His vision is underrated, along with his ability to make plays for his teammates. He is a very smart player on the court, he is vocal, and has a high basketball IQ. Alkins averaged 2.5 assists per game on the season for Arizona.

Energy/Glue-Guy:

Alkins always brings energy and hustle when he steps onto the court. He isn’t Hamidou Diallo when it comes to athleticism, but he is a good athlete and does have explosiveness (just ask USC’s Elijah Stewart). He is an insane competitor and that dude loves to win. When he came back from his foot injury this season, Arizona won six straight games and they immediately looked like a different team. He was the missing link for the Wildcats. Although Arizona did not end their season in the manner that they expected, the Wildcats only lost five games with Alkins in the lineup. He was able to elevate the team’s success.

Cons

Undersized:

Although Alkins is strong and has a terrific build, he is only about 6’4”-6’5”. The NBA is a different animal when it comes to length and size on the perimeter, so being undersized could hurt Alkins at the next level.

3-Point Shooting Consistency:

Although I think Alkins can be more than just a 3&D guy in the NBA (because of his playmaking ability), it will definitley be a big part of his game at the next level. These types of players are coveted in the NBA today. Alkins shot 35.9 percent from downtown this season. Consistency will be crucial for him, as it is for all 3&D prospects.

Next: Can the Boston Celtics Trust Their 3s

Overview:

Alkins could be a solid addition to the Celtics because he immediately fits in with the established culture and idendity of the team. He isn’t going to take over a game offensively, but he definitely can have an impact on the game. Khyri Thomas (Creighton), Jacob Evans (Cincinnati), Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky), and Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State) are some other names that the Celtics should consider with their pick at the end of the first round. At this point in the draft, the Celtics should look to grab a two-way player.