Looking at potential top 2019 picks the Boston Celtics could acquire with Sacramento’s pick
Considering that the Boston Celtics could own a potential top-five pick in the 2019 draft via the Kings, fans should pay attention to the upcoming class, which doesn’t seem nearly as top-heavy as the most recent one. Without further ado, here are five prospects that fans should keep an eye on.
R.J. Barrett
| Position | Height | School | ESPN 100 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG/SF | 6’7″ | Duke | #1 |
Barrett, fit with a complete offensive arsenal and high basketball IQ, comes into the summer of 2018 as the consensus #1 prospect. He may not be the most athletic prospect, but his fluidity and skill is elite.
Although it’s unlikely that the Celtics will be able to select the future star swingman, he would be a very good long-term fit alongside Irving, Tatum and Brown, as his offensive versatility would allow him to thrive in on-ball and off-ball situations.
Star Comparison: James Harden
Bol Bol
| Position | Height | School | ESPN 100 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 7’2″ | Oregon | #4 |
Bol Bol, the son of late NBA player Manute Bol, has shown maturity and charisma far beyond his years – something that the Celtics seem to really value in prospects. On the court, his length and skill give him the unique combination to protect the rim, handle the ball and shoot the three.
Under Brad Stevens, Bol would be the perfect player to take the reigns from Al Horford when his game eventually hits a decline.
Star Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis
Cam Reddish
| Position | Height | School | ESPN 100 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF/SG | 6’7″ | Duke | #3 |
An explosive athlete with a smooth offensive game, Reddish is one of the most polished scorers in the entire draft. His length (7’1″ wingspan with an 8’9″ standing reach) gives him high upside on the defensive end as well.
Adding another wing to the team may seem unnecessary, but Reddish would be the ideal player to replace Marcus Morris, an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and eventually step into the starting lineup after Hayward’s contract expires in 2021.
Star Comparison: Rudy Gay or Danny Granger
Zion Williamson
| Position | Height | School | ESPN 100 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| PF/SF | 6’6″ | Duke | #2 |
Williamson is an enigma – his highlight-reel dunks have many drawing unfair comparisons to LeBron James.
If the viral hooper can develop an outside shot and use his athleticism to his advantage on the defensive end then he’ll be a perennial All-Star. If not, he’ll just be a bigger version of Gerald Green.
Star Comparison: Julius Randle meets Jabari Parker
Nassir Little
| Position | Height | School | ESPN 100 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF | 6’7″ | North Carolina | #6 |
Nassir Little owns a very similar game to Celtics wing Jaylen Brown when he was the same age – both made a name for themselves as explosive athletes with hounding defense, but weren’t known for their shot. Jaylen eventually improved this aspect of his game (he nearly 40% from 3 this past season) – but for every Jaylen there are three Stanley Johnson’s.
While Little wouldn’t be an ideal fit on the Celtics, as he’ll likely be a project on the offensive end, gambling on a high-upside talent wouldn’t hurt.
Star Comparison: Jimmy Butler