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Boston Celtics: 3 trade targets using draft picks as collateral

By Mark Nilon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Mitchell Robinson

Last but not least we have the athletic shot swatting, rim-rocking big man Mitchell Robinson. Toiling away on the lowly New York Knicks, the second year center out of Western Kentucky — though he never actually played there, but still was listed as his college on draft night — Robinson and his talents are certainly being waisted in Manhattan.

Through 33 games, the 21-year-old is averaging 10.2 points, seven boards and 1.8 blocks per game on 71% shooting from the field. To many, he is seen as one of the most promising young assets the Knicks currently have on their roster… and, yet, he has only started seven games for them this season.

What Robinson brings to the table is a bit different than what Davis Bertans, or anyone else currently at center for the Boston Celtics, has to offer but would certainly be a valuable commodity for the team nonetheless.

Can he stretch the floor? Not exactly. But his screen-and-roll play is phenomenal, and he would certainly enjoy catching lobs from the likes of Walker, Smart and Hayward. Defensively, he would be welcomed in with open arms, as he holds a defensive box +/- of 4.4, a block-percentage of 9.2 and a rebounding-percentage of 16.1% for his career.

Rumor has it that the New York Knicks view him as “untouchable.” However, the Knickerbockers truly have no idea what they’re doing. If the young center becomes disgruntled with the franchise before the trade deadline — not too outlandish of a possibility –, the front office could soften up on their reluctance to part ways with the talented, albeit limited center.

It may take both the Bucks and Grizzlies pick — and, of course, players to make the numbers work — to spark an intrigue from Scott Perry and Steve Mills, but with the way their roster is currently constructed, frankly no one other than RJ Barrett should be see as untouchable.

Next. Ranking C's amongst suitors for Davis Bertans. dark

A long shot? Perhaps. But still, nothing is impossible — especially when multiple first round picks are offered for a former second-rounder.

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