Boston Celtics: 3 big men C’s should target in 2020 NBA Draft

Vernon Carey Jr.

First up on our big man targets list we have the ACC Rookie of the Year himself, Vernon Carey Jr. Playing for one of the most storied college basketball programs may be a bit intimidating for any 19 year old; Carey Jr. proved to be not just any 19 year old.

At 6-10, 270 pounds the Miami native quite easily became a menacing enforcer for the Blue Devils in the interior. Using his strong stature, Carey was able to bully opponents down low to the tune of 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game on 58 percent shooting from the field.

He also proved capable — albeit on not too many attempts — of stretching the floor, boasting a 3-point shooting clip of 38 percent.

In the paint is mainly where he thrives, which could be of some concern for NBA teams as the current state of the league is perimeter oriented. Yes, we mentioned his solid 38 percent shooting from deep, but that was on less than an attempt per game — registered 21 3’s over the entirety of his one-and-done season.

The reason why a guy like Carey could work for the Boston Celtics is, while they would love to have a floor spacing big, they don’t necessarily need one, for they have ample all-around offensive fire-power in Walker, Tatum, Brown and Hayward and have a solid option at the five already in Theis.

The young center could, however, prove to be a serviceable option in the front court off the bench to gobble up offensive boards and man the paint when on ‘D’.

Still, at his age, it’s well within the realm of possibility that he can develop a consistent jumper. He’s shown to have a solid stroke at the collegiate level. With a little work, it could become more of a prevalent aspect of his game at sometime down the road.