Boston Celtics 2020 Mock Draft 2.0

No. 17) Jaden McDaniels, Washington

At this point in the draft, pickings begin to get slim in regard to talent and outlook for prospects. However, if the Boston Celtics are going to keep the pick, they might as well take a high risk/ reward player in Jaden McDaniels.

The one-and-done forward out of Washington was truly a sensational contributor for the majority of the 2019-20 season and, in turn, showcased the potential of being a true star at the next level. Through 31 games, the 19-year-old put up averages of 13 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on 41 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from deep.

At just under 6-10 with a 7-0 wingspan, McDaniels displayed excellent ball-handling ability, an impressive pull-up game, and strong finishing skills when heading to the rack, thus making him a dual-threat scorer.

Though he has quite a slender frame — 200 pounds soaking wet –, somewhat of an up-and-down consistency level — would follow up 18+ point, 10+ rebound games with 2-of-8 shooting nights –, and sometimes seems incapable of controlling his emotions, it must be stated that his potential at the professional level seems to outweigh these red-flags, especially at this stage in the draft.

With the fact that the Boston Celtics’ bench ranks 29th in points per game and 22nd in Offensive Rating, the idea of adding an offensive-minded player with one of their three selections should be a no-brainer.

Reminiscent of a Brandon Ingram/ Jonathan Isaac hybrid, at 17 the Cs could do far worse than taking a chance on the very intriguing prospect that is Jaden McDaniels.