Boston Celtics: what a perfect offseason could look like for the Cs

1) Nabbing Jalen Smith — and others — on draft day

For those of you who follow my writings with the Houdini, you know how big I have been on Jalen Smith and the concept of the Boston Celtics selecting him with one of their three first-round picks in this upcoming draft.

From his defensive prowess (member of the 2020 Big 10 All-Defensive Team) and floor spacing ability (shot 37 percent from deep) to his overall sophomore season stats — 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game on 54 percent shooting from the floor — adding a player such as Smith makes a lot of sense for a team like the Celtics who could use for some bolstering up in the frontcourt.

As the months have gone on, and I have preached this sentiment more frequently, it appears the idea of Boston selecting Jalen Smith has gained ample traction. Most recently, Complex Sports’ Danny Cunningham got behind the idea of the Cs bringing on the Maryland product with their 26th pick. As for their projected 17th and 30th picks; well, Cunningham (as we explained in our analysis piece on the mock) believes Boston has a shot at completely killing the night as a whole:

"With their picks, writer Danny Cunningham envisions the Cs selecting Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr. at 17, Maryland big-man Jalen Smith at 26, and Washington power forward Isaiah Stewart at 30. Here are Cunningham’s main reasons as to why he chose each of these three players: Kira Lewis Jr., PG Lewis Jr. is one of the faster players in this draft and possesses a nice stroke on his jumper on the offensive end. He has the skillset to create instant offense in the NBA and that’s something that very much should be welcomed for a team that’s currently 29th in bench scoring for the season at just 27.2 points per game. Jalen Smith, PF/ C This feels like a spot where the Celtics can gamble on a raw talent like Smith. He’s got raw skills and pretty strong measurables, but his game isn’t all the way there yet. He has a solid outside shot and rebounding ability along with shot blocking to where the Celtics have something to work with. Isaiah Stewart, PF The Celtics are taking another gamble on a guy that doesn’t necessarily have the most polished game here. But what Stewart does have is a very energetic on-court demeanor that could pay dividends off the bench. If he can become a contributor with the final pick in the first round, that’s a win for Boston."

The way this mock draft plays out, especially with the first two selections, it appears the Boston Celtics address two major sore spots within their roster: backup point guard and their big man depth.

While the idea of selecting Isaiah Stewart with the Bucks’ pick is intriguing, should a guy like Vernon Carey be available as well, they may also strongly consider bringing him in, as he’d be a big-bodied (6-10, 275-pounds) center that this current roster is lacking down low.

However, if things play out as Complex Sports’ mock draft believes it could, the Celtics would be well on their way to killing the NBA offseason.