Boston Celtics Draft: NBA player comparisons for 2 C’s targets

ByMark Nilon|
Boston Celtics (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics Draft Prospect: Cole Anthony, PG

You may be surprised to see a prominent draft prospect such as Cole Anthony on this list, as for the better part of the past year he has been seen as one of the top-3 point guards in this upcoming draft.

However, despite his solid on paper averages during his one-and-done season with the Tar Heels — 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.3 steals per game — scouts are torn on the potential value in which the point guard has at the next level. With this, one of Bleacher Report’s latest mock drafts even saw the UNC guard taking his talents to Beantown.

Due to that, we see Anthony as a potential target for the Cs.

When taking a deeper dive into his production during his freshman campaign, it’s evident that Anthony struggled mightily, specifically with efficiency: his four assists per game were combated by 3.5 turnovers, he shot an abysmal 38 percent from the field, etc.

Now, granted, the 20-year-old did suffer a serious injury early on in the season — a partially torn meniscus in his right knee — which, in all likelihood, had a major impact on his production. Still, the fact remains: it’s hard to gauge a player’s value based on 22 collegiate games.

With this, it’s most certainly not out of the realm of possibility that Anthony could drop to the Celtics — especially if Memphis misses out on the playoffs and, thus, gets an even better selection. Though we here at the Houdini are extremely high on the idea of Boston addressing their frontcourt rotation in the draft, one could certainly argue that, should the point guard be available, he’d be an absolute steal.

Being that the Boston Celtics are in need of a backup point guard, specifically now that Kemba Walker‘s long-term health appears to be a bit suspect, bringing on a prospect that some believe to be one of the top at his position in the draft could certainly be a route Danny Ainge may consider going down.

NBA Player Comparison — Spencer Dinwiddie

Similar to Cole Anthony, a big question pertaining to Spencer Dinwiddie is which guard position he is best suited for. Is he a one? A two?

Regardless of this, like Anthony, when healthy Dinwiddie is just a flat out baller with a high basketball IQ and impressive versatility.

Though he started his career off a bit slow (2014-2017), by year four the man managed to put all his potential together and, in turn, become a fantastic cog in the Brooklyn Nets’ rotation.

Currently, in the midst of his best season as a pro, Dinwiddie finds himself averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game on 42 percent shooting from the field.

Though capable of stepping out and hitting an open jumper from beyond the arc, the 26-year-old is at his best when heading towards the rack. His size — 6-5, 217-pounds — allows him to handle contact when finishing at the rim while his handles and quick first step allows him to jolt past his defender and head downhill.

Like we said in our previous slide, the team’s bench has been abysmal throughout the 2019-20 campaign. Adding a guy like Spencer Dinwiddie to the unit would assuredly help. Though we don’t expect Dinwiddie to be a member of the Boston Celtics next season, “someone like” could feasibly find his way onto the roster.

Cole Anthony could be that man.