Boston Celtics Draft: 3 prospects who could help the Cs right away

Draft prospect No. 2) Jalen Smith, C, Maryland

In the previous slide, we discussed how the Boston Celtics need to address their bench scoring this offseason, and we deemed it one of the team’s “biggest weaknesses.” Perhaps an even greater weakness within the C’s roster is their center rotation.

We’ve suggested many routes in which the team could take in addressing this position throughout the past few months. Our most often discussed solution to help strengthen their pivot spot is by drafting Maryland center Jalen Smith.

Likening his game to that of a young Chris Bosh, the 20-year-old big man possesses many qualities that could thrust him into Boston’s rotation almost instantly.

In his sophomore year with the Terrapins, Smith managed to improve from being just a solid collegiate starter to a sure-fire NBA prospect. Through 31 games played the big man put up impressive averages of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on 54 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep on a respectable 2.8 attempts.

As stated in a previous article describing why Smith would be the “ideal target” for the shamrocks, we proclaimed:

"Showcasing a solid shooting stroke, a comfortability with putting the ball on the floor and an unbelievable feel for the game on defense, the forward/ center turned himself into his team’s most trusty player. With his production, Smith received honors of Big 10 All-Defensive Team, First-Team All-Big 10 and found himself on the All-American Third-Team. At 6-10, his height is tailor-made in regard to the archetype of bigs Boston Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens prefers to roll out into a rotation. His ability to play in the post as well as space the floor would work well with the scheme the shamrocks typically run while his defensive abilities would only add to their already menacing fourth-ranked defensive rating (106.2)."

Their need for extra firepower in the frontcourt will likely have them try and thrust anything new with a pulse out there to see what they can do to bolster their center rotation.

A talent like Jalen Smith might be too much for the team to pass up.