Boston Celtics: 2 players to target using No. 14 pick
By Mark Nilon
Player to trade 14th overall pick for No. 1) Dejounte Murray
The Houdini has been intrigued by the idea of the Boston Celtics pursuing Dejounte Murray for quite some time now, so long as it’s for the right price.
While we reached the verdict of passing on him in one of our latest “Pass or Pursue” pieces, our reasoning behind our decision was based on the fact that he was linked to a package deal involving LaMarcus Aldridge coming to Beantown as well. Should he solely be able to be pried away from San Antonio with the No. 14 overall selection as the “meat” of the deal, we believe it’s an idea would considering.
Should they keep the pick, one of the routes they could feasibly take is adding on a young point guard prospect to back up Kemba Walker. This position will be highly important to get right, however, as the All-Star suffered nagging knee injuries throughout his first season in Boston and they are believed to be career-lingering issues.
Having a proper insurance plan in place should he miss extended time will be vital to any chance of a championship run in the near future. While there are a few solid incoming talents in this year’s draft, perhaps they’d be better off bringing on an already established player to fill the role instead rather than mold one over time.
Murray could be that guy.
The 2018 All-Defensive player saw solid numbers in 2019-20 as the starting point guard for the Spurs. Through 66 games, Murray posted sound all-around averages of 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep in 25.6 minutes per game.
At just 24-years-old he has a combination of starting and postseason experience and fits the timeline of this young Cs core, while only having the potential to grow, especially if cast into a Brad Stevens point guard-friendly system.
Should they opt to trade their 14th overall selection, nabbing a talent like Dejounte Murray seems like a potential win for the franchise.