Boston Celtics Big Board: 3 players Cs will target at each position in 2020 NBA Draft

Onyeka Okongwu

I wrote yesterday about why the Boston Celtics need to consider trading up to draft Onyeka Okongwu, and by far the most notable thing about him is just how high his ceiling may be…as in Bam Adebayo-sized:

"One of the most common comparisons of the 2020 NBA Draft has been USC freshman center Onyeka Okongwu to Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo. Before even talking about their playstyle, the measurables match up. Coming into the NBA after one season at Kentucky, 19-year-old Adebayo was 6-foot-10 and 243 lbs. with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. Coming into the NBA after one season at USC, 19-year-old Okongwu is listed at 6-foot-9 and 245 lbs. with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. It’s become such a popular parallel that Okongwu even addressed it in his draft scouting film session with ESPN’s draft expert Mike Schmitz. “I played Bam back in high school,” Okongwu said. “We have a similar body, similar athleticism. It’s an honour to be compared to him. He’s an NBA All-Star, and I think me and him bring some of the same things to the table.” And that they do."

Bam would be the best possible addition to the current Cs roster. If they can draft a Bam-lite in Okongwu, Boston would be substantially closer to breaking the tie for 18 championship banners the Los Angeles Lakers just created.

Jalen Smith

My co-editor Mark Nilon has endorsed Jalen Smith on numerous occasions as the ideal choice for the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft, citing his athletic ability and shooting stroke as two can’t-miss attributes:

"With either the Memphis Grizzlies pick at 14 or, obviously far more preferable, with their own pick at 26th overall, Danny Ainge should make sure they are the ones who walk away with the big man. In his sophomore year with the Maryland Terrapins, Smith turned himself into a fine collegiate starter to a sure-fire NBA prospect. Through 31 games in 2019-20, 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. 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."

Given his achievements and the fact that he isn’t the rawest prospect–he played two seasons in the Big 10–Smith would be smart for the Cs center spot.

Daniel Oturu

If the Cs do move up in the draft using all three of their first-rounders, there could be value to be had in the second round as well.

Enter Daniel Oturu.

The Minnesota Golden Gopher led the Big 10 in rebounds per game and grabbed the most offensive boards in the conference. If the Cs don’t trade their pick at #47, Oturu would be a great get at the tail end of the draft’s second round.