Boston Celtics: 3 NBA Draft replacements for likely C’s departees

NBA Draft replacement for Enes Kanter: Jalen Smith, Maryland

*BANG *BANG *BANG

Above are the written out sounds of the Houdini banging the proverbial drum saying that, if they keep their picks the way they are, the Boston Celtics must strongly consider taking Jalen Smith with one of their first two selections (14 or 26).

We’ve been saying this for months now and, as more time goes by, the more we seem to fall in love with the idea of him suiting up in green and white threads.

Going as far as deeming him “tailor-made” for a Brad Stevens-led system, the 20-year-old fits the archetype at the pivot that the Cs just love to roll out, both in build and with his skill set.

In his sophomore year at Maryland, Smith turned himself from being considered a fine collegiate starter to a sure-fire NBA prospect. Through 31 games, 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 2.8 attempts.

Showcasing a solid shooting stroke, comfortability with putting the ball on the hardwood, and unbelievable rim protection skills, the forward/ center turned himself into his team’s most trusty contributor. 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.

Should Enes Kanter opt-out — which is something that has been rumored as likely — we can’t think of many better ways to fill his spot on the roster than with Jalen Smith whose skill set, in all honesty, fits this team far better than Kanter’s anyway.