The Boston Celtics have recently been linked to the likes of USC big man Onyeka Okongwu, a player whom Bleacher Report sees as a potential NBA All-Star.
With just three days remaining till the NBA Draft comes underway, the Boston Celtics are likely to be doing some last-minute studying to see which of these incoming talents are worthy of their consideration.
As things currently stand, the Cs hold 3 first-round picks, slotting in at 14th, 26th, and 30th overall. While we’ve discussed a few ideas on how these selections could be best utilized, recent rumblings suggest that Danny Ainge and co. might be looking to package their picks together in an effort to move their way up the draft board to nab themselves any number of this year’s highly touted top prospects.
One player reportedly on Boston’s radar should they move up is USC center Onyeka Okongwu. Through 28 games played during his one-and-done season with the Trojans, the big man posted impressive averages of 16.2 points, 8.6 points, and a whopping 2.7 blocks per game on 62 percent shooting from the floor.
Drawing comparisons to that of current young NBA stud John Collins, Okongwu is certainly creating quite a buzz as we inch closer to draft night. In fact, just recently in a Bleacher Report article written by Jonathan Wasserman, the 6-9 big was one of only a few prospects seen as having the potential to be a future All-Star at the next level.
"It sounds as if Onyeka Okongwu could be the second center drafted, behind only James Wiseman. It would be a mistake. He has a clearer path toward an All-Star appearance with his superior offensive skill level and added defensive versatility.Only five freshmen on record have registered a player efficiency rating over 30 and a defensive box plus-minus over four: Okongwu, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach Collins.Every team feels confident in Okongwu’s finishing and offensive rebounding. He shot 66.4 percent at the basket and racked up 41 putbacks in 28 games. Given his tools, athleticism and motor, the easy baskets should carry over.It’s also easy to buy his defensive numbers and impact translating.Okongwu registered a 9.8 block percentage and an impressive 2.3 steal percentage as a big. Opponents shot 31.3 percent against him around the basket. Aside from having the tools and aggression to anchor a team’s defense as its rim protector, he’s more mobile laterally than Wiseman when it comes to guarding in space and recovering down to contest in pick-and-roll coverage."
While we at the Houdini believe the Boston Celtics could land themselves quite a talented center in, say, Jalen Smith should they simply stick to their current course and keep their picks the way they are, should they feel inclined to move their way up on draft night, pursuing the 19-year-old Onyeka Okongwu could wind up proving to be a fantastic grab as time goes on.
Could he be the answer Boston has been looking for at the pivot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments sections below!