Boston Celtics: 3 players Cs regret passing on in 2020 NBA Draft

Player Boston Celtics regret not drafting No. 2) Tyrese Maxey

Coming into the draft we at the Houdini discussed how the Boston Celtics should strongly consider selecting a point guard with their first pick, as the injury risk for Kemba Walker was seemingly growing more worrisome by the day.

By the time the 14th pick rolled around, Kentucky product Tyrese Maxey found himself still on the board who, coming in, was seen as one of the five best point guard prospects.

Ultimately, Ainge passed on the one-and-done 20-year-old and, seven spots later, he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers at 21st overall.

Now, 27 games into his NBA career, despite being behind All-Star Ben Simmons and surprise 2019-20 standout Shake Milton on the depth chart, when given meaningful minutes Maxey has produced in massive ways.

Though his per-game averages of 8.6 on 47 percent shooting from the field won’t blow anyone away, it is his time filling in as the Sixers’ starter and when given substantial playing time that is what has been the most impressive part about his rookie production.

When given extended play overall (20-29 minutes) Maxey is averaging 11.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and a steal per game on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep. As a starter, he is posting stellar averages of 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 47 percent shooting from the field and is boasting a defensive rating of 116.

Luckily, the Boston Celtics did manage to bring on a guy like Pritchard at the same position later on in the draft which, in turn, makes this miss less impactful.

Still, with the way he’s played in comparison to Nesmith, a guy like Tyrese Maxey at 14 may have been a better way to go, especially with the team’s need for extra play makers.