Boston Celtics draft: Assessing Danny Ainge’s potential NBA draft strategies

Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics could cinch second unit pure shooting reinforcements

Perhaps a little more size and a more focused role as a 3-and-D wing could be the more appropriate role for the next Cs first-rounder. Point guard is a role that is best held by a veteran for a team with championship ambitions, and the perimeter is the easiest place to plug in a prospect.

Several draft prospects at or below where the Celtics would prospectively pick fit the bill for a traditional shooting wing.

Ziaire Williams is a very popular player linked to Boston due to the “skinnier Jayson Tatum” tag, but also because he has the sort of off-the-dribble shooting touch that the second unit could use given their scoring woes in 2020-21.

Oregon sharpshooter Chris Duarte has a more NBA-friendly frame and a more polished game. A 53/42/81 shooting split combined with an extra year in college likely make Duarte a more appropriate fit than Williams for a Cs team that might be at capacity with projects.

Then, there’s Josh Christopher, who offers the most on the defensive end, but is more of a volume shooter than either of them. He has been linked to the Cs before, and could be selected to fill Marcus Smart’s role should he sign elsewhere in 2022.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations