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

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.