Boston Celtics: 3 former first-round picks Cs should target with TPE

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 26: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings prepares to shoot a free throw against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 26, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 26: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings prepares to shoot a free throw against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 26, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics TPE target No. 2) Collin Sexton

Not only would Collin Sexton be a dream acquisition when it comes to the Boston Celtics utilizing one of their TPEs this season, but he’d absolutely be the ideal former first-rounder for them to nab in the process as well.

Taken eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers back in the 2018 NBA Draft, the combo guard has proven himself to be a stellar offensive-minded presence in the league, as made evident by both his impressive play and career averages of 20.2 points on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep.

Last season, the former Alabama star seemed to showcase his development as being more of an all-around offensive player, posting career highs of 24.3 points and 4.4 assists while nabbing 3.1 boards and snatching one steal per game all while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 37 percent from deep.

However, despite his production, Cleveland’s front office is reportedly still reluctant to commit to him full-time once his rookie deal expires, which has some believing that, should this mindset not change, they could opt to try and put him on the trade block in an attempt to get something in return for him rather than risking losing him in restricted free agency next offseason.

This is where the Boston Celtics would come in.

We get that there are some risks with a guy like Sexton, particularly when it comes to his lackluster defensive production.

That said, should a talent like him become available on the trade block, Brad Stevens should make him one of his top priorities when it comes to finding a player to use one of their TPEs on.