It’s quite early in both the NBA and NCAA basketball seasons, so trying to pinpoint targets for the Boston Celtics’ 2022 second-round draft pick may be somewhat of a crapshoot considering the different up and down movements everyone’s stock (especially second-rounders) will have between now and next July.
But shooting we are doing.
If Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens even keeps this pick, there is a deep pool of talents that he can pursue. The Houdini likes the idea of having a guy with at least two years of experience in order to add a player that played through that once in a lifetime 2020-21 pandemic season.
These 3 NCAA stars are making intriguing cases to be future second-round picks for Stevens and co. for the 2022 NBA Draft:
Boston Celtics way-too-early 2022 NBA Draft target #1: Walker Kessler, Auburn
I’ve been able to get a front row seat to Walker Kessler closing the distance on an unsuspecting rim run, and let me tell you, he’d add something to the C’s big man depth that is currently severely missing in the second unit.
Kessler can improve in his ability to convert at the rim, oftentimes bringing the ball down low after grabbing a board instead of using his height, but that is something that should improve with increased reps. His 3-point shot may never be a true weapon, but he has the ability to be a JaVale McGee type defensive ace and close-range finisher.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl has produced several successful pros over the years, ranging from first-round picks turned starters Chuma Okeke and Isaac Okoro, to dominant G-League stars like Jared Harper and Bryce Brown. Sharife Cooper and JT Thor are seemingly next.
After them, perhaps it’s Kessler. Stevens should consider getting in on Pearl’s products out of the Plains.