2022 NBA Draft: 3 realistic targets for the Boston Celtics with 53rd pick

Boston Celtics draft target No. 3: Ron Harper Jr., Rutgers

The son of NBA Champion Ron Harper would be a nice gem of a pick at the 53rd pick for the Boston Celtics. Rutgers wing, Ron Harper Jr. has tremendous size at six-foot-five with a seven-foot-one wingspan. The Cs can afford to bank on his tremendous basketball IQ, efficient shooting, and excellent handles with a late-round flier.

One major issue for the Celtics was the absurd amount of turnovers this season. Anytime Boston coughed up the rock more than 16 times in a game, it typically resulted in a loss. The Cs had more than 40 giveaways in Games 5 & 6 of their NBA Finals series with the Warriors.

It would great to add a backup forward who can provide relief for either of the Jays. There is no reason they should have to play 40-plus minutes in a game for Boston to win. Ideally, this team should have depth at all positions and the ability to go 10 or 11 deep if needed.

Harper Jr boasted averages of 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 47% on two-point attempts and 40% from the 3-point line to go with an 80% conversion rate from the foul line. He is probably the most complete player the Boston could land at this position in the draft.

Some weaknesses are that he could stand to shed some weight to keep up with potential NBA players. There is concern that he may be a step slow defensively, but he has the length and intangibles to turn into a plus defender. His ceiling right would be that of a Dillon Brooks or a Talen Horton-Tucker.