Analyst reveals ‘consolation prize’ Boston Celtics can receive this offseason
The Boston Celtics do not own their own 2023 first-round draft pick due to last summer’s Malcolm Brogdon trade, but they could end up with a “consolation prize,” aka a high second-round draft pick, during the upcoming offseason according to NBC Sports Boston’s Darren Hartwell.
“While the C’s dealt their 2023 first-round pick to Indiana in the Brogdon trade, getting pick No. 33 would be a nice consolation prize for Brad Stevens and Co.,” Hartwell said in reference to the Rockets’ second-round pick conveying to the Cs instead of the Pacers should Houston finish anywhere besides first or second in the 2023 NBA lottery. “Either way, they should have a high second-round pick; Boston also owns the Portland Trail Blazers’ second-rounder, which currently sits at No. 35 overall.”
MassLive’s Brian Robb revealed the scenarios that’d land the Boston Celtics either pick. “If Boston does get the Rockets’ pick (No. 33 or worse), the C’s will send their Blazers pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the terms of the deal to acquire Mike Muscala back at the trade deadline,” Robb wrote. “If the Rockets’ pick does not convey to Boston, they will keep the Blazers’ pick and send a late second-round pick (Miami’s) to the Thunder to complete the deal.”
2023 second-round pick will be highest Boston Celtics draft pick of the Brad Stevens era
As Robb stated in a piece published April 5, whatever pick the Celtics end up with will be the highest draft pick President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has ever had at his disposal while leading Boston’s front office.
“Whatever selection the Celtics end up with will be worth monitoring since it will be the highest pick that the team has had in the Brad Stevens era,” Robb wrote. “Boston has dealt away their three previous first-round picks in deals to acquire Al Horford, Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon specifically and has only made picks in the back half of the second round during the past three drafts.”
With extensions potentially looming for Grant Williams in the 2023 offseason and Jaylen Brown in 2024, cost-controlled talent will be much-needed for the Celtics as they look to build around what will be, by June, a championship core.