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Constructing a Boston Celtics dream team if they nailed every NBA Draft

By Seth Quinn

A fun hypothetical with all Boston Celtics drafts since they drafted Jaylen Brown in 2016 -- some picks they nailed, while some picks they didn't Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
A fun hypothetical with all Boston Celtics drafts since they drafted Jaylen Brown in 2016 -- some picks they nailed, while some picks they didn't Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Jan 9, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) return to the bench during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2020 Boston Celtics Draft Picks

Actual Pick(s)

  • Aaron Nesmith (14th Overall Pick)
  • Payton Pritchard (26th Overall Pick)
  • Desmond Bane (30th Overall Pick, Traded to Grizzlies)

Correct Pick(s)

  • Tyrese Maxey (14th Overall Pick)
  • Desmond Bane (26th Overall Pick)
  • Nobody (30th Overall Pick, Never Acquired Through Trading 2019 20th Overall Pick)

After not trading the 20th overall pick the previous year’s draft, the Celtics don’t end up with the 30th pick, and don’t trade away a very good player in Desmond Bane for practically nothing. Instead, they draft said player at 26th overall.

While Payton Pritchard has been solid when given playing time, he hasn’t been given enough playing time, leading to his trade request. Desmond Bane is not only a much better player, but he would be good enough to warrant playing time.

Overall, this draft was ugly for the Celtics, once again messing up the 14th pick (Langford and Nesmith back-to-back is tough) and trading away a great player for 2nd rounders that didn’t amount to a whole lot.

In this hypothetical scenario, the Celtics round out their bench, giving them a balanced 10-player rotation with draft picks alone. They would have a great combination of two-way players, offensive specialists, and defensive specialists, along with positional balance. Here is what the final roster using these picks would likely look like.

Boston Celtics Draft Pick Dream Team

PG: Dejounte Murray, Tyrese Maxey
SG: Jaylen Brown, Jordan Poole
SF: Jayson Tatum, Desmond Bane
PF: Pascal Siakam, Keldon Johnson
C: Robert Williams III, Nic Claxton