Celtics may not be able to resist raw prospect with 2 of the most coveted traits

When watching Adou Thiero, two traits stand out. He is a superb athlete. One of the best in this draft class. He pairs that with a relentless motor. It's a combination that means the six-foot-six forward is never out of a play defensively and capable of detonating to the rim at a moment's notice.

After spending the first two years of his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, the Pennsylvania native went with head coach John Calipari to the University of Arkansas.

As a Razorback, Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals this season. He helped guide them to the NCAA Tournament, though a knee injury kept him from playing until he made a five-minute cameo in the Sweet 16. That's where Arkansas's run ended.

Former scout turned draft analyst assesses Adou Thiero

Matt Babcock has worked as a scout and a National Basketball Players Association [NBPA] and FIBA certified agent. He is now offering his expertise at Babcock Hoops.

In a conversation examining prospects projected to go in the Boston Celtics' draft range, a team possessing picks No. 28 and 32, Babcock told this author the following about Thiero on the "Celtics Rundown" livestream.

"He's got some interesting attributes. A terrific athlete, [who] plays with a great motor," said Babcock. "I think the outside shooting is definitely his swing skill.

"If you're asking the question of, 'Ok, what role does he fill?' To me, he's an undersized face-up four. But he measured only six-foot-six, 218 [pounds] at the combine, which is very small for that style of player. But you can't deny his athleticism. I'm curious to see if a team that takes him if they want to gradually develop him into more of a big wing or a 3/4."

Thiero's offensive profile

Thiero is looking to attack when he gets the ball. He's a handful to keep from the rim, explosively charging downhill off the dribble. Once he arrives at the basket, he's often finishing above it.

That explosivity and ability to puncture the paint lend itself to playmaking for others. The former Razorback is an accurate passer. He'll thread the ball through traffic, and he consistently places it in a teammate's shooting pocket.

His athleticism and motor also could make him an impactful cutter at the next level if he develops a feel for it.

There's also the value that stems from him grabbing nearly two offensive rebounds per contest.

Those latter two categories can raise his value offensively, but as Babcock said, his swing skill is his three-point shooting. Thiero converted on just 25.6 percent of his 1.6 attempts from behind the arc this season. Needless to say, that has to improve.

The Pennsylvania product must also improve as a ballhandler.

Thiero's defensive profile

The six-foot-six forward has a seven-foot wingspan and a standing reach spanning eight feet and eight-and-a-half inches. Those traits lend themselves to being a disruptive defender.

So does his high-revving motor and how active he remains at that end of the floor.

Thiero is a talented weak-side rim protector. He'll rack up interceptions and start transition opportunities by jumping passing lanes. And one must protect the ball around him, whether he's guarding the player with it or nearby as a help defender.

While Thiero has to mature into a more disciplined defender, his ability to recover is part of his charm. Even when a gamble doesn't pay off, he's capable of quickly covering ground to negate his mistake.

Is Adou Thiero a fit for the Celtics?

Boston might be about to embark on a transition season where it could afford more minutes to a rookie than in recent years. That won't equate to what a raw prospect like Thiero could potentially get with a rebuilding team. However, there's also value in chances to play alongside individuals like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.

For as much as the Celtics love the three-ball, they'd have to feel comfortable about what they can do for his shot and his willingness to let it fly.

If he checks those boxes, they're looking at a prospect who would give them a big wing who's one of the best athletes in this draft class. His relentless approach defensively and ability to protect the rim and force turnovers are other aspects of an appealing package.

So is his impact on the boards and what he could potentially provide as a cutter.

Any team will appreciate that. And Boston would benefit from an infusion of athleticism and explosivity. But when the Celtics are weighing their favorite options on the board, if Thiero's in that conversation, how they feel about his shot likely determines if his name is on the card they hand in.