The 2024 NBA draft may still be many months away and far from the front of the minds of most fans of the Boston Celtics as they begin their stretch run to the postseason. But for draft experts like ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, the NCAA, G League, and overseas action is just starting to heat up, making projecting players to specific NBA teams a bit easier to do.
With more data from more games, we can get a clearer picture of who each prospect will be as a potential player in the Association — and what teams most need that sort of option.
So with that said, let’s see who ESPN has in mind for Boston this summer.
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No. 49 (via Dallas Mavericks) - Alex Karaban - UConn
A late bloomer when it comes to being an NBA prospect, Karaban was a key part of the Huskies’ 2023 NCAA title, and can shoot the lights out from deep on volume at 40.3% this season.
He rarely turns the ball over and defends well, logging a steal and nearly a block per game. He doesn’t get to the line much, and at 21, has a limited ceiling to grow. But he’s already a solid option who should be able to provide valuable, cheap depth on the wing at 6-foot-8.
No. 42 (via Chicago Bulls) - Ulrich Chomche - NBA Academy Showcase
Just 18 years old and standing 6-foot-11 with a nearly 7-foot-4 wingspan, we are intrigued by Chomche’s upside, but he is still very raw. A rebounding machine who can move the ball well and scare off all but the fastest guards anywhere near the rim.
He turns the ball over like it had a million bucks beneath it, but he also has a solid outside shot he has shown flashes of success with at volume. We expect him to rise out of Boston’s range for this pick, but if the Celtics love him, they have an earlier selection they could use if no one else interests.
No. 30 - Tyler Kolek - Marquette
A 6-foot-3 floor general who is already nearly 23, we won’t expect a huge amount of growth as a player ahead of Kolek. But the Rhode Island native is practically a local, and looks to already have the skill set to play third guard from day one.
A true floor general logging 7.2 assists per game in the Big East, Kolek can rebound well for his size and defends tenaciously, recording close to 2 steals per game this season. He needs to get to the line more and learn what a block is, but he would be a great option for Boston here if available.
