It is still far too soon for most basketball fans to start thinking about what players the Boston Celtics (or whatever team they follow) will want to take in the NBA’s 2024 draft. But for NBA draft experts like Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, it’s been time to dial in on such questions for months now. And Wasserman has a trio of potential targets for the Celtics in mind.
The Celtics would have been picking at Nos. 48, 41, and 30 based on their record at the time that the Bleacher Report draft expert made his latest mock draft for the big day this summer.
Let’s see who he has in mind for Boston to select.
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No. 48 (via Dallas Mavericks) - Coleman Hawkins - Illinois
A 6-foot-10 forward who is a bit older at 22, Hawkins should be ready to give some deep rotation play for Boston early in his NBA career. “Reliable 3-point shooting from Coleman Hawkins has unlocked specific versatility NBA teams covet,” writes Wasserman.
“They’ll be interested in his ability to stretch the floor, pass and move around defensively from the power forward spot. With three 20-point games in the past three weeks, he appears to be turning a corner with his shot-making confidence.”
No. 41 (via Chicago Bulls) - PJ Hall - Clemson
At 21-years-old forward/center, Hall is the sort of more matured prospects contending teams would take to maximize their limited ability to develop such players with the parent team. “Hall gave scouts another reason to take him seriously after his 25 points against Armando Bacot in a road win at North Carolina,” writes the B/R expert.
“While his strong post game isn’t enough to draw significant NBA interest, the 1.5 3s and 1.8 blocks per game have made it easier to envision a fit at the next level. Even teams in the 20s could show interest in adding a stretch big who can create for himself in the post, finish at a high rate and add some physicality/athleticism in rim protection.”
No. 30 - KJ Simpson - Colorado
Another older prospect at 21 — you may be noticing a pattern here — the 6-foot-2 guard is a little small for the NBA, but makes up for it in skill. “At some point of the draft, teams are going to look past KJ Simpson’s physical/athletic deficiencies and bet on his 19.5 points, 4.3 assists, 63.1 true shooting percentage, shot-making, timely dribble moves, floater touch and positive impact,” writes Wasserman.
“Too many NBA guards have succeeded lately without burst, explosion or bounce, and it will be worth gambling in this draft on his effectiveness using skill and intangibles.”
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