The Celtics are in the midst of an incredible year and are focused on winning a title. As such the NBA draft is the last thing on Celtics fans’ minds. However, with March Madness starting this week, more draft buzz is building. Purdue’s big man Zach Edey is an intriguing target for the Celtics. Edey is arguably the best player in college basketball he’s the reigning Naismith Player of the Year and will likely go back-to-back this year. Many scouts are concerned about how Edey’s game will translate. Nevertheless, he could be the perfect late-round target for the Celtics.
Celtics Draft Targets: Why Zach Edey Is A Perfect Fit
The Ideal Role
This off-season Xavier Tillman, Luke Kornet, and Neemias Queta are all free agents. As a result, shoring up the center rotation might be a priority for Boston this off-season. Much has been made about how Edey’s game will translate. But in the vast majority of cases fit and situation are huge factors. The Celtics would give Edey the ideal rotational role. Edey would be playing behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford making his role and minutes fairly limited.
However, the two big men frequently sit out games giving Edey some more opportunity. When they are playing, Edey could still receive around 15 minutes per game. He would give the Celtics another lob and post-up threat. Defensively he gives them more size and rim protection. While some people are concerned with how his defense and mobility will translate, the Celtics system would be perfect for Edey to develop in. Crucially Edey showed with the Canadian national team how he can thrive in a limited role and make sacrifices for the team.
At 7’4 Edey is a prototypical big man for Boston who has recently fallen in love with massive seven-footers. Adding even more size is an intriguing option for the Celtics. Ultimately the Celtics offer Edey one of the best possible situations he can contribute to a winning team in a low-pressure role while learning from high-level veterans to develop his game.
Realistic Target
Outside of being a great fit, Edey is a very realistic target for the Celtics. Most mock drafts have Edey as a late first-round or second-round pick. In all likelihood, the Celtics will have the 30th pick in the draft making them in prime position for Edey. Additionally, several mock drafts have even linked Edey to the Celtics. Edey’s March Madness will heavily impact his draft stock. Purdue infamously lost to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson last year. This sets up a make-or-break tournament for Edey and Purdue.
Another early exit or an underwhelming performance from Edey could lead to his draft stock falling. Alternatively, a deep tournament run with some big-time performances could cause Edey to go closer to the mid-first round in a weaker class. Even in this scenario, it’s still possible the Celtics could get him as they have two second-round picks they could use to trade up from 30. Regardless of how the tournament turns out, it’s fair to connect Edey with the Celtics.
Are College Stars Undervalued?
Sometimes in drafts, we overthink things especially when it comes to four-year college players. While they don’t have the same upside as an 18-year-old, a mature four-year player can make an immediate impact. Recent examples include Jalen Brunson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. To put it simply sometimes the player who was awesome for four years in college makes a great pro.
While there are examples of college star big men not working out including Luka Garza. With a late pick, I see no reason not to take a flier on a player like Edey, especially in this draft class. Furthermore, the NBA is moving back to front-court size mattering more making Edey’s transition to the league easier. Edey probably won’t end up being an NBA star but he could certainly be a high-quality role player if he’s drafted to the right team.
