Fresh off winning an NBA championship the Celtics organization now shifts their focus onto the draft. With the 30th and 54th picks in the draft, the Celtics have a wide range of targets. According to HoopsHype the Celtics have conducted pre-draft workouts or are scheduled to with 27 prospects. Let’s dive into some standouts from this list and analyze their potential fit with the Celtics.
Celtics Draft Workout List Features 27 Prospects
Baylor Scheierman
Baylor Scheierman of Creighton offers elite wing shooting and high IQ play. At 23 he could make an immediate impact. Scherierman is a knockdown three-point shooter netting 38.1 percent of his threes on 8.3 attempts per game last season. He is a capable catch-and-shoot player who can also create his own shot and make plays for others. Furthermore, Scheierman is an elite rebounder for his position averaging nine rebounds per game last year. This skill set could allow Scheierman to play NBA minutes immediately making him a viable choice for the Celtics at 30.
Harrison Ingram
Harrison Ingram is a highly versatile defender with 3-and-D upside. At six-foot-eight 230 lbs, Ingram has the ideal build for an NBA wing. Additionally, Ingram impacts the game significantly as a rebounder and playmaker. The 21-year-old forward has the potential to provide an instant impact. Ingram shot 38 percent from three during his lone season at North Carolina however, he only shot 31 percent in his previous two college years at Stanford. Ingram’s NBA career might hinge on his jumper translating. Nevertheless, his impressive all-around game makes him very solid for the Celtics at pick 30.
Ryan Dunn
Ryan Dunn is an elite wing and perimeter defender. As a six-foot-eight wing, Dunn averaged an absurd 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals. This ability to wreak havoc defensively while possessing incredible versatility makes Dunn one of the better defenders in the draft class. Dunn’s offensive game is still very raw. However, in a small defensive-oriented role with the Celtics and the possibility of developing into a rotational piece, Dunn is an exciting option.
Dillon Jones
Dillon Jones is a versatile four-year forward out of Weber State. Notably, he is a strong finisher, high-level rebounder, and capable secondary playmaker. This well-rounded skill set makes Jones an intriguing option for the Celtics. Jones would be an ideal draft target for the Celtics as extra wing depth.
The Last Word
The Celtics don’t have a clear positional need; they are looking for players who could crack the rotation and make some solid contributions. This could be a guard or wing with different skill set to complement Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser. Alternatively, they could target a big man as insurance for Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. However, given this workout list, it appears they are leaning wing in the first-round. The best case for their first-round pick is to find a player who could provide an Oshae Brissett-level role as a rookie and eventually develop into a larger role.
On another note, most of these 27 prospects are projected second-round picks. The four names mentioned are the most likely players to be selected in the first round. Pick projections aren’t the only thing to consider and the Celtics could certainly take a player outside of these four in the first round.
Alternatively, the Celtics could look to trade down as they did last year when Brad Stevens traded out of the first round to land Jordan Walsh. In this scenario, the Celtics could land two second-round picks, along with future assets. Guards Antonio Reeves and Judah Mintz along with big men Jaylin Williams and Jesse Edwards are all names to watch for the Celtics in the second round.
