{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"WHO FITS THE MOLD?","video":"uA_G2b3SDtPZ","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/PROTYPICAL_CELTICS_110220_1920x1080_1814737475589.jpg","alt":"Chris Forsberg's Prototypical Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft","title":"Chris Forsberg's Prototypical Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft"},"credit":"","published":1604341113,"caption":"

Trying to identify the players who might be available when the Boston Celtics are on the clock in the 2020 NBA Draft is guesswork at best.

What we can more confidently pick out is the type of player the Celtics might be interested in should they still be available.

Yes, every general manager and front office has a type. Some fawn over size and wingspan, others put a premium on intangibles. For this exercise, we’re using Danny Ainge’s drafting history to identify some of the players who might intrigue the Celtics in this year’s pick-a-palooza.

Our resident college basketball guru Robert Synder is alongside to help us hone in on the player that makes the most sense for each situation:

"},{"title":"HIGH (SCHOOL) UPSIDE","video":"rF8V9OiwrekM","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/REVISED_2020_NBA_Draft_Highlights_-_Cole_Anthony_1920x1080_1779271235890.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Cole Anthony","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Cole Anthony"},"credit":"","published":1604339104,"caption":"

The scenario: Ainge values players who were highly touted coming out of high school that slide on draft night for any variety of reasons, including underperforming in limited college action or injury concerns. Avery Bradley was famously ranked higher than John Wall coming out of high school.

While Wall went No. 1 in the 2010 draft, Ainge pounced when Bradley slipped to No. 19 (an ankle injury in pre-draft workouts didn’t help his stock either). Jared Sullinger had no shortage of high school hype and concerns about his back also aided his slide to Boston at No. 21 in 2012.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Cole Anthony, North Carolina

Snyder’s synopsis: The son of Greg Anthony was one of the top recruits in the country out of high school. He ended up playing for one of UNC’s worst teams in ages but his skills are there. A really good ball-handler and shot creator who could serve as a much more exciting backup point guard than Brad Wanamaker.

Forsberg’s feeling: Anthony checks a whole bunch of Ainge’s boxes and is coming off a meniscus injury that could keep him on the board a bit longer, too. But then there’s this: Ainge and Greg Anthony were at the center of a spectacular Knicks-Suns brawl in 1993 and, in the aftermath, Ainge had a savage quote about Anthony that culminated with him noting, "Greg Anthony goes overboard. He’s not that good a player, either.”

"},{"title":"INJURY DUTY","video":"ry6xYNWa915Q","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/2020_NBA_Draft_Highlights_-_Aaron_Nesmith_1920x1080_1810679875701.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Aaron Nesmith","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Aaron Nesmith"},"credit":"","published":1604339253,"caption":"

The scenario: The problem for some teams picking high in the draft is that they do not have the patience to nab a player who might need time to make an impact, even if it’s just rehabbing from a college injury. Ainge and Co. have been willing to play the long game. We already noted the injury concerns with Bradley and Sullinger but, more recently, the Celtics snagged Robert Williams and Romeo Langford despite their own red flags.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Aaron Nesmith, Vanderbilt

Snyder’s synopsis: I’ve already professed my love for this guy in the past. Nesmith missed just over half the season last year due to a foot injury but before that shot 52 percent from 3-point range on a whopping eight 3s per game. This would be a great grab for Ainge.

Forsberg’s feeling: Recovery time due to the pandemic might not scare teams as much as it might have back in June. Alas, it’s undeniable that Nesmith is exactly the sort of shooter the Celtics so clearly need after bricking picks like James Young and R.J. Hunter with recent Round 1 selections.

Forsberg: Nesmith among top shooters Celtics could consider in NBA Draft

"},{"title":"IT’S IN THE BLOOD","video":"MkKw2q3viFu0","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/2020_NBA_Draft_Highlights_-_JOSH_GREEN_1920x1080_1779243075552.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Josh Green","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Josh Green"},"credit":"","published":1604339255,"caption":"

The scenario: The Celtics have landed a handful of draftees in Ainge’s tenure with basketball in their bloodlines. Sometimes that’s simply having a father who coached high-level high school ball (Sullinger, Jayson Tatum) or sometimes it's someone like Kelly Olynyk, whose father, Ken, had coached at every level including in the NBA as an observing coach with the Raptors under Lenny Wilkens. It can’t hurt one’s chances at success to have been around the game their entire life.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Josh Green, Arizona

Snyder’s synopsis: Green is a really smart shooting guard who is always praised for his smarts and awareness on the floor. Both of his parents played professionally in Australia.

Forsberg’s feeling: Green’s 3-and-D potential — and the possibility that he could still be on the board late in the first round — is reason enough for Ainge to be intrigued. His humble nature instilled by his parents while growing up in Australia separates him from many of his draft peers.

"},{"title":"OUT OF LEFT FIELD","video":"lXJS4MnfCUxt","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/0607_nbadraft_immanuelquickley_1920x1080_1809503811810.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Immanuel Quickley","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Immanuel Quickley"},"credit":"","published":1604339257,"caption":"

The scenario: With shades of Bill Belichick, Ainge won’t hesitate to use the No. 14 pick on someone you thought might be there at 41. Sometimes he hits — Terry Rozier wasn’t pegged to go as early as 16 in 2015 — and sometimes he misses -- Guerschon Yabusele is out of the league after being nabbed at 16 in 2016.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky

Snyder’s synopsis: Not only is his name awesome, he stayed at Kentucky for his sophomore year and greatly improved across the board, but especially his 3-point shooting. He would be a fun get for the Celtics even if Ainge reached for him.

Forsberg’s feeling: I look like the confused Larry David GIF trying to figure out if I’m on board with this one. The Celtics whiffed on their last Kentucky shooter (James Young) but then we all saw what Tyler Herro did in the playoffs.

NBA Mock Draft 9.0: Which players best fit each team's needs?

"},{"title":"WHAT’S IN A NAME? (PART 1)","video":"vxBjZywIKicw","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/Jalen_Smith_1920x1080_1779244099924.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Jalen Smith","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Jalen Smith"},"credit":"","published":1604339259,"caption":"

The scenario: First there was Jaylen Brown. Then came Jayson Tatum. It’s simply undeniable: The Celtics can’t miss with Jays.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Jalen Smith, Maryland

Snyder’s synopsis: I actually love Smith for the Celtics if they choose to take a big. A long, lanky rim protector who is really good on the glass, and also provides a very smooth outside jumper. Would also become a fan favorite because he rocks those sweet new-age rec specs that look more like stylish glasses than goggles.

Forsberg’s feeling: Lack of a “y” in his Jalen spelling conspires against Smith here, but it did the same when I pitched Jaden McDaniels as a possibility for this one. Ainge will undoubtedly appreciate how hard Smith plays and who can resist a good pair of rec specs? If McDaniels is still on the board with Boston’s late first-round picks, just keep this category in mind.

"},{"title":"WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS … WINGS","video":"psGUM5AgBvYO","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/2020_NBA_Draft_Highlights_-_ISAAC_OKORO_1920x1080_1780872259633.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Isaac Okoro","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Isaac Okoro"},"credit":"","published":1604339261,"caption":"

The scenario: In the modern NBA, you can do worse than to find someone who's somewhere between 6-5 and 6-9 with a big ol’ wingspan and some defensive versatility. Given Brad Stevens’ penchant for mix-and-match wings, Ainge can always find one with a speciality that intrigues him.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Isaac Okoro, Auburn

Snyder’s synopsis: I’m cheating here. This is less an “all else fails” scenario and more an “Ainge fell in love with this wing” scenario. Okoro is projected to go a handful of picks before the Celtics draft but his athleticism, hustle and defensive presence would fit the Celtics really well. Another guy to embody the Marcus Smart way.

Forsberg’s feeling: Since Okoro could be off the board quickly, we’ll make the pitch here for Robert Woodard II, who Snyder had mocked to Boston at No. 30 in our team-needs mock last week. First off, the Celtics have a thing for guys with roman numeral suffixes (see also: Robert Williams III, Terry Rozier III). What’s more, Ainge loves Roberts (Timelord and, woah boy, don't even get us started on Ainge and Robert Swift). More importantly, Woodard just oozes Celtics with his defensive potential and energy.

"},{"title":"TEENAGE DREAM","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Hampton_RJ_GettyImages_1192249769.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1604339264,"caption":"

The scenario: While Ainge won’t shy away from a 22-year-old who might be a little more polished, there’s always a perceived higher ceiling when drafting a teenager who might have only scratched the surface of his potential. From Bradley to Brown to Tatum to Langford, the Celtics have routinely found 19-year-olds they can nurture.

The 2020 prototypical pick: RJ Hampton, New Zealand Breakers

Snyder’s synopsis: Hampton is extremely fast and athletic with a burst that jumps off the screen. He has a lot of scoring potential but hasn’t perfected all the fundamentals that go with putting a complete offensive arsenal together. Also, he’s ONLY 19 (same age as Tatum).

Forsberg’s feeling: Hampton could have just as easily slotted as our choice for category No. 1 as he does here. His size and playmaking potential are super intriguing and Ainge has never been bashful about taking someone with a jumper that might need a little work.

Celtics reportedly have 'good interview' with RJ Hampton

"},{"title":"WHAT’S IN A NAME? (PART 2)","video":"kOHWEYX6RNLv","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/PATRICKWILLIAMS_FLORIDASTATE_1920x1080_1779271747802.jpg","alt":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Patrick Williams","title":"2020 NBA Draft Highlights: Patrick Williams"},"credit":"","published":1604339267,"caption":"

The scenario: Has the last name Williams.

The 2020 prototypical pick: Patrick Williams, Florida State

Snyder’s synopsis: :: Sigh ::

Forsberg’s feeling: Once is chance, twice is a coincidence, but the third time is a pattern. We’re well aware that Williams isn’t exactly the most unique last name in the NBA but, on the heels of Robert Williams and Grant Williams, we’re throwing it out there.

"}]}

2020 NBA Draft: Identifying prototypical Celtics available for Danny Ainge