Forsberg: Final first-round mock as the NBA Draft approaches
It’s (finally) draft day! And, at least for the moment, the Boston Celtics own three first-round selections in this year’s pick-a-palooza.Earlier this week, we rolled out what we thought would be our final mock. Then the NBA got crazy, picks started changing hands, and we decided to revisit our mock for one final twirl with a focus on Boston’s picks.With Gordon Hayward’s time in Boston appearing over and no certainty that the Celtics will be able to bring back comparable talent if they move him over the next 36 hours, it’s even more important for Danny Ainge to turn this year’s picks into talent that can complement Boston’s young core — whether by making the right choices or dealing those picks for established talent.With help from NBC Sports Boston super producer and college hoops guru Rob Snyder, here’s our final first-round mock with a heavy focus on the Celtics options when they’re on the clock at Nos. 14, 26, and 30:
6-4, 235 pounds
We shuffled LaMelo Ball into the No. 1 spot earlier this week but we’re hedging our bets. If Minnesota isn’t able to deal the pick for an established talent, we’re guessing they’d rather roll the dice with Edwards.
7-1, 247 pounds
He’s more raw than the back-in-the-title-hunt Warriors might prefer but his overall potential is worth enduring some bumps in the road.
6-9, 245 pounds
We don’t think Okongwu’s reported foot injury will cause him to slip at all, especially in a draft thin on big men. The Hornets should be more worried about development than winning anyhow. In one of our early mock drafts we flirted with the idea of the Warriors taking Okongwu at No. 2. That seems less likely now since they are in win-now mode. But the Hornets need a big and get one.
6-7, 190 pounds
6-9, 220 pounds
Geography — and a dynamic offensive game — helps this Dayton product find a home in Ohio.
6-9, 225 pounds
We’re guessing Hayward doesn’t actually land in Atlanta but the Hawks still add a playmaking forward that fits nicely into their mix of young players.
Why Hayward might not end up in Atlanta after all
6-5, 175 pounds
We’ll keep saying it until we’re Detroit blue in the face: The Pistons get their playmaker of the future and Ainge should call to see if the Celtics can snag Derrick Rose for the No. 30 pick.
6-7, 195 pounds
A Robbie Buckets favorite, the Knicks pounce on hustle-happy Vassell and get a 2-way player with a whole bunch of upside who will run sprints in perpetuity for Tom Thibodeau.
5 players Celtics could trade for on NBA Draft night
6-6, 225 pounds
Report: Celtics have had their eyes on Isaac Okoro
6-5, 192 pounds
Even after adding Chris Paul via trade, the Suns could use some backup point guard help, especially for the long term, and Hayes is particularly intriguing as he’s been playing professionally in France since age 16.
6-8, 225 pounds
Williams is raw, which will scare some of the teams at the top of the lottery who yearn for an immediate contributor. The Spurs can be a bit more patient with hopes that Williams will eventually emerge as one of the steals of this draft.
6-6, 215 pounds
After dealing Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Kings have a need for another sharpshooter. It’s also security in case they move Buddy Hield as part of any larger roster overhaul.
5 shooters Celtics could target in 2020 NBA Draft
6-3, 165 pounds
The Pelicans are swimming in future picks and need to hone in on best available talent. Lewis’ speed and athleticism are too intriguing to pass up even with Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe on the depth chart.
6-8, 216 pounds
Some of the best available names as the Celtics go on the clock for the first time: Saddiq Bey, RJ Hampton, Jalen Smith, and Precious Achiuwa. So why did we lean Bey here?
Snyder’s synopsis: Look, I know I've been a little obsessed with Bey but there are teams ahead of the Celtics who are also reportedly enamored with him. If the draft plays out like our mock, he's the easy choice at 14. Bey is one of, if not THE best spot-up shooter in the draft. He's always square to the basket, has an ultra-quick release, and shot 45 percent from 3 last year. He's also 6-foot-8, has a strong frame, and is a versatile defender. He's a smart ball-handler who can handle the point if needed. The only downside to his game is lack of explosiveness with the dribble but, again, if he's coming off the bench to hit open 3s, that part of his game won't be needed early.
Forsberg’s feeling: Despite all the pleas for Boston to trade up in the draft we’ve consistently stressed a desire to “Stay for Bey.” If Hayward is headed out of town, adding a 3-and-D wing with a versatile skill set is particularly important. It’s not a sexy pick and Bey’s ceiling isn’t nearly as high as Hampton or Smith. But his floor is decidedly higher. It just feels like Bey can step in early and be a rotation presence for Boston. While there’s plenty of fallback options in case he comes off the board before 14, the Celtics should also consider shimmying up a bit to land him. If that’s simply not possible, our backup pick would be Achiuwa though Hampton is a prototypical Ainge pick.
Forsberg: Why did Hayward's opt-out decision need OT?
6-5, 185 pounds
In our last mock, we worried his raw skills and a quiet year in New Zealand might cause Hampton to tumble. But the Magic could be in transition mode and they can lock him in the same room as Markelle Fultz and work on jumpers.
6-3, 200 pounds
A potential steal at 16, Maxey could be a point guard of the future regardless of what becomes of James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
Report: Celtics have 'no interest' in Harden trade
6-2, 160 pounds
Terry muscled his way into first-round consideration after connecting on 40.8 percent of 4.9 3s per game at Stanford. Despite his size, his shooting makes him an intriguing pick in a league that can’t get enough of it.
7-0, 195 pounds
An international prospect who's 7 feet tall and can hit 3-pointers. Yup, he’s headed to Dallas.
6-6, 215 pounds
With a healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets are immediate threats to come out of the East. Bane is the sort of prospect that will be a bit more NBA-ready than most.
6-6, 210 pounds
If the Heat don’t bring back Jae Crowder they’ll need some wing help with 3-and-D potential. Green can fill that role.
Tyler Herro: I was 'blessed' to be drafted by Heat, not Celtics
6-3, 190 pounds
A tough year at UNC could scare teams away but the Sixers need point guard depth and shooting. Anthony provides both with high upside.
Forsberg: Prototypical Celtics available in NBA Draft
6-9, 234 pounds
Given the lack of bigs after Wiseman/Okongwu come off the board, Achiuwa could go much earlier in Round 1. If he lasts to No. 22, he could be Paul Millsap’s replacement in Denver.
6-10, 225 pounds
Sure, they already have Mitchell Robinson. But with the Knicks shuffling up, their focus ought to be on best available player and if Smith is still on the board this late, they should pounce.
6-4, 195 pounds
Gotta put shooters around Zion and Ramsey shot 42.6 percent beyond the arc at Texas Tech.
6-10, 201 pounds
Underwhelmed in his lone season at Washington but will be given the chance to blossom in Sam Presti’s prospect development farm in OKC.
6-5, 180 pounds
Some of the best available names as the Celtics go on the clock based on our mock: Leandro Bolmaro, Theo Maledon, Isaiah Stewart, Robert Woodard II. So why Maledon?
Snyder’s synopsis: This won't get Celtics fans excited but with a couple bigs left on the board and another pick coming, it's worth reaching for the potential. Maledon is a steady point guard who has been working with Tony Parker -- and his game shows. He's always under control and is an adept passer and finisher. Plus, he gives you draft-and-stash potential if he's willing to do that, which could save you roster space if you're making all three picks. If he's immediately on the roster, he gives you a backup point guard with more flair than Brad Wanamaker — although his defense would have to improve for Brad Stevens to trust him.
Forsberg’s feeling: If we’re Ainge, we’re tempted to move this pick in the hunt for an established point guard who can help defray the load on Kemba Walker and his balky knee. Well, you try to send 30 but relent at 26 if a trade partner really digs in. The trouble for Boston — or maybe it’s a good thing — is that the team doesn’t have a lot of bad contracts it can move to obtain an established player. Kinda like how the Lakers dealt Danny Green and a late pick to nab Dennis Schröder. We’ve routinely made the pitch to call Detroit about Derrick Rose but even that’s tough finding salaries to match — at least with guys that Detroit would be willing to take on in addition to getting a pick. Maledon is a solid fallback option if the price of making a deal is simply too high.
Celtics Talk Podcast: Is Boston about to trade Gordon Hayward?
6-9, 250 pounds
A hulking big man help to ease Rudy Gobert’s workload — or insurance in case the Jazz don’t want to spend big money to keep the Stifle Tower around long-term.
6-6, 180 pounds
A mock draft favorite for the Celtics because of his stash-ability, the Thunder pounce again with a chance to be more patient than most with player development.
6-2, 195 pounds
Flip a coin between Pritchard and Malachi Flynn for help in case Fred VanVleet gets a payday elsewhere.
