Markelle Fultz is talking and acting like the Celtics will draft him No. 1.
He’s probably safe.
With Fultz scheduled to work out in Boston today, he can put a bow on this. The Celtics can and should continue to investigate Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum. But if Fultz is already atop Boston’s board (he’s atop most boards), it’s probably just on him not to blow his status. He’s too polished for that to be a reasonable concern. I doubt those other players can make up the necessary ground as long as Fultz checks out as advertised in his workout/meeting/medical testing.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a report soon that the Celtics intend to draft Fultz if they keep the No. 1 pick. A trade is unlikely, but they’ll probably keep that door open.