Boston Celtics Draft Options With the 16th Pick

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The Boston Celtics were expected to tank early on in the season, but they ended up pulling out a playoff berth late in the season. Some may say that the Celtics should’ve just taken the losses and gotten a better pick in the draft. However, Celtics fans will understand why that playoff berth was so important. Their young players now have playoff experience and will be hungry for more. So for now, the Celtics will need to do the best that they can with their middle of the pack first round draft pick. Let’s check out some of the options that they may have to choose from.

Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky

Trey Lyles is a bit reminiscent of Blake Griffin, minus the crazy athleticism. He’s got great handles for a big man and is more than capable of blowing past his man. He also possesses a very solid jump shot as well, as impressive range for a man of his size. He isn’t the best defender, nor is he very quick, but he could add some much needed offense in the Celtics frontcourt. The Celtics would be very lucky to have Lyles fall to them, but it’s not out of the question.

Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

The Celtics certainly don’t need backcourt players more than frontcourt players. However, Booker would add a whole new dynamic to their backcourt. Avery Bradley is a decently sized player but is mostly used for defense. Marcus Smart has good size, but he’s still developing his jump shot. Isaiah Thomas is a great scorer, but is horribly undersized. Booker would add both size and shooting to the Celtics roster. Booker could definitely be available for the Celtics, but adding a forth backcourt player may be a bit too redundant.

Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA

Looney could be a good addition to the Celtics. The only problem would be the fact that he is a somewhat positionless player and the Celtics already have an abundance of those. Looney is a player that can play both small and power forward; often times players like that struggle in the NBA. Looney is another big man that can handle the ball for the Celtics, like Lyles, and would also add some good shooting. Looney wouldn’t be ideal, but should definitely be considered if available.

Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin

Small forward could definitely end up being a need for the Celtics in the coming years. Jae Crowder is set to be a free agent this summer, and Evan Turner will be a free agent next summer. Dekker should end up being a very solid player in the NBA. Whether he’s a decent stater or a high quality bench option, he could add a solid all around player to the Celtics rotation as they look to add more young talent.

No matter who the Celtics draft, they will certainly be an interesting team to watch next season as their young core continues to grow and develop.