Celtics 2024 NBA Draft: Brad Stevens’ philosophy and 10 targets at pick #30

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“We’ll take pleasure in tonight,” Brad Stevens said throughout championship celebration after profitable Sport 5 final Monday. “However…that draft exercise tomorrow…that needs to be enjoyable.”

No relaxation for the depraved. Simply over every week after profitable their league-leading 18th title in franchise historical past, the Boston Celtics are prepping for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Switches are flipping from a grueling playoff run to a variety of draft prospects who may very well be obtainable at pics No. 30 and 54.

Like final 12 months, when Jordan Walsh was Boston’s solely draft takeaway, Brad Stevens and the entrance workplace are coming into this 12 months’s occasion with an analogous thought course of: Including assist for the long run.

“I believe there’s plenty of transferring components to conserving this roster sustainable past this 12 months, however particularly to this 12 months is we received plenty of guys again,” Stevens stated on Tuesday. “It will likely be onerous for any draft decide to crack our rotation when wholesome.

“And so, we’ll take into consideration how we will greatest proceed to spend money on younger gamers and their improvement and development, with the fact that, if we’re capable of proceed to maneuver ahead with this group, these guys are going to be on the court docket. So, this might be a great alternative once more to herald someone who we expect will assist us down the street.”

The Celtics have gotten very costly, very quick. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White are each due extensions within the close to future, and Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Vacation all already make over $30 million per season.

Sustaining that worth level can solely be justified by resounding success, which they achieved this season. However concurrently, guaranteeing future triumph revolves across the identical rules that Joe Mazzulla stresses on the court docket: Profitable the margins.

Boston’s end-of-bench gamers will not be taking part in an enormous position now, however as Horford (38 years previous), Vacation (34 years previous), and Porzingis (28 years previous with an damage historical past) become older, they need to be ready to fill the gaps.

Stevens is consistently pondering forward, and this 12 months’s draft might be no completely different.

“So far as the picks go, if the suitable particular person is offered at 30, then we are going to take them, and if we have now a few folks that we expect are nonetheless the suitable particular person, then we’ll see what our choices are and what sort of flexibility we have now,” Stevens stated.

“However I anticipate selecting a few picks, and whether or not they’re on the roster or a two-way, investing in younger gamers, I just- If they arrive in and crack our rotation, then they’re actually good. That’ll be a great factor, too.”

Although there will not be any gamers obtainable worthy of fast rotation minutes, loads of prospects challenge as spectacular long-term additions, and Stevens famous that he expects to make two alternatives.

There might be a wide selection of choices obtainable to the Celtics, significantly at decide No. 30.

Celtics 2024 NBA Draft targets at decide No. 30

Baylor Scheierman, Creighton

Age: 23 years previous | Place: Wing
Peak: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 6-foot-8
Stats (Fifth-12 months Senior): 18.5 factors, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 44.8% FG, 38.1% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Large Brandin Podziemski (The Ringer), Joe Ingles (NBA.com), Gordon Hayward (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Greater Austin Reaves lite

After 5 years in school, three at South Dakota State and two at Creighton, Baylor Scheierman enters the NBA Draft as one of the vital NBA-ready offensive gamers. A easy lefty stroke aids him in being one of many higher shooters within the class, and he’s an adept playmaker for his measurement and place, too. His shot creation talents have additionally been polished by years of being a major choice in school, and his rebounding has shined, too.

The defensive considerations are actual, as he’s by no means been nice at staying in entrance of men on account of his poor athleticism and total flat-footedness.

Ought to Boston goal Scheierman, who has been in with the Celtics for a exercise, they might seemingly put him on the trail to being one other Sam Hauser-type participant.

Scheierman’s defensive limitations appear a bit tougher to beat than Hauser’s struggles firstly of his profession. That stated, he’s a greater total shot-creator and playmaker than Hauser is.

Tyler Smith, G League Ignite

Age: 19 years previous | Place: Ahead
Peak: 6-foot-10 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Stats: 13.4 factors, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 blocks, 48.1% FG, 36.4% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Charlie Villanueva (The Ringer), Channing Frye (NBA.com), Trey Lyles (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Extra athletic Santi Aldama

An up-and-down 12 months for Tyler Smith with the G League Ignite had his draft projections in every single place. He was scorching to begin the 12 months, incomes lottery consideration, however his manufacturing slowly waned, and now, he’s projected to land later within the first spherical.

One other lefty shooter, Smith proved able to draining triples, and at 6-foot-10, that’s a worthwhile commodity no matter the remainder of his ability set. His athleticism makes him a possible hazard within the pick-and-roll, too.

But regardless of having an important NBA physique, Smith’s protection nonetheless isn’t in an important place. He will get beat off the dribble too simply and is way too keen when leaping at pump fakes. It’s harking back to an early Robert Williams III at occasions however with out the ultra-elite instincts.

There’s a transparent define for Smith to turn into a productive participant within the NBA for a very long time together with his offensive abilities and body, however the protection and total persistence want work.

Adem Bona, UCLA

Age: 21 years previous | Place: Heart
Peak: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 7-foot-4
Stats (Sophomore): 12.4 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.8 blocks, 58.8% FG
Numerous NBA comparisons: Montrezl Harrell (The Ringer), Isaiah Jackson (NBA.com), Clint Capela (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Linebacker Daniel Gafford

Adem Bona performs with unbelievable power. At his measurement and together with his wingspan, he has all of the makings of a freakish rim-runner who can throw his all on the glass on each ends of the ground. He may very well be an incredible above-the-rim menace. That stated, the remainder of his offensive recreation wants plenty of work. Bona isn’t an important passer and has no semblance of a three-point shot, which may restrict his position on the Celtics long-term.

Defensively, Bona may find yourself being an actual menace when serving to over within the paint. He has nice shot-blocking instincts and the wingspan to place them to good use. Like all freak-athlete defenders, nonetheless, Bona can get in foul hassle now and again.

As outlined by Tyler Rucker of No Ceilings on the How ‘Bout Them Celtics podcast, UCLA introduced in a bunch of worldwide recruits that didn’t pan out in Bona’s sophomore season. He was thrust into a task he’s not used to, changing into extra of a publish participant, so his scouting is a bit wonky.

If Bona needs to stay on the NBA stage, he’ll should work on his self-discipline, and the offense might want to come alongside considerably, however his power and hustle are sufficient to make groups need him round regardless.

NBL Rd 19 - New Zealand Breakers v Illawarra Hawks

AJ Johnson, Illawarra Hawks (NBL)

Age: 19 years previous | Place: Guard
Peak: 6-foot-5 | Wingspan: 6-foot-8
Stats: 2.9 factors, 1.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 35.5% FG, 27.8% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Nick Younger (The Ringer), Jamal Crawford (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Jordan Clarkson

AJ Johnson is without doubt one of the weirdest prospects on this class, as he has among the clearest upside on the board. However with how unstable his season with the Illawarra Hawks (coached by Justin Tatum, Jayson’s dad) within the NBL was, it’s powerful to inform how properly he’ll do within the NBA.

Initially, Johnson dedicated to Texas, however he ended up deciding to hitch the NBL as an alternative. Sadly, he didn’t earn constant minutes, so he wasn’t capable of get any semblance of continuity, and it could have affected his effectivity.

Talking of, Johnson was wholly inefficient when he did play for the Hawks, however he confirmed some actual potential to turn into a top-tier scorer and playmaker. He’s shifty, fast, and an explosive athlete. Jalen Inexperienced and him are long-time mates.

Johnson confirmed some flashes of improved protection throughout his time within the NBL, however his small body may maintain him again a bit in that regard. He’ll have loads of time to enhance, however Johnson is a whole challenge participant proper now.

Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa

Age: 18 years previous | Place: Heart
Peak: 6-foot-11 | Wingspan: 7-foot-4
Stats (three video games): 13.0 factors, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.7 blocks, 42.4% FG, 38.1% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Serge Ibaka (The Ringer), Serge Ibaka (NBA.com), Clint Capela (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Serge Ibaka lite

One other very uncooked prospect, Ulrich Chomche seems like he may very well be a power on each ends of the court docket if he lives as much as his full potential. However that’s an enormous “if” contemplating he solely began taking part in basketball at 11 years previous and by no means performed school or professional ball.

Chomche, who’s from Cameroon, is a product of NBA Academy Africa. There, he confirmed off his elite potential on the defensive facet of the ball. He’s an important athlete who strikes remarkably properly for his measurement and has proven the power to roam down low and file wild blocks.

His three-point shot is extraordinarily weird-looking, nevertheless it fell at a good charge throughout his Academy video games (albeit on comparatively low quantity). As a lob goal and offensive rebounder, Chomche can be efficient, however all over the place else, he wants to enhance.

The true motive why Chomche isn’t greater up on draft boards is due to how actually uncooked he’s as a prospect. He’s nonetheless determining the sport on a sure stage. There are transferring screens, positioning points, and total, he simply wants time to completely develop.

Ryan Dunn, Virginia

Age: 21 years previous | Place: Wing
Peak: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Stats (Sophomore): 8.1 factors, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 54.8% FG, 20.0% 3PTNumerous NBA comparisons: Herb Jones (The Ringer), Matisse Thybulle (NBA.com), Tari Eason (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Supercharged, massive Danny Inexperienced (with no offense)

If Trae Younger is the perfect all-offense, no-defense participant within the NBA, Ryan Dunn is the antithesis of him. If Matisse Thybulle was the perfect all-defense, no-offense draft prospect lately, Dunn takes that notion to a different stage on each ends of the spectrum.

The Virginia product will step into the NBA as one of the vital spectacular defenders instantly. He’s the perfect all-around defender on this class and an absolute menace on the perimeter. Dunn is the kind of participant different gamers hate to go up in opposition to.

Sadly, that stage of intimidation is met by the alternative on the opposite finish of the ground. The surface shot is totally off, he can not create for himself in any respect, and the one actual position he can have is that of an off-ball cutter. That stated, he’s athletic, so he can rise up and end on the rim at a satisfactory charge.

If Dunn was even a satisfactory three-point shooter, he can be a possible top-10 decide on this 12 months’s draft. However he’s not. Any staff that drafts Dunn must be assured of their means to wholly rework his offensive recreation.

Ratiopharm Ulm v Wurzburg Baskets - Basketball Bundesliga Play Off

Pacome Dadiet, Ratiopharm (Germany)

Age: 18 years previous | Place: Ahead
Peak: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Stats (Germany): 6.6 factors, 2.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 50.2% FG, 35.8% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Michael Finley (The Ringer), Isaac Okoro (NBA.com), Tobias Harris (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Tall, skinny Joe Johnson

Pacome Dadiet has shot up draft boards in current weeks regardless of not taking part in a ton of minutes for Ratiopharm in Germany. The younger French prospect continues to be very uncooked however has the define of a top-notch scorer on the NBA stage.

There are few prospects fairly as fluid as Dadiet is with the ball in his fingers. His quantity was low in Germany, however when he had the rock, he all the time seemed like he knew what he was doing. Now, generally he didn’t, and it resulted in youthful, sloppy turnovers, nevertheless it’s clear that the movement is there.

Dadiet tasks to be a great three-point shooter and needs to be a stable playmaker as properly, although he didn’t do a lot of that with Ratiopharm. Defensively, he has the construct to be a reasonably versatile defender.

General, Dadiet simply wants to chop out the foolish errors and show that he can do what he did in Germany at the next stage with extra touches and in opposition to harder competitors. Simple sufficient… proper? Realistically, Dadiet is a challenge participant who may growth (and can seemingly be chosen earlier than decide No. 30).

PJ Corridor, Clemson

Age: 22 years previous | Place: Ahead/Heart
Peak: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Stats (Senior): 18.3 factors, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, 48.8% FG, 31.5% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Put up-prime Blake Griffin (The Ringer), Dean Wade (NBA.com), Tom Gugliotta (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Miami Warmth Kevin Love

PJ Corridor matches completely into the mould of a top-tier school participant trying to translate what labored for him at that stage right into a profession within the NBA. The query is whether or not or not he’ll efficiently have the ability to do this.

Regardless of the poor numbers his senior season, the three-point shot is there—he shot 39.8% his junior season (on two fewer makes an attempt per recreation). Corridor relied on his post-game rather a lot in school, which he received’t have the ability to do as a lot within the professionals, nevertheless it gave him a pleasant really feel across the basket.

Corridor is aware of what he’s doing on the defensive finish, however his total lack of athleticism holds him again. Positionally, he’s near-perfect, however he will get beat off the dribble on account of his lack of quickness and may get antsy, leaping at too many fakes.

The 22-year-old has a pleasant really feel for the sport and may very well be a connective massive man off the pine if developed appropriately, however he’ll should show his three-point shot is constant and enhance defensively on the perimeter to make up for being undersized at his place.

Enrique Freeman, Akron

Age: 24 years previous (in July) | Place: Ahead
Peak: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Stats (Fifth-12 months Senior): 18.6 factors, 12.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, 58.4% FG, 37.0% 3PT
Numerous NBA comparisons: Tari Eason (The Ringer)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Smaller Kevon Looney (possibly with a jumper)

Just a few months in the past, Enrique Freeman wasn’t on anybody’s draft radar. Now, he’s a possible second-round decide. He was a walk-on at Akron, and after declaring for the NBA Draft, he, as outlined by O’Connor, “obtained a Portsmouth Invitational Event invite, then earned a G League Elite Camp invite, after which was requested to take part within the NBA draft mix.”

Freeman boasts an incessant work ethic that bleeds its method onto the court docket by the use of his infectious hustle. He’s all the time within the combine for rebounds and performs with a hearth that exhibits itself in even the smallest motions he makes on the court docket.

His insane wingspan makes him a formidable offensive rebounder, and whereas he was defending bigs in school, he has the make-up and hustle to maintain up with forwards, which he must do within the NBA.

Although he’s made enhancements, Freeman’s shot nonetheless isn’t all the way in which there, and he’ll should play a really completely different model of basketball if he needs to stay on the NBA stage. However when it comes to hustle, there are few gamers who can outdo Freeman on this draft class.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: DEC 06 San Francisco at Vanderbilt

Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco

Age: 22 years previous | Place: Ahead/Heart
Peak: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Stats (Senior): 14.2 factors, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks, 63.6% FG
Numerous NBA comparisons: Ben Simmons if he had been a hooper (The Ringer), Kenneth Faried (No Ceilings)
Jack’s NBA comparability: Large man Josh Hart (with no jumper)

Jonathan Mogbo is a really attention-grabbing case, as he has all of the instruments to be one of many extra versatile gamers on this draft—he simply can’t shoot. That’s what’s going to finish up holding him again, particularly with how undersized he’s.

That stated, Mogbo may find yourself being one of many higher all-around defenders on this class. He can cling with guards, wings, and bigs alike, and his offensive recreation (exterior of his scoring) is analogous in that respect.

Mogbo is a formidable playmaker able to pushing the tempo on offense and understanding of the brief roll. That’s the kind of basketball IQ that groups like to have on their squad. Plus, his huge wingspan helps him corral a ton of offensive rebounds.

Sadly, Mogbo’s three-point shot doesn’t really feel like it’ll get there, and whereas he’s a stable finisher across the rim, that might restrict his alternatives within the NBA, as he’s far more of a ahead than a middle at his measurement. But when Boston needs to work with him and discover a approach to make it work, Mogbo is actually a particularly distinctive expertise.

Different potential Celtics targets: Bobi Klintman (NBL), Quinten Put up (Boston Faculty), Pelle Larsson (Arizona), Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas), Harrison Ingram (North Carolina), Cam Spencer (UConn), Trentyn Flowers (NBL)

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