Boston Celtics Mock Draft 2024: Projected picks and more
The Boston Celtics had a great season, winning the 2024 NBA championship in five games against the Dallas Mavericks. Experts have speculated that the Celtics could make another run next season with the same group. Even as the defending champs, the team could still add a promising prospect to its roster.
In the 2024 NBA draft, the Celtics have two picks (30th and 54th). Even though they don't have a chance to secure a top prospect, they could still end up with a promising player and get some steals. Adding a few new players will help the team improve its young core and possibly develop its talent.
History has shown that gems can be found late in the first round or even deep in the second. The Celtics could acquire quality players in this year's draft class.
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Boston Celtics Mock Draft 2024: Possible selections
#5, Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
The G League Ignite has developed some promising players. The Celtics have a chance to draft Tyler Smith, a 6-foot-9 forward who can stretch the floor with his shooting. He's also a lengthy defender, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan.
In the G League, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He also knocked down 36.4% of his shots from beyond the arc. With his experience at an almost-NBA level, the 30th pick would not go to waste with him.
#4, Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
A 6-6 guard could be a useful player for the Celtics to draft. Baylor Scheierman is a slippery off-ball guard who is ready to help with any team that drafts him. He's extremely experienced as he spent five seasons in college (three at South Dakota and two at Creighton).
He shot 38.1% from beyond the arc in his final year and has proven that he's got what it takes to help out a team. Scheierman may not be the most athletic prospect, but the Boston Celtics could have fun with two shooters like him and Sam Hauser off the bench.
#3, Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas Jayhawks
Kevin McCullar Jr. showed a promising two-way talent in his final year at the NCAA. The Celtics would love to have a player like McCullar, as he's a capable defender of any position. Even at 6-5, the athletic wing can hold his own on the defensive end.
He averaged 18.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 4.1 assists in his final year in college. McCullar can also snatch the ball well as he had 1.5 steals last season.
#2, DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
The Boston Celtics will soon need a reliable backup once Al Horford decides to retire. Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis is prone to injury, which makes drafting DaRon Holmes II a good move.
He's shown flashes of a throwback big man but is also an excellent rim runner. Holmes shows effort in catching lobs, protecting the tin and dishing the rock. A backup plan will be an intelligent choice for the Celtics if they draft the young center.
#1, Kyle Filipowski, Duke
The center position for the Celtics needs careful consideration. Kyle Filipowski could be the ideal big man for the team as he's still young but has shown massive improvement in his two seasons at Duke.
He shot 34.8% of his three-pointers in his final year with Duke. Defensively, Filipowski blocked 1.5 shots. At 6-10, the big man is also a capable passer and has great defensive awareness.
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