NBA Draft 2014: Boston Celtics to host June 3rd workout
According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, the Boston Celtics are expected to host a workout on June 3rd where several possible first-round picks are expected to appear.
Boston Celtics June 3 workout: T.J. Warren, Cleanthony Early, KJ McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, DeAndre Daniels, PJ Hairston, per sources.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 27, 2014
Based on the listed names, it seems Danny Ainge is trying to get a feel for the small forward position in the upcoming draft, attempting to find the option that best fits the Boston Celtics.
Per Draft Express’ Top 100 Prospect ranking, T.J. Warren is the highest ranked player listed above at 16 followed by Kyle Anderson (17), K.J. McDaniels (20), P.J. Hairston (24), Cleanthony Early (30), and DeAndre Daniels (32). By working out each player, the Boston Celtics get a chance to peak close at the strengths and weakness of the prospects and compare to that of the Celtics, seeing which player is the best fit.
Of the mentioned players, North Carolina State forward T.J. Warren seems to be the best fit. Warren made his money on the offensive side of the ball, finishing third in the nation in scoring behind only Doug McDermott (Creighton) and Antoine Mason (Niagara University), averaging 24.8 points on 52 percent shooting. Warren was named to the 2013-14 2nd Team Consensus All-American. Selecting Warren (or any other aforementioned forward) could open the door for the Celtics to trade veteran Jeff Green, though it may be hard to find a buyer for an inconsistent forward who is owed $18 million over the next two seasons.
Whatever Ainge decides to do, he’ll make sure his options are open by the time the 17th pick is on the board by surveying this bevy of small forwards.