NBA Draft Rumors: Boston Celtics like Aaron Gordon most among PFs
The Boston Celtics clearly hope they can deal their two first round picks, the sixth-overall and 17th-overall selections, among other assets and young players, to the Minnesota Timberwolves for star power forward Kevin Love.
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That, of course, seems like a long-shot. That’s why the Celtics have been hosting prospect after prospect, including former Arizona Wildcats’ forward Aaron Gordon, former Indiana Hoosiers’ big man Noah Vonleh and former Kentucky Wildcats’ power forward Julius Randle.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reports the Celtics like Gordon more than the other power forwards in the draft.
"Boston has been looking hard at the big men here, a group that includes Gordon, Vonleh and Julius Randle. But league sources believe Celtics brass is highest on Gordon, a strong defender/rebounder whose offensive game will need a lot of work. Boston continues to be aggressive in looking for trades. As ESPN.com reported, the Celtics are pursuing a deal for Kevin Love, though it remains to be seen if the Timberwolves are willing to deal Love before the draft."
Gordon has told reporters he hopes the Celtics select him.
Gordon, who measured in at 6’8.75″ and 220 points with a wingspan of 6’11.75″ at the NBA’s Scouting Combine, averaged 12.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field, 35.6% from beyond the arc and 42.2% from the free throw line for the Wildcats this season. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express ranks Gordon as the ninth-best prospect in the daft and currently projects the Philadelphia 76ers to draft him with the 10th-overall pick.