NBA Draft Rumors: Boston Celtics eyeing No. 1 pick
After trading power forward Kevin Garnett, swingman Paul Pierce and guard Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets and with point guard Rajon Rondo coming back from an ACL injury, the Boston Celtics resigned themselves to the fact that they would be in the lottery.
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However, the Celtics only have the sixth-overall pick and the 17th-overall pick (from the Nets’ deal) and probably won’t be able to land one of the players they covet most. That’s why the Celtics may be trying to make a move up in Thursday night’s draft.
In fact, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England, the Celtics are interested in trading up for the number one pick, which the Cleveland Cavaliers would reportedly be open to dealing.
"The Boston Celtics continue to look at all options leading up to the NBA draft which includes landing the No. 1 overall pick.A league source has told CSNNE.com that the Celtics have engaged the Cleveland Cavaliers about acquiring the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft.While no deal is imminent, Boston’s pursuit of the top overall pick speaks to their desire to indeed create “fireworks” in a draft that took a step back in terms of luster at the top following the navicular bone fracture to Joel Embiid’s right foot.If the Celtics were able to secure the top overall pick, they are expected to choose between Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, arguably the top two players in this draft although multiple sources indicate Boston would lean more towards Wiggins than Parker."
Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game for the Jayhawks last season while shooting 44.8% from the field, 34.1% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free throw line.
Parker went for 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 74.8% from the free throw line last season. The last time Parker was officially measured, he came in at 6’8.5 and 240 lbs. with a wingspan of 6’11.5 at the Kevin Durant Camp in 2013.