NBA Lottery 2016: 5 reasons Celtics deserve to win No. 1 pick

By John Buhler | May 12, 2016

WALTHAM, MA - JULY 5: New Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens (R) is introduced to the media as Team President Rich Gotham, Co-Owner Steve Pagliuca, and President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge look on July 5, 2013 in Waltham, Massachusetts. Stevens was hired away from Butler University where he led the Bulldogs to two back to back national championship game appearances in 2010, and 2011. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

Jan 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Boston Celtics 101-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Boston is really only a star player away

The 2015-16 Celtics were a fantastic team to watch, but had a finite ceiling with what they could do on the court. Boston didn’t have a player on its roster that could elevate them beyond their first round exit. Yes, point guard Isaiah Thomas is a great player, but he isn’t dynamic enough to make the Celtics championship caliber (i.e., Eastern Conference Finals bound).

In short, Boston has an incredibly high floor as a basketball team, but its room for growth as a team with this collection of role players has essentially peaked. At this time, Boston is ready to acquire a superstar caliber player, whether that be in 2016 NBA free agency or with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Boston has the capability of growing both in free agency as a destination franchise or through the draft with their impressive stockpile of picks. It won’t happen over night, but the Celtics are perhaps most poised of any team in the lottery that are well-equipped to handle grooming the NBA’s next superstar.

Surely, both Simmons and Ingram aren’t anywhere near that distinction yet as NBA rookies, but the culture in place with the Celtics will give either freshman standout the opportunity to grow and prosper on the way to stardom in the modern era of the NBA.

While either guy would be looked at as the next Pierce, Garnett or Ray Allen, he won’t face the initial scrutiny or pressure to be the face of the Celtics franchise. When he’s ready to take over the reigns in probably year three, whoever the Celtics take No. 1 (Simmons or Ingram) will be ready to lead a championship caliber Boston team.

Next: 3. Boston rebuilt their team in the right manner.

Home/Boston Celtics