NBA Draft 2016: 5 options for Boston Celtics at No. 3

5. Jaylen Brown, Forward, California

If it is upside you want the Celtics to take with the third pick, it is going to be hard to find someone better that California forward Jaylen Brown.

A 6-foot-7 perimeter player with a seven-foot wingspan, Brown shows the elite-level athleticism that you are looking for when drafting this high. That being said, Brown’s basketball IQ is lacking. Brown shows a strong first-step towards the basket, but he is not a good ball handler, constantly getting himself in trouble against opposing double-teams.

Brown is also not much of a shooter, 29% of his three-point shots and only 65% of his free throws in his only season in college. Defensively, Brown’s elite skill-set gives him ridiculous upside, but once again his lack of awareness on the court gets him in trouble. A versatile player who could grow into a monster defender who defends all positions, Brown has a long way to go before that happens.

I certainly understand the intrigue here. Brown is an extremely gifted player who could become a star, but his skill-set is incredibly raw. While he did produce at times in college, most of Brown’s ability is based on projection. While tempting, I do not see him as the right choice for the Celtics.

Next: 4. Jamal Murray