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NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Boston Celtics

By Brendon Kleen

Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots from the free throw line during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots from the free throw line during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics are sitting pretty with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Here are five targets they should consider.

The Boston Celtics are having their cake and chowing down on it too. They just finished an impressive run to nine playoff wins, and they have put together an extremely competitive roster. Now their attention can immediately turn to the 2017 NBA Draft, in which they will pick four times. By aggressively playing the trade market and capitalizing on an impressive trove of assets, the Celtics can continue to add to their team this summer. With the first, No. 37, No. 53 and No. 56 overall picks, Boston basically controls the draft at every level.

Here is a list of the players who fit them best. Although most expect the Celtics to take the consensus best prospect, Markelle Fultz, at number one, I included a second and third possibility at the top of the draft just for fun. After that, there are two second-rounders whom Boston might also consider.

5. Alec Peters, F, Valparaiso

An player who makes sense in terms of a stash option, Peters could be in play for Boston as high as 37 and as low as 56. He climbed up big boards ahead of the 2016 Draft before opting into his final season at Valparaiso last year. This year, he continued to improve, but saw his season end through injury before he could finish out a strong four-year career in Indiana.

That injury, combined with the still mostly raw makeup of skills that Peters possesses, make him an interesting candidate for a domestic stash with the Red Claws. Putting him in the D-League would allow Peters to develop his defensive game and add second and third options to his offense. Currently, Peters offers value mostly as a stretch big, but if he could add more traditional paint skills in Maine, he could be a valuable player for the Celtics in time.

The skilled, perimeter-oriented big man is clearly a player type that coach Brad Stevens loves, but the Celtics will need a replacement for Olynyk and Horford some day. In Peters, the team could find that player. Lower in the draft, with a D-League affiliate and two-way contracts at their disposal, Boston can afford to take a chance on Peters.

And again, filling out the stable of big men is not a bad way for the Celtics to go with such prolific guard talent on the roster already. It does not appear the stretch big man is going away from the NBA any time soon, and Peters offers elite shooting upside from the forward position. For those who miss on big man offense early in the draft, waiting for Peters is a good strategy.

If he can overcome the injury and fill out his game, the Valparaiso graduate could reward the Celtics for taking a chance.

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