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Anonymous GM ‘convinced’ Boston Celtics will select Josh Jackson No. 1 overall

By Trey Daubert

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the first half against the UC Davis Aggies in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the first half against the UC Davis Aggies in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Is Josh Jackson the choice for the Boston Celtics at the top of the 2017 NBA Draft? One general manager seems to think so.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge will take the best player available. While many draft pundits believe that player is Markelle Fultz, one general manager seems to think Josh Jackson will be the pick.

Jackson was scheduled to workout for the C’s but canceled his workout, oddly enough.

Nevertheless, this one anonymous GM is “convinced” the Celtics will walk away with Jackson.

"“I’ve picked Danny’s brain for years,” one GM said via Chad Ford of ESPN. “Jackson is an Ainge player all the way. Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he’s keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I’m convinced they’ll take Jackson No. 1.”"

Jackson, 20, is a high-flying freshman sensation from Kansas who possesses superior athletic traits. At 6-foot-8, 208 pounds, Jackson’s biggest question mark is his pure shooting after knocking down just .566 percent of his attempts at the free throw line. The fit in Boston is definitely a curious one considering he is eerily similar to Jaylen Brown. Let’s not forget that Jae Crowder is also on the roster along with the inevitable pursuit of Gordon Hayward in free agency.

While Jackson is an intriguing prospect, he may not even be the best small forward in the draft. Jayson Tatum from Duke may be the better prospect thanks to his more polished scoring prowess.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Boston Celtics

Ultimately, Fultz from Washington is still likely to become the first overall pick. Fultz is two years younger than Jackson and is far from a finished product. Fultz averaged 23.2 points per game and is the consensus top player in the 2017 NBA Draft. Selecting Fultz also gives the Celtics a superstar point guard to build around in case Isaiah Thomas departs via free agency in 2018.

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