Josh Jackson will not work out for Celtics unless they promise to pick him

The Boston Celtics are hoping to convince Kansas hoops star Josh Jackson to work out for them in advance of Thursday’s 2017 NBA Draft. Boston hold’s the third overall selection.

The Boston Celtics are on the clock. With the 76ers and Lakers expected to draft Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, respectively, the 2017 NBA Draft really starts with the Celtics. The team is reportedly choosing between Duke’s Jayson Tatum and Kansas’ Josh Jackson.

Chad Ford and Dave McMenamin of ESPN have reported that Jackson will not work out for Boston unless they meet his demands.

This likely won’t sway the Celtics’ decision either way but it may give Tatum a leg up in the battle. Tatum worked out for the team Monday in Boston and that may have sealed the deal for him to be the pick. Danny Ainge, Boston’s general manager, has already claimed he’ll be getting the player he wants despite already trading down from the first overall pick. Many draft experts believe that could be Jackson, but Ainge likely won’t tip his hand.

It’s tough to see Boston convincing Jackson to work out for them given the circumstances. It’s not out of the realm of possibility Ainge trades down again if he can finesse the fifth and 10th overall picks from the Kings and still get the player he covets. As long as Boston has the proper medical information on Jackson, it likely won’t affect their plans to draft him or not.

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Jackson, 20, could wind up being the best prospect in the entire draft. Jackson’s athletic ability and toughness make him a desirable prospect. One anonymous general manager is convinced Jackson will be the Celtics pick but you never know with Ainge. A prospective trade for Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis might also be in the cards.