Wednesday, November 18, 2020

2020 Celtics Mock Draft: If Danny Ainge is able to trade into the top-10

 
In light of the Celtics urging to make a move for a potential top-3 pick, let's explore their options in almost every feasible scenario.

Note to Celtics fans: Things are going to get weird but these scenarios are solely speculation based off of recent reports surrounding Boston and the rest of the NBA.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards, Georgia

2. Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman, Memphis

(Scenario: Celtics send Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward)

For starters, James Wiseman is ideal for Boston. If this were a case of Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge saying he was ready to pull back, rebuild on the fly, and break his team apart, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.

Wiseman's potential on the defensive end of the floor makes me an ideal prospect for the likes of Brad Stevens. The question on everyone's mind is: how high is his ceiling? If he blossoms into Hassan Whiteside, whelp, the Celtics have a solid piece in the frontcourt, but if Wiseman turns into another Miami Heat draftee who's similar to Bam Adebayo; then Ainge and Stevens could have the nucleus of a championship-caliber team.  

3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball

4. Chicago Bulls – Obi Toppin, Dayton (PF)

(Scenario: Celtics send Kemba Walker, picks No. 14, 26 for Zach LaVine, Thaddeus Young & No. 4 pick)

With reports circling the Celtics and Bulls pairing Chicago's interest in Kemba Walker with reports that Ainge was shopping his All-Star point guard around, this proposed deal makes the most sense for both sides. LaVine, whose names has been attached to trade rumors for a while now, could get the fresh start he's yearned while the Bulls would acquire a veteran All-Star at point to help mold their young core.

Meanwhile, Ainge could fill a lot of voids here, including young frontcourt talent. Toppin is projected to be the most NBA-ready big in this year's draft class. Some predict Toppin to be 2021's Rookie of the Year. The Celtics would add dynamic scorer to their front line, at 6-foot-9, he's not the towering figure but still a tough cover on the defensive end.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Deni Avdija, Israel (SF)

6. Atlanta Hawks – Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State (PG)

7. Detroit Pistons – Isaac Okoro, Auburn (SF)

8. New York Knicks – Killan Hayes, (PG)

9. Washington Wizards – Onyeka Okonwi (C)

10. Phoenix Suns – Saddiq Bey, Villanova (SF)

(Scenario: Celtics send pick No. 14, no. 26 & a future first-round for no. 10)

In light of trading for Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns can afford to add a couple of more new faces to their bench as they embark on reaching the playoffs. A two-for-one swap to move down four slots, including a future first-round pick shouldn’t hurt them too much, in the long-run.

This gives the Celtics the opportunity to draft Saddiq Bey, a 3-point shooting wing who can defend multiple positions and give Brad Stevens the secondary help at the wing position he desperately needs right now. 



Josue Pavón




Photos used are courtesy of Getty Images

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