2024 NBA Draft Thread – (June 26 & 27)

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

I want Stevens to go against form, eschew 2nd Round athletes who can't shoot: Bergeron, Davison and Walsh and trade up in the First Round for a natural Shooter:

Baylor - Eventual Hauser replacement (but yeah, sign Sam to an extension.)

Tyler Kolek - Eventual Pritchard or Holiday replacement - I am telling you guys, this guy is good: Think
a better Dragic.

Filipowski - Another shooter and eventual Al replacement - Has the Duke pedigree Steve and the rest of Celtics
management love.

[djFan71]

Freeman could be what we wanted Grant Williams to be, a physical switchable forward who can shoot a little bit, except Freeman has a body more built to succeed in the modern NBA. 6-8, 215 with a 7-2 wingspan, Freeman has the length (unlike Grant) to actually be able to rebound and also finish from 4-8 feet extending with the jump hook.

Freeman is no slam dunk, can’t-miss prospect, he’s way older and didn’t play the highest competition level. But I really like him because he has a chance to be good and also to help in an area of need for the Celts.

I’m intrigued by him as well, but for all the Freeman supporters out there, where does he fit if we resign Tillman? Does he do anything better than X right now? Or are we thinking just long term depth with Freeman?

Which is fine given our roster and where we’re picking. Just trying to gauge the level of excitement people have for Freeman.

He's pretty high on my list - I think he is much more athletic and a threat to score inside than Tillman. Which I know it's all about shooting today and that's important but part of the value of shooting is it opens up rim threats better.

On Tillman I think there is a good bit of overlap. Tillman seems shaded towards the 5 who can get away with the 4 a little bit (esp since Boston has so much shooting at the 5), whereas my impression is Freeman is more 4 who according to Ersin Demir (link a page or two back) is as much a 3-4 on defense as anything.

Basically I like the idea of adding versatility, size and athleticism and he seems to have some upside in that mold while still having a shot to meet the skills requirements this team clearly holds. But there are some other guys that are likely less athletic that may be better in multiple ways.

I think I love the Freeman story, and always love a good hustler/switcher and esp rebounder. But, I might go someone like Mogbo instead for that role. But, really your last sentence is probably where I fall. Even someone like Keshad Johnson if the shooting holds up might be a better fit for this team. I wouldn't hate if we grabbed Freeman at all. He's on my list, but just towards the end of it.

[djFan71]

I want Stevens to go against form, eschew 2nd Round athletes who can't shoot: Bergeron, Davison and Walsh and trade up in the First Round for a natural Shooter:

Baylor - Eventual Hauser replacement (but yeah, sign Sam to an extension.)

Tyler Kolek - Eventual Pritchard or Holiday replacement - I am telling you guys, this guy is good: Think
a better Dragic.

Filipowski - Another shooter and eventual Al replacement - Has the Duke pedigree Steve and the rest of Celtics
management love.

All good choices, I'm guessing at least one of them will fall to us at this point. My trade up target would be Da Silva - but it's tough to gauge how high up we'd need to go. I've seen him go to SAC & POR at 13 & 14 in drafts all the way down to late 20s, even there at 30 once.

[Hal14]

On that note, where is Norchad Omier mocking? 18.4 rebounds per 40 as a freshman, maybe a poor man's Tshiebwe but foul efficiency would suggest he's about as agile as Freeman.

He's returning to college basketball for another year - transferred to Baylor.

Before he made that decision, I had him down as a mid to late 2nd round pick..and saw him as potentially a good fit for Boston..

Omier is tough, strong. Plays hard. I like the way he plays.

[redslastlaugh]

I feel what you’re saying. And I think Joe Mazz has shifted the Celts towards always adding more shooting, and you can’t argue with the results, not from where Im sitting, lol

So yea, everybody has their preference for what they prioritize or want to get out out of the draft. For me, i most want guys that either project to play well with JT or fill in the gaps of where we’re lacking on the roster. Especially considering a first round pick has a four year window on a potentially below market value contract.

To your specific players. I’d be fine with all of them. Scheierman is the most fun. Kolek would be interesting, I doubt Danny passes up on him at 29 tho, unless he takes Topić at 10. And Filipowski could be Kelly olynyk and Olynyk is gonna have a 15 to 20 year NBA career, but he’s just not exciting, lol, but I would bet Brad takes him if he’s there, which, I mean you have to, it’s the 30th pick in the draft, lol, and you could get a real rotation big

I want Stevens to go against form, eschew 2nd Round athletes who can't shoot: Bergeron, Davison and Walsh and trade up in the First Round for a natural Shooter:

Baylor - Eventual Hauser replacement (but yeah, sign Sam to an extension.)

Tyler Kolek - Eventual Pritchard or Holiday replacement - I am telling you guys, this guy is good: Think
a better Dragic.

Filipowski - Another shooter and eventual Al replacement - Has the Duke pedigree Steve and the rest of Celtics
management love.

[Hal14]

I think I love the Freeman story, and always love a good hustler/switcher and esp rebounder. But, I might go someone like Mogbo instead for that role. But, really your last sentence is probably where I fall. Even someone like Keshad Johnson if the shooting holds up might be a better fit for this team. I wouldn't hate if we grabbed Freeman at all. He's on my list, but just towards the end of it.

Problem is, Mogbo is a complete non-shooter.

And Keshad can't really play the 5 (his size, TRB%, blocks % and eye test paint him as a guy who is a 4, but can't play the 5). Which is fine, if that's what we want..if we just want a backup PF, then maybe you look at Keshad.

The nice thing with Freeman is that he can play the 4 or the 5. And he can shoot. And he rebounds as good as anyone in this draft class (higher blocks % than Mogbo and Keshad as well)..

Also, going back to my whole "guys who end up being good NBA players typically have higher usage (like 23% or higher) during the season before the were drafted theory, here is each player's usage % this past season:

Freeman 27.1
Mogbo 22.7
Keshad 18.4

Lastly, the C's brought Freeman and Mogbo in for a pre-draft workout (Freeman also worked out for the C's in 2023) but not Keshad, so seems like there's more interest there.

Any of these guys will have an uphill battle to earn legit playing time (and may never crack the rotation) but still fun to discuss

[djFan71]

I think I love the Freeman story, and always love a good hustler/switcher and esp rebounder. But, I might go someone like Mogbo instead for that role. But, really your last sentence is probably where I fall. Even someone like Keshad Johnson if the shooting holds up might be a better fit for this team. I wouldn't hate if we grabbed Freeman at all. He's on my list, but just towards the end of it.

Problem is, Mogbo is a complete non-shooter.

And Keshad can't really play the 5 (his size, TRB%, blocks % and eye test paint him as a guy who is a 4, but can't play the 5). Which is fine, if that's what we want..if we just want a backup PF, then maybe you look at Keshad.

The nice thing with Freeman is that he can play the 4 or the 5. And he can shoot. And he rebounds as good as anyone in this draft class (higher blocks % than Mogbo and Keshad as well)..

Also, going back to my whole "guys who end up being good NBA players typically have higher usage (like 23% or higher) during the season before the were drafted theory, here is each player's usage % this past season:

Freeman 27.1
Mogbo 22.7
Keshad 18.4

Lastly, the C's brought Freeman and Mogbo in for a pre-draft workout (Freeman also worked out for the C's in 2023) but not Keshad, so seems like there's more interest there.

Any of these guys will have an uphill battle to earn legit playing time (and may never crack the rotation) but still fun to discuss

Oh definitely. All my main guys can shoot or are Chomche after the others are gone, lol.

Da Silva
Daron Holmes
Jaylon Tyson
Ajay Mitchell
Baylor Scheierman
Kyle Filipowski
Jalen Bridges
Ulrich Chomche
Jaylen Wells

---

Keshad Johnson
Jonathon Mogbo
Adam Bona
Enrique Freeman
Oso Ighodora
Trey Alexander
Tristan Newton

And that second list I can't say I'm sold on the ordering. Mogbo thru Oso are all guys I'd take a flier on but they are at best unproven shooters. At worst, proven non-shooters. But, I don't really differentiate between them a ton.

For Keshad, I wasn't comparing him to Freeman, I was saying that he's a different role that I'd prefer to the Freeman/Mogbo/Bona role.

I think a strong 3/4 that can shoot is more a need than 4/5 - assuming Tillman resigns. I see Da Silva in that mode as well, just better across the board (except strength) than Keshad. Holmes/Filipowski are 4/5s to me, but better prospects and can shoot so I'd go with them if possible.

As for usage, we've already disagreed on that. Also, context of PAC12 vs lower level teams.

[Bill Lumbergh]

My preference is to draft a big wing, but maybe for a two way guy with the later pick, just get a guy with talent who can shoot. For our second pick, I think Antonio Reeves is interesting as a scorer/shooter. Just let him percolate in the G league and see what he becomes. Fits the shooter criteria that Joe likes.

Watch on YouTube

[keevsnick1]

The more I think about it the more I think the C's should target one of Filipowksi, Holmes, Ware or Smith. All guys who are about 6'9+ and either will be or stand a chance to be decent defensive bigs. Holmes and Ware are really strictly centers, Filipowski and Smith are more like 4/5's hybrids.

If you don't think any of those guys will be on the board at 30 then I'd consider moving up to get one. The C's have what looks to be a premium 2nd rounder next year from bets of Wash/Det/GSW/Dal and another decent one in 26' that's the best of 4 teams. I wonder if you could find a find a way to get one of the Knicks picks, seems like they may want futures assets so that they could use in a trade. Or maybe Phoenix would be interested in splitting up their number 22 pick into multiple assets given how asset poor they are. How high could #30 and that 25' second round pick get you?

Obviously it's tough because all of this just depends on how you evaluate these shooting type bigs. But I think its a big enough concern long term that you try to address it now. Of course it's not our of the question one of those guys just falls to you, alot of mocks have at least one available at 30.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

-A wing. I think a wing who can not only shoot but also *create* shots, for themself and others would be ideal. I just think that so much of the shot creation burden falls on the Jays. Off the bench, everyone (for the most part) is either shooting specialist or a defensive specialist. We don't really have a "wing scorer" / shot creator specialist. And I think sometimes that causes our offense (when the bench unit is in) to be kind of stagnant and can have some stretches where the buckets are hard to come by. And then the other team goes on a run, or we have to put 1 (or both) of the Jays back in..and they don't end up getting enough rest, so then they're less effective/efficient when they're in the game.

Also, Hauser lacks strength, speed and athleticism. Pritchard lacks size and athleticism. Both of them sometimes struggle with on ball defense.

So a wing who can shoot, create, and has more strength/speed/athleticism would be nice.

Who's that guy? Could be someone like Terrence Shannon Jr, Jaylen Wells, Jaylon Tyson, Nikola Djurisic, Ja'Kobe Walter. Off the top of my head, those are the main ones I think of. Perhaps Kevin McCullar Jr as well. Before they decided to return to college, I would've included Hunter Sallis and jamir Watkins in there.

Doesn't seem like Brad wants this type of guy though, since we didn't really have anyone like this on this year's team off the bench (unless you maybe count Banton but his shooting was not good enough so I don't really count him for this) and we haven't had any of these guys in for a pre-draft workout.

Brad Stevens has been pretty vocal about his priority being finding guys that can play next to the Jays and elevate their games. So it makes sense that he hasn't spent a lot of time trying to find lesser versions of Tatum and Brown because then you get too much skill set overlap and it's harder to build coherent lineups with that guy on the floor next to Tatum and Brown. And if he can't play with those guys then he is going to be very limited in terms of the contributions he can make to the team. Probably to the point where it doesn't really make sense to use an asset to acquire him.

I think there is real value in finding a guy that can guard wings effectively because you don't want to ask Tatum and Brown to wear themselves out guarding the best scorer on the other team or Holiday and White to guard up too much during the regular season. So a defense first wing that can space the floor and ideally drive a closeout can make sense on this roster (and I think that's what they see in Walsh). But another score first wing ? I really don't think it's at the top of the Celtics priorities nor should it be.

All of the guys I mentioned can play with or without the Jays. If both Jays are on the floor and you have someone like Jaylon Tyson for example, Tatum is at the 4, JB at the 3 and Tyson is at the 2. So the lineup works.

Tyson can shoot it well (so can hit shots off the Jays kick out passes)..

Meanwhile, one of the other guys I named (McCullar) is arguably the best wing defender in this draft class. Shannon is also a good wing defender.

Wells is an elite shooter off the catch.

And this year's Celtics team (and other teams with high powered offenses we have seen over the past few years (OKC, Indiana, Kings last year, Warriors the year before that) thrived because all 5 guys (or at least 4 of them) were a legit threat offensively to attack off the dribble, shoot or pass. The Heat and Nuggets over the past couple yrs have played a similar style of basketball - where all 5 guys on the floor are a legit threat offensively - to attack off the bounce and/or shoot from 3.

Orlando's biggest weakness this season (and the main reason why they got bounced in the 1st round) is that they didn't have enough shot creators/shooters. Cleveland struggled at times offensively because their other guys (besides Garland and Mitchell) were so limited in terms of shooting/shot creation..

IMO, a lot of the lineups we put out there (especially lineups with Brissett, Kornet, Tillman, Prichard Hauser and even sometimes D-white) are limited offensively and can be prone to scoring droughts because teams load up on the Jays and we don't have enough other guys who can put the ball on the floor and make a play.

Fair point, though..and that probably explains why there was no other shot creator wings on the team this year and it doesn't seem like we have prioritized that archetype with bringing guys in for pre-draft workouts.

It's an interesting angle to try and draft a defense-minded wing. But I just think that that player could really struggle to find playing time or be effective with the playing time he gets if he is that limited in terms of shot creation and shooting.

Plus, you mention that you think the Celtics see Walsh as that defense-minded wing anyways, so why draft one of them 2 yrs in a row?

I defer to your scouting report on those guys, you certainly track them more closely than I do. All I meant to say is that considering where the Celtics are drafting and where they are going to continue drafting for the foreseeable future, they are going to get a flawed prospect (hell in this draft you might get a flawed prospect drafting number one) and I think that for wing players the most palatable flaw considering the state of the roster is self creation. But hey if the other teams are dumb enough to let a wing that can defend, shoot, drive a close out and create their own shot drop to 30 then by all means pick that dude.

I'm very high on Walsh, I think his length is really disruptive on the defensive end, he has made huge strides as a shooter in his rookie season and he seems like he has the right mentality to keep grinding and get better. Having said that he hasn't proven enough at the NBA level that you can assume he will turn into a rotation player down the road so his presence shouldn't stop the Celtics from drafting a wing if that's the best player available.

[Hal14]

I feel what you’re saying. And I think Joe Mazz has shifted the Celts towards always adding more shooting, and you can’t argue with the results, not from where Im sitting, lol

So yea, everybody has their preference for what they prioritize or want to get out out of the draft. For me, i most want guys that either project to play well with JT or fill in the gaps of where we’re lacking on the roster. Especially considering a first round pick has a four year window on a potentially below market value contract.

To your specific players. I’d be fine with all of them. Scheierman is the most fun. Kolek would be interesting, I doubt Danny passes up on him at 29 tho, unless he takes Topić at 10. And Filipowski could be Kelly olynyk and Olynyk is gonna have a 15 to 20 year NBA career, but he’s just not exciting, lol, but I would bet Brad takes him if he’s there, which, I mean you have to, it’s the 30th pick in the draft, lol, and you could get a real rotation big

I want Stevens to go against form, eschew 2nd Round athletes who can't shoot: Bergeron, Davison and Walsh and trade up in the First Round for a natural Shooter:

Baylor - Eventual Hauser replacement (but yeah, sign Sam to an extension.)

Tyler Kolek - Eventual Pritchard or Holiday replacement - I am telling you guys, this guy is good: Think
a better Dragic.

Filipowski - Another shooter and eventual Al replacement - Has the Duke pedigree Steve and the rest of Celtics
management love.

Yeah if Flip is there at 30 and we haven't yet traded the pick, I think Brad will take him. Too good of a prospect and too good of a fit to pass up.

Just don't think he'll fall that far but you never know..

[keevsnick1]

The latest mock draft from Sam Vecenie at the Athletic has the C's taking Tyler Smith at 30. Also of interest:

23) Kel'el Ware to MIL.
24) Kyle Filipowksi to NYK
27) DaRon Holmes to MIN
28) Jaylon Tyson to DEN
29) Baylor Scheierman to UTA

So it seems to me like the C's could get one of the shooting bigs at 30, but could also have the ammo to potentially move up to guarantee their choice of those guys.

[Dogen]

The latest mock draft from Sam Vecenie at the Athletic has the C's taking Tyler Smith at 30. Also of interest:

23) Kel'el Ware to MIL.
24) Kyle Filipowksi to NYK
27) DaRon Holmes to MIN
28) Jaylon Tyson to DEN
29) Baylor Scheierman to UTA

So it seems to me like the C's could get one of the shooting bigs at 30, but could also have the ammo to potentially move up to guarantee their choice of those guys.

I haven't tracked the Ignite guys at all. Maybe it's the highlight videos -- everybody looks great and there's no defense.

Anyway, Tyler Smith... he looks great!

Does he have a motor to play in real competition? He's got the physical attributes. 6'10" with 7'1" wingspan

Kinda reminds me of Scottie Barnes, which is a good thing, except if he's not like Barnes. Even Barnes isn't always like Barnes.

[keevsnick1]

The latest mock draft from Sam Vecenie at the Athletic has the C's taking Tyler Smith at 30. Also of interest:

23) Kel'el Ware to MIL.
24) Kyle Filipowksi to NYK
27) DaRon Holmes to MIN
28) Jaylon Tyson to DEN
29) Baylor Scheierman to UTA

So it seems to me like the C's could get one of the shooting bigs at 30, but could also have the ammo to potentially move up to guarantee their choice of those guys.

I haven't tracked the Ignite guys at all. Maybe it's the highlight videos -- everybody looks great and there's no defense.

Anyway, Tyler Smith... he looks great!

Does he have a motor to play in real competition? He's got the physical attributes. 6'10" with 7'1" wingspan

Kinda reminds me of Scottie Barnes, which is a good thing, except if he's not like Barnes. Even Barnes isn't always like Barnes.

I haven't watched him really at all, but reading around the internet the general consensus is that his shooting is very good and he's got the physical attributes to defend but has real work to do on that end.

[return2glory]

Freeman could be what we wanted Grant Williams to be, a physical switchable forward who can shoot a little bit, except Freeman has a body more built to succeed in the modern NBA. 6-8, 215 with a 7-2 wingspan, Freeman has the length (unlike Grant) to actually be able to rebound and also finish from 4-8 feet extending with the jump hook.

Freeman is no slam dunk, can’t-miss prospect, he’s way older and didn’t play the highest competition level. But I really like him because he has a chance to be good and also to help in an area of need for the Celts.

I kind of like his fit actually, allows them to play big more frequently if they had a player like that. Idk if he will hit or not but he seems a tad bigger than Harris, though that's an interesting comp for him.

I’m intrigued by him as well, but for all the Freeman supporters out there, where does he fit if we resign Tillman? Does he do anything better than X right now? Or are we thinking just long term depth with Freeman?

Which is fine given our roster and where we’re picking. Just trying to gauge the level of excitement people have for Freeman.

If we resign Tillman, he isn't a good fit here. At least he would have to wait his turn. If Tillman leaves, I like Anton Watson. He is one of my sleepers.

[redslastlaugh]

All this talk of Enrique Freeman, a new concise (3min30) scouting video just dropped that really highlights the case for taking him:

Watch on YouTube

Freeman, statistically, vaguely resembles collegiate Javonte Green. Or Andre Roberson, but without the steals and with slightly worse foul efficiency against worse competition. Roberson, overall, might be the best comp. edit, Freeman might be the better interior scorer but that won't effortlessly translate to the NBA.

Rebounding is probably the best predictor of NBA success and at worst, he seems like a great energy guy to bring off the bench, have in practice, etc. But he wouldn't be on my radar in the first round.

[redslastlaugh]

This analyst has some fans on this board. Here is his new mock draft that just dropped:

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft

A different big board
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-draft-big-board-40

Other than no Jalen Bridges, Da Silva way late and ranking all my other guys way before we pick, I like it.

This guy does some really nice write ups.

[Dogen]

This analyst has some fans on this board. Here is his new mock draft that just dropped:

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft

A different big board
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-draft-big-board-40

Other than no Jalen Bridges, Da Silva way late and ranking all my other guys way before we pick, I like it.

This guy does some really nice write ups.

Ersin definitely marches to the beat of his own mock drummer. Some of the picks we think will be there for the Celtics at #30 are long gone, and some of the guys we hope slip to 30, slip right past Boston into the mid-second.

And whose he got at #30? AJ Johnson, a 19 year-old point guard playing in New Zealand. Has AJ even been mentioned here?

6'5, 167lbs. Long, skinny and fast -- I'd like to see a guy like this on the team. But I don't get the match for current roster construction, particularly, unless the Celtics want to use that pick to develop a young PG for the future. Brad would need to see something pretty special, one would think.

Priority this summer is the Tatum and White extensions. Draft is important, but I still assume there will be the extensions, then evaluating our current young guys like Tillman, Springer, (Queta, Walsh?), and the possibility of minor trade or move to shore up the 7-10 roster spots with some vet help.

So using this draft to add to the stockpile of young talent isn't too far fetched. Maybe not the "steal of the draft" but Johnson might fit the bill to develop behind Holiday and White over the next few years.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

And he made it out of Fresno, extra points for that.

[djFan71]

This analyst has some fans on this board. Here is his new mock draft that just dropped:

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft

This guy does some really nice write ups.

Ersin definitely marches to the beat of his own mock drummer. Some of the picks we think will be there for the Celtics at #30 are long gone, and some of the guys we hope slip to 30, slip right past Boston into the mid-second.

And whose he got at #30? AJ Johnson, a 19 year-old point guard playing in New Zealand. Has AJ even been mentioned here?

6'5, 167lbs. Long, skinny and fast -- I'd like to see a guy like this on the team. But I don't get the match for current roster construction, particularly, unless the Celtics want to use that pick to develop a young PG for the future. Brad would need to see something pretty special, one would think.

Priority this summer is the Tatum and White extensions. Draft is important, but I still assume there will be the extensions, then evaluating our current young guys like Tillman, Springer, (Queta, Walsh?), and the possibility of minor trade or move to shore up the 7-10 roster spot with some vet help.

So using this draft to add to the stockpile of young talent isn't too far fetched. Maybe not the "steal of the draft" but Johnson might fit the bill to develop behind Holiday and White over the next few years.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

The Ringer had us taking him a few mocks ago as well. We all briefly discussed and said, meh, we want someone taller. I didn't think he was a PG over even combo - I was thinking more just straight 2 with-out the playmaking. If he does have some of that playmaking / quick decision upside, I'm more interested. Will have to re-dig in.

Ersin does NOT like my boy Da Silva. Has him mid-second round (highest I've seen is SAC at 13) and no write up even. I'd be interested in hearing his take on why he has him so low.

[Bill Lumbergh]

This analyst has some fans on this board. Here is his new mock draft that just dropped:

https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft

A different big board
https://edemirnba.substack.com/p/2024-nba-draft-big-board-40

Other than no Jalen Bridges, Da Silva way late and ranking all my other guys way before we pick, I like it.

This guy does some really nice write ups.

He's got an interesting mock. He's got a couple of the upside guys that I like in the first round, Flowers and Johnson (to us). Upside would be an interesting way to go. They're not going to contribute for probably the first two years. I would keep both X and Queta (and develop him next year). Keeping both of them means we can only roster one more guy (I think). I know Scheierman won't be on the board. I'd like him, but am nearly certain he'll be gone. I would gladly take a flyer on Dunn and hope he someday learns to shoot. He'll probably be gone, too, but he's the best defender in the class. Like so many of you, I think Brad will trade back into the early second round to not have a guaranteed contract for the 30th pick.

My guess for the offseason; he keeps Queta and X, trades back, and probably signs a veteran ring chaser for our last spot. At that point, I'd be happy with a second round upside guy to stick in the G league on a two way. I'd love AJ Johnson or Flowers in the early second if they were still there. There may even be a couple of interesting UFAs after the draft is done. I've still got my Jalen Bridges stock, too.