Celtics Draft Preview

So the NBA Draft is tonight. What does it mean for the Celtics? Well it depends on who you listen to. According to Danny Ainge the Celtics will be staying put tonight...

"Celtics general manager Danny Ainge acknowledged via text message tonight that he doesn't expect his franchise to make any trades to get into the first round, acquire a second round pick, or to get a player. Boston currently only has the 58th overall pick in the second round (Boston.com)."

There have been many rumors about the Celtics making a trade to get a high first round pick, but there doesn't seem to be much evidence of that. Ainge has come out and said that he does not think very highly of this draft. Still there are some good bench players that will be picked during the end of the 1st and early 2nd round. I really wouldn't be surprised to see the Celtics do something like that. Players they would be looking at if they could move up would be...

Tyler Hansbrough (UNC) - No one seems to know where this kid is going to get picked. Some say he is a late lottery pick, while other "experts" say that he could go as long as early 2nd round. He could be a good fill in for Powe while he is out. We all know he has the work ethic, but will his game translate at all to the NBA?

Chase Budinger (Arizona) - He is a little undersized, but he plays tough defense, and shoots the ball well. His game seems like it is ready to go for the NBA.

Patrick Mills (Saint Mary’s) - This PG is undersized, but he is extremely quick. If you add him to a team with Rondo you are looking at one of the fastest duo's in the NBA. He knows how to get to the rim, but needs to work on his jump shot...sound like someone we know?

Well most likely the Celtics are going to stay where they are. If they do here is a look at who they might be taking...

Josh Heytvelt (Gonzaga) - He is a tall PF. The Celtics need a backup for KG, and he could be a solid bench player. Only reason he isn't going much higher is because of "off the court issues" and because he was injury prone in college. Powe was also injury prone in college, and I think this could be Rivers next project.

Dante Cunningham (Villanova) - 6-foot-8 PF that really helped Nova last year. He has a solid outside shot, but is really known for his toughness and work ethic. Seems like a Danny Ainge type of guy to me. Could be solid bench pickup.

Bryan Mullins (Southern Illinois) - This is who Chad Ford has the Celtics taking. He is a PG and Irish, so I guess he fits. I am not high on this kid, I don't see how he is an improvement over Gabe Pruitt.

Jodie Meeks (Kentucky) - He is undersized, but the kid can flat out score. Could be exactly what the Celtics bench could use.


DP and I will be doing up to the minute draft coverage tonight starting at 7pm.