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2016 NBA Draft: Four Takeaways from Brooklyn

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) takes a selfie photo in front of fans before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) takes a selfie photo in front of fans before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jaylen Brown (California) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jaylen Brown (California) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaylen Brown to Boston? At number three overall?

Look, I like Jaylen Brown. Like, a lot. From everything I’ve read, he’s a super smart and gracious kid who works his tail off and could be an explosive and athletic wing in the mold of Jae Crowder.

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He has the body to guard three — possibly four — positions in the NBA.

He’s absolutely a Top-10 talent.

I just didn’t think he was a Top-3 talent.

The dude’s offensive game is more raw than the chicken cutlets in my freezer.

Guys that can’t score in the league end up becoming role players and specialists. Take it from me. I watched more games with Keith Bogans as the Bulls starting shooting guard for a once-upon-a-time championship contender than should be humanly allowed.

Having a wing that can shut down the likes of Russell Westbrook, Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler is great. But when the opposing defense leaves your specialist alone in the corner while doubling your best scoring threat, it’s extremely frustrating.

I’m not saying that Brown can’t develop his offensive game. The former Marquette star, Butler, did and he had a very similar scouting report coming into the draft. But he wasn’t selected with the third pick. The Bulls selected him with the 30th pick.

With the likes of Dunn, Dragan Bender, Buddy Hield and Jamal Murray on the board it was an odd selection.

And it will continue to be weird until he proves he can score.

Next: Kris Dunn to Minnesota