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2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

By Lukas Harkins

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage 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; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens looks on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens looks on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

Record in 2016-17: 53-29 (1st in the Eastern Conference)

Draft picks: 3rd overall, 37th overall, 53rd overall, 56th overall

Jonathan Givony Draft Projections: Jayson Tatum (#3), Jonah Bolden (#37), Davon Reed (#53), Monte Morris (#56)

Lukas Harkins Projections: Josh Jackson (#3), Johnathan Motley (#37), Sindarious Thornwell (#53), Vlatko Cancar (#56)

Draft Outlook: After trading the #1 overall pick, the Boston Celtics clearly have something else in mind other than Markelle Fultz for the future of the team. They are invested in their future with the assets that they have, and they obviously have enough talent now to be successful, having finished top in the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season. With four draft picks upcoming, they can add even more to their current core, especially with the #3 overall pick in hand. The question is, though, do they actually pick at #3 or will that also be traded? Danny Ainge has been infatuated with adding draft picks in recent years, but you never know when he might package a bunch of them to secure a top-flight star that can take the Celtics to the next level.

#3 overall: SF Jayson Tatum, Duke

An elite offensive player already, Tatum is ready to score at the next level. He works very well in isolation and can create (and make) his own shot. He joins a young team in Boston with a ton of assets remaining over the next few years. The Celtics were the top regular season team in the East this past season, and hopefully Tatum’s offensive versatility puts them over that next level. But, does Tatum have enough to beat the Cavaliers and LeBron James? Probably not. The Celtics can be excited about this pick, but they still need another star. Grade: B.

#37 overall: SF/PF Semi Ojeleye, SMU

Already with an NBA build and a three-point shot in his repertoire, Semi Ojeleye is a talent who can help the Celtics on the wing. He will struggle defensively at times and he might no get his shot that easily at the pro level, but his strength and shooting should keep him around. Grade: B.

#53 overall: PG Kadeem Allen, Arizona

One of the best defenders in the draft, Allen will bring a tenacity few have on that end of the floor. Yet, his offensive game needs a lot of work and that could eventually be his downfall. He is unlikely to get much playing time behind Thomas and Smart, but one can hope. Grade: B-.

#56 overall: SG Jabari Bird, California

Bird is unlikely to make a move into the rotation for the Celtics, and he will need to impress this summer to make the roster. The Summer League and training camps are incredibly important for these players, and with the Celtics having so many picks will make things difficult for Bird. Grade:: C+. 

To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.

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