The Boston Celtics have reportedly met virtually with Brigham Young University forward Yoeli Childs, according to multiple sources.
The 6-foot-8 swingman is most often mocked towards the end of the second round of the 2020 NBA draft whose stock may be lower than you might think based on his age (22 years old as a four season NCAA player) and a minor hand injury interrupting his availability for conference play last season.
The most intriguing aspect of his game is his outstanding shooting, hitting a red-hot 48.9% from beyond the arc in his final season with the Cougars and 57.4% fromm the floor overall.
The Celtics have expressed interest in BYU’s Yoeli Childs, according to multiple sources.
Childs has really impressed in his interviews with numerous teams. He’s receiving interest in the 35-45 range at the moment.
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) October 29, 2020
A bigger wing at 225 lbs. with the mobility to guard down to small forward and strength to guard smaller bigs, he’s also positionally flexible defensively.
The Hi-IQ wing is also a solid passer and rim protector, all hallmarks of a Danny Ainge draftee.
Add in that he’s a high character guy and it’s easy to see the fit with the Celtics, should he be available when Boston drafts at No. 47.
BYU senior Yoeli Childs will be represented by Keith Kreiter + Sam Cipriano of @Edge_Sports. The big averaged 22.2 PPG and 9.0 RPG per game. He shot 22-for-45 (48.9 percent) on 3-pointers. Among all D1 players who had as many pick-and-pop possessions, only one was more efficient. pic.twitter.com/rQOeL3BM5j
— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) March 24, 2020
“I can be someone that comes in as a high-energy, high-character and high-IQ guy,” suggested Childs in an interview with HoopsHype’s Bryan Kalbrosky.
“I’m going to carve out a role for myself as someone who crashes the offensive glass, plays hard, communicates on every possession and shows up to practice every day and competes like it’s the NBA Finals. Every team needs guys like that. I know that with some of the natural gifts I have, I’m able to finish with touch in different ways around the rim.”
“I’m someone who’s able to stretch the floor and create space for a lot of high level drivers in the NBA,” he added.
The BYU product thinks his rebounding, energy and shooting will translate immediately at the NBA level, and models his game on players as diverse as Dennis Rodman, Draymond Green and Paul Millsap.
He has a high motor, and a good work ethic as well; ” I think whoever gets me is going to get a steal, because I’m someone who’s going to get better every single day and every single year,” he offered.
We’d be very happy with Childs at No. 47 based on what we’re seeing, but it wouldn’t surprise if he were off the board before the Celtics got a chance to take him.
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