Boston Celtics go for a swingman in new 2023 NBA mock draft

Given the team’s strong backcourt and need to bolster its frontcourt rotation, this could make sense for Boston in the draft.

The Boston Celtics may have their eyes firmly planted on the prize that is the 2023 NBA Finals, but that doesn’t mean the organization has stopped paying attention to the incoming class of players getting ready for the 2023 NBA draft. That is especially true given how much more important the league’s new collective bargaining agreement makes developing talent.

The experts analyzing that draft class haven’t stopped either. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman foresees the Celtics taking a big man in the second round of the draft. Per Wasserman, the Celtics would take Alabama combo big Noah Clowney with the 35th overall pick of the draft.

“The idea of a potential stretch 4 or 5 who rebounds and blocks shots will earn Clowney first-round looks,” writes Wasserman. “But at this point, he’s just an idea, likely a few seasons away from potentially providing consistent shooting or offense.”

Barring changes in Boston’s frontcourt, that’d give him two seasons to learn from veteran Al Horford in a similar role. If the 6-foot-10, 210-pound swingman can find his shot on his first contract, the Celtics would be wise to snag Clowney.

Even if he is more of a budget version of Robert Williams III in his finished form, he’s still be a helpful rotation player for Boston, and certainly a prospect worth keeping an eye on for the Celtics.

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