Category: .NBA draft

Boston Celtics projected to take bouncy, rim-protecting big man in too-early 2025 mock NBA draft

While it’s far too early for most of us to think of next year’s draft, for the experts, there’s no better time than the present.

While it is far too early for most of us to be thinking about the 2025 NBA draft, that is exactly what experts on the league’s annual event to replenish aging rosters with younger prospects have been up to of late. And such is the case for Bleacher Report NBA draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman.

Wasserman has put together a way-too-early (at least, for most of us anyway) mock draft for next summer’s big day. And he has a prospect in mind for the Boston Celtics to take with what is currently (and understandably, given their title defense) projected to be the 30th and final pick of the first round. If that prospect’s last name sounds familiar, it is because he is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin, JT Toppin.

“Toppin doesn’t have the most modernized skill set, but NBA teams may deem his production worth buying, particularly if he builds on his 3-point shooting flashes,” suggests Wasserman,

“Toppin had some encouraging moments at the NBA combine, both around the basket and behind the arc,” adds the B/R draft expert.

“His potential to bring hustle buckets, rebounds, efficiency, defensive playmaking and possible floor spacing should eventually draw solid NBA interest.”

A 6-foot-9 swingman who hit 34.4% of his treys last season on low volume who put up 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, the New Mexico alum would be an excellent prospect for Boston to consider should he still be on the board when the Celtics pick.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Baylor Scheierman falling to the Boston Celtics is a dream fit

His play style is similar to Sam Hauser, so he could potentially compete with him for a spot in the rotation.

While it is rare to find value with the last pick of the first round of the NBA draft, something that the Boston Celtics did very well for themselves by taking Creighton shooting guard Baylor Scheierman at No. 30 overall.

To talk it over, the hosts of the CLNS Media “Celtics Beat” podcast, Adam Kaufman and Evan Valenti, linked up with Matthew Perrault, co-host of “Boston vs. The Book”. Matt joins the program to talk the Celtics drafting Scheierman. Specifically, how he can steal rotation minutes through his shooting and playmaking abilities. His play style is similar to Sam Hauser, so he could potentially compete with him for a spot in the rotation.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” “Celtics Lab,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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New Boston Celtics wing Baylor Scheierman’s first interview with the team

The lethal long-range shot noted that he worked out for Boston in the past when he tested the NBA draft back in 2022.

The Boston Celtics took star Creighton shooting guard Baylor Scheierman with the 3oth and final pick of the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. The Creighton wing wasted no time at all getting to know his new ball club, and met with reporters for the first time since the Celtics selected him.

The lethal long-range shot noted that he worked out for Boston in the past when he tested the NBA draft back in 2022. Scheierman evidently used that feedback to mold his game into exactly what Boston was looking for, and the results paid off in a major way.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what he had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” “Celtics Lab,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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On the Boston Celtics drafting Gonzaga’s Anton Watson

What does the former Bulldog bring to Boston’s roster?

The Boston Celtics picked Gonzaga power forward Anton Watson with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft on this past Thursday (June 27) afternoon in the second round.

CLNS Media reporter Bobby Manning and Celtics Blog beat writer Noa Dalzell reacted to the Celtics’ draft pick after it was made, and discussed the 2024 NBA Draft class as a whole. They analyzed Watson’s potential impact on the team and evaluated the overall talent and surprises from this year’s draft proceedings.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” “Celtics Lab,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Get a glimpse of newest Boston Celtics forward Anton Watson’s game in these highlights vs. UConn

To get more familiar with his game, check out his highlights in the 2024 NCAA Tournament as his Bulldogs took on UConn, the eventual champs.

The Boston Celtics have made their second and final pick of the 2024 NBA draft at No. 54 overall, taking Gonzaga power forward Anton Watson. A 6-foot-8, 230-lb. swingman who hit 41.2% of his attempts from beyond the arc with the Zags last season, Watson is an older prospect at nearly 24 years old.

If Boston is looking to find a player to approximate some of what veteran big man Al Horford brings to the table, they did well with Watson. The Spokane native can also move the ball well, and can defend well, able to switch 1-5, close out on shooters, and protect the rim some.

He stands 6-foot-7.5 barefoot with a 7-foot wingspan and an 8-foot-9 standing reach and good hands near the rim. Watson can put the ball on the floor at the college level, but it could be a while before he sees the floor until his offense catches up to his defensive acumen.

To get more familiar with his game, check out his highlights in the 2024 NCAA Tournament as his Bulldogs took on UConn, the eventual champs.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics draft Anton Watson from Gonzaga with No. 54 pick

The Celtics just drafted Gonzaga’s Anton Watson with the No. 54 pick in this year’s NBA draft.

The Boston Celtics used the No. 54 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to select Anton Watson from Gonzaga. The 23-year-old joined Baylor Scheierman as the latest players to join the Celtics orbit.   

Watson played five seasons with Gonzaga, establishing himself as a smart passer and a reliable deep threat. He shot 41.2% on 3-pointers during the 2023-24 campaign for the Bulldogs. At 6-foot-8, Watson has earned comparisons to Al Horford thanks to his versatility on the offensive end and his intelligent, patience play on defense. It is unclear at the time of this writing how much time, if any, Watson will spend in Boston, but he could end up being a high-impact player with the club’s G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.

The NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League kicks off next week, and will give fans a chance to see Watson and Scheierman in Celtic green.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics select Baylor Scheierman in first round of 2024 NBA Draft

The Boston Celtics have selected Baylor Scheierman with No. 30 pick on day one of the 2024 NBA Draft.

The Boston Celtics selected Baylor Scheierman from Creighton University with their first round pick at the 2024 NBA Finals. Boston owned the No. 30 selection after winning 64 games in the regular season.

At 6-foot-6, Scheierman played five seasons at the college level after beginning his NCAA career at South Dakota State University. He spent two seasons at Creighton, leading the Bluejays to the Elite Eight in 2022-2023. The following season he earned Third-team All-American honors. Scheierman combines size and touch, and is particularly good rebounding the ball. He can shoot the ball, too. If the 23-year-old he can provide value on defense, Scheierman could end up cracking Boston’s rotation sooner rather than later.

This is the first year where the second round of the draft will be held across two nights. At the time of this writing, Boston owns the No. 54 pick for round two of the 2024 NBA draft.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Should the Boston Celtics take UCLA big man Adem Bona?

Bona may not be a skilled big man, but might be worth a flier as a depth option able to set hard screens, get rebounds, and protect the rim.

Should the Boston Celtics take UCLA big man Adem Bona in the 2024 NBA draft? A 6-foot-10, 240-lb. center from Nigeria, Bona has a very high motor, an absurd 7-foot-4 wing span, and a near-total lack of a jumper.

Bona may not be a modern, highly skilled big man, but might be worth a flier as a depth option able to set hard screens, get rebounds, and protect the rim. And while the Celtics do have a center on the roster who might be a better version of the same sort of player in Neemias Queta, there is no guarantee that Queta will be with Boston longer-term. 

The hosts of the CLNS Media “How Bout Them Celtics!” podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, took a closer look on a recent episode. Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” “Celtics Lab,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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What will the Boston Celtics do on draft night?

Boston’s front office will turn their attention to the looming 2024 NBA draft now, but to which prospects?

Now that the Boston Celtics have won the 2024 NBA Championship and had the requisite celebrations such an achievement warrants. Now, the team’s front office will turn their attention to the looming 2024 NBA draft as they look to build their next potential title run’s roster on the cheap.

But who might they be looking at to do that with the Nos. 30 and 54 overall in the draft?  Most fans of the Celtics have been paying little attention to the pool of ’24 draft prospects, but the hosts of the CLNS Media “First to the Floor” podcast, Jake Issenberg, Ben Vallis, and Wayne Spooney, linked up with NBA draft expert Ben Pfieffer to get up to speed on some of Boston’s options this summer.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” “Celtics Lab,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Should the Boston Celtics consider taking G league Ignite forward Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA draft?

A 6-foot-10 swingman with an impressive 7-foot-1 wing span., Smith can shoot the 3 well, but is a bit challenged on the defensive end.

Should the Boston Celtics consider taking G league Ignite forward Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA draft? A 6-foot-10 swingman with an impressive 7-foot-1 wing span weighing in at 224 lbs., Smith can shoot the rock from beyond the arc well, but is a bit challenged on the defensive end of the court despite his considerable physical tools.

He is mocked a bit above the Celtics’ range in the first round at No. 30 overall (given Boston finished the 2023-24 season with the league’s best record), but could require a trade to safely draft the Texan forward. The hosts of the CLNS Media “How Bout Them Celtics!” podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, took a closer look on a recent episode of their show.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” “Celtics Lab,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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