Celtics 2024 NBA Draft: Brad Stevens’ philosophy and 10 targets at pick #30

“We are going to get pleasure from tonight,” Brad Stevens stated throughout championship celebration after successful Recreation 5 final Monday. “However…that draft exercise tomorrow…that must be enjoyable.”

No relaxation for the depraved. Simply over per week after successful their league-leading 18th title in franchise historical past, the Boston Celtics are prepping for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Switches are flipping from a grueling playoff run to a variety of draft prospects who might be accessible at pics No. 30 and 54.

Like final yr, when Jordan Walsh was Boston’s solely draft takeaway, Brad Stevens and the entrance workplace are coming into this yr’s occasion with an identical thought course of: Including assist for the longer term.

“I feel there’s a number of shifting elements to protecting this roster sustainable past this yr, however particularly to this yr is we received a number of guys again,” Stevens stated on Tuesday. “It will likely be onerous for any draft decide to crack our rotation when wholesome.

“And so, we’ll take into consideration how we are able to finest proceed to put money into younger gamers and their improvement and progress, with the truth that, if we’re capable of proceed to maneuver ahead with this group, these guys are going to be on the courtroom. So, this will likely be a great alternative once more to usher in any individual who we expect will assist us down the highway.”

The Celtics have gotten very costly, very quick. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White are each due extensions within the close to future, and Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Vacation all already make over $30 million per season.

Sustaining that worth level can solely be justified by resounding success, which they achieved this season. However concurrently, guaranteeing future triumph revolves across the identical ideas that Joe Mazzulla stresses on the courtroom: Profitable the margins.

Boston’s end-of-bench gamers is probably not taking part in an enormous function now, however as Horford (38 years previous), Vacation (34 years previous), and Porzingis (28 years previous with an harm historical past) become older, they need to be ready to fill the gaps.

Stevens is consistently considering forward, and this yr’s draft will likely be no totally different.

“So far as the picks go, if the correct individual is offered at 30, then we’ll take them, and if we now have a few those that we expect are nonetheless the correct individual, then we’ll see what our choices are and what sort of flexibility we now have,” Stevens stated.

“However I anticipate choosing a few picks, and whether or not they’re on the roster or a two-way, investing in younger gamers, I just- If they arrive in and crack our rotation, then they’re actually good. That’ll be a great factor, too.”

Although there is probably not any gamers accessible worthy of quick rotation minutes, loads of prospects mission as spectacular long-term additions, and Stevens famous that he expects to make two choices.

There will likely be a wide selection of choices accessible to the Celtics, notably at decide No. 30.

Celtics 2024 NBA Draft targets at decide No. 30

Baylor Scheierman, Creighton

Age: 23 years previous | Place: WingHeight: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 6-foot-8Stats (Fifth-12 months Senior): 18.5 factors, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 44.8% FG, 38.1% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Massive Brandin Podziemski (The Ringer), Joe Ingles (NBA.com), Gordon Hayward (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Larger Austin Reaves lite

After 5 years in faculty, three at South Dakota State and two at Creighton, Baylor Scheierman enters the NBA Draft as probably the most NBA-ready offensive gamers. A easy lefty stroke aids him in being one of many higher shooters within the class, and he’s an adept playmaker for his measurement and place, too. His shot creation talents have additionally been polished by years of being a major possibility in faculty, and his rebounding has shined, too.

The defensive issues are actual, as he’s by no means been nice at staying in entrance of fellows attributable to his poor athleticism and total flat-footedness.

Ought to Boston goal Scheierman, who has been in with the Celtics for a exercise, they might doubtless put him on the trail to being one other Sam Hauser-type participant.

Scheierman’s defensive limitations appear a bit harder to beat than Hauser’s struggles at the beginning of his profession. That stated, he’s a greater total shot-creator and playmaker than Hauser is.

Tyler Smith, G League Ignite

Age: 19 years previous | Place: ForwardHeight: 6-foot-10 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1Stats: 13.4 factors, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 blocks, 48.1% FG, 36.4% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Charlie Villanueva (The Ringer), Channing Frye (NBA.com), Trey Lyles (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Extra athletic Santi Aldama

An up-and-down yr for Tyler Smith with the G League Ignite had his draft projections everywhere. He was scorching to start out the yr, incomes lottery consideration, however his manufacturing slowly waned, and now, he’s projected to land later within the first spherical.

One other lefty shooter, Smith proved able to draining triples, and at 6-foot-10, that’s a worthwhile commodity no matter the remainder of his talent set. His athleticism makes him a possible hazard within the pick-and-roll, too.

But regardless of having an incredible NBA physique, Smith’s protection nonetheless isn’t in an incredible place. He will get beat off the dribble too simply and is way too keen when leaping at pump fakes. It’s paying homage to an early Robert Williams III at occasions however with out the ultra-elite instincts.

There’s a transparent define for Smith to develop into a productive participant within the NBA for a very long time together with his offensive abilities and body, however the protection and total endurance want work.

Adem Bona, UCLA

Age: 21 years previous | Place: CenterHeight: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 7-foot-4Stats (Sophomore): 12.4 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.8 blocks, 58.8% FGVarious NBA comparisons: Montrezl Harrell (The Ringer), Isaiah Jackson (NBA.com), Clint Capela (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Linebacker Daniel Gafford

Adem Bona performs with unbelievable vitality. At his measurement and together with his wingspan, he has all of the makings of a freakish rim-runner who can throw his all on the glass on each ends of the ground. He might be an incredible above-the-rim menace. That stated, the remainder of his offensive sport wants a number of work. Bona isn’t an incredible passer and has no semblance of a three-point shot, which may restrict his function on the Celtics long-term.

Defensively, Bona may find yourself being an actual menace when serving to over within the paint. He has nice shot-blocking instincts and the wingspan to place them to good use. Like all freak-athlete defenders, nonetheless, Bona can get in foul hassle every now and then.

As outlined by Tyler Rucker of No Ceilings on the How ‘Bout Them Celtics podcast, UCLA introduced in a bunch of worldwide recruits that didn’t pan out in Bona’s sophomore season. He was thrust into a job he’s not used to, changing into extra of a put up participant, so his scouting is a bit wonky.

If Bona desires to stay on the NBA degree, he’ll need to work on his self-discipline, and the offense might want to come alongside considerably, however his vitality and hustle are sufficient to make groups need him round regardless.

AJ Johnson, Illawarra Hawks (NBL)

Age: 19 years previous | Place: GuardHeight: 6-foot-5 | Wingspan: 6-foot-8Stats: 2.9 factors, 1.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 35.5% FG, 27.8% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Nick Younger (The Ringer), Jamal Crawford (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Jordan Clarkson

AJ Johnson is without doubt one of the weirdest prospects on this class, as he has a few of the clearest upside on the board. However with how unstable his season with the Illawarra Hawks (coached by Justin Tatum, Jayson’s dad) within the NBL was, it’s robust to inform how properly he’ll do within the NBA.

Initially, Johnson dedicated to Texas, however he ended up deciding to hitch the NBL as an alternative. Sadly, he didn’t earn constant minutes, so he wasn’t capable of get any semblance of continuity, and it could have affected his effectivity.

Talking of, Johnson was wholly inefficient when he did play for the Hawks, however he confirmed some actual potential to develop into a top-tier scorer and playmaker. He’s shifty, fast, and an explosive athlete. Jalen Inexperienced and him are long-time mates.

Johnson confirmed some flashes of improved protection throughout his time within the NBL, however his small body may maintain him again a bit in that regard. He’ll have loads of time to enhance, however Johnson is a whole mission participant proper now.

Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa

Age: 18 years previous | Place: CenterHeight: 6-foot-11 | Wingspan: 7-foot-4Stats (three video games): 13.0 factors, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.7 blocks, 42.4% FG, 38.1% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Serge Ibaka (The Ringer), Serge Ibaka (NBA.com), Clint Capela (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Serge Ibaka lite

One other very uncooked prospect, Ulrich Chomche appears like he might be a pressure on each ends of the courtroom if he lives as much as his full potential. However that’s an enormous “if” contemplating he solely began taking part in basketball at 11 years previous and by no means performed faculty or professional ball.

Chomche, who’s from Cameroon, is a product of NBA Academy Africa. There, he confirmed off his elite potential on the defensive aspect of the ball. He’s an incredible athlete who strikes remarkably properly for his measurement and has proven the power to roam down low and document wild blocks.

His three-point shot is extraordinarily weird-looking, but it surely fell at a decent charge throughout his Academy video games (albeit on comparatively low quantity). As a lob goal and offensive rebounder, Chomche can also be efficient, however in all places else, he wants to enhance.

The actual cause why Chomche isn’t increased up on draft boards is due to how really uncooked he’s as a prospect. He’s nonetheless determining the sport on a sure degree. There are shifting screens, positioning points, and total, he simply wants time to completely develop.

Ryan Dunn, Virginia

Age: 21 years previous | Place: WingHeight: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1Stats (Sophomore): 8.1 factors, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 54.8% FG, 20.0% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Herb Jones (The Ringer), Matisse Thybulle (NBA.com), Tari Eason (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Supercharged, huge Danny Inexperienced (with no offense)

If Trae Younger is the perfect all-offense, no-defense participant within the NBA, Ryan Dunn is the antithesis of him. If Matisse Thybulle was the perfect all-defense, no-offense draft prospect in recent times, Dunn takes that notion to a different degree on each ends of the spectrum.

The Virginia product will step into the NBA as probably the most spectacular defenders instantly. He’s the perfect all-around defender on this class and an absolute menace on the perimeter. Dunn is the kind of participant different gamers hate to go up towards.

Sadly, that degree of intimidation is met by the alternative on the opposite finish of the ground. The surface shot is totally off, he can not create for himself in any respect, and the one actual function he can have is that of an off-ball cutter. That stated, he’s athletic, so he can stand up and end on the rim at a satisfactory charge.

If Dunn was even a satisfactory three-point shooter, he could be a possible top-10 decide on this yr’s draft. However he’s not. Any group that drafts Dunn must be assured of their skill to wholly rework his offensive sport.

Pacome Dadiet, Ratiopharm (Germany)

Age: 18 years previous | Place: ForwardHeight: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 6-foot-9Stats (Germany): 6.6 factors, 2.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 50.2% FG, 35.8% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Michael Finley (The Ringer), Isaac Okoro (NBA.com), Tobias Harris (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Tall, skinny Joe Johnson

Pacome Dadiet has shot up draft boards in current weeks regardless of not taking part in a ton of minutes for Ratiopharm in Germany. The younger French prospect continues to be very uncooked however has the define of a top-notch scorer on the NBA degree.

There are few prospects fairly as fluid as Dadiet is with the ball in his arms. His quantity was low in Germany, however when he had the rock, he at all times regarded like he knew what he was doing. Now, typically he didn’t, and it resulted in youthful, sloppy turnovers, but it surely’s clear that the movement is there.

Dadiet tasks to be a great three-point shooter and must be a stable playmaker as properly, although he didn’t do a lot of that with Ratiopharm. Defensively, he has the construct to be a reasonably versatile defender.

Total, Dadiet simply wants to chop out the foolish errors and show that he can do what he did in Germany at a better degree with extra touches and towards more durable competitors. Straightforward sufficient… proper? Realistically, Dadiet is a mission participant who may growth (and can doubtless be chosen earlier than decide No. 30).

PJ Corridor, Clemson

Age: 22 years previous | Place: Ahead/CenterHeight: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1Stats (Senior): 18.3 factors, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, 48.8% FG, 31.5% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Submit-prime Blake Griffin (The Ringer), Dean Wade (NBA.com), Tom Gugliotta (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Miami Warmth Kevin Love

PJ Corridor matches completely into the mould of a top-tier faculty participant seeking to translate what labored for him at that degree right into a profession within the NBA. The query is whether or not or not he’ll efficiently have the ability to try this.

Regardless of the poor numbers his senior season, the three-point shot is there—he shot 39.8% his junior season (on two fewer makes an attempt per sport). Corridor relied on his post-game lots in faculty, which he received’t have the ability to do as a lot within the execs, but it surely gave him a pleasant really feel across the basket.

Corridor is aware of what he’s doing on the defensive finish, however his total lack of athleticism holds him again. Positionally, he’s near-perfect, however he will get beat off the dribble attributable to his lack of quickness and may get antsy, leaping at too many fakes.

The 22-year-old has a pleasant really feel for the sport and might be a connective huge man off the pine if developed appropriately, however he’ll need to show his three-point shot is constant and enhance defensively on the perimeter to make up for being undersized at his place.

Enrique Freeman, Akron

Age: 24 years previous (in July) | Place: ForwardHeight: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2Stats (Fifth-12 months Senior): 18.6 factors, 12.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, 58.4% FG, 37.0% 3PTVarious NBA comparisons: Tari Eason (The Ringer)Jack’s NBA comparability: Smaller Kevon Looney (possibly with a jumper)

Just a few months in the past, Enrique Freeman wasn’t on anybody’s draft radar. Now, he’s a possible second-round decide. He was a walk-on at Akron, and after declaring for the NBA Draft, he, as outlined by O’Connor, “acquired a Portsmouth Invitational Match invite, then earned a G League Elite Camp invite, after which was requested to take part within the NBA draft mix.”

Freeman boasts an incessant work ethic that bleeds its method onto the courtroom by means of his infectious hustle. He’s at all times within the combine for rebounds and performs with a fireplace that exhibits itself in even the smallest motions he makes on the courtroom.

His insane wingspan makes him a formidable offensive rebounder, and whereas he was defending bigs in faculty, he has the make-up and hustle to maintain up with forwards, which he should do within the NBA.

Although he’s made enhancements, Freeman’s shot nonetheless isn’t all the best way there, and he’ll need to play a really totally different model of basketball if he desires to stay on the NBA degree. However by way of hustle, there are few gamers who can outdo Freeman on this draft class.

Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco

Age: 22 years previous | Place: Ahead/CenterHeight: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2Stats (Senior): 14.2 factors, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks, 63.6% FGVarious NBA comparisons: Ben Simmons if he had been a hooper (The Ringer), Kenneth Faried (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Massive man Josh Hart (with no jumper)

Jonathan Mogbo is a really attention-grabbing case, as he has all of the instruments to be one of many extra versatile gamers on this draft—he simply can’t shoot. That’s what’s going to finish up holding him again, particularly with how undersized he’s.

That stated, Mogbo may find yourself being one of many higher all-around defenders on this class. He can grasp with guards, wings, and bigs alike, and his offensive sport (exterior of his scoring) is analogous in that respect.

Mogbo is a formidable playmaker able to pushing the tempo on offense and understanding of the brief roll. That’s the kind of basketball IQ that groups like to have on their squad. Plus, his large wingspan helps him corral a ton of offensive rebounds.

Sadly, Mogbo’s three-point shot doesn’t really feel like it’ll get there, and whereas he’s a stable finisher across the rim, that would restrict his alternatives within the NBA, as he’s way more of a ahead than a middle at his measurement. But when Boston desires to work with him and discover a technique to make it work, Mogbo is definitely an especially distinctive expertise.

Different potential Celtics targets: Bobi Klintman (NBL), Quinten Submit (Boston School), Pelle Larsson (Arizona), Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas), Harrison Ingram (North Carolina), Cam Spencer (UConn), Trentyn Flowers (NBL)