30 Teams, 30 Days: Boston Draft Preview

RealGM Analysis

Jun 25, 2008 2:07 PM

2007-2008 Finish: 66-16
2008 Draft Picks: 30th, 60th

Pre-Draft 2008-09 Projected Starters:
PG Rajon Rondo
SG Ray Allen
SF Paul Pierce
PF Kevin Garnett
C Kendrick Perkins
Key Reserves:
SG Tony Allen
SF James Posey
PF Leon Powe
C Glen Davis

What the Celtics Do Well:

The Celtics made two big time trades, lured key role playing free agents to play with The Latest Big Three, and signed veteran leaders late in the season at prices that would make Wal-Mart seem like Versace.

Longtime Celtic Paul Pierce teamed with fellow future potential Hall of Fame newcomers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to form the latest 'Big Three' in the ongoing trend of powerful triumvirates in the NBA. However, these three are true gamers in every sense of the word and have suffered through long careers without much team success, minus one conference finals appearance apiece prior to this season.

But this season, they joined forces in Boston and happily welcomed longtime veterans to jump on the bandwagon and ride their wave of surplus talent and desire for the title. They formed a bond amongst the team and helped youngsters Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, and Glen Davis mature into key role players.

They got huge contributions off the bench from James Posey, Eddie House, P.J. Brown, and Sam Cassell. By the end of the season, people had forgotten about the big free agent contract the Celtics gave to Brian Scalabrine, a man now known for his good luck and Irishman look.

The season culminated in a sloppily played Finals that Boston ultimately won on the strength of their defense and depth.

Greatest Areas of Improvement:

Depth at Shooting Guard
Of the Big Three, Ray Allen appears to be the weakest link. Coming off the bench in the shooting guard position, the Celtics were a bit thin. Tony Allen is not much of a shooter, and that is something they could pick up in this Draft and let Ray Allen mentor him into an All Star caliber player.

Depth Behind Rondo
Before Sam Cassell rode the gravy train to a title by forcing a buyout from the Los Angeles Clippers, there was not much behind Rondo at the point as far as team leadership and setting up teammates from the lead guard position. They could use another body who is willing to distribute the ball from the top of the key.

Who?s Gone Number 30 Recently?

Over the past five years, only one player selected at 30 has really panned out, and that?s David Lee of the Knicks. Lee has been a consistent player off the bench and in the starting lineup, but the other players selected in this slot have been foreign-born players who have made no impact on the league.

2007
Petteri Koponen, Philadelphia 76ers (traded to Portland)

2006
Joel Freeland, Portland Trail Blazers

2005
David Lee, New York Knicks

2004
Forfeited by Minnesota

2003
Maciej Lampe, New York Knicks (1st selection of the second round)

Who Should the Celtics Target?

For more in-depth analysis and background regarding the players that the Celts should target in this year?s Draft, click on each player name to be redirected to Christopher Reina?s Prospect Report piece.

- Courtney Lee of Western Kentucky

Courtney Lee is a four-year player out of a small school who shined in the recent NCAA tournament. His shooting stroke is top notch, and his maturity is high for a player of his skill set. He will fit perfectly in the Celtic culture and provide stability behind Ray Allen at the off guard position.

- Kyle Weaver of Washington State:

Weaver is an athletic combo guard who can fill in at both guard positions for the Celtics next season. His selection could spell the end of days for Sam I Am in Beantown and could lead to one of the most versatile and explosive backcourts in the league when teamed with Rondo.

Picks Over the Past Five Years

The Celtics stockpiled players over the past five years through the Draft and turned them into Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, and more importantly, the 17th title in franchise history.

2007
Jeff Green, 5th (traded to Seattle)
Gabe Pruitt, 32nd

2006
Randy Foye, 7th (traded to Portland, and then to Minnesota)

2005
Gerald Green, 18th
Ryan Gomes, 50th
Orien Greene, 53rd

2004
Al Jefferson, 15th
Delonte West, 24th
Tony Allen, 25th
Justin Reed, 40th

2003
Troy Bell, 16th (traded to Memphis)
Dahntay Jones, 20th (traded to Memphis)
Brandon Hunter, 56th

Previous Editions of the 30 Teams, 30 Days Series

Whom do you want the Celtics to draft at number 30? Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments and questions.

Tags: NBA

Share Tweet Discuss Feedback

30 Teams, 30 Days: Detroit Draft Preview

Draft Report: Ryan Anderson Of California

Portland

at

Orlando

Brooklyn

at

Indiana

Memphis

at

Detroit

Boston

at

Charlotte

Phoenix

at

New Orleans

Atlanta

at

Chicago

RealGM Analysis