
We all know that drafting is an inexact science because some #1 picks end up a bust (see Michael Olowokandi) and some second round picks end up stars (see Manu Ginobili). But even more inexact is the science of predicting the draft via mock drafts. A trip around the internet shows that beyond Anthony Davis being picked first, no one really knows what is going to happen in this draft.
I checked out 18 different mock drafts and found 16 different names penciled in for the Celtics with the 21st and 22nd picks. Add this to the fact that Chad Ford has said that the Celtics gave a promise to one player while other writers have said that they haven't made any promises. I tend to agree with those who say that no promises have been given. And it appears that, given the number of different names attributed to the Celtics in the different mock drafts, not many others believe that the Celtics have made a promise either.
There are 9 different power forwards or centers, 5 different shooting guards or small forwards and 2 point guards slotted in the various drafts for the Celtics. The most common pick was center Fab Melo, who appeared on 5 different mocks. Three players, Royce White, Andrew Nicholson, Jeff Taylor, and Quincy Miller, appeared on 4 different mocks. Moe Harkless, Marquis Teague, Arnett Moultrie, and Jared Sullinger all appeared on 3 different mock drafts. Terrence Ross appeared on 2 mocks. And Terrence Jones, Perry Jones, Evan Fournier, Festus Ezeli, and Kendall Marshall all appeared once.
It's obvious by the above statistics that no one really has a clue what Danny will do on draft day. We know that the biggest need for the Celtics will be at the center position, but Danny is also known to take the best available player. Then again, there are a lot of trade rumors out there that have Danny trading the two picks to move up in the draft for a player he doesn't feel will be there at 21. One of those players is Harrison Barnes, who was reported by Bob Ryan as the apple of Danny's eye. Barnes is slotted to go anywhere from 3rd to 5th and so Danny would have to give up quite a bit to get a pick that high. Another player rumored to be a Celtics target is Austin Rivers who is slotted anywhere from 8th to 18th on the mocks.
We have just 3 more days until the wait and the suspense will be over. It promises to be an active, and possibly a surprising draft for the Celtics. Hopefully, it will also be a rewarding one.
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