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 profitable Sport 5 final Monday. “However…that draft exercise tomorrow…that needs to be enjoyable.”

No relaxation for the depraved. Simply over every week after profitable 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 may very well 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 getting into this yr’s occasion with an identical thought course of: Including assist for the longer term.

“I believe there’s loads of shifting components to conserving this roster sustainable past this yr, however particularly to this yr is we obtained loads of guys again,” Stevens stated on Tuesday. “Will probably be onerous for any draft decide to crack our rotation when wholesome.

“And so, we’ll take into consideration how we will greatest proceed to spend money on younger gamers and their improvement and progress, with the fact that, if we’re in a position to proceed to maneuver ahead with this group, these guys are going to be on the courtroom. So, this will likely be a very good alternative once more to herald someone who we predict 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, making certain future triumph revolves across the similar rules that Joe Mazzulla stresses on the courtroom: Profitable the margins.

Boston’s end-of-bench gamers might not be enjoying an enormous function now, however as Horford (38 years previous), Vacation (34 years previous), and Porzingis (28 years previous with an damage historical past) become old, they need to be ready to fill the gaps.

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

“So far as the picks go, if the correct individual is obtainable at 30, then we’ll take them, and if we now have a few those who we predict 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 very good factor, too.”

Although there might not be any gamers accessible worthy of quick rotation minutes, loads of prospects challenge 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: Greater Austin Reaves lite

After 5 years in school, three at South Dakota State and two at Creighton, Baylor Scheierman enters the NBA Draft as one of the crucial 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 skills have additionally been polished by years of being a major possibility in school, and his rebounding has shined, too.

The defensive considerations are actual, as he’s by no means been nice at staying in entrance of men on account of his poor athleticism and general flat-footedness.

Ought to Boston goal Scheierman, who has been in with the Celtics for a exercise, they’d possible 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 first of his profession. That stated, he’s a greater general 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 in every single place. He was scorching to begin 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 precious 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 much too keen when leaping at pump fakes. It’s paying homage to an early Robert Williams III at instances however with out the ultra-elite instincts.

There’s a transparent define for Smith to grow to be a productive participant within the NBA for a very long time along with his offensive expertise and body, however the protection and general 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 unimaginable power. At his measurement and along 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 may very well be a tremendous above-the-rim menace. That stated, the remainder of his offensive sport wants loads of work. Bona isn’t an incredible passer and has no semblance of a three-point shot, which might restrict his function on the Celtics long-term.

Defensively, Bona might 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, nevertheless, Bona can get in foul bother now and again.

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 task he’s not used to, changing into extra of a put up participant, so his scouting is a bit wonky.

If Bona needs to stay on the NBA degree, he’ll must work on his self-discipline, and the offense might want to come alongside considerably, however his power 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 among the weirdest prospects on this class, as he has a number 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 powerful to inform how nicely he’ll do within the NBA.

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

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

Johnson confirmed some flashes of improved protection throughout his time within the NBL, however his small body might maintain him again a bit in that regard. He’ll have loads of time to enhance, however Johnson is an entire challenge 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 may very well be a power 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 enjoying basketball at 11 years previous and by no means performed school 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 nicely for his measurement and has proven the flexibility to roam down low and file wild blocks.

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

The actual motive why Chomche isn’t greater 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 general, he simply wants time to totally 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 very best all-offense, no-defense participant within the NBA, Ryan Dunn is the antithesis of him. If Matisse Thybulle was the very best 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 one of the crucial spectacular defenders instantly. He’s the very best 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 in opposition to.

Sadly, that degree of intimidation is met by the other on the opposite finish of the ground. The skin 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 price.

If Dunn was even a satisfactory three-point shooter, he can be a possible top-10 decide on this yr’s draft. However he’s not. Any workforce that drafts Dunn must be assured of their potential to wholly remodel 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 latest weeks regardless of not enjoying 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 palms. His quantity was low in Germany, however when he had the rock, he at all times seemed like he knew what he was doing. Now, generally he didn’t, and it resulted in youthful, sloppy turnovers, however it’s clear that the circulate is there.

Dadiet initiatives to be a very good three-point shooter and needs to be a strong playmaker as nicely, although he didn’t do a lot of that with Ratiopharm. Defensively, he has the construct to be a reasonably versatile defender.

General, Dadiet simply wants to chop out the foolish errors and show that he can do what he did in Germany at the next degree with extra touches and in opposition to harder competitors. Straightforward sufficient… proper? Realistically, Dadiet is a challenge participant who might growth (and can possible 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: Put up-prime Blake Griffin (The Ringer), Dean Wade (NBA.com), Tom Gugliotta (No Ceilings)Jack’s NBA comparability: Miami Warmth Kevin Love

PJ Corridor suits completely into the mould of a top-tier school 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 be capable to do 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 loads in school, which he gained’t be capable to do as a lot within the execs, however it gave him a pleasant really feel across the basket.

Corridor is aware of what he’s doing on the defensive finish, however his general lack of athleticism holds him again. Positionally, he’s near-perfect, however he will get beat off the dribble on account of 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 may very well be a connective huge man off the pine if developed accurately, however he’ll must 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, “obtained a Portsmouth Invitational Event 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 manner 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 powerful offensive rebounder, and whereas he was defending bigs in school, 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 must play a really totally different model of basketball if he needs 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 might find yourself being one of many higher all-around defenders on this class. He can dangle with guards, wings, and bigs alike, and his offensive sport (outdoors of his scoring) is analogous in that respect.

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

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

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