Celtics Projected to Land Rising Alabama Star in Mock Draft
The Celtics are already loaded with forwards
Celtics Projected to Land Rising Alabama Star in Mock Draft originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Boston Celtics own their own draft pick heading into the summer.
They’re slated to pick somewhere near the end of the first round, courtesy of their on-court success this season. In recent years, Brad Stevens has prioritized high-floor talents, usually with multiple years of collegiate or professional (overseas) experience under their belts. In a recent mock draft by Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports, the Celtics were projected to acquire small forward Amari Allen out of Alabama.
Deveney provided a quote from an anonymous NBA scout on why Allen should be expected to make an impact upon entering the NBA. “If someone does not give him a first-round promise, he could go back (to school),” the scout told Deveney. “But he is a smart player who has some areas of development still in front of him—I think a playoff team would give him a good look and maybe promise him.
” Boston’s forward position is well-stocked. Between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, rookie Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh, finding minutes for a first-year forward will be tough for Joe Mazzulla. However, if Allen is willing to fight for his playing time, and can prove himself in practice, and likely with the Maine Celtics, there’s no reason why he can’t emerge as a role player in the future.