Latest Celtics first round predictions – NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics won their 18th NBA championship just a week ago, and while the players will be celebrating for a while, the front office needs to get back to work preparing for the upcoming draft.

The 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday (first round) and Thursday (second round). The Celtics have two picks: their own first-round selection (No. 30 overall) and a second-round pick (No. 54 overall, via Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings).

The Celtics have great depth in the backcourt with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard at guard. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum could also be primary ballhandlers.

So it would make sense for the Celtics to target power forwards or centers in the upcoming draft. Kristaps Porzingis’ health is always a concern. The veteran center is doing great in Boston, but he hasn’t played more than 65 games in a regular season since 2016-17. Al Horford will be back next season, but he is also 38 years old.

Finding a versatile big man in the draft who can defend the rim and maybe knock down a few three-point shots would be a nice addition to the C’s. The frontcourt depth is probably the one part of the Celtics’ roster that could use the most upgrades

But of course, if you’re going to be the last pick in the first round, it’s often better to just draft the best player available rather than out of necessity.

If the Celtics don’t see a player on the board at No. 30 who can contribute to the team in the near future, they might consider trading the pick. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, “rival executives” believe the Celtics are “open to trading the No. 30 overall pick” in the draft.

But if the Celtics keep this pick, which players could they target in Round 1? Here are some definitive predictions from recent expert trial designs.

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, ESPN: Pacome Dadiet, SG/SF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) at number 30; Ulrich Chomche, PF/C, NBA Academy Showcase (Africa) at #54

Sam Vecenie, the athletics: Jaylon Tyson, Wing, California at No. 30; Jalen Bridges, Wing, Baylor at #54

Jeff Zilgitt and Scooby Axson: Baylor Scheierman, SG, Creighton

Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report: Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana at No. 24 (mock trade with Pelicans in which Boston gets No. 24 in exchange for No. 30, No. 54 and a 2026 second-round pick)

John Fanta, FOX Sports: Tyler Smith, PF, G League Ignite

Kristen Peek, Yahoo! Sport: Baylor Scheierman, SG, Creighton

Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: Tyler Smith, PF, G League Ignite

NBADraft.net: Pacome Dadiet, SG/SF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Tankathon: Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, Cairns (Australian League)