Last Thursday, the NBA draft was hosted in New York City. The Celtics had two first round picks and one second round pick in which they selected three forwards, a position they needed to fill badly. Many thought the Celts would trade the two first rounder’s for a higher pick but ended up with three players at the end of the night.
21st overall pick: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State University, Sophomore.
The highly touted big man from OSU was said to go in the top 10 before the season started and was seen from many NBA teams as one of the best forwards in this years draft. Reports surfaced of Sullinger’s back having problems thus falling all the way to the Celts at 21. Jared was a double-double machine in college and could be the future successor of Kevin Garnett. He averaged 17 points per game last year as well as 9 rebounds per game. He is definitely someone who will thrive in Doc Rivers’ system and will be the starting power forward for the green a few years down the road. If his back holds up this season he can be a contributor right away and potentially a huge steal for the C’s.
22nd overall pick: Fab Melo, Syracuse University, Sophomore.
Like Sullinger, this pick has been said to be a high risk, high reward for the Celtics. Melo only started playing basketball at the age of 13 but thrived in it in high school and committing himself to Syracuse University. The Brazilian center has the size (7ft 250lbs) to be a rebound machine in the NBA. That’s exactly what the Celtics need, a big man under the hoop. This is something they poorly miss since the trade of Kendrick Perkins a year ago. The one problem with Melo is his lack of discipline and heart on the court. Under the watchful eye of not only head coach Doc Rivers but also Garnett, Melo should be kept in line and if he is that pick will also be a steal for the Celtics.
51st overall pick: Kris Joseph, Syracuse University, Senior.
Not knowing much about Joseph before the draft it was interesting reading up on him after the Celtics took him with their last selection in the 2012 NBA draft. Joseph, a pure small forward, has the skills to be a lethal weapon off the bench for an NBA team. Joseph was the leading scorer for Syracuse last season with almost 14 points per game. Joseph was also named to the 2012 All-Big East First Team last season. Joseph has a bunch of potential and if given the time and development could be a great option off the bench for Doc Rivers.
Mike Husson
Pierce Arrow Sports Editor
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