The Boston Celtics have the right to swap draft picks with the Brooklyn Nets in the upcoming NBA Draft, and since the Nets have the worst record in the NBA, Boston will have the best odds to get the No. 1 pick. However, if the Nets do finish with the worst record, Boston is guaranteed to have a top four pick. If they decide to keep the pick instead of trading it, who are they targeting? Here are the three most likely options:
1) Markelle Fultz
He can do everything on the court, is a dynamic scorer and is big enough to play alongside Isaiah Thomas in the off-guard position. There are questions about his drive, leadership and passion after Washington's nine-win season, but if they're going to go with the best player available, it's either Fultz or Lonzo Ball. I think the Boston brass would rather work with Fultz's deficiences than have to deal with LaVar Ball, Lonzo's father.
2) Lonzo Ball
In terms of pure on-court fit, Ball may be the better option for Boston. He became one of the best players in the entire country in his lone season at UCLA, turning a team that went 15-17 last year to 31-5 this year. At 6-foot-6, he can play either guard position, and while he's at his best with the ball in hands, he doesn't need it to make a huge impact on the game. That skill set may work better next to Isaiah Thomas than Fultz's skill set.
3) Josh Jackson
If the Celtics decide to draft someone other than a point guard, Jackson seems to be the best option. He's as athletic as any player in this class, is great at attacking the rim and - most importantly - is an extremely smart player. Jackson also has the passing and ball-handling abilities to play point forward along with being a willing and able defender. He has chance to develop into an all-around star in the NBA.
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