Celtics Rumors: Best draft option in "top-heavy" field?

Chat Sports Staff · Celtics Today
Apr 28, 2014 · 9:53 PM CT

In Celtics rumors today, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has called this summer's draft "top-heavy," and with the fifth best odds in the upcoming NBA Lottery, the Celtics may get a chance to benefit from that.

Per Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, "the C’s now have the fifth-best odds in the May 20 lottery. While this draft doesn’t have a Durant, or even an Al Horford (third to Atlanta in ’07) or Joakim Noah (ninth to Chicago), but it could, have a few Greens — players who’ve only teased at their potential."

The Celtics can only fall as far as eighth, and are hoping that they can buck the odds and land somewhere in the top three. If they can do so, Murphy believes former Kansas center Joel Embiid may be the right man for the job in Ainge's eyes:

"He has to occupy the top of Ainge’s list. Rim protection was the chief Celtics need among a multitude of weaknesses this season, and Embiid brings a lot more than defensive presence. His offensive skills are above the norm for a big prospect, and Embiid also plays with an edge. He could be a tone-setter," writes Murphy.

Murphy admits that Embiid may have to make a "Sullinger-like slide" for the Celtics to have a realistic shot at grabbing him. Yet, the possibility of a blockbuster draft day trade is not out of the realm of possibility as well.