I’ll be doing a few blogs on players in this year’s NBA Draft that are drawing interest from the Celtics. As of right now, rumors are spreading about the Celtics wanting to trade up in the draft to grab the big man from Kentucky, Willie Cauley-Stein.
Cauley-Stein, who legally added the nickname “Trill” as a middle name recently, is a 7 foot, 240 pound center who is adept at protecting the rim and grabbing loose boards. His efficiency in rebounding is something that the Celtics definitely need, as Boston finished the year 26th best in opponent’s rebounds per game. The Celtics Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger, and Kelly Olynyk are all strong big men, but rebounding is not their strong suit, and they are not true centers. Bringing in a glass-eater like Cauley-Stein, who averaged 6.4 rebounds per game in 25 mpg last season, may be the first step in the Celtic’s mission to make noise in the playoffs next season.
The only downside to Cauley-Stein, who is considered one of the more prepared big men in this year’s draft, is his lack of offense. However, that may be the least of the Celtics worries for now. Their main focus seems to be snagging a true center who can provide defense inside and make an impact on the boards, and “Trill” just may be that guy.
In most mock drafts, Cauley-Stein is predicted to go to the Sacramento Kings with the 6th overall pick. Luckily for the Celtics, they have several picks that they can use to trade up for Cauley-Stein. Although I feel that Sam Dekker would fit in great with Boston, the Celtics brass obviously have their hearts set on a big man. If they can’t snag Trill, perhaps they will settle for UCLA power forward Kevin Looney, Arkansas big man Bobby Portis, or Texas power forward Myles Turner.
#GoCeltics
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