The Celtics continue to do their homework on several of the top prospects in this year’s draft, having lined up meetings with two more players. Ian Begley of ESPN.com reports that the C’s have scheduled a pre-draft meeting with Dennis Smith Jr., while Sean Cunningham of ABC10 tweets that Josh Jackson will head to Boston to meet with the team within the next few days.
Word of Jackson’s meeting is notable since the former Kansas swingman cancelled a scheduled workout with the Celtics earlier this week. It sounds like the upcoming meeting between the two sides won’t necessarily include a workout, but it comes in the wake of a report that Boston may be considering Jackson with the first overall pick.
Markelle Fultz is still viewed as the probable No. 1 pick, so it’s possible that the Celtics’ apparent interest in Jackson is a smoke screen designed to drum up interest in a trade, though at least one GM is convinced that Danny Ainge is legitimately leaning toward the ex-Jayhawk. As for Smith, the former North Carolina State point guard would likely only be on the Celtics’ radar if the team were to trade down, since he’s not considered a top-five prospect.
Cunningham’s report also indicates that Jackson is holding a private workout in Sacramento with the Sixers today. If Fultz and Lonzo Ball come off the board first and second overall next Thursday, Jackson would be a strong candidate to be Philadelphia’s pick at No. 3.
Fultz, I don’t see it? Jackson is like whoa!
Freak athlete! Lonzo high basketball IQ
Fultz nothing stands out.
What? Are you high?
Or he’s very well rounded and is good in all of those.
Chun, I don’t see it
Semper Fi. 0311!!!!
Celtics must keep the pick. Fultz a Guard. Already have Brown a Forward. Take a PF or C next year. You have a dynasty. Thats why the sixers want Fultz so badly
Trade the pick ist best wheat can you do
Jackson is going to be the best player in this draft in 5 years. Fultz is good. But I’m not sure he’s a PG in the league. He would benefit from being with the 76ers and Simmons taking some of that ball handling offense starting duties away from him. Kinda like what LeBron does for Kyrie. (Obviously not comparing the 2 sets of players, more the situation). Jackson adds length and athleticism to the celts to throw more guys out there able to bother LeBron in a series. Look ppl I’m not a celts or Cavs fan. But to get to the championship the celts must find a way to stop LeBron. End of story he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Jackson would b my pick and if u can trade back and collect for assets then that’s a plus and Ainge is already one of the best GMs out there. His assets will b the envy of everyone in the league if he picks up a third 1st rounder for next year in the process.
Well said Dust. While I like everything I’ve read about cults off court behavior and background, his highlite reel shows me he’s a scorer. Period. Nothing wrong with that, but he’s shown nothing to indicate he’ll ever fit into the Celts defensive schemes. We ain’t gonna be in serious contention for another 3-4 years – so having IT & Horford will make those years enjoyable while Danny looks for the next Big Thing which obviously he doesn’t see as Fultz. But man oh man what a set of Cajones on Danny. Not since he tried to feast on Tree Rollins has he showed such boldness by giving the 76ers – the 76ers people- the top pick to add to their young stockpile in a move that could blow up in his face. Gotta love Danny’s style!