In years past, the Boston Celtics seemed to always have a stash of draft picks in their arsenal from trades made by former president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.
This year looks to be a little different for Boston. The Celtics currently find themselves with only one draft pick in the 2021 NBA draft, in the second round at No. 45.
Notable selections at No. 45 in NBA history are 13-year veteran Antonio Davis in 1990, Goran Dragic of the Miami Heat in 2008, Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks (selected by the Celtics) in 2014, and Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2017.
The stashed Israeli floor general is reportedly gearing up to join the Celtics in Las Vegas. https://t.co/pNfajZ2jEk
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 12, 2021
If the Celtics get their hands on a player like the ones listed above with the 45th pick, that would mark the 2021 NBA draft as a success.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently listed three potential candidates for the Celtics to draft at No. 45.
Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Charles Bassey of Western Kentucky is an interesting prospect to say the least. In 2020-21, Bassey averaged 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game — a monster of a stat line.
Standing at 6-foot-11, Bassey plays with a high motor and intensity. Whether it’s on the glass, blocking shots or rim running on a fast break, Bassey leaves his mark on every game he plays.
To maximize his potential at the next level, polishing up his post moves inside is a must because he will not be able to manhandle his competition at the NBA level as he did in college. Also, being able to consistently stretch out and hit jump shots in today’s league will be very beneficial for Bassey going forward.
With Robert Williams battling injuries all season, Al Horford’s return to Boston and a questionable future for Tristan Thompson, Bassey could be the right pick at No. 45 for the C’s.
Joe Wieskamp, SF, Iowa
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Wieskamp of Iowa is a flat-out sniper.
As a junior in 2020-21, Wieskamp averaged 14.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting a lights out 46.2% from 3-point range on over five attempts per game
An under the radar prospect, the 6-foot-6 Wieskamp improved his draft stock at the NBA combine as he measured in with a near 7-foot wingspan and a 42″ vertical, including playing well in the scrimmages.
Playing in a well-run program like Iowa in a top conference like the Big Ten, Wieskamp has succeeded against the best of the best competition at the college level, making the All-Big Ten second team this season.
With a consistent outside shot as well as filling several other intangible boxes, Wieskamp could indeed earn some minutes off the Celtics bench next season.
Aaron Henry, SG, Michigan State
Nick King-Lansing State Journal
When you think of Aaron Henry, think of a potential Marcus Smart 2.0 for the Celtics.
In his junior season at Michigan State this year, Henry averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game — a Swiss Army knife, indeed.
Henry received postseason honors, being named to the All-Big Ten third team and to the All-Defensive team this past season.
For Henry, the defensive mindset and size is there to succeed at the NBA level. But on the offensive end, he’ll need to polish his game to see consistent time on the floor. If he can improve on his 29.6% from downtown and become a consistent 3-point shooter alongside his defensive presence, Henry will find a home.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
