The Boston Celtics and their fans are firmly focused on the Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Philadelphia 76ers that is about to begin. But the team itself has a sizable part of the organization keeping an eye on the potential prospects available to be selected with the Celtics pick in the second round of this year’s draft.
That pick may be the Houston Rockets’ second at No. 32, or the Portland Trail Blazers’ at No. 35 thanks to some arcane pick protections involving Boston’s trove of draft assets, but no matter how the draft lottery breaks, the Celtics will be picking near the top of the round, and have been holding workouts in that range of prospects per multiple reports.
One of the two prospects may end up returning to the University of Kentucky according to the New York Times’ Adam Zagoria, but has scheduled a workout with Boston, along with the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings among other NBA teams.
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That prospect would be big man Oscar Tshiebwe, 2022’s National College Player of the Year. Currently projected closer to the end of the second round, Tshiebwe may simply be gathering feedback, but could also stay in the draft if he likes what he is hearing or even gets a promise.
Somewhat undersized as a big at 6-foot-9, his 7-foot-4 wingspan helps make up that gap, and as an elite rebounder and defender who has a way to go as a rim protector, Tshiebwe could make sense as a depth option with upside for a team like Boston.
The Congolese center put up 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block per game with the Wildcats in 2022-23.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 29, 2023
The other prospect is former Cincinnati wing Landers Nolley II., a 6-foot-7 small forward out of Fairburn, Georgia. The 230-lb. senior is not especially athletic but has a solid handle, good footwork, and defensive instincts that should help him carve out a rotation role at the next level with some luck.
Nolley’s volume 41.7% 3-point shot in his senior season with the Bearcats, in particular, stands out, hinting at his 3-and-D potential if the shot can remain constant moving forward.
Both players are older, more experienced, and more likely able to handle at least some on-court play with a team trying to contend in the regular season.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 29, 2023
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