The Boston Celtics have three picks in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft (#14, #26 and #30) and an additional pick in the second round (#47).
One has to wonder whether the rumors regarding their interest in packaging multiple picks to move up in the upcoming draft has anything to do with the rumors that Gordon Hayward wants out of Boston. However, once again the Celtics enter an offseason in the uncomfortable position of being a championship contender with the future of one of their star players up in the air.
Unlike most other contending teams, how the draft pans out for Boston could wind up being incredibly important to how well they perform next season.
Related: Full Boston Celtics 2020 Salary Cap Preview
2020 NBA Draft Picks
| No. 14 overall | No. 26 overall | No. 30 overall | No. 47 overall |
Celtics Draft Needs
The Celtics have great depth at every position but so much is dependent on the players that it’s difficult to project their rotation next season; Hayward, Enes Kanter while Semi Ojeleye will become a restricted free agent.
That said, if the Celtics were to play without Tatum for any extended period (without Hayward in particular) they would be in a world of trouble. It would be wise for Boston to prioritize shoring up their forward depth. While Ojeleye and Hayward may not return, the type of impact Grant Williams makes on the court doesn’t pop out on a stat sheet.
For this reason, trading up in the draft and securing a top-10 pick could help address that scenario.
Adding depth at the center and point guard positions is also important for Celtics. Although Boston is likely to bring Daniel Theis — who’s contract is non-guaranteed — back, Kanter opt may explore the open market for a more lucrative contract (and find it). At point guard, the steady veteran Brad Wanamaker and neophyte Tremont Waters are set to become free agents this offseason.
Fortunately for Boston, the 2020 NBA Draft has a bevy of intriguing prospects at point guard, forward and center in their draft range.
2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist
| No. 14 overall | No. 26 overall | No. 30 overall | No. 47 overall |
| G-F Isaac Okoro, Auburn | PG Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama | PF Reggie Perry, Mississippi State | PG Payton Pritchard, Oregon |
| F Patrick Williams, Florida St. | F Jaden McDaniels, Washington | PF Paul Reed, DePaul | G Grant Riller, Charleston |
| F Saddiq Bey, Villanova | F Tyler Bey, Colorado | C Daniel Oturu, Minnesota | PG Tre Jones, Duke |
| PF Jalen Smith, Maryland | F-C Isaiah Stewart, Washington | SG Elijah Hughes, Syracuse | F CJ Elleby, Washington St. |
| PF Precious Achiuwa, Memphis | F-C Zeke Nnaji, Arizona | PG Malachi Flynn, San Diego St. | PG Cassius Winston, Michigan St. |
What The Mocks Are Saying
| The Ringer | RJ Hampton (No. 14), Leandro Bolmaro (No. 26), Killian Tillie (No. 30) |
| The Athletic | Kira Lewis Jr. (No. 14), Leandro Bolmaro (No. 26), Robert Woodard II (No. 30), Skylar Mays (No. 47) |
| USA TODAY Sports | Cole Anthony (No. 14), Leandro Bolmaro (No. 26), Tre Jones (No. 30) |
| CBS Sports | Aaron Nesmith (No. 14), Xavier Tillman (No. 26), Elijah Hughes (No. 30) |
| The Score | Kira Lewis Jr. (No. 14), Aleksej Pokusevski (No. 26), Leandro Bolmaro (No. 30) |
Projected Roster
| PG | Kemba Walker |
| SG | Marcus Smart |
| SG | Romeo Langford |
| SG | Carsen Edwards |
| G-F | Jaylen Brown |
| G-F | Javonte Green |
| F | Jayson Tatum |
| F | Gordon Hayward |
| PF | Semi Ojeleye |
| PF | Grant Williams |
| C | Daniel Theis |
| C | Enes Kanter |
| C | Robert Williams III |
| C | Vincent Poirier |
