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NBA • 10 months ago

2015 NBA Draft: 5 Perfect First-Round Fits for Boston Celtics

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2015 NBA Draft: 5 Perfect First-Round Fits for Boston Celtics

Brad Stevens — Danny Ainge has fared pretty well when it comes to the NBA Draft. Though there are certainly some picks where he would like a redo, he has hit on his first round selections more often than not. This year, Ainge has two first-rounders and odds are he's going to hit on one of them. Here are five players Ainge should consider when the Celtics are on the clock.

Danny Ainge has fared pretty well when it comes to the NBA Draft. Though there are certainly some picks where he would like a redo, he has hit on his first round selections more often than not. This year, Ainge has two first-rounders and odds are he's going to hit on one of them. Here are five players Ainge should consider when the Celtics are on the clock.

5. Bobby Portis

5. Bobby Portis

Portis scored in double figures in all but two games as a sophomore last season. The second leading scorer in the SEC, Portis can score in a variety of ways making him difficult to guard. Though he needs to become a better defender, his length and quick feet give him the potential to do so. A highly-motivated player, Portis is also an extremely talented rebounder, which is just what the Celtics need.

4. R.J. Hunter

4. R.J. Hunter

Hunter's shooting would be a great addition to a Celtics team in need of a knock down shooter. Hunter's range is massive as he can pull up from just about anywhere on the court and have the ability to make it. He can create for himself off the dribble, but is at his best when he can catch and shoot. With playmakers like Marcus Smart and Isaiah Thomas, Hunter would get his share of open looks on the outside.

3. Rakeem Christmas

3. Rakeem Christmas

One of the few prospects with four years of collegiate basketball under his belt, Christmas exploded in his senior year at Syracuse. He has become an excellent shot blocker, rebounder and interior defender due to his 7' 3" wingspan and athleticism. Christmas would be an excellent fit in the middle of the Celtics defense. His ability to run the floor as a big man would mesh well with Boston's up-tempo style on offense as well.

2. Justin Anderson

2. Justin Anderson

On a Virginia team known for its defense, Anderson still managed to put up respectable numbers on offense. His ability to shoot the three -- he connected on 45 percent of his attempts -- would be a huge boost to a Celtics offense that ranked in the bottom 5 in the NBA in that category. He is an all-around talented player who plays with a lot of effort and energy. His long wingspan and leaping ability allow him to block shots despite being 6'6".

1. Myles Turner

1. Myles Turner

The Celtics were dead last in blocked shots per game last year. Turner would be a monumental upgrade as he led the Big 12 in blocks per game, despite averaging just 22 minutes per game. On offense, he has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways. Turner is also an outstanding free-throw shooter for a player with his size. Though he's one of the younger prospects in the draft, he does have one of the highest ceilings.

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Boston Celtics

Derek McVay is a writer for RantSports.

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