2012 NBA Draft Grades: Jared Sullinger to Boston at No. 21

Boston Celtics | Last Season: 39-27 (Eastern Conference Finals) | Draft Picks: 21, 22, 51

Season Summary: I guess the old guys had one last run in them. They had a 3-2 lead in the Conference Finals, but they were knocked out by one angry LeBron James. I think that was the last ditch effort by the original Big Three to make another run at a NBA title. Ray Allen was hurt and he won’t be back. Kevin Garnett found the Fountain of Youth, but he’s a free agent and could retire. Rajon Rondo is still in trade rumors but is still amazing at what he does. A lack of depth hurt, but that is something that should be addressed in the draft.

Draft Needs: Post depth. The Celtics were brutalized by not having enough depth, but the two first rounders should change that. As for the 22nd pick, they could draft another big guy or pick up a combo guard. Either one would work and the Celtics rarely miss in the draft.

Pick #21: Jared Sullinger | PF | Ohio State

Sullinger is very talented, but no ones draft stock dropped more since the season ended then his. Many expected him to be a lottery pick early on, but concerns over his back caused him to slip down the draft boards. Not to mention he probably would have been a top-five pick had he declared for the draft in 2011. All that aside, Sullinger was a consensus first-team All-American for the second straight season. He collected 17 double-doubles for the Buckeyes and averaged 17 points and 8 boards for Ohio State in the five NCAA tournament games. The Celtics s

Grade: B+

2012-2013 Outlook: The Celtics might be a radically different team by the time training camp roles around. They will still be dangerous in the East, but I think teams are finally able to figure them out. They get ate alive by the Chicago Bulls and the Heat seem to have broken that last hurdle. If KG comes back, they could be a dark horse, but we shall see.

Check out all of Rant Sports 2012 NBA Draft Grades from the 1st Round.


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