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Welcome back to the third edition of the Mock Draft Dive, where we’re looking at who draft pundits predict the Celtics to take in the upcoming draft.
We are less than two weeks out from the draft, and with Giannis rumors swirling and the Finals close to their conclusion, everything feels up in the air. Do the Celtics even stand pat at No. 27? It’s a divisive question, and one we’ve pretty much experienced on an annual basis since Brad Stevens took over team-building decision-making.
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But what’s a mock draft dive without a pick to talk about? Let’s just all embrace the hypothetical for now. First we looked at the prospects of selecting Karim Lopez (which is seeming more unlikely with each passing week), then Arizona’s Koa Peat (that still feels possible). Now, we turn to the faux-front office decision of selecting Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson based on a mock from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic.
Here’s what Sam had to say about the selection:
“Jefferson’s basketball IQ is exceptionally high, something that would play well in Boston under Joe Mazzulla’s scheme, where quick decision-making is critical. He defends well and makes fast decisions on that end, plus he passes exceedingly well. His range is seen as somewhere from the 20s into the early second round.”
-Sam Vecenie
As far as non-lottery prospects go, Jefferson was pretty high up there for one of my favorite scouting reports to build. And dogonnit (I’m not allowed to swear on the blog, but imagine I’m swearing), the fit makes a good deal of sense.
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A passing maestro with a well-rounded game, what Jefferson lacks in top-tier athletic traits he makes up for with a high IQ and an unselfish play style. At 22 years old and with 130 college games under his belt, Jefferson closed his second season at Iowa State averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on the way to All-American and All-Big 12 honors.
The Iowa State star’s passing is the obvious focal point of his game, translating into his post-ups, off-the-dribble kickouts and transition outlets. His touch is impeccable, and his vision among the very best in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mock-draft-dive-joshua-jefferson-091000685.html
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Publish date : 2026-06-14 09:10:00
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