Every time the dog days of summer roll around on the league calendar, NBA analysts are ready with rankings, assessments and re-drafts to keep fans afloat in the so-called doldrums of summer when even the slightest breeze of a rumor can create a wave of coverage.
Fans of the Boston Celtics in particular may look at such content especially kindly after seeing their team get thrown into seemingly every trade rumor tied to Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant as thanks for making it within two games of an NBA title. Those weary of leaks “connecting” the Celtics to such chatter will be happy to see a 2017 NBA redraft put out by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey.
One ought to expect star Boston swingman Jayson Tatum jumping up from his No. 3 spot, but rather than spoil how far as well as the other two current Celtics on this roster’s new positions per Bailey, we’ll let you take a look on your own.
22. Luke Kornet (Originally Undrafted)
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“Although he hasn’t had a ton of opportunities to show it, Luke Kornet looks like a solid three-and-D reserve when he’s on the floor,” writes Bailey. “Kornet has already played for five teams, and he has made only 46 appearances over the last two seasons.”
“But his career marks of 13.9 points, 2.5 threes, and 2.0 blocks per 75 possessions suggest he still has some potential to unlock.”
9. Derrick White (Originally Picked 29th)
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“Derrick White’s game doesn’t often jump off the screen,” observes the B/R analyst. “He’s never scored 30 points in a game. He doesn’t dazzle with DeMar DeRozan-like footwork or Kyrie Irving-like handles … But on the less glamorous side of the floor, White has a huge impact.”
“White’s teams have consistently allowed fewer points per 100 possessions when he’s in the game throughout his career. His combination of quickness and length (he has a 6’7½” wingspan) allows him to defend both guards and wings. When you add that defensive versatility to White’s facilitation on offense, you get a rare type of player.”
“Giannis Antetokounmpo and Draymond Green are the only players in league history who match or exceed their career marks for minutes, assist percentage, block percentage, and steal percentage,” notes Bailey.
1. Jayson Tatum (Originally Picked third)
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
“There shouldn’t have been much suspense over the top spot in this 2017 NBA redraft,” the author wisely suggests. “Jayson Tatum was the obvious choice even before he led his team to the 2022 NBA Finals.”
“Tatum is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game. Over his last three postseason appearances, he’s made two conference finals and averaged 26.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 3.0 threes, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 38.5 percent from 3. Those absurd numbers are proof that Tatum is already far more than just a no. 1 scorer. What gives him a chance to compete for MVPs, though, is his rapid ascent to elite defense.”
“Last season, he led the NBA in defensive win shares (a number typically dominated by big men) thanks to his ability to guard all over the floor, rebound, and pile up steals and blocks,” finishes Bailey.
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