23. Boston Celtics: Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
This is the third pick for the Boston Celtics, and after taking two young, low post players with their first two selections, they can take a more polished prospect at pick 23.
Denzel Valentine was the Naismith Player of the Year last season at Michigan State, and he has all the intangibles to become a successful NBA backup. His combination of size, passing ability, and rebounding instincts make him an intriguing investment in the later first round, while his age and the fact that he’s considered a “tweener” prohibits him from being picked any higher.
Some call out his “tweener” attribute as a sign of a potentially great career, using Draymond Green (who is also from MSU) as an example. But Valentine and Green are entirely different players who are entirely different fits, and it starts with their jumpshot. Green has developed a formidable outside shot, while Valentine doesn’t have that (yet?). However, Valentine should still find success playing an Evan Turner-type role in Boston.
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