NBA Mock Draft: James Wiseman jumps to No. 1; Knicks surprise at No. 8

15 of 20

NBA Draft Jalen Smith . (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

14. Boston Celtics – Jalen Smith, F/C, Maryland

During the playoffs, the Boston Celtics’ season came to a close at the hands of the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo. Knowing this, there’s no question that the Celtics will use at least one of their three first-round picks on a frontcourt player. One particular player that has continued to rise up draft boards as of late is Jalen Smith.

Smith has the ability to move well for a big, guard multiple positions in the frontcourt, and can hit a consistent 3-point shot. He’s quickly becoming a favorite big among many middle-to-late first-round teams and could be a player to contribute sooner rather than later.

Even though he might not be selected in the lottery, there is a case to be made that he does have lottery talent. And in the Boston Celtics system, there’s a chance that he could develop into a player that could contribute sooner rather than later.