The Dallas Mavericks received a lifeline like no one else when they got the first pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. This virtually guaranteed that projected number one pick, Cooper Flagg, would be heading to Dallas. However, during the Draft Combine, insider Kevin O’Connor broke some news that worried Mavs fans to no end. But now, after Celtics GM Brad Stevens revealed his team’s plans at the end-of-season conference, it seems the Celtics and another team have nothing to worry about on Draft Night.
Kevin O’Connor had revealed that during the Draft Combine, the Celtics had interviewed Cooper Flagg. This sent the Mavs faithful, who’ve already been through a lot this season, into meltdown. Especially because Flagg had revealed being a fan of them growing up. So, during the Celtics’ end-of-season interview, a reporter asked Brad about the two players his team supposedly talked to. But Stevens revealed why other teams and their fans should not be worried at all.
“The people we know we can’t get into work out is how we decide who we wanna talk to with the Combine. Otherwise, we may never get to talk to them again. So the only people that’ll come in and work out for us are people that think they’re between our range, or maybe they’re at the bottom end of our range. Or whatever the case may be,” said Stevens. And this will come as a great relief to both the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: California at Duke Feb 12, 2025 Durham, North Carolina, USA Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg 2 is congratulated by guard Caleb Foster 1 after dunking during the second half against the California Golden Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Durham Cameron Indoor Stadium North Carolina USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRobxKinnanx 20250212_hlf_bk1_197
The first player in the Draft linked with the Celtics was, of course, Cooper Flagg. But after he revealed in an interview that he models his game after Boston’s ace, Jayson Tatum, the rumors linking Ace Bailey and the Celtics began to fly. And like their Dallas counterparts, the Philly faithful also worried about the Celtics potentially poaching their pick. After all, most mock drafts have Bailey joining the Philadelphia 76ers as the 3rd overall pick in this year’s Draft.
Well, as it turns out, they’ve really got nothing to worry about. The Celtics have the 28 pick(their own) and the 32nd pick (via Washington) in this year’s Draft. So, the likelihood of them having a go at either the Sixers or the Mavs’ targets remains really low given what Brad just revealed. So, Dallas and Philly fans, relax. No one’s coming after Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey — yet.
But as a Celtics fan, you may now be wondering about what your team is planning for this year’s Draft. Well, Brad Stevens revealed it all during this presser!
Brad Stevens reveals Celtics draft plans after dispelling Cooper Flagg rumors
It seems the new CBA or collective bargaining agreement had Brad Stevens worried. And even now, the Celtics GM has concerns about its effects on the “big picture.” But even so, he knows what the Draft might look like for his team this year. And spoiler alert — he’s not much movement for Boston this year!
“I think, generally, one of the concerns with the new CBA was it might limit trade activity or movement, and I don’t know. I don’t think necessarily in the big picture if that’s the case… But I wouldn’t be surprised to see movement continue to happen across the league. But as far as us and moving up to those levels in the draft, I would guess that probably is not on the table,” said the Celtics’ GM.
Feb 9, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens yells to his players during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The implication is clear — the Celtics may be stuck with who they get. But who might those players be, considering the picks Boston has? Well, it’s not Cooper Flagg that’s for sure. But jokes aside, ESPN has actually come up with a few possibilities in their mock draft.
For their first pick in this year’s Draft, ESPN sees the Celtics going with Noah Penda from Le Mans, France. Boasting a true shooting percentage of 55.5%, his ability to read the game and contribute on both ends will be a huge addition to Boston’s ranks, especially with Jayson Tatum out for who knows how long. And when it’s their turn to pick once again in the Draft, the Celtics may go after Ben Saraf. At 6-foot-5, the 19-year-old German guard will bring great positional size and skill to the Celtics. Even if his athleticism and shooting are a little questionable.
All in all, the Boston Celtics seem to have their plans for June 25 settled. And it seems Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey’s drafts will be unaffected by their plans. So if you’re a fan of those teams, you can rest easy knowing this. That said, this is the NBA, and things could change without any warning! So, make sure you keep an eye out for the latest developments in this year’s Draft. And don’t worry, we’ll bring them to you as they happen!
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