The NBA Draft is six days away, and the smokescreens are out in full force.
According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, the Boston Celtics are considering Kansas’ Josh Jackson with the No. 1 overall pick instead of Washington’s Markelle Fultz, who has been widely regarded as this year’s top prospect.
Ford cites an anonymous general manager familiar with Boston’s thinking.
“Jackson is a (Boston Celtics GM Danny) Ainge player all the way,” the GM told Ford. “Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he’s keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I’m convinced they’ll take Jackson No. 1.”
Draft rumors are common this time of year, and this should likely be taken with a grain of salt. While Jackson could be “considered” for the No. 1 pick, it doesn’t mean the Celtics will take him. And while the GM is “convinced” Jackson will be the No. 1 pick, the Celtics could be leaking that so they get better trade offers.
Sure the Celtics could be interested in Jackson, but then why wouldn’t they trade down? Ainge also prefers to collect the most assets possible.
Fultz, though, has been seen as a lock to be the first pick in an overall strong draft class. Conventional thinking usually wins out. It would be a huge surprise if it was anything different at this point.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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