The C's picked Ohio State's Jared Sullinger, who was once considered a top five pick but who slid amidst questions about his health. Sullinger's bad back drew a medical red flag, causing some teams to shy away from the proven forward — much to the delight of Danny Ainge's Celtics.
Sullinger, listed at 6-foot-9, 280 pounds, played two seasons for the Buckeyes, averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds as a freshman and 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds last season. His talent was widely acclaimed, but a herniated disc concerned those teams that picked before Boston came on the clock at No. 21.
The Celtics' team doctors had examined Sullinger at the pre-draft combine and found only "minor concerns," which obviously weren't enough for them to pass up a chance to obtain a much-needed NBA-ready big man.
After selecting Sullinger with the 21st pick, the C's were right back on the clock, and it didn't take long for them to add another big man.
The Celtics picked up Syracuse 7-footer Fab Melo, who missed three games at the end of January last year and the NCAA Tournament because of an academic suspension. The talent is certainly there, though, as he showed plenty of improvement during his time at Syracuse.
Melo could be more of a project, but he was a big-time shot blocker under Jim Boeheim, earning Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors last season.
Jared Sullinger photo (left) via Facebook/Jared Sullinger
Fab Melo photo (right) via Facebook/Fab Melo
Which Celtics first-round draft pick will have a better NBA career?
