WALTHAM, Mass. — Another crop of NBA prospects invaded the Boston Celtics’ practice facility Wednesday for the team’s latest pre-draft workout.
Here’s a look at the six draft hopefuls that were in attendance:
Rakeem Christmas, F, Syracuse
Big men headlined Tuesday’s workout group, and Christmas was one of the better ones in college basketball this past season. Standing 6-foot-9 and possessing a 7-foot-2 wingspan, the 23-year-old always has been known for his rim-protecting and offensive-rebounding abilities — both needs for the Celtics — but reports out of the NBA draft combine indicated he’s begun to introduce some variety into his offensive game, as well. Christmas averaged 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game as a senior — massive jumps from his junior-year stats — and is projected to go in the late first or early second round.
David Kravish, F, California
Kravish was one of the most productive players in Cal history, setting the school record for games played and becoming to first Golden Bear to record 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 200 blocks. Even a free-agent contract will be hard to come by for the 22-year-old, though.
Jordan Mickey, F, LSU
Mickey earned spots on the All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive first teams as a sophomore. He’s a shot-blocking fiend (3.6 per game this season) but, at 6-foot-8, would be undersized as an NBA big. Regardless, he’s projected as a late first-round pick.
Bobby Portis, F, Arkansas
The most highly regarded prospect in Wednesday’s group also is the most likely to be selected by the Celtics at No. 16. Portis was voted SEC Player of the Year as a sophomore this past season after averaging 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds. 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The 6-foot-11, 242-pound big is an above-average jump shooter for someone his size, but he’s best known for his motor and tenacity on the offensive glass — attributes that could make him a favorite of Celtics coach Brad Stevens.
Shannon Scott, PG, Ohio State
One of two point guards invited Wednesday, Scott shared a backcourt with probable top-five pick D’Angelo Russell this past season and finished his four-year college career with the second-most steals in Buckeyes history (211). His most likely past to the NBA will be as an undrafted free agent.
Marcus Thornton, PG, William & Mary
Not to be confused with the Marcus Thornton who played 39 games for the Celtics this past season, this Thornton averaged 20.0 points per game as a senior with the Tribe. The 6-foot-3 guard is a long shot to be drafted, checking in at No. 98 in DraftExpress’ Top 100 Prospects list.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
