The rebuilding Boston Celtics’ unlikely playoff run took them out of this year’s NBA draft lottery, but now it’s possible top-10 talent will be available by the time they’re on the clock.
Lottery teams reportedly have growing concern over Kentucky big man Willie Cauley-Stein’s injury history, DraftExpress.com reported Monday, citing league executives. Five separate teams told the website they were being cautious about one of the center’s old injuries to an extent and that they believe he could drop in the draft.
Cauley-Stein suffered a stress fracture in his ankle in his sophomore season during the 2014 NCAA Tournament, but he had surgery to repair it and showed no setbacks in 2015. Cauley-Stein’s agent, Rich Kleiman of Roc Nation Sports, also told DraftExpress that “teams that have done their research know that there is nothing to be concerned about.” But should he fall, the Celtics, who own the 16th overall pick, have shown interest in the rim-protecting center.
Though it seems unlikely Cauley-Stein will suffer such a fall, it wouldn’t be the first time Boston has drafted a player with injury concerns. The C’s took Jared Sullinger with the No. 21 pick in the 2012 draft after he slid because of a back injury.
Thumbnail photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
