Celtics Select Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo in First Round of 2012 NBA Draft

Despite a flurry of trade rumors, the Celtics stayed pat in Thursday night’s draft, selecting Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger at No. 21 and Syracuse center Fab Melo at No. 22.

Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last year as a sophomore with the Buckeyes, while Melo averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game for a 34-3 Syracuse team.

Both picks are not without some concerns, however. Sullinger was projected initially as a lottery pick, but fell down draft boards after he was “red-flagged” by the league due to back issues. The Brazilian Melo missed the 2012 NCAA Tournament after he was declared academically ineligible.