Yet, those are just rumors, meaning that the possibility still remains for Boston to use its No. 6 overall pick in the traditional fashion.
If the Celtics opt for that route, it could be to draft another former Pac-12 (née Pac-10) star.
In his latest NBA mock draft, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports that Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is “locked in” on Arizona forward Aaron Gordon, according to league sources.
The 6-foot-8, 210-pound Gordon — who was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2014 after averaging 12.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks a game during his only season in Tucson — is an intriguing prospect for the Celtics and was even spotted in Boston last Friday taking a quick nap on the Red Line.
Ainge’s interest in the athletic forward may be high, but landing Gordon with the sixth pick won’t be a layup. The Utah Jazz, who pick fifth in the draft and need a power forward, are reportedly interested in Gordon along with Kentucky forward Julius Randle.
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