Report: Celtics GM Danny Ainge ‘Locked In’ On Drafting Aaron Gordon

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard the rumors about the Boston Celtics dealing away their first round draft pick and acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love.

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.

Photo via Twitter/@GaryDzen