The Boston Celtics could’ve had the star power they’ve been looking for, but they got Fab Melo instead.
Draymond Green slipped to the second round in the 2012 NBA draft and was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 35th pick, but it turns out the Celtics might have been the only team that was really high on the star forward. However, when the time came, the Celtics inexplicably passed on Green.
Twice.
“Every NBA team passed on the Michigan State product, but at least one team did have him high on their draft board,” Sports Illustrated’s Matt Dollinger wrote Monday. “Brian Scalabrine said Celtics assistant GM Mike Zarren showed him the team’s 2012 draft board, which had Green in the top three. The other two? Anthony Davis and Jared Sullinger, who the C’s selected with the 21st pick.”
But the Celtics also had the 22nd pick, and they selected Melo instead of going to Green. Just let that one sink in for a minute, Celtics fans.
As The Big Lead’s Stephen Douglas points out, it shouldn’t necessarily be assumed the Warriors were in on the secret, too. Golden State also passed over Green twice, picking Harrison Barnes (seventh) and Festus Ezeli (30th) before grabbing Green with the 35th pick.
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
