NBA Draft 2016: Celtics Select Jaylen Brown With No. 3 Overall Pick

BOSTON — The Celtics have ended the mystery and anticipation surrounding the No. 3 pick, selecting California small forward Jaylen Brown with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday.

The 19-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.o assists per game during his lone season at Cal as a freshman and is touted as one of the most athletic players in the draft.

Brown shot 43 percent from the field but struggled with his outside shot, hitting just 29 percent of his 3-pointers. But according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is very high on his No. 3 overall pick.

Ainge LOVES Jaylen Brown. Big, strong, athletic and versatile forward. Not a great shooter, but that’s the area he feels can improve most.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 23, 2016

Ainge also loved the fact that Jaylen Brown worked out against anyone and everyone — unlike all the other top guys.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 23, 2016

Goodman also reported the Celtics tried very hard to trade the No. 3 pick but were unable to find a willing partner.

Danny Ainge tried – and wanted to make a deal. But he’ll be happy with Brown — who can also play right away. Physical specimen.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 23, 2016