With the Boston Celtics currently in the midst of the Eastern Conference Finals against the heavily favored Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s unlikely that anyone within the organization is focused on the upcoming NBA Draft. However, after recently landing the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery thanks to the Brooklyn Nets, it’s hard not to look ahead.
Since there is no glaring need at any position for the Celtics, some think it’d be best if President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge decided to explore the trade market for the pick. Instead, all recent reports tend to send off the message that the Celtics intend to keep their pick, and the name connected to the franchise the most is top prospect Markelle Fultz out of Washington.
Despite playing point guard his entire basketball career and projecting at that position best in the NBA, the 6’4 Fultz believes he can coexist in a Boston backcourt that already features floor general Isaiah Thomas. In fact, the 19-year-old even took it a step further and told CSN New England that he and Thomas would make a ‘great backcourt’:
“Me and Isaiah Thomas would be a great backcourt… I think the opportunity that would be there would be amazing, just for him to play off the ball, where I think he’s better at it, or him to play on the ball and I can play off the ball. I think the chemistry would be amazing.”
The addition of Markelle Fultz to an already talented Boston roster would be intriguing. Though most comfortable running the show at point, Fultz is clearly willing to concede and play an off the ball role.
With Fultz being the best pure scorer in this year’s class, serving as the eventual starting shooting guard alongside Thomas could be beneficial. With his 6’9″ wingspan and ability to score from inside and out, his potential move to off-guard could bring out the best in his abilities and push the Celtics over the edge.
