NBA organizations can view draft prospects’ demonstration of skill during March Madness.
The Boston Celtics will still have the first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Since the first two play-in games of March Madness are scheduled for Tuesday night, it’s a good idea for fans to get to know some of the players who could be selected in the draft.
Even if the C’s lose in the NBA Finals, they’ll probably still have the No. 30 pick. The Celtics have a very good probability of ending with the best record in the NBA during the regular season. Picks No. 15 through No. 30 are based on the reverse order of the regular season record.
Which players from NCAA Tournament-bound teams might the C target at the end of the first round in the next draft?
These are some prospects that Boston might be able to use.
Zach Edey, Center for Purdue University
Weight/Height: 300 pounds, 7 feet 4 inches
With 24.4 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game, Edey led the country in scoring and rebounding. He was unanimously chosen for the first team of the All-American team, and he recently became Purdue’s all-time leading scorer. How his skill set will transition to the NBA is the true question. Edey isn’t much of a shooter, but he can score well in the low post. Only two 3-pointers hath he attempted in his four years of college.
Edey is an intriguing prospect despite some offensive limitations because of his overall size, rebounding abilities, and interior defense (2.2 blocks per game). At the center position, the Celtics could benefit from a little more bulk and strength.
Simpson, K.J., in Colorado
Place: Guard
Weight/Height: 189 pounds, 6 feet 2 inches
Simpson was one of the prominent All-America squad omissions as well as a first-team Pac 12 selection. With an astounding 45.3 percent 3-point shooting and 87.7 percent free throw shooting, he averaged 19.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. For Colorado, he also averaged a career-high 1.6 steals per game.
Simpson was the Pac-12’s top point guard this year, and a successful March Madness performance might guarantee that he gets selected in the first round. He is a skilled perimeter defender as well as a legitimate scorer. His skill set is somewhat akin to that of Derrick White of the Boston Celtics, another former guard from Colorado.
Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Da Silva is a versatile wing who can play multiple positions, score in a variety of ways and play good defense at the rim. He’s comfortable driving into the paint and finishing in traffic, while also being able to step behind the 3-point line and knock down just under 38 percent of his attempts. Da Silva posted back-to-back seasons averaging at least 15.8 points per game and shooting 37.9 percent from 3-point range. The senior forward might be off the board by the time the Celtics are on the clock, but if he’s still available, Brad Stevens and his staff should absolutely consider taking him.
Marquette, Oso Ighodaro
Place: Front
Weight/Height: 235 pounds, 6 feet 11 inches
Ighodaro is another adaptable player who is skilled at defending a variety of positions. He’s a deft passer as well. This past season, Ighodaro averaged a career-high 14 points per game on 58.3 percent shooting. Although he isn’t a great three-point shooter, he can attack the paint with good touch near the basket, particularly when using his jump hook. Ighodaro’s versatility, athleticism, and high basketball IQ make him a tremendous asset for the Celtics. Versatile big men are valued in the NBA.
Scheierman, Baylor; Creighton
Placement: Forward/Guard
Weight/Height: 205 pounds, 6 feet 7 inches
After hitting career highs of 18.4 points and grabbing 9.0 rebounds per game for Creighton, Scheierman was chosen for the third team of the All-America team. After five college seasons, his percentage as a 3-point shooter is 38.8 percent. In NCAA history, Scheierman is the first male player to have at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 made 3-pointers. With his strong skill set, he should have no trouble adjusting to the professional game.
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