Celtic's Notebook: The New Kids on the Block

Tyler Salk 

Over the past month, I have spent a lot of time on Psycho Sports talking about how super teams are a problem for the NBA. Almost too much. But as we look towards a new season, there have already been some changes that could lead to the Celtics seeing success. The Cavs and Warriors might still be better, but before free agency is even underway, the C’s have a semi-new look. Four new Celtics heard their names called on Thursday night. Let’s not forget, star point guard Isaiah Thomas was the last selection of the 2011 draft. How does this draft class look?

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Jayson Tatum- 3rd overall; Duke SF- The news last week was that the Celtics traded the first overall pick because they believed their guy would be there with the third overall pick, which was owned by the 76ers. Their guy was Jayson Tatum. The former Blue Devil shot an amazing 84.9% from the free throw line. Strong on the glass, Jayson’s rebounding abilities match well with attributes in every aspect of the game that had him in the running for the small forward of the year award. He is a year removed from being the Gatorade National player of the year, and has a lot of promise.
 
Semi Ojeleye- 37th overall; SMU SF- Since the split of the Big East, the split on the side that didn’t include PC has struggled. The AAC is not the ACC. However to be the player of the year in any conference is a major accomplishment. Semi Ojeleye (pronounced Shimmy O-ja-lay) did just that with SMU, in his first season with them after transferring from Duke. It might be tough to see the fit of another small forward for the Celtics, however Semi saw his season average finish almost seven points higher than his collegiate career record. Another coach K product, he is very efficient from the line.
 
Kadeem Allen- 53rd overall; Arizona PG- At twenty-four years old, Allen is one of (if not) the oldest players in this draft. Allen shoots at 40% from beyond the arc consistently, however only averaged 9.8 points per game last season. A questionable pick, Allen is a solid defender who led his team in steals this past season. He was the 2014 Junior College Player of the Year, however.
 
Jabari Bird- 56th overall; Cal PG- Bird is coming to Boston. He probably will not live up to the name, however he has lived with enough to be well regarded. Jaylen Brown, last year’s 3rd overall pick, was his teammate in college, and the two played very well together. At 6-6”, Bird is big for a point guard. Bird shot around 37% from three-point range with Cal, and is seen as a decent offensive player. His defense could use improvement, however most late second rounders do not have a perfect skill set upon being drafted.
 
Are you satisfied with the way the Celtics picked?

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