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Boston Celtics - News - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics (66-16 in 2007-0

Draft picks: No. 30, No. 60

Depth Chart

PG: Rajon Rondo / Sam Cassell* / Gabe Pruitt
SG: Ray Allen / Eddie House* / Tony Allen*
SF: Paul Pierce / James Posey*
PF: Kevin Garnett / Leon Powe / Glen Davis / Brian Scalabrine
C: Kendrick Perkins / PJ Brown* / Scot Pollard*

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Center, Depth

Bottom line: Danny Ainge orchestrated what may go down as one of the most impressive off-seasons in NBA history in the summer of 2007. Just one season ago, the Celtics were neck-deep in a seemingly hopeless youth movement, until Ainge decided to unload many of the draft picks and young talent he had been stockpiling. In acquiring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, Ainge may have depleted his depth chart and gotten rid of much of the potential on his roster, but he also spurred the team to a 42 game improvement, and a likely NBA championship. At this juncture, Boston will take anything they can get in free agency or the draft, since they have the luxury of being able to compete for a Championship with what they have, and plan for a future beyond their ‘Big Three.’

Draft outlook: Coming into this season, both Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins had a lot to prove playing in their audition next to the franchise’s three All-Stars. While Rondo flourished and proved to be an ideal distributor, Perkins proved to be only an adequate option, something that became especially clear in the playoffs. With their first round selection, Danny Ainge will either look to acquire someone to push Perkins for minutes at center, pick whoever happens to fall out of the top-20, or try and acquire a young role player who can come in an contribute off the bench. At center, Devon Hardin and Jason Thompson could both step in and offer a change of pace. Hardin’s quickness and explosiveness would compliment Perkins’ strength and size, though neither will impress with their skill-level. Thompson would be a logical selection for the same reasons, but possesses the soft touch to be a factor as a midrange shooter when Kevin Garnett gets double-teamed. Boston may be tempted to take a flyer on an international player such as Omer Asik, but the chances he will ever join the Celtics on a four-year contract at the incredibly low rookie scale at that slot are slim to none.

Should Ainge opt for the best player available, Courtney Lee, Bill Walker, and Ryan Anderson could all get consideration if available. In the second round, look for Ainge to keep the selection only if there is a player on the board that he thinks can make the team, such as a Sasha Kaun or Bryce Taylor. The chances are regardless extremely low of acquiring any type of contributor here. Regardless of whether or not Ainge keeps either pick, his motivation going into the draft is to acquire a young player that can come off the bench and add something to his already spectacular roster.