Los Angeles Lakers get high mark in complete 2017 NBA Draft first round grades

Due to the trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics were finally on the clock with the third overall pick. Seeing Fultz and Ball go with the first two picks in the draft, the Celtics had to make the first tough decision of the draft.

Since Josh Jackson never worked out with the team, the Celtics ended up selecting Duke forward Jayson Tatum with the third overall pick. As a wing player with excellent size, Tatum certainly fills a need for the Celtics.

In the playoffs, the Celtics had no answer for LeBron James and the size of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Adding Tatum gives them a player that at least can come close to matching up with James physically in the years to come.

At Duke, Tatum had a really strong season, as his improved play help spring Duke to an ACC Title. Late in the season, Tatum looked like arguably the best player in college basketball, and that is how the Celtics viewed him as well.

With a lot of assets, the Celtics once again didn’t make a big trade despite being linked to Kristaps Porzingis, Paul George, and Jimmy Butler. Since the Celtics lack some size, Tatum should help them on the glass right away with his long frame. The trade might not have been great for Boston, but the pick certainly was.