NEW YORK — While the first two picks in Thursday’s NBA draft are essentially locked in, the drama should start to unfold with pick No. 3.
With Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram looking to go No. 1 and No. 2 overall, the Boston Celtics will have a variety of options with the third pick in the draft in Brooklyn, New York.
“The Celtics control the draft right now,” ESPN’s Chad Ford said. “I think we know Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are going one and two. If they don’t go one and two it’s because Ingram went one and Simmons went two, and so with the Celtics we got this interesting, challenging scenario.”
There are several candidates who could be selected third overall. But there’s always some uncertainty going into the draft, forcing players so close to realizing their dreams to be patient.
In addition to the No. 3 pick – if the Celtics decide not to trade it – Boston has two other first-round draft picks, and total of eight on the night.
A look at the players who could be the No. 3 pick in Thursday night’s draft:
Marquese Chriss, Washington
Position: 6-foot-9, 225-pound freshman power forward
Credentials: Averaged 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last year. The 18-year-old had a strong second half of the season, averaging 16.5 points per game. However, he also led the nation in personal fouls at Washington with 138. He fouled out of 15 of 34 games last year.
Jaylen Brown, California
Position: 6-7, 223-pound freshman guard
Credentials: Averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and two assists per game last season. The 19-year-old helped lead California to a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament and has the physical attributes to succeed in the league. However, his three-point shooting is suspect; he shot just 29.4 percent on 3-pointers.
Dragan Bender, Croatia
Position: 7-1, 216-pound power forward
Credentials: Shot over 40 percent from three-point range last year for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Has intrigued many NBA scouts with his size, length, and offensive playmaking ability. Able to work in the post and make shots from behind the arc.
Kris Dunn, Providence
Position: 6-4, 205-pound junior guard
Credentials: Averaged 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game last season. During the NCAA tournament, he averaged 22.5 points in two games. Might be the most NBA ready based on his defensive skills. He is possibly the top point guard prospect in the draft.
Jamal Murray, Kentucky
Position: 6-foot-5, 207-pound freshman guard
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Comments are no longer available on this story