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Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Brandin Podziemski
While the Celtics could package Payton Pritchard and the No. 35 pick to move into the first round of this year's draft, even if they stand pat, plenty of intriguing options will be available when they come on the clock.
Inside The Celtics previously profiled one of those prospects, Belmont's Ben Sheppard. Next up is Brandin Podziemski, a combo guard from Santa Clara.
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The Wisconsin native is arguably the best shooter in this year's draft. He drilled 44 percent of his catch-and-shoot jumpers, has deep range when he's got space, and so many of his makes swish cleanly through the net.
Even from further out, Podziemski's jab step gives him the separation necessary to rise and fire. That jab step has much to do with this author's belief that at the next level, even if he gets a kick-out pass late in the clock and has to go one-on-one, he can get his shot off.
The lefty can also knock down shots going to his right. Without that ability, his NBA outlook would take a massive hit. Fortunately, the six-foot-five guard has that in his bag.
He's also excellent on pull-up jumpers, including off of high screen-and-rolls. Furthermore, his touch doesn't abandon him when he's run off the three-point line. That includes having a reliable floater off one or two feet. He can also uncork wrong-footed floaters.
While Podziemski won't thrive running off screens, Boston will have no qualms stationing him in the corner or at the near-side wing, knowing he's a reliable kick-out option who will help space the floor and give its best players room to attack downhill.
But being a trusted spot-up shooter alone isn't enough to get minutes in the NBA. Having a pull-up jumper and an array of floaters in his arsenal helps. Adding even more appeal is his passing.
Podziemski dished out 3.7 assists per contest, demonstrating a high basketball IQ and a good feel for the game. He's a quick decision-maker as a secondary creator, and there are so many instances of him hitting the roller before the defense starts rotating or the pick-and-roll coverage takes effect.
The 20-year-old prospect's quick thinking and crafty handle allow him to split screen-and-roll defenders to make a play for him or a teammate. However, it's fair to question how well this will translate to the next level.
But the most significant concerns about his game are on the other side of the ball. Frankly, he's a defensive liability.
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Guards are often quicker and get by him. And he doesn't have the size or strength to defend wings. His closeouts are consistently out of control and unimpactful. Podziemski provides minimal resistance against drives, and he's often scored on when guarding around the basket.
He must figure out how to stay at least one step ahead to overcome his lack of foot speed.
While the soon-to-be former Santa Clara Bronco has to improve defensively, as a rotation player off the bench, his shooting, quick decision-making and passing, and ability to make a play for himself or a teammate when ran off the three-point line suggest it's worth it for a team picking in the second round to find out if he can add value in a refined role that plays to his strengths.
Further Reading
Celtics Add Another One of NBA's Top Assistants, Charles Lee, to Fortified Coaching Staff
The Latest Trade Buzz Surrounding Celtics' Guard Payton Pritchard
Free-Agent-to-be Grant Williams Undergoes Surgery on Injured Hand
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Ben Sheppard
Suns Waiving Chris Paul; Should the Celtics Sign Him?
The Latest on Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin
If Celtics Trade Malcolm Brogdon, Here's a Realistic Return Who'd Be a Better Fit
Sam Cassell Checks Nearly Every Box in Celtics Search to Strengthen Joe Mazzulla's Coaching Staff
Danny Ainge Discusses Celtics' Unfulfilled Potential
Are the Celtics Small Tweaks from a Title? Brad Stevens Thinks So
