2023 NBA Draft: Boston Celtics Official Selections and Draft Grades
Entering the 2023 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics were coming off of a major trade. On Wednesday night, they traded away Marcus Smart in a three-team deal which resulted in Kristaps Porzingis becoming a member of the Celtics. As part of the deal, Boston acquired additional draft capital, including the No. 25 overall pick in Thursday's draft from the Memphis Grizzlies. This would allow the Celtics to either add a quality young piece, or move the pick for a current, more proven player.
How did their 2023 NBA Draft unfold?
Selections
- No. 38 (via Sacramento): Jordan Walsh
Overall Draft Grade
B-
Draft Summary
Boston entered the draft with a late first-round pick, but made several consecutive trades using that asset. Not only did the Celtics split that pick into two second rounders, but then they traded one of those into future draft capital. At the end of the day, they ended up with sliding back 13 spots while also earning future assets.
With the No. 38 pick, Jordan Walsh was about as good as it gets. However, it's hard not to imagine the Celtics couldn't have gotten a more win-now player by just sticking in the first round. For a team like Boston, future second rounders aren't all that helpful when it comes to winning a championship in the next few seasons. Either way, Walsh is a fantastic defender that could easily outperform his draft position.
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