Prospective Celtics picks for the 2024 NBA Draft in March

The Boston Celtics will still have the first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Since the first two play-in games of March Madness are scheduled for Tuesday night, it’s a good idea for fans to get to know some of the players who could be selected in the draft.

Even if the C’s lose in the NBA Finals, they’ll probably still have the No. 30 pick. The Celtics have a very good probability of ending with the best record in the NBA during the regular season. Picks No. 15 through No. 30 are based on the reverse order of the regular season record.

Which players from NCAA Tournament-bound teams might the C target at the end of the first round in the next draft?

Zach Edey, Purdue

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 7-foot-4, 300 pounds

With 24.4 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game, Edey led the country in scoring and rebounding. He was unanimously chosen for the first team of the All-American team, and he recently became Purdue’s all-time leading scorer. How his skill set will transition to the NBA is the true question. Edey isn’t much of a shooter, but he can score well in the low post. Only two 3-pointers hath he attempted in his four years of college.

Edey is an intriguing prospect despite some offensive limitations because of his overall size, rebounding abilities, and interior defense (2.2 blocks per game). At the center position, the Celtics could benefit from a little more bulk and strength.

K.J. Simpson, Colorado

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 189 pounds

Simpson was one of the prominent All-America squad omissions as well as a first-team Pac 12 selection. With an astounding 45.3 percent 3-point shooting and 87.7 percent free throw shooting, he averaged 19.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. For Colorado, he also averaged a career-high 1.6 steals per game.

Simpson was the Pac-12’s top point guard this year, and a successful March Madness performance might guarantee that he gets selected in the first round. He is a skilled perimeter defender as well as a legitimate scorer. His skill set is somewhat akin to that of Derrick White of the Boston Celtics, another former guard from Colorado.

Tristan da Silva, Colorado

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6-foot-9, 220 pounds

Da Silva is an adaptable wing who can defend the rim well, score in a number of ways, and play numerous positions. Not only can he finish in traffic and drive into the paint, but he can also venture behind the 3-point line and make just under 38% of his shots. Da Silva had consecutive seasons in which he shot 37.9 percent from three-point range and averaged at least 15.8 points per game. Brad Stevens and his staff should definitely consider taking the senior forward if he is still available, even though he might not be available by the time the Celtics have to play.

Oso Ighodaro, Marquette

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6-foot-11, 235 pounds

Ighodaro is another adaptable player who is skilled at defending a variety of positions. He’s a deft passer as well. This past season, Ighodaro averaged a career-high 14 points per game on 58.3 percent shooting. Although he isn’t a great three-point shooter, he can attack the paint with good touch near the basket, particularly when using his jump hook. Ighodaro’s versatility, athleticism, and high basketball IQ make him a tremendous asset for the Celtics. Versatile big men are valued in the NBA.

Baylor Scheierman, Creighton

Position: Guard/Forward

Height/Weight: 6-foot-7, 205 pounds

After hitting career highs of 18.4 points and grabbing 9.0 rebounds per game for Creighton, Scheierman was chosen for the third team of the All-America team. After five college seasons, his percentage as a 3-point shooter is 38.8 percent. In NCAA history, Scheierman is the first male player to have at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 made 3-pointers. With his strong skill set, he should have no trouble adjusting to the professional game.