Gordon Hayward
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2017 NBA Draft just over three weeks away, the latest rumors are starting to give us a better idea of what the Boston Celtics' offseason plan looks like.
Despite falling one round short of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics have plenty to look forward to this offseason. Not only do they possess an exciting amount of financial flexibility and trade chips, but they're the owners of the 2017 NBA Draft's top overall selection.
Coming off a 53-29 record, the Celtics also have plenty of room for growth. Although they weren't able to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the postseason, the possible improvements they can make this offseason paint the picture of another deep playoff run.
It'll start with the draft, when Boston will have the opportunity to grab the class' top talent. While there are some differing opinions on who deserves that designation, the Celtics will get their pick of the litter. That'll obviously help this franchise keep their arrow pointing in an unmistakably upward direction.
Boston could also opt to make a trade or two to make the desired upgrades this offseason. They were mentioned in several rumors leading up to the 2017 trade deadline, and should surface again as a serious player. Their overwhelming list of draft assets and young prospects will certainly help when it comes to negotiations.
For now, though, let's focus on what we're hearing about the Celtics' plans. Whether it's regarding a potential trade or how they want to use the No. 1 pick, the picture becomes a little clearer with every added piece of information.
Markelle Fultz
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics blowing up Markelle Fultz's phone
When the Celtics were announced as the owners of the No. 1 pick, Markelle Fultz immediately came to everyone's mind. By most accounts, the Washington product is the best available player during the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft. So it makes sense for Boston to target him, right?
Well, apparently, because this is what Fultz recently told ESPN's Jeff Goodman about the Celtics' interest in him:
"I've talked to Danny a few times, and they want to get me to come out there for a visit. They just want to get a chance to know me better as a person."
Following the NBA Draft Lottery, most mock drafts predicted Fultz going to Boston at No. 1. It's a no-brainer on the surface, seeing as the former Husky is arguably the class' top talent. Although the Celtics don't necessarily have a huge need at point guard, he's got the well-rounded skill set to take over at shooting guard when Avery Bradley's contract is up in 2018.
Fultz has already created a connection with Isaiah Thomas, who has endorsed his fellow Washington alum via Twitter. Ideally, the rookie could learn from Thomas in his first year while coming off the bench. Then, in 2018, he steps into the starting lineup as Thomas' running mate.
At this moment, all signs point to Fultz being the man at No. 1 overall. However, as we've all seen, crazy things can happen in the NBA. Until Adam Silver calls his name on June 22, don't assume anything.
Lonzo Ball
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics not deterred from drafting Lonzo Ball
You remember what I said about not assuming anything? Well I said it because, as strange as it seems, the Celtics still have to be seriously considering Lonzo Ball at No. 1. The former UCLA star, though, isn't making things easy for Danny Ainge and co.
According to ESPN's Chris Forsberg, Ainge recently stated on Boston sports radio 98.5 The Sports Hub that the Celtics requested a workout with Ball and his camp "politely said no." That seems to follow suit with statements from Ball's father indicating his desire to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, who pick at No. 2 overall.
Despite the decline, Boston hasn't been convinced to take Ball out of the running to be the top pick. As a matter of fact, the Sporting News' Sean Deveney had this quote from Ainge when asked if the Celtics were now opposed to drafting the former Bruin:
"No, not at all. We understand that he's from Los Angeles, but we're going to draft whoever can help the Celtics regardless of where the players want to play."
While Fultz may seem like the logical choice, the Celtics aren't going to take Ball off their draft board. He's obviously an exciting talent, offering more tools as a facilitator and impressive scoring efficiency on the inside. Maybe Boston discovers a fatal flaw in Fultz's game (unlikely) and decides to go in a different direction?
Nothing is impossible in today's NBA. As I already said, don't assume it'll be the Washington guard at No. 1 until the announcement is made.
Gordon Hayward
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Boston looking to add All-Star to frontcourt
Having the No. 1 overall pick will be a great start in terms of making this Celtics team even better in 2017-18. However, the improvements shouldn't stop there. Especially with a couple of significant pending free agents, Boston will need to make some moves when the market opens.
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In fact, according to CSNNE's A. Sherrod Blakely, the Celtics are "focused on landing an All-Star caliber talent in the frontcourt." Considering Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko are headed for free agency and Jae Crowder has been dangled as trade bait in the past, it makes a ton of sense.
One name that has been mentioned on numerous occasions is Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz. According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are "really focused" on stealing Hayward away from his current team. It's an obvious connection considering Boston head coach Brad Stevens previously coached Hayward during their days together at Butler University.
Making that happen, though, won't come easy. Hayward will obviously demand a max deal, and there's a strong belief he's already leaning towards re-upping with Utah. However, considering the Celtics' current assets, a blockbuster trade isn't out of the question.
Other players that have been connected to Boston are Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony and Jimmy Butler. While the odds of acquiring each vary, anything can happen — especially as teams get desperate to unload assets during or after the draft.
The Celtics already won the East in 2016-17. Imagine the damage they could do in 2017-18 by adding a top prospect and All-Star such as Hayward to the mix.
