NBA Draft 2019: Mock Draft 3.0

The Boston Celtics are about to be thrown into a high-variance summer; why not raise the risk profile? Bol Bol is perhaps the NBA Draft’s most polarizing player outside of Cam Reddish. He screams both “two-way stud ” and “injury-prone bust,” leaving his draft fate undecided.

Even if Kyrie Irving bolts (which seems almost certain), Boston still has a strong core in place. This pick does not have to make or break their 2019-20 season; most of their incumbent rotation are ready for larger roles.

Combine that with Boston’s still-stocked coffer of future draft equity (including a Memphis Grizzlies first-rounder), and they are the perfect candidates to gamble on a mid first-rounder.

Bol, son of NBA folk legend Manute Bol, has the makings of a unicorn if his body stays together. At 7’2” with a 7’5” wingspan, Bol takes after his dad’s penchant for banging 3-pointers. But he is more agile and athletic than Bol 1.0, with a decent handle and polished all-around offensive game.

The consensus knocks on Bol seems to be fixable ones. He is too skinny, prone to tunnel vision, and needs to improve his work ethic. All three are highly feasible with NBA coaching behind him, and many millions of dollars potentially finally motivating him. Either way, he is likely a several-year project, but the Celtics should be okay with that timeline.

There are safer choices left on the board, but Danny Ainge missed out on Anthony Davis, with Irving’s departure likely imminent. Do not be surprised if he pulls a trigger aimed at another potential star.