The Celtics own the No. 27 overall pick of Thursday’s NBA Draft. Here is a look back to what the 27th spot on the board has brought other teams over the past decade.
2017: Kyle Kuzma, junior, power forward, Utah | Drafted by Nets (from Celtics’ pick) and traded to Lakers
2016: Pascal Siakam, sophomore, power forward, New Mexico State | Drafted by Raptors
2015: Larry Nance Jr., senior, power forward, Wyoming | Drafted by Lakers (from Rockets’ pick)
2014: Bogdan Bogdanovic, shooting guard, Serbia | Drafted by Suns (from Pacers’ pick)
2013: Rudy Gobert, center, France | Drafted by Nuggets and traded to Jazz
2012: Arnett Moultrie, junior, power forward, Mississippi State | Drafted by Heat and traded to Sixers
2011: JaJuan Johnson, power forward, senior, Purdue | Drafted by Nets (from Lakers’ pick) and traded to Celtics
2010: Jordan Crawford, sophomore, shooting guard, Xavier | Drafted by Nets (from Mavericks’ pick) traded to Hawks
2009: DeMarre Carroll, senior, small forward, Missouri | Drafted by Grizzlies (from Magic’s pick)
2008: Darrell Arthur, sophomore, power forward, Kansas | Drafted by Pelicans (then called the Hornets) and traded to Grizzlies via Blazers
Traditionally, the bottom half of the first round has landed role player-like talent, though recently the mid-first round pick has drafted a handful of promising up-and-comers. The most notable 27th pick of recent memory would be Rudy Gobert, an All-NBA Second Team and two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team center at 25-years-old.
Kyle Kuzma and Bogdan Bogdanovic who were both featured in the All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Challenge, were also picked at No. 27. Pascal Siakam (24-years-old) and Larry Nance Jr. (25-years-old) also both served key roles in the Raptors and Cavaliers 2018 playoff runs respectively.
Based on recent history, Celtics fans shouldn’t expect an All-NBA talent to come with Thursday’s pick, as Gobert is the only prospect in 10 years to have reached that title so far. Another trend worth noting is the majority of 27th overall picks have been power forwards, with a big man being one of the Celtics’ current needs. The team can always elect to draft another wing player or a third backup point guard. But with Al Horford and Daniel Theis currently being the only returning forwards, the Celtics will likely not hesitate to attempt to bring in big man depth.