2018 Boston Celtics Draft Big Board

The Boston Celtics own the Brooklyn Nets pick in 2018, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers' pick if it falls between Nos. 2-5. That means Boston could have two chances at top talent in another loaded draft class that seems much more top heavy than 2017's deep group.

Here's our much-too-early look at the projected Boston Celtics big board.

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1. Luka Doncic (Spain)

STRENGTHS

Doncic’s game has very few holes. He broke onto the scene at a young age in a high-level professional league, demonstrating both one of the most complete skill sets for a prospect of his age since LeBron James as well as a flair for the dramatic that drew lazy comparisons to Ricky Rubio. But Doncic can finish both around and above the rim, and he has an excellent jumper in addition to his pick-and-roll savvy. Best of all? He’s 6-foot-8, and at 18-years-old, he will be one of the youngest players in his class.

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WHAT TO WATCH

Whatever you can. Doncic is good at everything, and he’s playing against better competition than anyone in college will face next season. Comparing him to Michael Porter Jr. is going to be borderline impossible, and figuring out your preference between the two might simply come down to which player you see the most.

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FIT

Doncic’s skill set might skew a little closer toward point guard which will be extremely intriguing for the Celtics, who passed on a bunch of lead guards in a loaded positional class this season. Given the fit and how close he and Porter currently are, Doncic takes the top spot in this initial ranking. Just imagine a 6-foot-8 point guard who can do literally everything alongside Brown and Tatum. You can bet Danny Ainge already has.

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2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri)

STRENGTHS

Porter is 6-foot-11 with long arms, excellent athleticism and a deep, deadly 3-point shot that he can hit both off the catch and off the dribble. Last season, he showed serious potential as a slasher as well, using his length and touch around the basket. Meanwhile, his production as a rebounder sky-rocketed in his senior season. With his length, athleticism and mobility, he could become an incredible rebounder at the next level.

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WHAT TO WATCH

Porter has the potential to do everything well, making him an absolutely elite prospect. It will be worth keeping an eye on his Missouri team and whether he can make his teammates better, both as a passer and as a threat that opens up everyone else. Realistically, though, the most important thing for Porter will be figuring out if the college production matches the high-school promise. If it does, he will be a superstar.

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FIT

Not sure it matters much. Porter’s talent and potential are ridiculous, and there’s a very real chance he turns the Missouri program 180 degrees next season. If the Celtics have the No. 1 pick, it would not be at all surprising to see them snap up their third high-upside wing in three years.

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3. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona)

STRENGTHS

Ayton is an intriguing player who could eventually develop into the best player in his class. With a ridiculous 7-foot-6 wingspan and a well-developed body even at a young age, the young seven-footer can hit deep 3-pointers, rebound well and block shots. He has improving defensive awareness and excellent shot blocking ability already, which will serve him well in his year at Arizona. If Ayton shows high-level competitive instincts at Arizona, he could easily be considered a unicorn-type prospect like Karl-Anthony Towns or Kristaps Porzingis and be selected No. 1.

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WHAT TO WATCH

Ayton’s motor has been questioned, but it’s so difficult to judge that at the high-school level where opponents are overmatched. Ayton needs to prove that he will defend, get out in transition in both directions, and hit the glass hard. If he does, he’s a real contender for the No. 1 pick.

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FIT

Ayton could play next to Horford, and he could be a replacement for him down the road. If the Celtics are looking for their big man of the future, Ayton could be the move.

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4. Mohamed Bamba (Texas)

STRENGTHS

Bamba is considered one of the best defensive prospects of his generation. With a 7-foot-9 wingspan, explosive athleticism and excellent mobility, Bamba covers a ton of ground and has a high defensive IQ. He can rebound, block shots, contest, switch, and he has an excellent motor. Offensively, he’ll be a pick-and-roll threat at worst.

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WHAT TO WATCH

Any semblance of an offensive game. Bamba might end up developing into some kind of mid-range threat, but he hasn’t shown it consistently. If he can be a non-zero on that end, he’ll be a supremely high-level prospect. Even if he doesn’t, he’ll almost certainly be a top-five talent, especially if he shows he can switch screens and guard multiple positions.

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FIT

Think the Celtics could use someone with a 7-foot-9 wingspan who rebounds extremely well and blocks everything that comes into the paint? Me too.

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5. Robert Williams, Texas A&M

STRENGTHS

Williams has long arms, explosive athleticism, big hands and excellent control around the rim. He isn’t quite the physical anomaly Bamba is, but he’s got a ton of potential as a rebounder and rim protector.

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WHAT TO WATCH

Can Williams improve his consistency? Can his offensive game develop, particularly as a pick-and-pop option? If so, he will make himself a lot of money by coming back to school.

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FIT

Like Bamba, Williams is a perfect fit as a potential big man of the future. Especially if the Celtics somehow got two top picks, Williams could be an excellent option.

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6. Bruce Brown (Miami)

A freak athlete at shooting guard, Brown is a Danny-Ainge style prospect: Tough, competitive and — by all accounts — a leader and an excellent teammate in the locker room.

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7. Wendell Carter (Duke)

Tough, big and talented, Carter is an excellent athlete with great ability in the low post. Imagine a Jared-Sullinger type player, only if Sullinger kept himself in shape and had NBA athleticism.

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8. Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky)

You won’t find many players more explosive vertically than shooting guard Hamidou Diallo. If Diallo can hit 3-pointers next season at Kentucky, he’ll rise through these rankings.

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9. Miles Bridges (Michigan State)

A talented, athletic wing, Bridges doesn’t fit well if both Brown and Tatum are considered forwards of the future for the Celtics.

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10. Jaren Jackson (Michigan State)

One of the youngest players in consideration for a first-round pick next season with excellent athleticism and stretch potential, Jackson could be a prototypical four in the modern NBA if he achieves his high potential.