Markelle Fultz is not taking Lonzo Ball's strategy of avoiding the Boston Celtics.

During a recent conversation with ESPN's Jeff Goodman, Fultz offered assurances he wants to be the No. 1 overall pick. Early in the process, the 19-year-old is considered the frontrunner to land with the Celtics at that spot.

"Top prospect wants to go No. 1" isn't exactly shocking news, of course. But it's notable, especially given how Ball's camp has tried to steer Lonzo toward the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 2.

Fultz went on to reiterate the belief he and Celtics star Isaiah Thomas would be "great together." The two Washington products met each other playing pickup last summer, became friends, and have chatted since the draft. Thomas has insisted he could work well with Fultz, and Danny Ainge thinks the same.

"Isaiah can play with anybody," Ainge said after the lottery. "He can play 2-guard. He can play whatever. He's just a basketball player. He's a scorer. And he's a great off-the-ball player as well."