The NBA Draft is just a few weeks away, and it feels like the worst-kept secret is that the Boston Celtics will select Washington guard Markelle Fultz with the No. 1 pick. He is a tremendous talent that appears to be eager to play alongside Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas.
However, as with any draft, there is some uncertainty. According to a recent mock draft by ESPN Insider Chad Ford, the Celtics are considering a number of options besides Fultz with the first pick, including Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Lonzo Ball, and Jayson Tatum:
Fultz was in Boston on Monday and Tuesday for interviews, medical testing and a workout. The information will be critical for Boston in a few ways.
He didn’t do medical testing at the combine, so this will give the Celtics their first good look at his health. With Lonzo Ball refusing to work out for the Celtics, it gives Fultz a chance to solidify the thinking that he’s the best prospect for the team.
Fultz has been the top guy on the Celtics’ board for a while, but he’s not the only player they’re considering. Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum are also in the mix, according to sources.
A strong workout and interview could help seal the deal for Fultz.
Ball heavily favors playing for his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, but the Celtics have already made it known that they will not hesitate to draft him despite not having him in for a workout. Jackson, Fox, and Tatum all present intriguing options for the Celtics for a variety of reasons.
That said, Fultz should still be considered the very strong favorite. As Ford mentions, he could be just a workout and interview away from locking up the top spot. Should the Celtics decide to select someone other than Fultz, the Lakers would almost certainly jump at the opportunity to draft him.
