With the rebuilding process in full motion and the Kevin Love rumors finally dying down, the Boston Celtics entered the 2014 NBA draft with high hopes for the future. Like every team, the Celtics hope that they hit big on their draft picks, but unlike most other teams, Boston had two chances at hitting it big with picks 6 and 17 in the first round. The final decision was made despite rumors of a trade with Sacramento and fans were left for better or worse to look the Boston Celtics draft Marcus Smart and James Young with picks 6 and 17 respectively.
The 17th pick, James Young, played just one season at Kentucky but showed three tremendous abilities: offensive talent, top end athleticism, and potential. The smooth left handed shooting guard averaged 14 points per game in his lone year at Kentucky and showed at times that he can truly fill up the points column. At only 18 years of age, Young is just that youthful! And at the 17th pick in the first round, he likely had the highest ceiling of anyone in the draft at that point. Well known for his massive dunk in the NCAA finals this past season (showing his athleticism but with his agility and lengthy seven foot wingspan), Young has the potential to excel on the defensive end as a disruptor. Equally as much of a project pick as he is an instant impact, look for young to grow into a role next season and showcase a handful of highlight reel plays in his rookie campaign.
Potential is the key word in the NBA draft, particularly in the mid-first round where hitting big can change a franchise permanently. Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics will hope they have found a true gem in James Young