ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft suggests the Boston Celtics are planning for their future by targeting one of this year’s youngest prospects.
On Monday, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo released a projection that has the Celtics selecting 18-year-old French star Pacome Dadiet with the No. 30 overall pick.
The 6-foot-8 wing, who played for German club Ratiopharm Ulm last season, is one of the youngest players in the draft. Givony notes that the Celtics have shown interest in Dadiet during the pre-draft process.
“Dadiet’s combination of size, youth, and shot-making prowess offers significant long-term potential, which could be appealing at this stage of the draft,” Givony wrote.
Picking at No. 30, the reigning NBA champions won’t have their choice of the top prospects but can still secure a player with high potential like Dadiet.
An NBA executive shared high praise for Dadiet with The Athletic’s David Aldridge, stating, “Legit 6-8 and shoots the [expletive] easy. He’s not a handler/scorer type; he’s a catch-and-shoot, two-dribble kind of guy. Shoots it with range. He shoots the ball like he falls out of bed. Good dude. Good athlete; not elite.”
Dadiet’s youth and defensive skills are perceived as areas needing improvement. At the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, Dadiet acknowledged that defense is a key area for development.
“I can create my own shot and make shots. With more space, it will be easier. Defensively, off the ball, is where I need to improve,” he said via DraftExpress.
Following a dominant 2023-24 season and an NBA Finals run, the Celtics don’t have immediate needs to address in the draft. This, combined with their draft position, suggests they might be looking at a long-term prospect rather than an immediate contributor.
We’ll find out who the Celtics select when Round 1 of the draft kicks off on Wednesday, June 26.
