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Qualified!

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BOSTON – The Boston Celtics reportedly extended qualifying offers to guard Terry Rozier and center Daniel Theis, making both players restricted free agents.

Both players provided depth off the bench along with occasional starts last season. The Celtics finished 49-33 during the regular season but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the playoffs.

Rozier, 25, averaged 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 79 games (14 starts) last season. He spent his first four years with the Celtics and is now expected to sign an offer in Charlotte than the Celtics won’t match.

Theis, 27, tallied 5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in 66 contests (two starts). He has played the past two seasons with Boston.

Rozier and Theis may sign a free-agent deal with another team, but the Celtics have the right to match the offer because of the players’ restricted status.

–Field Level Media

Grading the 2019 NBA Draft

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  1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, F, Duke

RIGHT MOVE? There was no other choice for the Pelicans, who lucked into the top pick just as Anthony Davis ushered himself out of New Orleans. Statistically speaking, Williamson should meet or exceed Julius Randle’s production (22-9 last season, same stats Williamson put up at Duke).

COMPING THE PICK: No natural comparison exists for Williamson, whose been stacked against the game’s greats (Charles Barkley comes up regularly) as a dunker and rebounder. To that end, former Oklahoma forward and highlight-reel dunker Blake Griffin is the closest resemblance in terms of style of play and upside from Day 1.

Everyone’s a photographer as Zion Williamson was drafted by New Orleans (T. Peter Lyons)

REGRETS, HAVE A FEW? Other than trying to sell the pick to the highest bidder, it’s unlikely vice president of basketball operations David Griffin will look back on this selection and wonder, “What if…?” Williamson is not yet the total package, but the ceiling is sky high and anticipation for him hitting the NBA court will be off the charts.

GRADING THE PICK: A

  1. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State

SMALL SCHOOL, BIG TIME: If not for Williamson, there would be more oohs and aahs in the gallery of Morant’s unique talent. He can jump out of the gym, has Magic Johnson-like vision and drained 3-pointers with a smooth stroke ready to translate to the NBA.

YOUR SHOW, MO: Morant became the first player in NCAA history to average 20 points and 10 assists and proved in two big showings in the NCAA Tournament that his game plays just fine, thank you, outside the Ohio Valley Conference. Morant is a Day 1 starter with the Grizzlies, replacing franchise pillar Mike Conley as a key to the fresh foundation alongside Jaren Jackson, the No. 4 pick in 2018.

GRIN AND BARRETT? The popular opinion entering the 2018-19 college basketball was RJ Barrett of Duke was the best player in the nation and a good bet to be the top pick in the draft. He has the guts and bravado to be a big-ticket item in the NBA, and his game won’t likely fracture under the weight of being the marquee attraction at Madison Square Garden. Even still, the Grizzlies determined not long after scoring the second overall pick in the draft lottery that Morant was their man.

GRADING THE PICK: A

  1. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett, F, Duke

CENTER STAGE: Barrett goes from Cameron Indoor Stadium to MSG and should inject life into a young core without a proven superstar. Barrett can score in a lot of ways, and the pressure of the market isn’t a factor. If there was another direction to go here, it was perhaps point guard, but the Knicks are confident a core of Barrett, Dennis Smith Jr. and 19-year-old Kevin Knox can help turn the franchise around.

LYIN’ ABOUT ZION: Fib if you must, N.Y. fans, but the Knicks can’t hide their hangover from the draft lottery upset landing them with this pick and not the opportunity to pick Barrett’s teammate, Zion Williamson, at No. 1. A relative disappointment, we’re betting it won’t be long before Knicks fans are all in on Barrett.

GRADING THE PICK: A+

  1. Atlanta Hawks (from Lakers via Pelicans): De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

RUN WITH RALPH: For the first time since Ralph Sampson went No. 1 in 1983, the Virginia Cavaliers have a top four pick in the NBA draft. Opinions are split whether Hunter will be a good enough shooter to evolve into a facsimile of Draymond Green for the Hawks. He definitely can defend, move laterally and jump, allowing him to play on the ball against bigger opponents because of his NBA-ready frame.

BIG TIME: There is no true center in this draft, and the Hawks held onto the 10th pick in the first round. Size with speed should be an agenda item in Atlanta, which could thrive with a dunk-and-rebound 5 to pair with John Collins. Further, I’m not convinced Hunter wouldn’t have been around a pick or four later. Atlanta had the No. 8 pick.

GRADING THE PICK: B-

  1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt

WIN WITH COLLIN: The lottery pick of the moment last year was Collin Sexton, self-titled Young Bull, a point guard out of Alabama. Garland is a better shooter, natural scorer and a smart, face-of-the-franchise type of personality. But he does almost all of the same things the Cavaliers drafted Sexton to do last season, further confounding the direction of the team in the latest post-LeBron rebuild. Problem area: Neither can defend. Another one: Garland is not a pick-and-roll passer, which is to say we’re punting on all of those Damian Lillard comparisons.

NO DEAL: The Cavaliers reportedly worked feverishly to deal this pick. New head coach John Beilein loves guards, and big men and wings that play like guards, so we’d be nuts to doubt his plan without seeing the full blueprint.

GRADING THE PICK: B-

  1. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Suns): Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech

IN LIKE FLYNN(T): History says this pick is already better than the last No. 6 pick that went to Minnesota: Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn one spot ahead of Stephen Curry (Warriors) in 2009. With a new regime in place, the Timberwolves are still on the outside looking in at Western Conference contenders.

WIGGINS OUT: Former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins might not be long for Minnesota. With the Wolves “actively shopping” the one-time Cavalier who was swapped for Kevin Love, Culver does make sense as the team attempts to build around Karl-Anthony Towns. The Big 12 Player of the Year is versatile, defends to win and can handle the ball in a pinch.

GRADING THE PICK: B-

  1. Chicago Bulls: Coby White, PG, North Carolina

DUNN DEAL: Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine are in Chicago now, but White is the future. Dunn could be shopped for a veteran wing or big man, but White is a big get for the Bulls without parting with any assets. White is 6-5, plays like his bouncy and significantly lofted hair is on fire and shoots well enough to score consistently in the NBA.

CORE EXERCISE: With White, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter — all taken No. 7 overall — together and LaVine under contract, the Bulls could be ready to thrive sooner than expected.

GRADING THE PICK: A

  1. New Orleans Pelicans (from Hawks): Jaxson Hayes, F, Texas

LEARNING TO GROW: Hayes grew a startling 11 inches and became an impact player his senior year in high school. He’s an athletic freak, even if still growing into his lanky 6-11 frame. Hayes is instant from floor to rim, will make a living on lobs and can execute off of screens. The Pelicans can pair Hayes with Williams and threaten to lead the league in bent rims and blocked shots.

MORE TO SCORE: Hayes is not a natural with the ball in his hands, living on second chances and alley-oops. The Pelicans are looking like a team that will be hyper-dependent on Williamson to carry a lot of the scoring load alongside point guard Jrue Holiday.

GRADING THE PICK: B-

  1. Washington Wizards: Rui Hachimura, F, Gonzaga

WAVE THE WAND: Hachimura has some convincing to do in that he’s a ‘tweener in the NBA and lacks a consistent perimeter shot — 3-point stroke in particular — to make a pro living. A likely rotational player as a rookie, he might not provide the impact some anticipated the Wizards could score with a top-10 pick.

BEAL STREET: With no John Wall (injury) and Bradley Beal reportedly on the trade block, a guard such as Tyler Herro or Romeo Langford, or another power forward — Kentucky’s PJ Washington to name one — would have been a wiser gamble.

GRADING THE PICK: B

  1. Atlanta Hawks (from Mavericks): Cam Reddish, G, Duke

EASY, SHOOTER: Reddish gives Duke three top-10 picks but he’s nowhere near the sure thing his peers are because of questionable makeup. Could Reddish thrive? Yes, based on his 6-foot-9 frame and golden touch from 3-point range. He can play off the ball at the 2 or 3 depending on the lineup the Hawks utilize. Maturity, as with most teenagers, is the lingering question but upside is undeniable if the lights comes on to stay.

GRADING THE PICK: B-

  1. Phoenix Suns (from Timberwolves): Cam Johnson, SF, North Carolina

SUNS SETS: First-year head coach Monty Williams gets the best shooter in the 2019 draft, a 46 percent shooter from 3-point range in college who understands how to play without the ball. Johnson should score early and often, and paired with Devin Booker gives the Suns punch to run in the Western Conference.

GRADING THE PICK: B

  1. Charlotte Hornets: PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky

IN THE WASH: Washington willingly mixes it up, averaging 15.2 points and 7.4 rebounds and can play power forward in the NBA thanks to a 7-foot-2 wingspan. If his shot continues to improve, Washington has lead scorer potential in the mold of LaMarcus Aldridge.

GRADING THE PICK: B+

  1. Miami Heat: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky

HERO MODE: Herro was not viewed as a lottery pick or anything close to it at the start of the season. Kentucky head coach said during and after the season that Herro became a well-rounded basketball player, the most improved player on the roster despite averaging only 14 points per game. In the NBA he will be asked to shoot — at 6-foot-6 he’s not a liability on defense — but he can make mid-range jumpers and score in traffic, too.

GRADING THE PICK: B

  1. Boston Celtics: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana

WHERE ART THOU: Langford played through a thumb injury and averaged 16 points per game, but he’s the type of prospect who can find a fit in Brad Stevens’ offense. He’ll attack the rim and live at the free throw line, but shot a woeful 27 percent from the 3-point range.

GRADING THE PICK: A-

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

NBA Draft: Celtics Manuevering

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BROOKLYN – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Zion Williamson created the type of viral anticipation reserved only for the great ones in his single season at Duke.

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Only a few players of recent vintage — LeBron James in 2003 is the standard bearer — elicit the type of response from fans that Williamson did with the Blue Devils.

The New Orleans Pelicans’ timely lottery win puts a franchise in transition into position for an about face with Williamson as the new building block around which vice president of basketball operations David Griffin can erect a contender in the Western Conference. 

As former No. 1 pick Anthony Davis (2013) celebrates his new start alongside James with the Lakers, the stage is set for Williamson and a new cast likely to include another top-five pick Thursday.

Digital Sports Desk will be on-site at the NBA Draft at Barclay Center to bring live coverage tonight (@DigSportsDesk) or (@terrylyons)

How will the first round play out?

  1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, F, Duke

Williamson is an athletic freak of nature with Defensive Player of the Year instincts and explosiveness to challenge any shot he wants to swat. Less certain is how his game evolves from dunk-a-thon to his future fit as an NBA power forward.

  1. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State

Maybe the most natural playmaker in the draft, Morant has All-Star ability as a passer and scorer. Even if the Grizzlies show up in the lottery again next summer, a core taking shape shows there’s a path out of the Western Conference cellar.

  1. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett, F, Duke

Maybe the Knicks’ reported love for Darius Garland is genuine, but Barrett is built for the NYC spotlight and suits the blueprint in place for the evolving Knicks.

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  1. New Orleans Pelicans: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech

There is some Joe Johnson in Culver’s game. He projects as a plus scorer and defender while fitting a need in New Orleans immediately alongside Jrue Holiday.

  1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Cam Reddish, SG, Duke

Culver would be the preference, and the Cavaliers could opt for Virginia forward De’Andre Hunter, but Reddish gets the nod because of his range.

  1. Phoenix Suns: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt

If the Knicks go Garland, the Suns are a candidate to trade out with the Atlanta Hawks or select the next best point guard in North Carolina’s Coby White. Garland paired with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton would be a godsend for first-year coach Monty Williams’ building project.

  1. Chicago Bulls: De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

Bigs have been the trend recently for the Bulls with Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter. Hunter does many things well but isn’t the big-ticket splash Chicago hoped for amidst a season of stockpiled losses.

  1. Atlanta Hawks: Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

A modern-day version of Marcus Camby, Hayes enters the NBA needing physical development to bring his game to the next level.

  1. Washington Wizards: Coby White, PG, North Carolina

White becomes the salve the Wizards needed — but never expected to be able to get in this draft — to survive without John Wall in 2019-2020. A high-energy, ball-dominant point, White and Bradley Beal would work well together.

  1. Atlanta Hawks: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky

A perimeter marksman who could play well off of Trae Young, Herro is known for his in-the-gym range and serves as a luxury pick who also should be a safe-ish selection.

  1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sekou Doumbouya, France

Doumbouya is raw and recognized more for his defense at this stage, but Ryan Saunders and the Wolves can buy into a high upside project at this spot.

  1. Charlotte Hornets: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Virginia Tech

A combination guard with length to be a plus-defender, Alexander-Walker is the type Michael Jordan can envision an immediate role for.

  1. Miami Heat: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina

Pat Riley likes proven players from proven programs. Little is explosive and competitive with the type of natural gifts that indicate he’ll be much more than he was at North Carolina.

  1. Boston Celtics: Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga

Already seasoned as the pace-and-space 4 in Gonzaga’s offense, Hachimura contributes quickly and becomes the heir to Marcus Morris in 2020.

  1. Detroit Pistons: Kevin Porter, Jr., SG, Southern Cal

Detroit’s wing players leave a lot to be desired, and Porter brings one definite skill: scoring punch.

  1. Orlando Magic: PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky

An athletic and versatile piece to mix into the still-developing equation in Orlando, Washington is unlikely to fall beyond the middle of the first round because NBA scouts are sure he’s going to contribute.

  1. Atlanta Hawks: Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia/Serbia

An NBA rarity these days, Bitadze was evaluated as a true center. Some see potential for him to develop into a stretch option and down-the-road answer at the 5 for the Hawks.

  1. Indiana Pacers: Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky

Johnson should be a rotation guard at the very least, and with Victor Oladipo recovering from quadriceps surgery, starting isn’t out of the question as a rookie.

  1. San Antonio Spurs: Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga

There’s a lot to like about Clarke, including his size and defensive potential, but Gregg Popovich will most value his versatility.

  1. Boston Celtics: Matisse Thybulle, F, Washington

The best defensive player in the draft in the notebook of many scouts. Thybulle, whose wingspan is 7-foot-1, paired with Marcus Smart would mean a long day at the office for Eastern Conference combo guards.

  1. Oklahoma City Thunder: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana

A gamble on upside and potential after Langford grinded through injuries during his only season at Indiana.

  1. Boston Celtics: Cam Johnson, SF, North Carolina

At next to no cost, the Celtics land one of the best pure shooters in the draft. He’ll catch and shoot no matter who does the table-setting for Boston this season.

  1. Utah Jazz: Nic Claxton, F-C, Georgia

A defensive presence behind Rudy Gobert who showed at the NBA Scouting Combine he could evolve as a stretch 4.

  1. Philadelphia 76ers: Bol Bol, C, Oregon

With Joel Embiid likely in need of skimmed minutes, Bol is not ready to contribute in a big way. But as a 7-foot-1 perimeter player, the 76ers could add him to their intriguing blend of young talent for the matchup-minded Brett Brown.

  1. Portland Trail Blazers: Bruno Fernando, F-C, Maryland

Strong and springy, Fernando would add a physical presence who can block shots and scrap for leftovers. He’s not LaMarcus Aldridge but brings enough of a mid-range shot to be a regular.

  1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Chuma Okeke, F, Auburn

Likely a non-contributor as a rookie coming off of a torn ACL, Okeke can get to know the cast in Cleveland while training for a role as Kevin Love Light.

  1. Brooklyn Nets: Carsen Edwards, G, Purdue

Microwave offense behind the already established offensive options for the Nets, and a ready spot starter should the Nets lure Kyrie Irving in free agency.

  1. Golden State Warriors: Ty Jerome, PG, Virginia

Calm and clutch under pressure with enough range to play here tomorrow, Jerome bears some similarity to Klay Thompson but lacks the bounce and explosiveness to become a lockdown defender.

  1. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont

With the selection shipped from Toronto via the Kawhi Leonard trade, Windler brings a deep shooter who doesn’t shy away from any competition, He could be the perfect fit for the Spurs.

  1. Milwaukee Bucks: Mfiondu Kabengele, C, Florida State

Brook Lopez could be lured away in free agency, and Kabengele is not the same type of player, but he’s an energy-and-effort, athletic big man who can mop up misses and operate the pick-and-roll.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Celtics Jockey for Position

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BOSTON – Kyrie Irving and Al Horford are expected to opt out of their contracts with the Boston Celtics, who are placing center Aron Baynes on the block to clear a total of $23 million in salary cap space, according to an ESPN report..

Celtics Highlights (House of Highlights)

Baynes’ expiring contract at $5.4 million could be integral in president Danny Ainge finding enough cap space to replacing Irving and Horford with a max-level player.

The Celtics are reportedly interested in 76ers free agent Jimmy Butler as well as Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard.

Irving’s backup at the point the past two seasons, Terry Rozier, could be in line for a new deal as he enters restricted free agency and the Celtics move toward a core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward.

If Baynes is moved without the Celtics taking salary in return, Boston would be in position to offer nearly the max — just over $32 million per season — to a player with seven or more years of experience.

Ainge had the Celtics in contention for Anthony Davis, but the Lakers made a more enticing offer that included former No. 2 picks Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball and the fourth overall pick in the 2019 draft.

The Celtics were reluctant to deal young assets — Brown was reportedly the holdup in a Celtics-Spurs swap that could have landed Leonard in Boston last summer — in recent deals and didn’t want to part with Tatum in the Davis deal.

According to multiple reports, the Celtics are also trying to move multiple draft picks. Ainge has five picks in Thursday’s draft, including three first-rounders.

–Field Level Media

The House That Red Built

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BOSTON LANDING – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – One year after The Auerbach Center at New Balance World Headquarters opened its doors for the first time, the Boston Celtics are launching “The House That Red Built” – a 27-minute documentary highlighting the development and detail of the team’s first-rate facility.

“This documentary offers Celtics fans a unique glimpse into the detailed process, effort, and inspiration that went into envisioning, designing, and building this unique facility from the ground up,” said Celtics Team President Rich Gotham.

In addition to behind-the-scenes video footage of the building’s external and internal development, the documentary includes interviews with Celtics Lead Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, and Gotham. It also provides context to the relationship between the Celtics and New Balance, in addition to the original connection between the Davis family and Red Auerbach.

“New Balance is extremely proud to join with the Boston Celtics in honoring Red Auerbach’s professional achievements and personal values of teamwork and integrity through the opening of ‘Red’s House’ at Boston Landing,” said Jim Davis, Chairman at New Balance. “Red Auerbach was a true entrepreneur whose passion for winning and dedication to the sport of basketball and the Boston Celtics was equally matched with his commitment to people and the Boston community.”

“The House That Red Built”, a documentary produced by ELEMENT Productions in partnership with the Boston Celtics, is now live for viewing on Celtics.com and the Celtics’ official YouTube and Facebook channels.

Copyright 2019

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