Full Two-Round NBA Mock Draft Pre-March Madness

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LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 04: Tyrese Maxey #3 listens to head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on February 4, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

18. PG/SG, Kentucky. Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies). Tyrese Maxey. 17. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

As we start to move away from the lottery and closer to teams ready to compete for a championship now, many of the picks will be more “pro-ready” than before. That’s not quite true here, as Boston can’t pass up Maxey, who has slid after being considered by most to be a top-14 guy presason.

He’s been very up-and-down for John Calipari at Kentucky, but occasionally breaks out offensively reminding everyone why he was a top freshman coming into the season. The combo guard can get hot in a big way, and could instantly transition into a streaky bench scorer for the Celtics.

Maxey has struggled for the most part from three this season, but has been great inside. He’s made 50 percent of his two-point attempts and 82 from the stripe. He’s not much of a defender and needs to work on his assists/turnover ratio, which can all be worked on while staying in Boston’s back pocket.

It could be the type of pick that makes GM Danny Ainge look very smart.

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