News - Boston Celtics - Toby

The months leading up to it were not filled with scouting and hours of podcasts which in a recent interview the GM said it made him feel “empty, like he was missing a part of himself”.

The emptiness obviously got the better of him because some big moves were made which resulted in him getting a late first round pick, 26 to be exact.

This meant one thing, time to hit the scouting reports. On every dog walk or commute to work the silence was filled with podcasts about NBA prospects, which resulted in the GM having a few of his targets he thought might be available at his pick.

 

The benefit or perhaps downside of having our draft after the NBA summer league is it gives you a chance to see how the draft picks perform, but also gives you the opportunity to overreact to performances.

Initially Boston’s targets were Nique Clifford, Liam McNeely and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

There was worry on who would be there come time to pick, but there was also the understanding that guys might fall due to NSL GMs having ‘their guys’ and reaching.

 
               

With that in mind, It was Walter Clayton jr who fell to the Celtics. He was liked by the GM and his March Madness run was heroic, but due to not thinking he would be there at pick 26 scouting into him was very limited.

 

But when the time came he had to go best player available and take WCJ. And now it is safe to say the GM loves the pick.

Elite shooting and not shying away from the big moments appears to be Claytons bread and butter. He isn’t tall and an elite athlete but is stocky. He had multiple football scholarships to play defensive tight end or tackle, so he clearly can hold his own.

There will be plenty of opportunity for Walter and the Celtics are over the moon to have him. Welcome young fella.