The Boston Celtics had a disappointing season after entering the 2018-19 campaign with sky-high expectations. The Celtics went 49-33 after some were expecting 60 wins, and they were hammered by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the playoffs.
One decent consolation prize is the Celtics have three first-round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. They have the 14th pick, as well as pick No. 20 and pick No. 22.
Boston's offseason will be an interesting one, with the question of where Kyrie Irving winds up being a major talking point. The Anthony Davis trade negotiations will also be something to watch, with these draft picks likely playing a major role. The Celtics can use these picks in multiple ways to entice Irving to stay, or they can use them to soften the blow of losing him.
Right now, we're looking at the 20th overall pick. Here are three ideal options for the Boston Celtics with that selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, assuming they keep the pick for themselves.
Romeo Langford
There's a major question mark when it comes to guards for the Boston Celtics. They could be losing Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier this offseason, leaving a large hole on the roster.
Romeo Langford isn't going to be a point guard, so he's not exactly a perfect replacement for Irving. That being said, he has potential as a do-it-all player. Langford is listed at 6-foot-6 and is gifted athletically, which helps him on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, Langford can guard multiple positions. Offensively, Langford has work to do on his jumper (27.3% on 3-pointers at Indiana), but he was decent enough at free throws (72.2%) and has room to grow. He can score in a bunch of different ways, with his size making it tough for other guards to defend him.
Langford would help make Boston's defense even better. Imagine them putting out a tall and athletic lineup with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown out there as well.
The biggest reason the Celtics might not take Langford at No. 20 is simply that he might already be gone, but they could also have the chance to take him at No. 14.
Goga Bitadze
Al Horford isn't going to be in the NBA forever. The center has proven that he can still go with the best of them, but he'll be 33 for all of next season, so he isn't exactly getting any younger. Backup center Aron Baynes will be turning 33 in December.
Robert Williams is in place, but he's still a raw prospect. With all this in mind, it would be wise for the Boston Celtics to add more big men.
Goga Bitadze is an interesting prospect after posting impressive production overseas. A 6-foot-11 center with a versatile offensive skill set, Bitadze has potential as a floor-spacing big. He's a solid rebounder and rim protector who doesn't have many glaring weaknesses, though he could stand to improve his overall defensive prowess.
Bitadze would fit in perfectly with Brad Stevens and could help transition them away from Horford when the time comes.
Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro is another option at guard for the Boston Celtics. There's a lot of raw talent in Herro, but something that isn't raw is his shooting ability. He would provide an immediate spark when it comes to outside scoring and would be a nice player to have on the bench in 2019.
The Kentucky product shot 35.5% on 3-pointers on 4.6 attempts per game, but his 93.5% mark from the free-throw line shows just how terrific of a shooter he can be. Herro also handed out 2.5 assists per game, so he may be able to provide a bit of secondary playmaking.
Herro's skill set would open up Boston's offense and help others get better looks. The Celtics could use someone like that alongside talents like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, especially if Irving leaves.
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