Celtics Projected to Land Rising Alabama Star in Mock Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics own their own draft pick heading into the summer. They’re slated to pick somewhere near the end of the first round, courtesy of their on-court success this season. In recent years, Brad Stevens has prioritized high-floor talents, usually with multiple years of collegiate or professional (overseas) experience under their belts.

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In a recent mock draft by Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports, the Celtics were projected to acquire small forward Amari Allen out of Alabama. Deveney provided a quote from an anonymous NBA scout on why Allen should be expected to make an impact upon entering the NBA.

“If someone does not give him a first-round promise, he could go back (to school),” the scout told Deveney. “But he is a smart player who has some areas of development still in front of him—I think a playoff team would give him a good look and maybe promise him.”

Boston’s forward position is well-stocked. Between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, rookie Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh, finding minutes for a first-year forward will be tough for Joe Mazzulla. However, if Allen is willing to fight for his playing time, and can prove himself in practice, and likely with the Maine Celtics, there’s no reason why he can’t emerge as a role player in the future.

Allen is stringing together an impressive rookie season for Alabama. In 31 games, he’s averaging 11.6 points, 7 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting 55.7% from two-point range and 35.1% from deep. However, he will need to improve his free-throw shooting (73.3%) if he wants to be a downhill threat in the NBA.

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Boston’s scouting department is undoubtedly tracking multiple targets, especially throughout March. Brad Stevens will likely have an idea of the type of player he’s looking to add to Boston’s roster. If Allen fits that bill, he could be wearing green for the foreseeable future. We’ll know more on draft night.

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