Celtics reportedly work out E.J. Lidell, M.J. Walker, Troy Baxter Jr.
The Boston Celtics conducted pre-draft workouts with a trio of fringe 2021 NBA draft prospects on Tuesday in addition to NAIA standout E.J. Onu, according to Forbes Sports’ Chris Grenham. The Celtics have been working out a number of 2021 draft prospects likely to go late in the second round or undrafted, presumably with an eye for being taken with Boston’s No. 45 pick in the latter round of this year’s draft, or perhaps to sign to a camp deal.
While it’s tempting to read the proverbial tea leaves regarding what the Celtics are planning on draft night with such an assortment of players coming in for workouts, it may just be that the team is starting its data collection at the back end with more than a month to go before the annual event takes place in late July.
Having said all that, let’s take a look at the prospects mentioned by Grenham.
Six Star Nutrition purchases billboard calling for Kara Lawson or Becky Hammon as the next Celtics head coach. https://t.co/sUUfLdSMWS
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 15, 2021
E.J. Lidell - Ohio State - forward
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Like several players reported to be in the mix for Boston's pre-draft workouts, Lidell has not hired an agent to retain college eligibility and may return to the Buckeyes based on the feedback he gets. A 6-foot-7 forward who logged 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game with Ohio State in his sophomore season, Lidell needs to work on his 3-point shot (33.8%) to play as a forward at the next level.
Troy Baxter Jr. - Morgan State - forward
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Baxter is highly mobile both on and off the court, having transferred from UNLV to Florida Gulf Coast, and then again to Morgan State in search of more playing time for the final two seasons of his collegiate career. A former national slam-dunk contest winner, the 6-foot-9 swingman is an older prospect at 24 who used that extra time to add a reliable outside shot to his game.
M.J. Walker - Florida State - guard
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Walker is a 6-foot-5 guard whose stats don't jump off the page at 12.2 points, 2.5 boards and as many assists per game, but managed to shoot the 3-ball at a success rate of 42.3% who can score in a variety of ways. He'll need to improve his consistency on a game-to-game basis and his handle in particular, but has solid fundamentals to build off of. This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook! [lawrence-related id=52036,52032,52029,52019] [listicle id=51965]
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