In one of the most interesting NBA drafts of recent memory, the Celtics selected guard J.R. Giddens out of New Mexico University with the 30th overall pick. Giddens is a freak athlete who attacks the rim, is very long, very active, can defend the perimeter, and has good potential. Before Giddens transferred to NMU from Kansas, he was very highly touted but has fallen off in that regard due to reported “character flaws.” However, this past season, he took a big step forward from a maturity standpoint as well as on the floor.

Later in the draft, “Trader Dan” pulled off yet another draft day trade, exciting Celtics fans from all over by acquiring the rights to Kansas State’s Bill Walker (47th overall pick) from the Washington Wizards for cash considerations. Walker, once touted as a sure-fire top 10 draft pick, has battled through knee injuries that has hurt his draft stock significantly. His talent is undeniable, but teams were not willing to take that risk on him in the first round. However, acquiring his rights in the second round for cash is a no-brainer. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay tremendous dividends down the line.

It is interesting that Ainge decided to bring in two swingmen in this draft. Only time will tell what this truly means as far as Boston’s current free agents. This more than likely spells the end of the Tony Allen era in Boston, but the rest is up in the air. Regardless, both Giddens and Walker will have an opportunity to battle for a spot in the regular rotation next season. Heck, we may even see both, much like the Leon Powe-Glen Davis situation in 2007-2008.

Oh, and the Celtics also selected Turkish center Semih Erden with the 60th overall pick. He stands at 7′1” and averaged roughly seven points and four rebounds per game last season alongside fellow prospect Omar Asik. Erden will likely be stashed overseas for a long while, possibly for eternity.

Celtics Draft Grade: B

One Response to “Celtics Acquire Giddens & Walker In 2008 Draft”

1. Celtics247.com » Blog Archive » Today’s Links 6/27 Says:
   June 27th, 2008 at 10:26 am

   [...] Herald Celtics select J.R. Giddens with 30th pick in NBA draft Ainge again busy late For Celts, future is now Globe Taking a shot with J.R. Celtics draft choices Fresh faces taken early His master plan proved masterful World title helps Various posts and videos on JR Giddens MetroWest Daily Celtics get Giddens at No 30 Celtics.com Celtics giddy to grab Giddens at #30 CelticsBlog Live at draft night: Handing out the hardware LOY’s Place Celtics pick JR Giddens at 30 Danny gets 2 players in second round Celtics 17 Celtics get wings at draft Hoopsworld Biggest draft night losers Big night in the NBA Team report: JR Giddens Red’s Army In appreciation of Leon Powe Draft night wrap up Perkisabeast More on JR Giddens and Billy Walker (lots of video) Bloomberg Winning isn’t everything: Celtics grab the ring, Knicks the money NY Post All eyes on Brooklyn Worcester Telegram Celtics take J.R. To end first round Indy Star Bird lands 7 players after making 2 deals The Republican UMass guard Gary Forbes doesn’t get call in NBA draft The Wire Cassell interested in the Nuggets AZStarBiz Learn from Celtics in building, managing your investing roster The Berkshire Eagle Celtics D deserves credit Enterprise Celtics roll the dice on Giddens Walker drops into dealing Celts’ laps Santa Monica Mirror How many changes will Lakers make in quest of championship? Blog the Coast Celtics roll the dice with JR Giddens in first round of draft ProJo New Mexico’s Giddens is Celtics’ first round pick URI’s Will Daniels goes undrafted Final Words Topeka Capital Journal Celtics select former Jayhawk Bull Riding Are the Bulls the team to beat in the East? CelticsNews Celtics acquire Giddens and Walker in 2008 draft BostonSportZ Paul Pierce on Kimmel Courtside Live Backcourt duo could be board silly Lex Nihil Novi Giddens drops 28 points, snares 17 boards in Conference tournament Alford key to Giddens emergence Giddens at NBA pre-draft camp Giddens shows signs of growth KC snubbed for ‘86 coach of the year Danny’s running a tight ship Unrestricted Ricky Eagle Tribune Giddens is giddy to be a Celtic New Celtics’ biographies Ainge caps title season with another winner Bostonist Danny can afford to gamble [...]

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