Shams Charania reveals how Phoenix Suns ruined Boston Celtics’ NBA draft plans

Shams Charania reveals how Phoenix Suns ruined Boston Celtics’ NBA draft plans

Boston Celtics wanted to draft Rasheer Fleming

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, it was long known that the Wolves had interest in trading the 31st pick. The Boston Celtics, who held pick 32, wanted Fleming, although so did plenty of other teams, and the Suns ended up winning the bidding war.

“I’m told the Celtics were going to take Rasheer Fleming from St. Joseph at number 32,” reported Charania during the second round broadcast.

“So now the Suns have jumped to 31, and now they will be really considering Rasheer Fleming at that selection. And that’s on the heels of, as you just mentioned, drafting Khaman Maluach last night. And then, within minutes, acquiring Mark Williams in a trade. We know the Suns had major issues at center last season. They had issues with their size. They’ve done a good job here of getting two high upside big men.”

Fleming projects to be a gritty, high-energy role player for the Suns, and they desperately need help with defense and shooting.

While his outside shot is not a guarantee, he was solid in college, and he plays with a high motor, which is needed in Phoenix after a season of Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic.

While Fleming likely would have landed in a better developmental situation had the Celtics picked him, he will play a large role for the Suns, and Boston ended up with a quality player of their own.

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