The Boston Celtics and Duke Blue Devils share a deep connection. Jayson Tatum, once a star in Durham, North Carolina, now leads the NBA’s storied franchise. A bond of mutual respect exists between Brad Stevens and Mike Krzyzewski, former rivals turned friends. This tie extends to Kara Lawson, who transitioned from a Celtics assistant to head coach of Duke’s women’s basketball team.
These links give Boston valuable insight into Duke prospects, which could prove crucial in evaluating Tyrese Proctor. The six-foot-four guard is projected to be available beyond the Celtics’ No. 32 pick in the draft. Yet, in future redrafts, Proctor may climb higher than his draft-night slot. Whether through a trade-back or selecting him at 32, Boston might see him as a standout among similar-tier prospects.
**Tyrese Proctor’s Offensive Fit**
Proctor excels offensively, making him a strong match for Boston’s system, which values players who can dribble, pass, and shoot. The Australian guard meets these criteria, positioning him as a promising addition to the Celtics’ roster.
**Tyrese Proctor’s Offensive Strengths**
In his final college season, Tyrese Proctor shot an impressive 40.5% on 5.8 three-point attempts per game. He can create and convert clean looks off the dribble and thrives in catch-and-shoot scenarios. In today’s NBA, however, being just a shooter isn’t enough. Proctor’s high basketball IQ shines in pick-and-roll situations, where his smooth handle and sharp defensive reads allow him to deliver lobs to rollers or kick-out passes to open teammates beyond the arc.
His elite agility, demonstrated by a 10.75-second lane agility drill (fourth among guards at the combine), further enhances his offensive versatility. However, at 183 pounds with a lean frame, Proctor needs to add muscle to improve his effectiveness on drives and at the rim. Celtics forward Sam Hauser, who impacts games despite limited rim attempts, shows this isn’t a dealbreaker. Still, Proctor’s need for added strength is more critical on the other end of the floor.
**Tyrese Proctor’s Defensive Profile**
Proctor is a versatile perimeter defender, leveraging his agility and 6’7” wingspan to disrupt opponents. His quick processing speed adds to his defensive potential. However, his lack of strength makes him vulnerable against stronger players, particularly when defending drives or navigating screens—challenges that will intensify in the NBA. Switching onto bigger forwards or centers, especially in rebounding situations, could also prove difficult without added bulk.
**Why Proctor Fits the Celtics at Pick No. 32**
Tim Connelly, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations, noted little separation among prospects ranked 17 to 31, per Dane Moore of the Dane Moore NBA Podcast. Mock drafts may project Proctor beyond Boston’s No. 32 pick, but his talent aligns with players ranked slightly higher. The Celtics could trade back to select him or confidently take him at 32, given his fit in their system.
While Proctor won’t match Jaylen Brown’s strength, players like Brandon Ingram have added muscle over time, and Proctor can follow suit to address his primary weaknesses. In the meantime, he offers immediate value as a dynamic shooter and playmaker, making him a strong candidate for Boston’s second-round pick.
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