Brad Stevens was 'really surprised' the Celtics drafted Jordan Mickey

By foxsports
Published

LSU's Jordan Mickey could've gone a little higher than he did in Thursday night's draft. But the Boston Celtics are extremely glad he didn't. 

They snatched the shot-blocking forward up with the third pick in the second round, a move that head coach Brad Stevens didn't think would be possible. Here's what he told reporters after the draft, according to NESN:

"Boston selected Mickey, a 6-foot-8 forward out of LSU, with the 33rd pick in Thursday’s NBA draft. Celtics coach Brad Stevens, who ran Mickey through a second workout this week, was surprised to see the 20-year-old’s name still on the board when it came time for Boston to make its third selection of the night. 'Jordan’s a good player,' Stevens said moments after the pick was announced. 'I’m surprised he was there at No. 33. Really surprised.'”

On a night that all in all must feel pretty disappointing for the Celtics, Mickey could bring tremendous value. He's a versatile defender who can step out and knock down a mid-range jumper. 

With Brandon Bass expected to leave as a free agent this summer, Mickey could be an ideal long-term replacement. 

(h/t: NESN)