Celtics Considering Josh Jackson Over Markelle Fultz? NBA Draft Buzz Getting Hotter

The NBA draft is a week away and things possibly just got a lot more interesting for the Sixers at No. 3.

How so?

According to a report Thursday by ESPN's Chad Ford, the Celtics, at No. 1, are strongly considering options outside of Washington guard Markelle Fultz, who seemed to be the consensus top overall pick up to this point. Even wilder, Kansas swingman Josh Jackson is one of those options in which Boston is mulling, per the report.

"We like him a lot," the Celtics source said to ESPN. "But we like several guys a lot. We've got a week to figure it out."

Jackson would be an option for the Sixers at No. 3 - if he falls, of course.

Now it appears he could rise to the first overall selection, which would turn things upside down for the Lakers at No. 2 and the Sixers - who worked out Malik Monk today - right behind them.

Philadelphia 76ers

Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid to join Sixers on road for their two-game trip

Harden effusive in praising Maxey, very brief on Morey and Embiid 

Here's what one GM told ESPN regarding the Celtics, their president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and the No. 1 pick:

I've picked Danny's brain for years. Jackson is an Ainge player all the way. Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he's keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I'm convinced they'll take Jackson No. 1.

Jackson's agent, B.J. Armstrong, told ESPN that his client has worked out for the Lakers and Sixers, but not the Celtics. However, that wouldn't deter Boston from snagging Jackson, according to the report.

"Absolutely not," the Celtics source said to ESPN. "That's true for Josh and Lonzo and anyone else. We've done our homework. The workouts are nice, but they're not mandatory. We'll select the best player."

Say Jackson surprises and actually goes No. 1, what would the Lakers do? We know that over a week ago, they were reportedly not sold on UCLA guard Lonzo Ball. Meanwhile, Fultz worked out for the Lakers on Thursday.

"It was a family decision," Fultz said, via The Associated Press. "Giving everybody the opportunity. Never know where I might land, so I just wanted to see how it is out here."

Fultz has already worked out for the Celtics and, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, didn't shoot the ball "exceptionally well."

What about his session with the Lakers?

"They saw that I worked hard," Fultz said, via ESPN. "They saw that I had the mechanics to shoot the ball right and everything like that."

This time next week, we'll know where everyone lands.

For now, let the draft chatter heat up.

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us