The Celtics participated in a trade-filled draft night, moving up to the 13th pick to nab Gonzaga forward Kelly Olynyk, swapping picks with the Dallas Mavericks.
Olynyk, the West Coast Conference Player of the Year, averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for the Bulldogs. The Canadian was one of the highest rising players in the country last season and wowed teams with his skills at the NBA Draft Combine. He gives the Celtics a perimeter scorer and versatile big man, perhaps replacing the aging Kevin Garnett.
For the pick, the Celtics sent two future second-round selections and the 16th overall pick. NBA sources said the Celtics are also trying to move into the late first round or second round for another draft selection. Olynyk, 21, also played for the Canadian National Team after playing sparingly for Gonzaga as a freshman.
