Celtics trying to trade up to select… Myles Turner?

We’ve heard repeatedly that the Celtics are trying to trade up in the draft. We assume it’s to nab Willy Cauley-Stein. Well, Real GM says the Cs are targeting someone else:

The Boston Celtics are actively attempting to trade up in next week’s draft in order to select Myles Turner, according to multiple league sources.

The Celtics own the 16th overall pick in the draft and Turner is expected to be picked several slots earlier.

One of the Celtics’ most pressing needs this offseason is a rim protector. Turner blocked 4.2 shots per 36 minutes in his freshman season at Texas.

Interesting. Do the Celtics value Myles Turner  more than WCS? Or do they think Stein is going top 5 and they won’t be able to advance high enough to draft him.

For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Chad Ford has WCS going 11th and Turner going 12th.

Most draftniks think the Celtics can make a deal with Charlotte for the 9th pick. If true, they might have their pick of either.

Turner is a long, athletic big with a shooting touch. On the negative side, he’s a mediocre rebounder who runs funny. Sorry Myles, but memories of Acie Earl lumbering up the court are still fresh in my mind. Running is important in basketball.

(h/t Brian Robb)