Celtics Rumors: Boston Reportedly 'Leaning' Toward Drafting Jayson Tatum

ESPN.com's Chad Ford reported Wednesday that the Boston Celtics are leaning toward selecting Duke forward Jayson Tatum with the No. 3 overall pick in Thursday's NBA draft.  

Ford added that Boston received a medical evaluation for Kansas swingman Josh Jackson, but that he won't work out for the team and is currently trailing Tatum in the race to go third.

The Celtics held the No. 1 overall pick due to a previous trade with the Brooklyn Nets, but they moved that pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for No. 3 overall and a future first.

After making the deal, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge expressed confidence that the player he wanted all along would be available with the third pick, per ESPN.com: "We think there's a really good chance the player we'll take at [No.] 3 is the same player we would have taken at [No.] 1. So this was a great opportunity to acquire an impactful asset."

Prior to the trade, Ford reported that the Celtics had heavy interest in Jackson.

Tatum is a potential blue-chip prospect in his own right after averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in his only season with the Blue Devils.

Boston is in need of athletic, two-way wings to combat the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, and Tatum's skill set suggests he fits the bill.

Assuming Washington guard Markelle Fultz and UCLA guard Lonzo Ball are the No. 1 and No. 2 overall selections, respectively, the Celtics will have their pick of Tatum, Jackson and every other player in the class at No. 3.