Draft-and-Stash Candidates for Boston Celtics in the 2015 NBA Class

As Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics approach the 2015 NBA draft, they hold four precious picks to mold their future. They're armed with the 16th, 28th, 33rd and 45th selections.

The team won't use all four spots to add rookies for 2015-16, so there's a chance we'll see a trade. We also might see the Shamrocks use a pick on a young, raw prospect they can stash overseas or in the NBA D-League for a season or two.

In fact, the Celtics recently indicated that they're interested in potential draft-and-stash scenarios this year, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com.

If Boston indeed takes the draft-and-stash route, who are some possible candidates?

We dissected the most intriguing prospects who are young and could wait a year or two before joining the big leagues. These players would benefit from additional development outside of the NBA, and the Celtics would love to have them waiting in the wings for the future.

Satnam Singh, India C

Vitals: 19 years old, 7'2", 290 lbs

Potential Landing Spots for Celtics: No. 45

Projected ETA: 2 years

While he won't fulfill the Celtics' short-term needs at center, India's Satnam Singh could be an imposing long-term backup.

The product of IMG Academy absolutely towers over the rest of the draft class at 7'2" and a massive 290 pounds. Singh is not athletic or adept at creating his own shot, but he's a promising pick-and-roll presence and a surprisingly good mid-range shooter. Jay King of Masslive.com described him as a "plodding big man who could one day develop into an Aaron Gray type."

When he gets the ball in the post, it's clear that he's in the earliest stages of developing moves and scoring touch. Fortunately, he shows decent awareness as a passer and finisher, and he'll continue to gain a better understanding of when to attack or defer.

Singh's shooting ability may ultimately decide whether he latches on in the league. He has good form for his age and size, and he should be able to keep defenses honest by the time he's 21 or 22.

Depending on what Boston does with its first three picks, it might want to take a flyer on the India native at No. 45. Whether they stash him overseas or in the D-League, he could be worth the investment down the road as a rotational anchor in the frontcourt.

Mouhammadou Jaiteh, France C

Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images

Vitals: 20 years old, 6'11", 247 lbs, 7'3.25" wingspan

Potential Landing Spots for Celtics: No. 33, No. 45

Projected ETA: 1 year

Mouhammadou Jaiteh has been on the draft radar for a couple of years now, but he's still young and raw enough to warrant a draft-and-stash label.

Even if he reportedly wants to come over to the U.S. right away, it might be in his best interest to spend one more season honing his craft in France. Instead of riding the pine on the Celtics' bench, he could accumulate in-game experience in the D-League or in the French league.

He notched 10-plus points and 6-plus rebounds in 21.3 minutes for JSF Nanterre, and then he passed the eye test at the NBA combine. Jaiteh looked physically competent against the other prospects, and he scored double figures in both scrimmages (12 points and 10 rebounds May 14, 10 points and nine rebounds May 15).

While his body, instincts and effort are well on their way to NBA-readiness, Jaiteh must refine his low-post arsenal and defensive fundamentals. He's not quite polished enough to break down opponents with pivot moves, and he's not sharp enough to consistently defend NBA centers.

Jaiteh isn't as raw or undeveloped as some of the other draft-and-stash candidates on this list. Nevertheless, another year in Europe would be hugely beneficial for his Celtics career.

Alpha Kaba, France PF/C

Vitals: 19 years old, 6'10", 225 lbs

Potential Landing Spots for Celtics: No. 33, No. 45

Projected ETA: 2 years

With the length of an NBA center and the agility of a gazelle, French big man Alpha Kaba is turning heads overseas. He could be one of the Celtics' primary targets at No. 45.

Not only does he fly around from end-to-end finishing lobs and dump-offs, but he also possesses some noticeable skill and potential in his evolving game. Kaba moves fluidly as a catch-and-shoot option, and he might be a reliable mid-range shooter after more reps and in-game experience.

He hasn't played much against upper-echelon European competition, but scouts are certainly interested in his long-term outlook.

Chad Ford of ESPN.com indicated that Kaba would stay in the draft if he gets a promise from a team. One scout told Ford that Kaba would indeed get assurance from a franchise:

"He's going to get one. He's the perfect draft-and-stash pick. Lots of upside there if he continues to develop in Europe. He'll end up going in the late first or somewhere early in the second round."

If Ainge really likes him, he could swing for the fences and grab him at No. 33. Otherwise, Boston could take someone safer and wait to see whether Kaba is still around 12 picks later.

George Lucas de Paula, Brazil PG/SG

Randy Belice/Getty Images

Vitals: 19 years old, 6'6", 197 lbs, 7'0" wingspan

Potential Landing Spots for Celtics: No. 28, No. 33, No. 45

Projected ETA: 1 year

Emerging from the same Pinheiros club that produced Brazilian sleeper Bruno Caboclo, George Lucas de Paula is a fascinating prospect.

He has all the ranginess a suitor could want from a guard. Few point men or even combo guards have a 6'6" frame with a 7'0" wingspan like he does. De Paula's length makes him a prime candidate to slash to the rim, make passes over the defense and play disruptive defense.

His playmaking skills stood out in Brazil, where he displayed a penchant for shaking past opponents and creating opportunities for his teammates. When he wasn't busy wreaking havoc as a ball-handler, De Paula served as a pesky defender and occasional jump-shooter.

Although his physical gifts and playmaking potential are enticing, De Paula's not ready to contribute in the NBA substantially. Anyone who watched the Nike Hoop Summit or NBA Draft Combine could see that he's too erratic to trust with a big role. Even if he wants to join the Association immediately, he's too raw as a floor general and scorer to earn significant playing time.

De Paula just turned 19, so there's plenty of time for the Celtics to stash him for a year or two. He can iron out his shooting flaws, sharpen his decision-making and learn the finer points of stopping elite point guards.

Chris McCullough, Syracuse PF

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Vitals: 20 years old, 6'9", 199 lbs, 7'3.25" wingspan

Potential Landing Spots for Celtics: No. 28, No. 33

Projected ETA: 1 year

Syracuse's Chris McCullough is a high-upside forward Boston could pluck with the 28th or 33rd pick. His length, athleticism and talent could richly reward the Celtics if he's developed properly.

There's a good chance he won't be ready to contribute to the squad's 2015-16 playoff push, so they might want to consider stashing him with the Maine Red Claws. McCullough will be rehabbing his ACL injury through autumn after tearing it in January, so it may be a good idea to start him off in the minor leagues.

Despite his tremendous length, McCullough doesn't have adequate scoring dexterity, physique or feel for the game to establish himself in the Celtics rotation. When he made the decision to turn pro in April after an injury-shortened freshman season, several scouts expressed skepticism about his readiness.

"I can't see him making a team's opening-day roster,'' one Eastern Conference scout told Mike Waters of Syracuse.com. "He's going to have to do what he does in the D-League."

That's fine with Boston, especially if he falls to No. 33. His tools and talent are worth the wait.

McCullough didn't post impressive stats at Syracuse, but he showed above-the-rim agility, glimpses of mid-range touch and top-tier shot-blocking prowess (2.9 blocks per 40 minutes). A season in the D-League would help him cultivate his strengths and address his weaknesses before he takes the big stage in 2016.

Cedi Osman, Macedonia G/F

Vitals: 20 years old, 6'8", 190 lbs

Potential Landing Spot for Celtics: No. 28, No. 33

Projected ETA: 1 year

Cedi Osman does a little bit of everything for Turkish club Anadolu Efes, and he could provide similar versatility in a couple years for the Boston Celtics.

He's the type of player Brad Stevens would plug in alongside Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, James Young or a number of lineup combinations. The 6'8" small forward can attack, facilitate and shoot the rock while supplying end-to-end defensive electricity.

Max Rappaport of Sixers.com highlighted Osman's robust two-way impact and potential:

"

(Osman) is a well-rounded offensive player and can spot up, create his own shot off the dribble, and also make plays for his teammates…Is very good in transition, where he uses his quickness, athleticism, and ability to handle the ball...Long arms and above-average lateral quickness make him a plus defender at the shooting guard position…(He) makes plays on the defensive end, blocking shots from behind in transition and playing the passing lanes for steals.

"

When he builds his lower- and upper-body strength and improves his shooting consistency, he'll be a legitimate rotational option for the Celts. And down the road, he could challenge for a starting spot at the 2 or 3.

Osman's multidimensional skills and athleticism should be worth a look at No. 28, and he would be a steal if he falls to No. 33 or 45.