The Boston Celtics celebrate a significant day in their history as they reflect on the 2018 NBA Draft, where they selected Robert Williams III at No. 27. Known as 'Timelord,' Williams emerged as a formidable player despite battling injuries. Notably, he claimed a starting position by the end of the 2020-21 season and received All-Defensive Second Team honors the following year. In 2023, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, but his journey has been marred with health challenges.

This day also marks the anniversary of Eric Montross's trade to the Dallas Mavericks, which led to the Celtics acquiring assets that would eventually become Antoine Walker and Ron Mercer. Montross, drafted ninth overall in 1994, had a brief stint in Boston before moving on. Additionally, the Celtics sold the rights of George Kaftan to the New York Knicks in 1950, a notable move that remained part of their history.

The New York Knicks have entered a transformative offseason, starting with the surprising dismissal of head coach Tom Thibodeau, who guided them to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. As the search for a new coach begins, the team faces potential roster changes, particularly regarding star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been linked to trade rumors following a subpar playoff performance.

Despite speculation, the Knicks have not expressed a desire to move Towns unless a compelling offer materializes. A recent mock trade proposal suggests sending Towns to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Deandre Ayton, Matisse Thybulle, and two first-round picks, including the 11th overall selection in the 2025 draft. While Ayton would provide a defensive upgrade and maintain solid offensive output, trading Towns poses significant risks, and it seems more likely he will stay in New York for the upcoming season.

As the NBA draft approaches, the focus shifts to the Philadelphia 76ers' past selections, especially the 2019 draft where they traded up to pick Matisse Thybulle at No. 20. Thybulle quickly established himself as a valuable defensive asset, averaging 1.1 blocks during the 2020-21 season and effectively guarding top perimeter players. However, his inability to consistently hit 3-point shots became a concern. Ultimately, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023 as part of a four-team deal that brought Jalen McDaniels to Philly. In his tenure with the Sixers, Thybulle played 245 games, contributing 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Since his move to Portland, he has shown improvement, shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc.

In a hypothetical 2019 NBA draft redo, the Philadelphia 76ers would select Goga Bitadze at the 24th pick instead of Matisse Thybulle, who they originally chose. Bitadze, a promising big man, has shown development in Orlando, averaging 6.2 points and 5.7 rebounds on an impressive 60.8% shooting. His physical playstyle could have complemented Joel Embiid effectively, providing much-needed depth at the center position.

Thybulle, while known for his elite perimeter defense, struggled with his shooting consistency before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Bitadze's selection might have offered the Sixers a different strategic approach during games, potentially enhancing their bench strength and altering their postseason outcomes.

The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and UConn's Liam McNeeley is generating buzz as a likely first-round pick, projected to be chosen between 15th and 19th. McNeeley, a skilled 6'7" forward, showcased impressive high school shooting but struggled at UConn with a 31.7% accuracy from beyond the arc. Despite not receiving an initial green room invite, analysts like Kevin O'Connor project him to the Trail Blazers at 11th overall. His competitive nature and character are highly valued, and scouts believe he can regain his shooting form with the right opportunity. The draft will take place on June 25, with multiple teams eyeing McNeeley for his potential as a shooter and floor spacer in their offensive schemes.