Some draft experts are predicting that Boston College guard Reggie Jackson will be the Celtics' first-round pick. (AP)

The 2011 NBA draft is scheduled for Thursday night, with the Celtics holding picks No. 25 (first round) and 55 (second round).

The Celtics have used the draft for players that have played a significant role in the team’s growth. They selected Paul Pierce in the first round back in 1998. They also selected Jeff Green in the first round of the 2007 draft before trading him to the SuperSonics in a deal that got the Celtics Ray Allen. Other notable Celtics draft picks of late include Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody last year, Ryan Gomes in 2005 and Al Jefferson, Delonte West and Tony Allen in 2004.

Many draft experts have weighed in with their thoughts about how this draft will play out, with no consensus on which direction the Celtics will go.

ESPN’s Chad Ford writes that the Celtics will take enigmatic center Jeremy Tyler. Tyler decided to try playing professional basketball in Israel after his junior year of high school in San Diego. It didn’t work out for him, so he took his talents to Japan to play in that country’s professional basketball league.

Noted Ford: “The Celtics are going to start rebuilding soon, and they need to hit a home run again the same way they did with Rajon Rondo. Tyler could be that guy. If he had played in college, he might have had a chance to be a top-10 pick with his talent.”

In the second round, Ford has the Celtics taking Jamine Peterson, a forward who played two seasons at Providence before jumping to the NBDL last year.

Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick has the Celtics staying local and selecting Boston College guard Reggie Jackson. “Apparently, the Celtics aren’t concerned about Jackson’s minor knee surgery in mid-May, as a source insists he won’t get past Boston,” Amick wrote. “He would need some grooming, but the lengthy, two-way player could eventually be a dynamic option behind Rajon Rondo.”

Fox Sports’ mock draft has the Celtics taking forward Trey Thompkins out of Georgia at No. 25, noting that Thompkins has some solid offensive skills. “Thompkins is a highly skilled offensive player with a pretty jump shot and range out to the college 3. He doesn’t wow you with athleticism, but his skill level is that of an NBA vet. He has struggled some this year without a playmaker setting him up, but remains a refined big man with solid potential.”

Fox has the Celtics taking former Ohio State guard David Lighty in the second round.

Here are what some other experts are saying:

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix: Jeremy Tyler or Reggie Jackson

Yahoo! Sports/Draftexpress.com: UCLA forward Tyler Honeycutt

Rotoworld’s Steve Alexander: Reggie Jackson

Sporting News’ Sean Deveney: Richmond forward Justin Harper

Hoops World: Jeremy Tyler

CBS Sports’ Matt Moore: Duke forward Kyle Singler

CBS Sports’ Ben Golliver: UCLA guard Malcolm Lee

7 Comments for “NBA mock draft roundup: Who the experts say the Celtics will select”

1. cody cannon Says:
   June 22nd, 2011 at 2:41 pm

   i think that the celtics could use some more playmakers knowing that there team is getting older i think that kyle singler or travis leslie will workout for them.

2. old coach Says:
   June 22nd, 2011 at 4:28 pm

   The Celtics will tie the pick with a player and trade,or they will take the best player on the board at the time and try to move him later.

3. Zac Austin Says:
   June 22nd, 2011 at 6:33 pm

   I like Reggie Jackson to Boston as long as Houston doesn’t swoop him up first. Maybe Lucas Nogueira?

   http://drafthype.com/2011-nba-mock-draft/

4. Robert Says:
   June 23rd, 2011 at 2:18 am

   Well one of their major weaknesses is the fact they cant rebound.. so what they should do is move up a couple spots to get Kenneth Farrid whos the best rebounder in the draft and has been the best rebounder in the NCAA for the past couple years even passed Tim Duncans NCAA record for career rebounds. Also is a strong defender.. and would be a solid backup to Garnett and possibly take over the starting PF role when Garnett leaves.

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