As part of WEEI.com’s coverage of the 2012 NBA draft, we are profiling all players considered likely candidates to be drafted June 28. The Celtics own three picks: 21, 22 (from the Thunder in the Kendrick Perkins trade) and 51.

Khris Middleton might be able to provide an offensive spark off the bench for an NBA team. (AP)

KHRIS MIDDLETON

Position: Small forward

School: Texas A&M

Age: 20

Height: 6-foot-8

Weight: 215 pounds

Achievements: 2011 All-Big 12 second team, 2011 USBWA All-District VII, 2011 NABC All-District 8 second team

Key 2011-12 stats: 13.2 points, 5.o rebounds, 2.2 assists, 41.5 FG%, 28.8

What he brings: Middleton, who left school a year early, is a dynamic scorer who is still growing into his lanky frame. He’s a great jump shooter, with the ability to catch and shoot as well as shoot off the dribble. The small forward has a soft touch, is a solid passer, has a creative offensive game that sometimes even seems unorthodox, and rarely strays from the team’s offensive system. The 20-year-old is unselfish, seems very coachable and still has solid upside.

Despite being creative offensively, his lanky frame is still a problem when he encounters physical opponents. He struggles at times finishing around the rim and has a hard time fighting double teams. Defensively he’s middle of the pack, with on-ball defense being his biggest defensive weakness.

While his mediocre defense might not fit with Doc Rivers‘ defense-first philosophy, his ability to be coached will be attractive to the Celtics and his scoring ability could be a nice spark off the C’s bench.

Where the Celtics could get him: Middleton is pegged for the second round.

Notes: Middleton had surgery this past season to repair a partially torn meniscus and then re-injured it, forcing him to miss a total of 12 games.

Recent articles:

Columbia (M0.) Daily Tribune: A&M’s Middleton no longer a surprise

Video: Here’s Middleton participating in a pre-draft workout in Chicago.