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.

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Scott Machado led the nation in assists last season. (AP)

SCOTT MACHADO

Position: Point guard

School: Iona

Age: 22

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 206 pounds

Achievements: 2012 MAAC Player of the Year, 2012 All-MAAC first team, 2012 All-MAAC Tournament team, 2011 All-MAAC first team, 2011 All-MAAC Tournament team, 2009 MAAC Rookie of the Year

Key 2011-12 stats: 13.6 points, 9.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 35.5 minutes, 3.3 turnovers, 49.5 FG%, 40.4 3P%

What he brings: Machado is a pure point guard with very good passing ability and court awareness. He has good decision-making ability and has improved his jump shot enough to be considered a backup point guard option at the NBA level.

Machado does not have the ideal size for an NBA point guard and is not quick enough to be a reliable perimeter defender against pro talent. He is a compact 6-foot-2 and does not have the length to make up for his lack of lateral quickness.

Machado is not likely to be a starting NBA point guard, but he could serve as a solid bench option at the pro level.

Where the Celtics could get him: Machado is projected as a late second-round pick if he is selected at all, so the Celtics have options should they be looking for a backup for Rajon Rondo.

Notes: Machado led all of Division 1 last season with 281 total assists (9.9 per game). He is the all-time leader in Iona and MAAC history with 880 career assists. … If Machado is drafted, he will be the first player from Iona selected since Sean Green went to the Pacers in the second round in 1991.

Recent articles:

Detroit Free Press: Iona point guard Scott Machado on Pistons’ radar ^[4]

ESPN: Iona’s Machado inspired by Linsanity ^[5]

Video: Here is a highlight package of Machado (3) in his team’s matchup with Niagara on Jan. 6.