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.

Czech guard Tomas Satoransky is expected to remain in Europe for at least a couple of seasons before he's ready to make an NBA roster.

TOMAS SATORANSKY

Position: Point guard/shooting guard

Team: Cajasol Sevilla (Spain)

Age: 20

Height: 6-foot-7

Weight: 201 pounds

Achievements: 2010 ACB slam dunk contest champion

Key 2011-12 stats: 4.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 43.5 FG%, 17.0 minutes

What he brings: Satoransky is a Czech-born playmaking guard who has a high basketball IQ. He brings energy to the court, giving him the potential to be solid option off the bench. At 6-foot-7, Satoransky has very good size for his position, and his dunking ability will make him a fan favorite wherever he lands.

However, Satoransky still needs to get stronger before he will be ready for the NBA, as he is beanpole thin and will get pushed around. Satoransky needs to improve his outside shooting as well, and tends to be beaten off the dribble by quicker, smaller guards. Satoransky still has plenty of work ahead but could be a backup guard at the next level after a couple of additional years in Europe.

Where the Celtics could get him: Satoransky is projected to be taken late in the second round.

Notes: Satoransky made a name for himself with his performance at the 2009 Eurocamp, when he shined as a 17-year-old playing against mostly older players. But he hasn’t shown enough consistency, especially with his jump shot, playing professionally in Spain.

Recent articles:

CSN Washington: NBA Draft Profile: Tomas Satoransky

Truth About It: Who the heck is Tomas Satoransky

Video: Here is a package of Satoransky highlights from last year’s Eurocup final.

The Rockets have acquired the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft from the Timberwolves in return for Chase Budinger and the rights to Lior Eliyahu according to multiple reports.

The deal gives the Rockets the 14th, 16th and 18th overall picks in Thursday’s draft, which gives them plenty of ammunition for more trades. The Rockets have been linked to a potential deal involving the Kings’ fifth overall pick in the draft, as well another deal involving the Raptors’ eighth overall pick.

The Rockets are reportedly using these trades to make a strong push towards acquiring Dwight Howard from the Magic despite the fact that Howard intends to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Budinger, who was the 44th overall pick in the 2009 draft, averaged 9.6 points in 22.4 minutes per game last season. The 6-foot-7 small forward shot 40.2 percent from three-point range last season and is likely to help a Timberwolves team that struggled to score from the wing. Eliyahu is a 6-foot-10, 232 pound forward who was originally  taken with the 44th overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Magic and plays professionally in Israel.

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.

Jae Crowder, the 2012 Big East Player of the Year, might find the transition to the NBA difficult due to his lack of height and quickness for his position. (AP)

JAE CROWDER

Position: Small forward/power forward

Team: Marquette

Age: 21

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 241 pounds

Achievements: 2012 Big East Player of the Year, 2012 All-America second team (AP, Sporting News)

Key 2011-12 stats: 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 32.9 minutes, 2.5 steals

What he brings: Crowder is an undersized forward who will likely struggle defensively at the NBA level due to his lack of size and quickness. Crowder is not athletic enough to be a consistent performer at the next level and lacks explosiveness.

However, what Crowder lacks in size and quickness he has in effort and toughness, as he is strong for a player his size and will be an energy player off the bench. He is a smart player who will fight through contact to finish his shot and has decent range as a shooter. He will never be a star at the NBA level, but Crowder could be an undersized sparkplug off the bench.

Where the Celtics could get him: Crowder is projected to be selected in the back half of the second round.

Notes: Crowder was named the 2012 Reese’s College All-Star Game MVP. … Before joining Marquette in 2010, Crowder led Howard County Junior College to its first NJCAA men’s college basketball title and was named 2010 NJCAA Player of the Year. … His father, Corey Crowder, played briefly in the NBA for the Jazz and Spurs.

Recent articles:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Crowder, DJO try to make the most of Chicago Combine

Chicago Tribune: Marquette’s Crowder finishes strong

Video: Here is a quick look at what Crowder has to offer.

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.

Terrence Jones has the build of an NBA player but needs work to reach his potential after two years at Kentucky. (AP)

TERRENCE JONES

Position: Small forward/power forward

Team: Kentucky

Age: 20

Height: 6-foot-9

Weight: 252 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-SEC second team (coaches), 2012 All-SEC Tournament team, 2011 All-SEC first team (coaches), 2011 SEC Freshman of the Year

Key 2011-12 stats: 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 29.3 minutes, 50.0 FG%

What he brings: Jones is an inconsistent, raw prospect who played two seasons under John Calipari at Kentucky. However, Jones has the build and the athleticism to become an impact starter in the NBA.

His size (6-foot-9, 7-foot-2 wingspan) makes him a versatile forward, and he can play in the post and as more of a point forward. He is a crafty defender whose length and lateral quickness make him a very good on-ball defender. That same athleticism and length makes him a high quality rebounder as well.

Offensively he finishes well at the rim, is a smooth ball-handler and is a good passer. However, he has to improve his consistency from 3-point range and shot selection to reach his full potential on the offensive end.

Where the Celtics could get him: Jones is projected to be taken in the mid-to-late first round. He might be there for the Celtics at either one of their first-round picks.

Notes: Jones is a cousin of former NBA players Damon Stoudamire and Salim Stoudamire. … He led Jefferson High School in Portland, Ore., to three consecutive state championships, something no 5A or 6A Oregon school had ever accomplished.

Recent articles:

ESPN Dallas: Draft Preview: Terrence Jones

Yahoo! Sports: Terrence Jones surprised his mom with a new car on Mother’s Day

Video: Here is a highlight clip of Jones at Kentucky.

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.

MEAC Player of the Year Kyle O'Quinn has been rising up draft boards and might sneak into the first round. (AP)

KYLE O’QUINN

Position: Power forward/center

Team: Norfolk State

Age: 22

Height: 6-foot-10

Weight: 240 pounds

Achievements: 2012 Lou Henson Award (Mid-Major Player of the Year), 2012 MEAC Player of the Year, 2012 All-MEAC first team, 2012 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2012 MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, 2011 All-MEAC first team, 2011 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2010 All-MEAC second team

Key 2011-12 stats: 15.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, .573 FG%

What he brings: O’Quinn has an NBA-ready build, and he uses his size and strength to dominate the boards. The New York City native has good length, including a freakish 7-foot-5 wingspan, and is impressive in the low post as he is physical enough to score near the hoop as well as block shots. O’Quinn also possesses a decent mid-range jump shot and is a crafty passer.

However, playing at Norfolk State leaves him relatively unproven against top competition. He is not the best athlete and needs to improve his shot selection as well as his pick-and-roll defense.

Where the Celtics could get him: Early projections pegged O’Quinn for the middle of the second round, but he has been climbing up draft boards since his strong showing at the combine. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he went late in the first round to a team willing to be patient with his development.

Notes: O’Quinn played a big role in Norfolk State’s upset of second-seeded Missouri in the NCAA tournament, recording 26 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in the win.

Recent articles:

Virginian Pilot: NSU’s Quinn in hurry to impress before NBA draft

NBC Sports: Kyle O’Quinn talks about the NBA Draft

Video: Here is a highlight package of O’Quinn’s senior season.

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.

JaMychal Green boosted his stock with a strong showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in April. (AP)

JAMYCHAL GREEN

Position: Power forward

Team: Alabama

Age: 21

Height: 6-foot-9

Weight: 217 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-SEC second team (coaches), 2011 All-SEC first team (coaches), 2009 SEC All-Freshman team

Key 2011-12 stats: 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 29.2 minutes

What he brings: Green is an effective low-post scorer, and he can get a high-release hook shot off over taller defenders. However, he is limited with other moves in the post and could become predictable at the next level. The intensity that he has in the paint should make him a very good rebounder and a serviceable scorer at the next level.

Green is inconsistent on the defensive end, though, because he does not have great lateral movement. He is a little undersized for a power forward in the NBA and is not a good enough athlete to make up for it.

He has potential due to his length but will likely be a second-round pick and serve as a bench player for an NBA team.

Where the Celtics could get him: Green is projected to be taken late in the second round, so he should be available to the Celtics at No. 51.

Notes: Green was given a four-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team in February, which was his third suspension in his time with Alabama. This could be a red flag for an NBA team looking to draft Green. … Green performed well in April at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament for draft prospects. In his opening game he scored 29 points on 14-for-18 shooting with 10 rebounds. He finished as the tournament’s second-leading scorer, shooting 64 percent from the field.

Recent articles:

Detroit Free Press: Alabama’s JaMychal Green — potential second-rounder — improving stock after college days

ESPN: Alabama suspends JaMychal Green

Video: Here is a short highlight clip of Green.

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.

Perry Jones III has size and athleticism, but he is young and needs lots of work to reach his potential. (AP)

PERRY JONES III

Position: Small forward/power forward

School: Baylor

Age: 20

Height: 6-foot-11

Weight: 234 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All Big-12 third team, 2011 All-Big 12 second team, 2011 Big-12 All-Rookie team

Key 2011-12 stats: 14.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 50.0 FG%, 30.7 minutes

What he brings: Jones, who leaves Baylor after his sophomore season, is one of the most athletic players in the draft, as his size and quickness give him the potential to be an impact player at the NBA level. He is a smooth ball-handler, a good shooter from mid-range, and a good rebounder thanks to his 7-foot-2 wingspan.

While he moves quickly like a big guard, he could be tougher in the paint if he wants to handle the contact at the NBA level. For a player his size, he needs to work on his post play and his aggressiveness if he wants to reach his full potential.

He was not very consistent at the college level and his effort was questioned at times. If the Celtics do draft Jones, they will draft him based upon his potential and not necessarily his production in college.

Where the Celtics could get him: Jones has been mocked all around the first round, including at pick No. 21 to the Celtics. Jones has a good chance of being in line for the Celtics to take him with either one of their first two picks.

Notes: The NCAA declared Jones ineligible toward the end of the season after an investigation about whether he received improper benefits from an AAU coach before going to college. He would have had to serve a five-game suspension and pay back $700 if he wanted to return to Baylor next year.

Recent articles:

Sports Illustrated: Baylor’s Jones finally tapping into potential

Fox Sports Ohio: Jones a gifted mystery man

Video: Here is a highlight package of Jones’ sophomore season