Report: Celtics GM Ainge 'locked in' on Aaron Gordon with No. 6 pick

While the NBA Finals kick off on Thursday, 28 teams and fan bases are just as focused on the upcoming June 26 NBA draft. As such, along with finals season, it's mock draft season.

While some mock drafts amount to analysts simply ranking players as they'd select them - a fun, if not particularly valuable exercise - there are a handful of insiders who mock things up based on insider information. ESPN's Chad Ford is the flag-bearer in this regard, but it was Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix who raised eyebrows on Wednesday with his latest.

From Mannix:

6. Boston Celtics -- Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona freshman, 6-9, 220

Several league sources believe that Celtics GM Danny Ainge is locked in on Gordon. While Gordon's shooting is a concern, he is a strong rebounder and shot blocker who can defend either forward spot and has been compared to Shawn Marion. A trade is possible here, too. Ainge is always on the lookout for a make a blockbuster deal, and with Boston's assets he is more than equipped to do so.

The No. 6 pick seems to be where Aaron Gordon's range begins, with Ford ranking him eighth and setting his range of outcomes as Nos. 5-10, while DraftExpress has him mocked at No. 10 currently.

It's easy to see how a team getting a closer look could become enamored with the Arizona product, as he's the type of player who should shine in workouts. He measured safely within "power forward" parameters and is one of the best all-around athletes in the draft (and a sure bet to be among the league's most exciting dunkers), which should play up well in an intimate setting.

While his immediate value isn't necessarily as high as some others that could be available at No. 6, thanks in part to Gordon's ugly jumper and trouble at the free throw line, he should be an above-average defender immediately, with All-Defensive upside. The fit with Boston isn't immediately clear, but the Celtics are in a fluid state, committed to few and looking to assemble talent, which Gordon has in spades.

[Dap EOB]