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Fultz confident he could coexist with Thomas in Celtics' backcourt

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

While there's roughly three or four prospects who could potentially go first overall in this year's NBA draft, the consensus among analysts and basketball fans alike appears to be that Washington's Markelle Fultz is the safe bet to be selected with the No. 1 pick.

That pick currently belongs to the Boston Celtics, who are led by All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas. Fultz, who plays the same position, has little doubt that he can play alongside Thomas should the Celtics draft him on June 22.

"Me and Isaiah Thomas would be a great backcourt. I think the opportunity that would be there would be amazing," Fultz said ahead the lottery. "For him to play off the ball, where I think he's better at it, or him to play on ball and I can play off the ball, I think the chemistry would be amazing."

Related: Pierce recommends Celtics look into trading No. 1 pick

Fultz was the primary facilitator during his one season of college ball, averaging 5.9 assists to go along with his 23.2 points, although he did turn the rock over 3.2 times per game. Nonetheless, the 18-year-old is open to playing either guard position as a pro, if that's what the team he joins expects of him.

"I just love the game, and I think I'm versatile enough to play the 1 or the 2. Whatever a team needs me to do to win, I feel I'm capable of doing," Fultz added.

LaVar Ball, the father of former UCLA Bruin Lonzo Ball, hopes the Celtics take Fultz, because that would open the door for the Los Angeles Lakers to draft his son.

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