Illinois Fighting Illini center Meyers Leonard declared for the 2012 NBA Draft after his sophomore season. The big man has rare athleticism for a 7-footer that should make him a first round pick, even if he's considered to be raw on both ends of the court. In the most recent mock draft from Draft Express, Leonard falls to the Boston Celtics at pick No. 21, which is later than he's been projected in many mocks.
Because big men are always at a premium, it stands to reason Leonard could be skyrocket up the board as the draft nears. Falling to Boston might not be a bad career move for the former Illini center, though. Another former Big Ten center, Greg Stiemsma of Wisconsin, enjoyed a nice run with the C's this year. With the impending free agency of Kevin Garnett, it seems likely Boston will be in the market for a big with one of their two first round picks.
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