What proved to be an exciting and encouraging regular season has, once again, ended in severe disappointment for the Boston Celtics. A Game 7 loss to the No. 7-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs sent the No. 2-seeded Celtics home early.
It’s now back-to-back seasons that Boston has failed to reach the Conference Finals, following its championship win in 2024. Unlike last year, when a stroke of horrible luck ruptured Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles, the Celtics could have prevented this season’s exit, as they initially led the series 3-1.
While Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s squad will still almost certainly be in early talks of 2027 contenders out of the Eastern Conference, the team can still make clear improvements. The upcoming NBA Draft on Jun. 23 provides an opportunity to do just that.
Celtics Draft Picks:
- No. 27
- N0. 40
Celtics Draft Needs:
It may sound like a broken record to many, but the Celtics still need more front court depth. Although players such as Neemias Queta and Luka Garza stepped up to man the middle, Boston still finished the season ranked 27th in points in the paint.
The Celtics acquired Nikola Vucevic from Chicago in February to bolster frontcourt depth. However, Vucevic produced very little. Furthermore, he hits free agency this summer, and there is a real chance he signs with another squad.
The Celtics’ picks aren’t good enough to draft a player immediately capable of taking over Queta’s role of starting center. However, this loaded draft class contains a few players who can make a positive impact down low.
Celtics Draft Targets:
Tarris Reed Jr. — C — UConn
After transferring to Connecticut from the University of Michigan, Reed’s collegiate career took off. The 2026 first-team All-Big East honoree stands at 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds. He led UConn in scoring, rebounding, and blocks this past season, averaging 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per contest.
Reed has proven he can score in the paint, protect the rim, and clean the glass. His muscular, NBA-ready frame is also a plus. Despite him being a little undersized for his position, his sturdy build will prevent him from being bullied by longer bodies in the post.
By drafting Reed, Boston will not be getting a freakishly athletic center who lives above the rim. Instead, they will be getting a player with a soft touch, above-average footwork, and a nose for rebounding. Of course, it also helps that Reed was coached by Dan Hurley, a coach who demands an unwavering work ethic from his players.
Mock drafts project Reed to go in the late-first round to early-second round.
Zuby Ejiofor — PF/C — St. John’s
Another star hailing from the Big East Conference, the 6-foot-9, 245-pound Ejiofor had a dominant senior season for the Johnnies. With averages of 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, Ejiofor earned both Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Ejiofor’s most attractive trait is his ability to guard numerous positions. Although he is even more undersized than Reed, he has a 7-foot-1 wingspan and is nimble on his feet. Offensively, he thrives off the pick and roll, and has shown a much improved finishing ability around the rim. Also, he’s shown signs of developing a mid-range jump shot or floater.
Ejiofor is currently projected to hear his name called in the early second-round.
Luigi Suigo — C — KK Mega Basket
Standing at a staggering 7-foot-3 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, the international 19-year-old does have some interesting potential. While playing for KK Mega Basket this past year, Suigo posted averages of 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
These stats are certainly not eye-popping. However, the tape shows a player with signs of a very dynamic offensive game. Suigo has a smooth-looking jumper and can play the pick and pop game, a must for modern bigs. He’s shown he has the ability to use his verticality to alter shots, and can run the floor gracefully.
Weighing in at 240 pounds, Suigo will definitely need to put on some muscle to maintain a presence down low. He is currently projected to be drafted in the early second-round.
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