The Boston Celtics will have two chances to add young talent to their roster at next month's NBA Draft. Brad Stevens and company hold picks 28 and 32 this year, as the Celtics approach a crossroads with their roster.
It's no secret that the Cs could look different next season. Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear, combined with the league's second apron penalties, puts Boston in a position to be sellers this summer as they look to cut costs. The most likely candidates to be traded are Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, who will earn a combined $63.1 million in the 2025-26 campaign.
Assuming that those two will no longer be wearing Celtic green in the fall, Boston could wind up feeling a bit thin at the guard and center spots. It would be wise for them to consider those positions as they build their draft boards.
Speaking of, the most recent mock draft from No Ceilings predicts that the Celtics will select Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. at pick No. 28. Clayton Jr. entered the NBA Draft after a strong senior season, where he helped lead the Gators to their third National Championship. The six-foot-three guard led the team in scoring with 18.3 points per game on 44.8% from the field and 38.6% from three in 39 appearances.
Many fans will remember Clayton Jr. for his strong showing in the NCAA Tournament. He raised his scoring average by four points per game, with multiple 30-point outings along the way. His shooting splits improved as well, rising to 47.4/43.5.
Does Walter Clayton Jr. make sense for the Celtics?
Considering that Boston's guard rotation could consist of Derrick White and Payton Pritchard as starters with JD Davison as the lone bench option, adding Clayton Jr. would make plenty of sense.
It's not tough to envision him sliding into the depth chart to be a microwave scorer off the bench.
The 22-year-old would fit nicely with the Celtics' three-point heavy "Mazzulla ball" offense. He can shoot it well regardless if he's catching and shooting (40%) or creating off the dribble (37.1%).
His explosive performances in the tournament not only showcased his shot-making ability but also his confidence. Clayton Jr.'s first shot of the entire championship run was a three from the halfcourt logo. If the Celtics were to ask him to be a catch-and-shoot guy who occasionally attacks closeouts, it wouldn't be hard to imagine him making an early impact.
Those attributes will remind many Celtics fans of Pritchard when he first came into the league. He was a viable offensive option for an underwhelming Boston team, who still needed time to become the Sixth Man of the Year type of player he is today.
Of course, Clayton Jr. isn't a perfect player. No one is, especially entering the NBA. Being on the smaller side, he's the type of player who could easily be targeted on defense. Teams across the association love to hunt switches until they get their top scorer the most favorable matchup.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor pointed to the All-American's defense as a top concern for him as a prospect in the site's latest mock draft.
"He’s aloof," O'Connor wrote. "He loses focus. He blows assignments. He’s not a strong on-ball defender. Is shot-making prowess going to be enough to overcome this flaw? Perhaps to earn a role. But to be a big minutes NBA player, he needs to be more locked in on D."
As much as Joe Mazzulla values shooting, he equally emphasizes defense. He has never consistently given minutes to any player whom he doesn't feel can contribute on both ends of the floor. The exciting offense would be great, but Clayton Jr. would have his work cut out for him if he wanted to hypothetically crack the rotation.
With that being said, working alongside Pritchard everyday would be a great way for Clayton Jr. to find his way in the league, even if he doesn't spend his entire career in Boston.
For a more in-depth look at potential Celtics prospects, check out the "How 'Bout Them Celtics" draft preview, where Jack Simone and I run through plenty of names, including Clayton Jr., with No Ceilings' Tyler Rucker.