The Boston Celtics need to find a partner to team with Neemias Queta to form a potent 1-2 punch at the center position. That could mean finding a new starter. However, the seven-footer from Portugal was a top-10 player at his position in the regular season, in this author's opinion. Then, he demonstrated his mental fortitude in Game 7 vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. The fifth-year center generated 17 points and 12 rebounds and was among Boston's best players that day. Between that and what he showcased before the playoffs, he has proven worthy of retaining his spot in the first unit.
The Celtics' depth chart at center also features Luka Garza. He's a player they know they can depend on when they call his number. He provides an infusion of energy and relentless hustle. His team can count on him to make an impact on the offensive glass, set productive screens, and trust him to knock down shots from beyond the arc.
There are veteran options, like Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson, and Robert Williams III, who could join Boston's other two options at the pivot to form an exciting triumvirate.
However, there are also a few intriguing prospects at that position in this year's draft. The 2026 class doesn't appear particularly deep at that spot, but Luigi Suigo is among the names to know.
Scouting the 'Italian Wemby'
At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Suigo measured 7-2.75 and 289 pounds. Given his coordination and skill at that size, one can understand why he has stated he wants to be the Italian Wemby. However, teams around the Association probably won't share that vision.
There are shades of Kristaps Porzingis, but that was a unicorn who went fourth overall and earned an All-Star selection. Even for a 19-year-old with a 7-5.5 wingspan and 9-6 standing reach, that could prove out of his grasp.
Still, it's easy to recognize the promising foundation Suigo is working with. At his height, to be able to knock down shots from beyond the arc, demonstrate a good feel as a passer, and protect the rim, teams would love the chance to mold a talent like his.
The following scouting report on him was formed by watching Suigo in the 2024 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. There, he faced AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, among other top prospects in this year's draft. It's also an assessment based on watching his performance in an ABA regular-season matchup between his club, Mega Superbet, and Budućnost VOLI. The latter finished atop the Group B standings. Lastly, there was how he fared against Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in the Radivoj Korać Cup Finals.
Luigi Suigo's offensive profile
Let's start with his shot. His footwork is clean, he has a high release, and a smooth-looking jumper. Not only will he pick-and-pop, but he will also jab step to buy himself more time and space before launching a 3. That's not something you're accustomed to seeing from someone who's nearly 7-foot-3.
Suigo's skill and savvy also come through in his passing. He has a good feel for the game, sees the floor well, and tends to deliver passes with a soft touch.
He's also active on the glass. The 19-year-old center generated two offensive rebounds per game during the regular season.
As a screener, he does a good job of reading when to slip. However, when the situation called for him to plant himself with a sturdy base and hold his ground, his picks often lacked physicality and contact. His size is an impediment for a defender to navigate. However, he can become significantly more impactful in this department if he sets screens with a wider base and more force.
The fact that Suigo needs to add muscle isn't a surprise for a prospect at his age, especially with his build. But he also needs to develop stronger, more reliable hands. Too often, he'll bobble entry passes or get the ball stripped from him.
Another reason he needs to get stronger and more comfortable dealing with contact is that physicality will slow down his decision-making. And when he's dealing with double-teams, he becomes turnover-prone. There might be fewer post-up opportunities waiting for him in the NBA. However, as he adds muscle mass, he'll have to apply it to respond better to physicality in general, not just on the low blocks.
Luigi Suigo's defensive profile
Suigo's touch, whether as a shooter or a passer, and his feel for the game stood out on offense. Defensively, it was his grace. It's incredible to watch someone of his size be light on his feet, balanced, and able to open his hips fluidly to change direction well.
The nearly seven-foot-three center will make his living in drop coverage. However, it's also impressive to watch him close out or switch on the perimeter.
Part of his defensive maturation will be cutting down on fouls. Instead, he must learn how to utilize his length without forcing the officials to blow the whistle.
Adding muscle will also help Suigo to defend with his chest more effectively. It's also important for him to become more impactful on the defensive glass. And while his size makes him a productive rim protector, one would like to see him become more of a shot-blocker.
Still, his combination of length, mobility, and fluidity on this side of the ball gives him immense upside at the defensive end of the floor.
Luigi Suigo's NBA Draft outlook
At the Combine, Suigo told Kevin Sweeney of Sports Illustrated that he'd need to be "probably top 20" to remain in this year's draft. Otherwise, ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported that he appears bound for Villanova. Based on the most popular mock drafts, like Yahoo Sports' and ESPN's, it appears that his range starts in the low 20s and stretches into the early part of the second round.
The Celtics possess the 27th overall pick this year. They probably aren't offering him a promise that they would take him if he's available. That's likely too far down the board to persuade him not to withdraw anyway. However, picks No. 24-27 include Boston, the New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Forget the prestige of these NBA bluebloods; they each offer a highly regarded player-development program.
Suigo might be right to spend a year developing his game and body in the NCAA. Then he can aim to go higher in the draft. However, the chance to start his career with stability, alongside star players, and within an exemplary infrastructure is worth ruminating on.
If he remains in the draft and is on the board when the Celtics come on the clock, he warrants serious consideration for that selection. With his blend of size and skill and what he brings to the table on both sides of the ball, Suigo could pair with Queta to form a potent 1-2 punch at the center position in Boston for years to come.
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