Get ready to learn NBA Draft, buddy. As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, your Boston Celtics hold the 27th and 40th picks in the 2026 edition of the event. If you’re like the majority of the fanbase and you spent the last month or so salivating over the idea of the Celtics landing Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade, then you might need a quick draft day refresher.
We’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a quick look at three frontcourt players who could make for smart Celtics first-round selections.
Zuby Ejiofor: F/C, St. John’s
Zuby Ejiofor has become somewhat of a draft darling here in Celtics land. The reigning Big East Player of the Year and Big East Defensive Player of the Year would be a great get for Boston, hands down.
Ejiofor appeared in 37 games for the Johnnies, starting each time. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 53.6% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc on 1.6 attempts per outing.
At six-foot-nine-inches tall and 245 pounds, the 22-year-old’s frame should help him put his defensive skills to work immediately to slow down NBA-level bigs. Ejiofor’s impact doesn’t stop in the frontcourt, either. He’s more than comfortable moving his feet on the perimeter and did a great job of swatting away jumpshots to finish off his defensive stands.
Offensively, his feel for the game stands out. Ejiofor consistently found cutters at St. John’s, filled his spots properly, and sets strong screens.
The biggest question is his scoring ability. In college, his jumper was largely inconsistent and he lacks the burst to make an impact above the rim.
Nonetheless, Ejiofor possesses plenty of Al-Horford-like traits, which should always excite Celtics fans.
Tarris Reed Jr.: C, UConn
UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. could be a great depth option for a rather thin Celtics frontcourt. He makes an impact on both sides of the floor and has the tools to be a strong role player for Boston.
Reed Jr. appeared in 35 games for the Huskies, starting each time. He averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 60.7% from the field.
It’s not hard to see the offensive fit. The senior center sets strong screens, finishes well at the rim, and has a great nose for the offensive glass; tools that have proven valuable for Celtics centers in years past.
He filled a mostly low-usage role at UConn, so being asked to do something similar in Boston wouldn’t be too much of an adjustment.
Reed. Jr’s six-foot-eleven-inch, 265-pound frame should keep him from being taken advantage of by veteran bigs. In fact, his discipline at the college level stood out. Reed Jr. committed just under three fouls per game to go along with his pair of blocks.
He doesn’t have the same foot speed as Ejiofor, but is a promising prospect, nonetheless.
Henri Veesaar: F/C, North Carolina
Henri Veesaar, another frontcourt prospect, would give Boston a different look than Ejiofor and Reed. His ability to stretch the floor helps him stand out.
The 22-year-old was named to the All-ACC Second Team after an impressive senior season for the Tar Heels.
Veesaar averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60.8% from the field and 42.6% from beyond the arc, across 31 starts for UNC.
His shooting ability, length, and athleticism offer shades of Kristaps Porzingis. Veesaar gets off of his feet quickly when he rolls the rim, making it difficult for defenders to recover and challenge him from behind. He converted 75.9% of his attempts in the restricted area this season -- an impressive clip.
Veesaar offers a strong presence on the glass, too.
Defensively, he can block shots, but can sometimes be overeager and bite on pumpfakes. Veesaar should look to bulk up a bit at just 227 pounds. The Estonian would likely struggle against stronger players if he were inserted into the rotation immediately.
Still, there’s plenty to like about his game, and Boston should be excited if he’s waiting for them at 27.
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