2026 draft class. Best fit for celtics

[slightly biased bias fan]

Someone who has not really been talked about yet (due to injury) is UConn Huskies Braylon Mullins.

The guy has some Reggie Miller/Chris Mullin to his game.

[Darth_Yoda]

I was surprised by how small Darryn Peterson looked after hearing about how he was a big two guard. He was more like a Larry Hughes sized SG than a Kobe Bryant.

Yeah, even Peterson himself is not a fan of the Kobe talk.

For me, a more polished (mentally stable) Gilbert Arenas is a better comparison.

PEterson is an elite defender, I dont see the Arenas comp.


If Anything he is a bigger, excellently defensive Damian Lillard.

Lillard with his scoring creation, Pull up ability, Shooting touch and the ability to attack a defense
Got some SGA level midrange game and Burst
Got some Kobe in regards to competitiveness, Footwork and 2way ability

6-5 200-205lbb as a 18 year old who still could grow another inch or 2 and easily fill out to another 15-20 lbs

[Birdman]

Anyone who is over 6-10, can rebound & protect the rim

[Moranis]

Peterson is another kid from NE Ohio.  Quite an Olympic squad could be put together just from Ohio born players.

Steph, McCollum, LeVert, LeBron, Nance
Peterson, Kennard, Trent, Tate, McBride, Branham, Livingston, Hayes-Davis, Bronny
Rozier dishonorable mention.

Need some big guys, but pretty solid talent overall led by the 2 all timers at the top of the roster. 

[SHAQATTACK]

Looking for 5ft 7 max ,  save money

[Celtics4ever]

I do think a lot of what the best fit is will depend on where we draft.    I would prefer a PF who can play C, or a SF.  I am assuming we miss out of the lottery as of our record today. This is a realistic best fit.  This assumes Brown moves back to SG.  I don't think Haugh could play C but he is my pick for fit where we are drafting as of today's record.

Thomas Haugh Florida would be the best fit where we are picking.

6'9" 215lbs     19 PPG and 8.5 RPG  and he can shoot the three at 36%

Strengths

    Versatility & Athleticism: Mobile and coordinated 6?9? forward with length, agility, and bounce.

    Finishing & Efficiency: Elite rim runner and transition finisher who plays above the rim and thrives off cuts.

    Defensive Versatility: Switchable defender with good timing, discipline, and lateral quickness.

    Motor & Energy: Relentless competitor who sprints the floor, crashes the glass, and sets the tone with hustle.

    Basketball IQ: Understands spacing, rotations, and makes smart, simple reads.

    Rebounding & Activity: Uses length and anticipation to generate extra possessions and contest shots.

Concerns

    Perimeter Shooting Consistency: Has shown flashes but is still developing as an outside shooter.

    Offensive Creation: Relies more on movement and transition play; limited self-creation off the dribble.

    Foul Discipline: Aggressive instincts can lead to unnecessary fouls when contesting or switching.

    Offensive Confidence: Can be too deferential at times, passing up open looks.

    Ball Security: Ball handling and decision-making can tighten up under pressure.

    Consistency & Assertiveness: Impacts the game more through effort than usage; becoming a consistent offensive presence would elevate his value.

https://youtu.be/ZrSz1cDdyX8

I think this could help us at either spot depending on Tatum's return.   If he can play SF you move him there.    If he is a big slower you play him at PF.   Haugh could play either.  My prediction is based on where we are in the draft today which would be 15th.

Neoklis Avdalas would be nice if he dropped too.  I don't think we will be high enough to get the top guys as we are tanking by roster, and certainly not tanking via effort.  Nate Ament would be a dream pick for me.  I like Caleb Wilson as well.  But these guys won't be where we are picking.