Early look at the 2026 draft

[Boss_D]

After seeing Denver drive at will, with Neemi out I think we need a rim protector type, to stop layup fests from developing.

Tankathon suggests Aday Mara.

Flory Bidunga might be the answer.

[CFAN38]

After seeing Denver drive at will, with Neemi out I think we need a rim protector type, to stop layup fests from developing.

Tankathon suggests Aday Mara.

Flory Bidunga might be the answer.

I really wanted to like Flory as a prospect but he has a few red flags for me. The biggest one being his size he measured 6'7 no shoes 216lbs with a 7'2ws in 2024 (so he was 18yr old at the time). Kansas currently lists him at 6'10 235 I really worry that he will be 6'7 at the combine making him really SF sized. ( J Walsh was 6'5.75" 204lbs with 7'1.75" ws at combine). With the NBA trending back to larger bigs I worry that a Wing sized big man with no signs of shooting the ball will have a tough time getting minutes. If Flory where drafted at 40 I would like the swing but not as a 1st round pick.

Along the same lines I really like Jojo Tugler especially given that he is projected as a mid to late 2nd round pick. He like Flory he is short for a big (likely 6'6) but makes up for it was a rumored 7'6" wingspan and a strong frame, he is listed at 6'8 230lbs but I would guess he is heavier. His combination of mobility, extreme length, and strength is really rare and those attributes could make him an interesting back up 5 for the Cs. 

[Boss_D]

Jonathan Wasserman has Tarris Reed Jr. of UConn goes to Celtics at #40 in his latest Mock Draft

[CFAN38]

Jonathan Wasserman has Tarris Reed Jr. of UConn goes to Celtics at #40 in his latest Mock Draft

random observation,any mock draft that projects the 2nd round is worthless unless its primarily seniors NIL has and will continue to make the 2nd round the auto eligible round. Last year 19 or the 29 picks where seniors, 7 where international players and 3 where juniors.

[Phantom255x]

From reading a lot of draft sites and mock drafts online, the three most common players they have the Celtics taking seem to be:

Aday Mara (Michigan), Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) and Patrick Ngongba II (Duke)

What are people's thoughts on these guys, particularly the last two as I admittedly don't know them too well. It's interesting that most of these mocks also seem to have us selecting PF/C. I agree, that's our biggest need.

[CFAN38]

From reading a lot of draft sites and mock drafts online, the three most common players they have the Celtics taking seem to be:

Aday Mara (Michigan), Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) and Patrick Ngongba II (Duke)

What are people's thoughts on these guys, particularly the last two as I admittedly don't know them too well. It's interesting that most of these mocks also seem to have us selecting PF/C. I agree, that's our biggest need.

Mara, there is a lot to like. Giant at 7'3 with a near 7'7 wingspan, elite shot blocker, and really good passing big man. He does make me nervous as a potential "hack a shaq" victim with his poor FT%. His over all strength, stamina, and mobility also worry me. He doesn't move like Chet/Wemby and doesnt have the strength of a Edey or Clingan. I'm comfortable projected Mara as a Kornet level NBA big with some upside as a shot blocker/passer but knowing their are physical limitations that may limit him.

Morez, Ive posted about before. Love his game and fit with the Cs. I know doubt he falls that late or is even a trade up target. My two comps are Not as long but more explosive I Stewart or a high Bball IQ Previous Achiuwa. I think he thrives as a big min backup behind and some times along side Neema

Ngongba, great size, strength and mobility. The big concern i've read is a history of foot issues. I wonder if that pushes him into the draft or he locks in another safe NIL deal? If medicals check out he is probably the only big in this class who I view as a true starting 5. I like a lot of the bigs in this class as high end backups.

[Goldstar88]

Jeremy Fears Jr looks legit. Great passer(9apg), 6?2/190lbs but he has a solid build. Quick first step, athletic. Averaging 16ppg with shooting splits 45/32/89. Last year he shot 42% from 3pt. Projected to be a 2nd round pick. Would like to see the Celtics take a flier on him.

[Goldstar88]

Maleek Thomas is another one. 6?5 freshmen SG for Arkansas. Averaging 15pts/4rebs/3ast. Good athlete, 43/44/87 shooting splits. Projected to go late first/early second round.