Early look at the 2026 draft

[Goldstar88]

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.

Wonder why they have the Celtics taking a C when Queta is playing at such a high level and seems likely to be the Celtics center going forward. Garza or Vooch is a solid enough backup. Feel like the Cs should target a PF. That seems like more of a position of need since they really don?t have a backup for JT. Morez Johnson Jr does look decent.