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.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I'm firmly in the "Darryn Peterson is the next Jalen Green" camp.

I also can't shake the comparisons in my mind with Ben McLemore.

I would take Dybantsa, Wilson, and Boozer over him, in that order.

I might take Acuff and Flemings over him as well, depending on how interviews and general vibes went with him pre-draft.

[Goldstar88]

I'm firmly in the "Darryn Peterson is the next Jalen Green" camp.

I also can't shake the comparisons in my mind with Ben McLemore.

I would take Dybantsa, Wilson, and Boozer over him, in that order.

I might take Acuff and Flemings over him as well, depending on how interviews and general vibes went with him pre-draft.

Jalen Green isn?t bad lol. Career averages of 20pts/4rebs/3ast.

Feel like Peterson has more upside than Boozer, tbh. He?s a better athlete, has better size for his position. Feel like Cam is too slow to play the 4 in the NBA. He also plays below the rim which isn?t ideal.

AJ seems to be the best player by a good margin. Then I?d go Peterson or Wilson. I?d probably take Acuff/Flemings over Boozer.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I'm firmly in the "Darryn Peterson is the next Jalen Green" camp.

I also can't shake the comparisons in my mind with Ben McLemore.

I would take Dybantsa, Wilson, and Boozer over him, in that order.

I might take Acuff and Flemings over him as well, depending on how interviews and general vibes went with him pre-draft.

Jalen Green isn?t bad lol. Career averages of 20pts/4rebs/3ast.

Feel like Peterson has more upside than Boozer, tbh. He?s a better athlete, has better size for his position. Feel like Cam is too slow to play the 4 in the NBA. He also plays below the rim which isn?t ideal.

AJ seems to be the best player by a good margin. Then I?d go Peterson or Wilson. I?d probably take Acuff/Flemings over Boozer.

Oh I agree. Green isn't bad, but he isn't the player you are hoping for if you draft him in the top 3.

Most people think Peterson has better upside. I may not disagree, but I also think he is much more likely just a starting scoring guard in the NBA that never quite breaks into star status. I think Boozer is likely something like Julius Randle. Players like Randle are more rare than players like Jalen Green. So to me, you take the more rare skillset.

[Goldstar88]

I'm firmly in the "Darryn Peterson is the next Jalen Green" camp.

I also can't shake the comparisons in my mind with Ben McLemore.

I would take Dybantsa, Wilson, and Boozer over him, in that order.

I might take Acuff and Flemings over him as well, depending on how interviews and general vibes went with him pre-draft.

Jalen Green isn?t bad lol. Career averages of 20pts/4rebs/3ast.

Feel like Peterson has more upside than Boozer, tbh. He?s a better athlete, has better size for his position. Feel like Cam is too slow to play the 4 in the NBA. He also plays below the rim which isn?t ideal.

AJ seems to be the best player by a good margin. Then I?d go Peterson or Wilson. I?d probably take Acuff/Flemings over Boozer.

Oh I agree. Green isn't bad, but he isn't the player you are hoping for if you draft him in the top 3.

Most people think Peterson has better upside. I may not disagree, but I also think he is much more likely just a starting scoring guard in the NBA that never quite breaks into star status. I think Boozer is likely something like Julius Randle. Players like Randle are more rare than players like Jalen Green. So to me, you take the more rare skillset.

IDK, feel like Randle is a much better athlete than Cam Boozer is.

[No Nickname]

Hough (#10j for Florida could be a steal.

He looks like the kind of guy the Heat will pick up and be a contributor for a long time

[Who]

Cam Boozer seems like Sengun. Less height. More shooting ability. An offensive dynamo at center.