Early look at the 2026 draft

[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.

The on court product is just so much better for Peterson already than it ever was for Mclemore or Green.

I don't really agree with that.

Jalen Green didn't go to college. He played for the Ignite team, but he was widely regarded as a high level atheltic prospect. 18-4-3 in the g-league.

Ben McLemore's stats were pretty similar to Peterson's in college. His PPG were a little less, but his percentages and assists were higher. I don't think Peterson will be a bust like McLemore, but I also can't get that bias out of my head.

I legit think the hype around Peterson is getting out of hand. I think he's a really good prospect, but the athletic comparisons to guys like Kobe or Edwards are a bit hyperbolic. He's a good not great shooter. He's an ok playmaker. His driving was a bit disappointing in his one college season given what he looked like in high school. He was "injured" alot, and there are definitely questions around his body language. That whole Kansas team had weird vibes, which isn't all on him, but I don't think his "injuries" helped anything.

[slamtheking]

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.

The on court product is just so much better for Peterson already than it ever was for Mclemore or Green.

I don't really agree with that.

Jalen Green didn't go to college. He played for the Ignite team, but he was widely regarded as a high level atheltic prospect. 18-4-3 in the g-league.

Ben McLemore's stats were pretty similar to Peterson's in college. His PPG were a little less, but his percentages and assists were higher. I don't think Peterson will be a bust like McLemore, but I also can't get that bias out of my head.

I legit think the hype around Peterson is getting out of hand. I think he's a really good prospect, but the athletic comparisons to guys like Kobe or Edwards are a bit hyperbolic. He's a good not great shooter. He's an ok playmaker. His driving was a bit disappointing in his one college season given what he looked like in high school. He was "injured" alot, and there are definitely questions around his body language. That whole Kansas team had weird vibes, which isn't all on him, but I don't think his "injuries" helped anything.

this kid has been giving me Ben Simmons vibes --> likes the allure of the fame and money that comes from being an NBA player but without a real competitive spirit to play hard and improve their game once they get there.  Could be very wrong but there's been more than just a little concern about how little it takes to keep him off the court.

[Who]

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.

The on court product is just so much better for Peterson already than it ever was for Mclemore or Green.

I don't really agree with that.

Jalen Green didn't go to college. He played for the Ignite team, but he was widely regarded as a high level atheltic prospect. 18-4-3 in the g-league.

Ben McLemore's stats were pretty similar to Peterson's in college. His PPG were a little less, but his percentages and assists were higher. I don't think Peterson will be a bust like McLemore, but I also can't get that bias out of my head.

I legit think the hype around Peterson is getting out of hand. I think he's a really good prospect, but the athletic comparisons to guys like Kobe or Edwards are a bit hyperbolic. He's a good not great shooter. He's an ok playmaker. His driving was a bit disappointing in his one college season given what he looked like in high school. He was "injured" alot, and there are definitely questions around his body language. That whole Kansas team had weird vibes, which isn't all on him, but I don't think his "injuries" helped anything.

I wonder if they are overshooting it on those comparisons as well.

I wonder if they shouldn't go down a tier on the comparisons to someone like Ray Allen. Fantastic player but you weren't taking Ray ahead of Dybantsa.

A perennial All-Star talent rather than an MVP talent.

[Celtics4ever]

These comparisons are lazy on many levels. I mean, how often are these comparisons right?  Almost never. It is a tool we use to understand but there are so many variables that make these comparisons impossible to get right.  Who they played, who they played with, differences in era and play as you can see it is nigh impossible.

Darryn Peterson struggled against St. John's high pressure D.  In fact, some of these ball pressuring teams did very well this weekend and teams struggled to advance the ball.  He did break Kansas' freshmen scoring record for a tournament game,  I read.   I don't think this is true given Wilt played there.  He is not the same league as Kobe or Michael athletically and struggled to get separation on shots.  He is very good but lacks elite explosion.

The on court product is just so much better for Peterson already than it ever was for Mclemore

McLemore was a mediocre pro at best, that is a low bar to surpass.

I don't think this is a super strong draft this year despite all the hype.   Is any of these players dominant?  AJ Dybantsa maybe....

The thing is, his dad was able to keep his physical edge, which made him an excellent NBA player.  Some undersized guys are like that; even after Elton Brand lost his athleticism he was a load, because he was built like a tree trunk.

I have a different definition of excellent, he was very good but I would not call him excellent by any means.   He was a two time all star,  all pro third team in 2008 would I have loved to have him on the Celtics during his era, of course.   

Strength can make up for some size.   But lack of vertical pop will be a limitation at times.  He has a lot of tools that can neutralize this weakness like high basketball IQ, strength, good positioning and skill level.  Cameron Boozer will be a good player, but I don't think rings will fall out of the sky for him.

[Who]

Kevin Love could be a good recent comparison for Cam Boozer. Both were among the most refined / skilled post players in the last 20 years. Great fundamentals. Passing ability. Decision making. Shooting. Great fundamentals. Both subpar athletes. Undersized bigs.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

These comparisons are lazy on many levels. I mean, how often are these comparisons right?  Almost never. It is a tool we use to understand but there are so many variables that make these comparisons impossible to get right.  Who they played, who they played with, differences in era and play as you can see it is nigh impossible.

Darryn Peterson struggled against St. John's high pressure D.  In fact, some of these ball pressuring teams did very well this weekend and teams struggled to advance the ball.  He did break Kansas' freshmen scoring record for a tournament game,  I read.   I don't think this is true given Wilt played there.  He is not the same league as Kobe or Michael athletically and struggled to get separation on shots.  He is very good but lacks elite explosion.

The on court product is just so much better for Peterson already than it ever was for Mclemore

McLemore was a mediocre pro at best, that is a low bar to surpass.

I don't think this is a super strong draft this year despite all the hype.   Is any of these players dominant?  AJ Dybantsa maybe....

The thing is, his dad was able to keep his physical edge, which made him an excellent NBA player.  Some undersized guys are like that; even after Elton Brand lost his athleticism he was a load, because he was built like a tree trunk.

I have a different definition of excellent, he was very good but I would not call him excellent by any means.   He was a two time all star,  all pro third team in 2008 would I have loved to have him on the Celtics during his era, of course.   

Strength can make up for some size.   But lack of vertical pop will be a limitation at times.  He has a lot of tools that can neutralize this weakness like high basketball IQ, strength, good positioning and skill level.  Cameron Boozer will be a good player, but I don't think rings will fall out of the sky for him.

Fair enough. I don't actually think Peterson will flame out like McLemore, but the comparisons gave me pause.

Player comps do two things in my mind:

1. They are fun to do.
2. Projecting what players may be in the next level is very abstract. Doing a player comp makes it a bit more concrete, even if it is at most only partially accurate.

[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.

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.

I think/fear that the playoffs will be telling with regards to the Cs big man rotation. Queta is locked in and playing great and I suspect he continues that all through this playoff run. After that I really worry Garza has outplayed Vooch and is looking like a great regular season backup but the playoffs are a different animal and he will be hunted on D. On a team with Championship aspirations he really is a 3rd big. This is why I think a lot of mocks looks at the Cs as a landing spot for another big man.

As for the PF I view that as a dead position there are a number of ways to name them but I look at the nba as guards, small wings, big wings, and bigs. Following that logic I actually agree with you that this roster needs a traditional 4/5 type and Morez is the ideal fit. A smaller big who can move on the perimeter while rebounding and providing physicality (ala Beef Stew) would be my ideal backup to Queta. 

[slamtheking]

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.

I think/fear that the playoffs will be telling with regards to the Cs big man rotation. Queta is locked in and playing great and I suspect he continues that all through this playoff run. After that I really worry Garza has outplayed Vooch and is looking like a great regular season backup but the playoffs are a different animal and he will be hunted on D. On a team with Championship aspirations he really is a 3rd big. This is why I think a lot of mocks looks at the Cs as a landing spot for another big man.

As for the PF I view that as a dead position there are a number of ways to name them but I look at the nba as guards, small wings, big wings, and bigs. Following that logic I actually agree with you that this roster needs a traditional 4/5 type and Morez is the ideal fit. A smaller big who can move on the perimeter while rebounding and providing physicality (ala Beef Stew) would be my ideal backup to Queta.

I don't think the C's are deep enough that they should be targetting a particular position rather than taking BPA.  However, if there's comparible players available when the C's pick that play different positions, I would look at taking a big first and seriously consider looking at PGs as well.  White's ballhandling/passing/TOs have been disconcerting this season where I'd like to get a good replacement lined up if possible

[CFAN38]

My thoughts on the top of the draft

Tier 1 AJ,
           AJ is just a generational combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability. He has his flaws but there have only been a handful of guys in NBA history who can do what he does.

Tier 2 DP
          DP may prove me wrong and this college season may just be looked back on as DP playing injured. He is going to be a top 10 scoring option in the NBA for a long time. I waiver if he isn't just in Tier 1 but I can't think of a lottery team other than the Hawks who I would prefer DP over AJ

Tier 3 Boozer   
          Boozer isn't the perfect NBA player but either was Curry, Jokic, or Draymond some guys are just really good at basketball and create their own unique paths. Roster construction will be important to properly utilize Cam but with shooters around him and a rim protecting mobile big next to him I see a path for him to be the hub of an elite offense. If the Bulls end up with the #2 pick the Cam/DP debate is an interesting one because Cam could be the #1 option who unlocks Giddey/Buz and their other perimeter players (they would really need a Rob Williams like center next to him).

Tier 4 Wilson and Acuff
       This is where I really think the draft order makes the world of difference. If I'm the Pacers, Mavs, Bulls, Warriors, Blazers, Wiz or Hornets I would take Wilson #4 projecting him as a very high end role playing 4/3 who compliments the players already on the roster with his defense and rebounding while also having the potential to develop into a 2nd 3rd option for a winning team. The Nets, Kings, Griz, ATL, Bucks are all teams that need a primary and could hand the keys to the offense over to Acuff at #4 where he will thrive. The caveat is they will be starting what should be a very directed roster build aimed and insulating Acuff's defensive limitations while they hopefully develop him into a PP level defender. I purposely didn't mention the Jazz becuse I think anyone but AJ/DP puts their roster construction in a weird place. I would assume if it comes down to it Ainge takes Wilson and may even take him over Boozer.

[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.

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.

I think/fear that the playoffs will be telling with regards to the Cs big man rotation. Queta is locked in and playing great and I suspect he continues that all through this playoff run. After that I really worry Garza has outplayed Vooch and is looking like a great regular season backup but the playoffs are a different animal and he will be hunted on D. On a team with Championship aspirations he really is a 3rd big. This is why I think a lot of mocks looks at the Cs as a landing spot for another big man.

As for the PF I view that as a dead position there are a number of ways to name them but I look at the nba as guards, small wings, big wings, and bigs. Following that logic I actually agree with you that this roster needs a traditional 4/5 type and Morez is the ideal fit. A smaller big who can move on the perimeter while rebounding and providing physicality (ala Beef Stew) would be my ideal backup to Queta.

I don't think the C's are deep enough that they should be targetting a particular position rather than taking BPA.  However, if there's comparible players available when the C's pick that play different positions, I would look at taking a big first and seriously consider looking at PGs as well.  White's ballhandling/passing/TOs have been disconcerting this season where I'd like to get a good replacement lined up if possible

I agree BPA and tiered drafting is always the smart way to draft. I do think the team has reach a wing saturation point where either trades need to be made or picks need to me more big/guard focused. We currently see that Harper and Walsh are capable young contributors not getting minutes. This is why I would love to see the Cs trade up if needed for Meleek Thomas or Morez Johnson two players who will have room to develop in positions of need who I believe are still undervalued on most mocks. 

[slamtheking]

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.

I think/fear that the playoffs will be telling with regards to the Cs big man rotation. Queta is locked in and playing great and I suspect he continues that all through this playoff run. After that I really worry Garza has outplayed Vooch and is looking like a great regular season backup but the playoffs are a different animal and he will be hunted on D. On a team with Championship aspirations he really is a 3rd big. This is why I think a lot of mocks looks at the Cs as a landing spot for another big man.

As for the PF I view that as a dead position there are a number of ways to name them but I look at the nba as guards, small wings, big wings, and bigs. Following that logic I actually agree with you that this roster needs a traditional 4/5 type and Morez is the ideal fit. A smaller big who can move on the perimeter while rebounding and providing physicality (ala Beef Stew) would be my ideal backup to Queta.

I don't think the C's are deep enough that they should be targetting a particular position rather than taking BPA.  However, if there's comparible players available when the C's pick that play different positions, I would look at taking a big first and seriously consider looking at PGs as well.  White's ballhandling/passing/TOs have been disconcerting this season where I'd like to get a good replacement lined up if possible

I agree BPA and tiered drafting is always the smart way to draft. I do think the team has reach a wing saturation point where either trades need to be made or picks need to me more big/guard focused. We currently see that Harper and Walsh are capable young contributors not getting minutes. This is why I would love to see the Cs trade up if needed for Meleek Thomas or Morez Johnson two players who will have room to develop in positions of need who I believe are still undervalued on most mocks.

what's your notes on Thomas?  I've read your comments on Johnson and he sounds like a decent prospect to develop that hopefully wouldn't need more than his rookie year to be ready to contribute

[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.

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.

I think/fear that the playoffs will be telling with regards to the Cs big man rotation. Queta is locked in and playing great and I suspect he continues that all through this playoff run. After that I really worry Garza has outplayed Vooch and is looking like a great regular season backup but the playoffs are a different animal and he will be hunted on D. On a team with Championship aspirations he really is a 3rd big. This is why I think a lot of mocks looks at the Cs as a landing spot for another big man.

As for the PF I view that as a dead position there are a number of ways to name them but I look at the nba as guards, small wings, big wings, and bigs. Following that logic I actually agree with you that this roster needs a traditional 4/5 type and Morez is the ideal fit. A smaller big who can move on the perimeter while rebounding and providing physicality (ala Beef Stew) would be my ideal backup to Queta.

I don't think the C's are deep enough that they should be targetting a particular position rather than taking BPA.  However, if there's comparible players available when the C's pick that play different positions, I would look at taking a big first and seriously consider looking at PGs as well.  White's ballhandling/passing/TOs have been disconcerting this season where I'd like to get a good replacement lined up if possible

I agree BPA and tiered drafting is always the smart way to draft. I do think the team has reach a wing saturation point where either trades need to be made or picks need to me more big/guard focused. We currently see that Harper and Walsh are capable young contributors not getting minutes. This is why I would love to see the Cs trade up if needed for Meleek Thomas or Morez Johnson two players who will have room to develop in positions of need who I believe are still undervalued on most mocks.

what's your notes on Thomas?  I've read your comments on Johnson and he sounds like a decent prospect to develop that hopefully wouldn't need more than his rookie year to be ready to contribute

My take on Thomas is that he is the classic "Calapari guard". Like Maxey and Quickly in the recent past Thomas is a blue chip recruit (11th in this HS class per ESPN) who joined a team with other high level guards (Acuff and Wagner). This team construction has shown in the past to limit the usage/production/hype for some of Calipari's guards but they make excellent pros. Aside from his college team construct I really like Thomas for his size (was 6'3 barefoot 170lbs with a 6'5wingspan in 2023 so he was 16/17yr old) he is listed at 6'5 185lbs and looks to have a long arms. This gives him a very similar physical profile to D White. On the court his screen navigation on D really stands out to me as a high level translatable skill. Offensively he has been a knock down shooting playing off of Acuff (42% on over 5 attempts per game), he looks very capable as a P&R ball handler, and has enough juice to take defenders off the dribble. He isn't consistent but for a 19yr old playing primarily off the ball this isn't a big surprise. He has had some monster games including 29pts vs Old Miss and 30pts vs Missouri. If he stays in college its really not a stretch to see him averaging 20+ppg as a soph and working himself into the 2027 top 10.

Looking at recent comps Keyonte George had an incredibly similar stat profile to Thomas down to both having almost identical dunks and FG% at the rim and we see what George has become for Utah.     

Looking at him purely as a Celtics fan its easy to see a world where Thomas is playing exactly D Whites role on offense. On defense I don't ever expect any all team defense type season but I also think he will be a positive give his length, mobility and how hard he fights over/under screens.   

I don't buy the mocks that have him going in the late 20s and suspect he creeps up closer to the draft but wouldn't be excited to see the Celtics move up to get him. I'm probably going to have him in the teens on my board. 

[slamtheking]

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.

I think/fear that the playoffs will be telling with regards to the Cs big man rotation. Queta is locked in and playing great and I suspect he continues that all through this playoff run. After that I really worry Garza has outplayed Vooch and is looking like a great regular season backup but the playoffs are a different animal and he will be hunted on D. On a team with Championship aspirations he really is a 3rd big. This is why I think a lot of mocks looks at the Cs as a landing spot for another big man.

As for the PF I view that as a dead position there are a number of ways to name them but I look at the nba as guards, small wings, big wings, and bigs. Following that logic I actually agree with you that this roster needs a traditional 4/5 type and Morez is the ideal fit. A smaller big who can move on the perimeter while rebounding and providing physicality (ala Beef Stew) would be my ideal backup to Queta.

I don't think the C's are deep enough that they should be targetting a particular position rather than taking BPA.  However, if there's comparible players available when the C's pick that play different positions, I would look at taking a big first and seriously consider looking at PGs as well.  White's ballhandling/passing/TOs have been disconcerting this season where I'd like to get a good replacement lined up if possible

I agree BPA and tiered drafting is always the smart way to draft. I do think the team has reach a wing saturation point where either trades need to be made or picks need to me more big/guard focused. We currently see that Harper and Walsh are capable young contributors not getting minutes. This is why I would love to see the Cs trade up if needed for Meleek Thomas or Morez Johnson two players who will have room to develop in positions of need who I believe are still undervalued on most mocks.

what's your notes on Thomas?  I've read your comments on Johnson and he sounds like a decent prospect to develop that hopefully wouldn't need more than his rookie year to be ready to contribute

My take on Thomas is that he is the classic "Calapari guard". Like Maxey and Quickly in the recent past Thomas is a blue chip recruit (11th in this HS class per ESPN) who joined a team with other high level guards (Acuff and Wagner). This team construction has shown in the past to limit the usage/production/hype for some of Calipari's guards but they make excellent pros. Aside from his college team construct I really like Thomas for his size (was 6'3 barefoot 170lbs with a 6'5wingspan in 2023 so he was 16/17yr old) he is listed at 6'5 185lbs and looks to have a long arms. This gives him a very similar physical profile to D White. On the court his screen navigation on D really stands out to me as a high level translatable skill. Offensively he has been a knock down shooting playing off of Acuff (42% on over 5 attempts per game), he looks very capable as a P&R ball handler, and has enough juice to take defenders off the dribble. He isn't consistent but for a 19yr old playing primarily off the ball this isn't a big surprise. He has had some monster games including 29pts vs Old Miss and 30pts vs Missouri. If he stays in college its really not a stretch to see him averaging 20+ppg as a soph and working himself into the 2027 top 10.

Looking at recent comps Keyonte George had an incredibly similar stat profile to Thomas down to both having almost identical dunks and FG% at the rim and we see what George has become for Utah.     

Looking at him purely as a Celtics fan its easy to see a world where Thomas is playing exactly D Whites role on offense. On defense I don't ever expect any all team defense type season but I also think he will be a positive give his length, mobility and how hard he fights over/under screens.   

I don't buy the mocks that have him going in the late 20s and suspect he creeps up closer to the draft but wouldn't be excited to see the Celtics move up to get him. I'm probably going to have him in the teens on my board.

TP for the insights