Early look at the 2026 draft

[lbgreen33]

Labaron Philon all the way!! I love his game and believe he would be great for the Celtics, not sure if we can move up enough, but that's the kid I like.

[celticinorlando]

I think Brad trades out of the first round to save money.

[Phantom255x]

I think Brad trades out of the first round to save money.

I actually wonder if we'll see something today. Hauser + pick(s) to either move up in the draft, or maybe even to get a player. It's a deep draft and I think the Celtics will want to take their crack at it this time. Maybe Hauser + 27 + a future pick for Stewart + 21 from Detroit?

But if not, I'd love Veesaar, Reed Jr or Ejiofor. If Quaintance falls, then I'd take the gamble. There is a possibility they could trade into the early 2nd round and hope someone falls, kind of like last year although they didn't use 32 when someone like Kalkbrenner was there

[lbgreen33]

I think Brad trades out of the first round to save money.

I normally agree with you!! But Brad Loves guards and this draft is stacked with them. I am hopeful but we will see

[CFAN38]

I'm happy to focus on the draft after the weeks on drama.




My predictions:


The top 3 stay the top 3, AJ,DP, and CB but like in 2022 they do not go in the predicted order.

Yaxel drops because of his age (outside top 14) but other "older guys" climb despite there age. Stirtz,Reed, and Zuby all in top 25 and Richie Saunders cracks top 35.

One of Philon, Okorie, or Anderson fall outside the top 25 and is a value pick.

Morez Johnson goes from my "he would be amazing for the Cs at #27" to a top 8 pick. He was my first draft related post this year and will be a great NBA player.

Jack Kayil will go in the first round. (with NIL $$ I just cant believe he stayed in without a promise)

Meleek Thomas will be drafted in the top 24 despite not getting a green room invite.


Celtics Predictions:

Its really hard to predict the pick(s) because I think most of the expert mocks will be way off. Looking at big boards you see a lot of variance and I think that will also prove true team to team.   

I could see a scenario where Stevens is much higher on a blue chip freshman  like Peat, Cenac or Thomas and just pulls the trigger on a trade up.

As much as it will frustrate me my final prediction is that a PG drops to #27 who Stevens doesn't view as a good roster fit and leverages the T Wolves need for young PG depth to trade #27 for #33, #59, and a future 2nd. Post trade back the Cs end up drafting one of either Jefferson, Karaban or Saunders at #33. Than at #40 either Baba Miller or Brazile. At the #59 the Cs go with a PG for Maine Uzan?.

[celticinorlando]

I think Brad trades out of the first round to save money.

I actually wonder if we'll see something today. Hauser + pick(s) to either move up in the draft, or maybe even to get a player. It's a deep draft and I think the Celtics will want to take their crack at it this time. Maybe Hauser + 27 + a future pick for Stewart + 21 from Detroit?

But if not, I'd love Veesaar, Reed Jr or Ejiofor. If Quaintance falls, then I'd take the gamble. There is a possibility they could trade into the early 2nd round and hope someone falls, kind of like last year although they didn't use 32 when someone like Kalkbrenner was there

I think Veesaar is the target