The 2026 NBA Draft is two weeks away, and the Celtics currently hold the 27th pick. Boston should be looking to take a player to boost its frontcourt at that selection.
CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein published a mock draft on Tuesday and had the Celtics taking Santa Clara forward Allen Graves at 27.
"Graves is an analytic darling who has elite BPM metrics and a rare overlap of defensive playmaking, passing, ball-security, and offensive rebounding," Finkelstein wrote. "In addition to his combination of physicality and feel, Graves also has great hands and touch to stretch the floor. If another analytically driven front-office doesn't scoop him up first, Boston could pounce."
The 6-foot-9 forward played one season at Santa Clara, appearing in 35 games and averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. Graves was only a true freshman last season, and it was somewhat surprising that he entered this year's draft.
If the Celtics take Graves, he might need a season to learn the NBA game. He might not give Boston a lot of minutes this season, but he could turn into an impactful player down the line.
Graves could eventually become a starter and possibly be the forward between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in the lineup.
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