While Celtics fans brace for a huge offseason as the organization will need to make some moves, for now, the next step is the 2025 NBA Draft. The Celtics have the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in the draft, so one in each round. The draft takes place from June 25-26 with each round taking one day.
The C’s got the Wizards’ second-round pick at 32nd overall, which ended up being useful. In past years, the C’s would make their picks soon after the other. But the draft changed its format last year, splitting it up over two days. So that gives teams a bit more time to potentially make some deals ahead of Day 2 and the second round.
Regardless, the draft will be important for the Celtics going forward. They have a chance to land on their picks. As they’ve shown with their player development, they can build up a potential rotation player no matter how they got to the league.
The Celtics are in a unique spot in that they don’t necessarily need to fill a positional hole on their roster. They could fit a talented draft pick throughout the roster, though it also depends on what trades they make during the offseason. Regardless, that means an opportunity to pick a great basketball player, and the front office has shown it has a solid eye.
Here’s a closer look at four potential guards the Celtics could pick:
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
2024-25 stats: 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 32 games. Shot 43.4% from the field and 35.7% on 3-pointers.
A few months after Al Horford watched and congratulated Clayton on winning a national championship at Florida, the guard is a potential pick in the draft. He was measured in at 6-foot-2 without shoes at the draft combine, so he’s a bit on the smaller side. But as he showed with the Gators: he’s a winner. Clayton made difficult, clutch shots throughout Florida’s run to the title, helping raise his profile nationally.
Clayton isn’t complete yet and he’s 22 years old, so while he’s not young, he’s also not one of those super seniors who have stuck around a long time. His defense and playmaking could both use some work going forward. But there’s a lot to like from the shotmaking perspective as teams take a look at him ahead of the draft.
Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
2024-25 stats: Averaged 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 30 games, per ProBallers. Shot 46.3% from the field and 33.8% on 3-pointers.
Saraf, an Israel native, comes in with good size at 6-foot-5 for a guard. He turned 19 last month, so a mix of youth and talent makes him intriguing at this point in the draft. Watching his highlights, notably, his passing immediately stands out. Saraf can make crafty dishes, plus it doesn’t hurt that he’s a lefty.
It’s still unclear how Saraf’s game would translate stateside. Even if he was picked, considering his age, it will likely take some time for him to be a contributor. It would also help if he can become a capable outside shooter. But Saraf’s tools are intriguing, especially at this point in the draft.
Koby Brea, Kentucky
2024-25 stats: 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 36 games. Shot 47.0% from the field and 43.5% on 3-pointers.
The 3-pointer immediately stands out with Brea. He made the jump from Dayton to Kentucky for his final year of college ball. Brea knocked down 43.5% of his 3s with the Wildcats on 5.9 attempts per game in what was the best conference in college basketball last season. Considering the Celtics’ 3-point heavy style, that makes him a fit immediately when it comes to his shooting.
Now, how Brea performs on the defensive end is the question mark. Fortunately, he came in at nearly 6-foot-6 at the draft combine without shoes, so he already has solid size. He turns 23 later this year, so he’s not exactly young, but there could be a lot to like if he’s developed well. Notably, he could be a potential Sam Hauser replacement if the front office elects to move the wing.
Labaron Philon, Alabama
2024-25 stats: 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 37 games. Shot 45.2% from the field and 31.5% on 3-pointers.
Philon is another young prospect as he doesn’t turn 20 until later this year. But he was a legit rotation player for the Crimson Tide, one of the best teams in the country last year. He has the traits to make him a solid guard in the NBA. But measured in nearly 6-foot-3, how he adjusts to the physicality of the league is one of the question marks.
While Philon plays hard on the court, his shooting is another curiosity. His 31.5% mark came on 3.4 attempts per game. He did come in at 76.7% on his free throw percentage, though that was on low attempts. There’s a lot to like about Philon as he continues to polish his game.