While many wonder how the Celtics will tweak their roster this offseason, for now, the next agenda for the front office is the 2025 NBA Draft. The C’s currently hold the No. 28 and 32 picks as they’ll look to add some pieces to the team. The draft will take place from June 25-26 with each round taking one day.
Regardless of what the Celtics do going forward, they can use some more talent going forward. They’ve had success developing their guys like Payton Pritchard (26th pick in 2020) and Sam Hauser (undrafted in 2021). A guy like Baylor Scheierman, picked 30th overall in last year’s draft, also showed strides by the end of the season.
So, Boston will have an eye on the future come the 2025 NBA Draft. Here’s a mock draft roundup of the Celtics’ picks, along with some thoughts on these potential prospects:
28th overall: Noah Penda, wing, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, 20 years old, Le Mans (France). Averaged 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 30 games, per ProBallers.
32nd overall: Ben Saraf, guard, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, 19 years old, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). Averaged 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 30 games, per ProBallers.
Thoughts: A pair of international prospects to start off here, both playing in the top flight in their respective countries. Penda has played well as a starter on his squad and was named an All-Star in his league. Saraf, an Israeli native, was MVP of U18 EuroBasket last season and turned 19 last month. He brings a lot to like as he can continue to grow his game in the NBA.
28th overall: Labaron Philon, guard, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, 19 years old, Alabama. Averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 37 games last year.
32nd overall: Tahaad Pettiford, guard, 6-foot-0, 169 pounds, 19 years old, Auburn. Averaged 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 38 games last year.
Thoughts: This goes pretty guard-heavy, but that would be some notable talent coming in between Philon and Pettiford. Both guys are young with plenty of upside, and the C’s have had success with player development in recent years. Philon has a pretty wide range as of now, but he was solid at Alabama filling in whatever role he could. Pettiford showed off what he can do for one of the oldest and best teams in the country last season as his shot-making also stood out. Plus, a fun wrinkle between picking an Alabama and Auburn guy.
28th overall: Thomas Sorber, forward, 6-foot-9, 263 pounds, 19 years old, Georgetown. Averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 37 games last year.
32nd overall: Labaron Philon (look above)
Thoughts: Immediately, Sorber’s length pops out as he came in at a 7-foot-6 wingspan at the combine. Doesn’t really shoot the ball much as he made just 16.2% of his 3s on 1.5 attempts per game. But there is some optimism when it comes to his 72.4% free throw shooting. Averaged 2.0 blocks per game as he could be a rim presence. Another young prospect as he doesn’t turn 20 until Christmas.
28th overall: Drake Powell, wing, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, 19 years old, North Carolina. Averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 37 games last season.
32nd overall: Noah Penda (look above)
Thoughts: Powell looks the part of an NBA player and he was measured with a 7-foot wingspan to go with his 6-foot-5 frame without shoes. He also had some buzz as one of the best athletes at the combine. At this point, his defensive game looks like his ticket into the league as he can be stout on opposing wings. He doesn’t turn 20 until September, so there’s a lot to like about his potential going forward.
