As the Boston Celtics navigate the postseason, front-office leader Brad Stevens is already eyeing ways to fortify the roster for the future. With two picks in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, the Celtics appear poised to add a mix of wing depth and elite playmaking to their rotation.
In a fresh mock draft released Sunday, ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo projected a strategic haul for the C’s, headlined by a record-breaking collegiate floor general.
The Second-Round Steal: Braden Smith
The most intriguing name linked to Boston is Purdue guard Braden Smith, projected to be taken with the No. 40 overall pick (the 10th selection in the second round).
Smith arrives in the draft conversation following a legendary four-year career at Purdue. Over 149 games, the 22-year-old averaged 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, but it is his status as a historical outlier that has scouts buzzing. Smith recently shattered the all-time career assists record for Division 1 men’s basketball, cementing his reputation as the premier facilitator in this class.
While Smith may require a stint with the Maine Celtics in the G League to refine his scoring at the professional level, his elite vision and basketball IQ make him a “Brad Stevens-type” prospect who could eventually provide high-level insurance behind the team’s veteran backcourt.
The First-Round Target: Amari Allen
With the No. 27 pick in the first round, Woo projects the Celtics will select Amari Allen, a versatile forward out of Alabama.
Allen fits the modern NBA archetype the Celtics have prioritized: a long, athletic wing capable of defending multiple positions. Adding Allen would provide the Celtics with much-needed depth behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, allowing the team to maintain its defensive identity even when the starters are off the floor.
A Busy Offseason Landscape
The draft news comes amidst a flurry of headlines surrounding the Celtics’ stars. While fans are monitoring the draft boards, they are also bracing for potential roster shifts. Rumors have recently swirled regarding a hypothetical Jaylen Brown-for-Giannis Antetokounmpo trade proposal—a move that would fundamentally alter the NBA landscape.
Furthermore, injury concerns have surfaced following a “bombshell” update from Shams Charania regarding superstar Jayson Tatum. With the stakes rising, the addition of young, cheap talent like Smith and Allen through the draft will be crucial for a team balancing a massive payroll with championship aspirations.
Boston Celtics 2026 Draft Projection
- Pick No. 27: Amari Allen (F, Alabama)
- Pick No. 40: Braden Smith (G, Purdue)
- The Smith File: D1 All-Time Career Assists Leader; 7.4 APG.
- The Strategy: Fortifying backcourt depth and adding wing versatility.
