Celtics Predicted To Add 14.7-Point Center Who Could Steal Minutes From Neemias Queta originally appeared on NESN.
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The Boston Celtics are focusing on their 2026 NBA Draft selections. With the combine now complete, it should be easier to narrow down their candidate list.
Boston currently has the No. 27 pick in the upcoming draft, suggesting it may not select a player who can contribute immediately. In his latest mock draft on Monday, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor projected that the Celtics will choose UConn’s center, Tarris Reed Jr.
“As good as Neemias Queta was all year, the Celtics clearly need to upgrade at center,” O’Connor wrote. “Maybe Reed could be that choice. Reed is a throwback center who played at his best on the biggest stage on UConn’s way to the national title game. He does all the dirty work inside the paint as a finisher, rebounder and shot-blocker.
“But beyond his ability to screen and pass, he wasn’t all too comfortable on the perimeter as a shooter or defender. That story might have changed at the Draft Combine, though, since on multiple occasions Reed looked more nimble moving his feet outside, which could be the key to unlocking his potential.”
Reed played four seasons of college basketball, spending his first two seasons at Michigan before transferring to UConn for the final two. Last season, Reed participated in 35 games for the Huskies, averaging 14.7 points and nine rebounds per game.
The Celtics could consider drafting Reed and allowing him to develop for a season or two, potentially making him one of the biggest steals of the draft.
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