Best Prospects the Celtics Should Target in the 2025 NBA Draft

Joel Piton
Jun 20
6 min read

The 2025 NBA Draft is just five days away, and for a team like the Boston Celtics — perennial contenders in recent years — the chances of landing a high lottery pick have consistently been slim. That trend continues this year. But with Jayson Tatum sidelined and the team entering a light retooling phase, Boston has more reason than ever to make the most of its draft capital. Thanks to the results of the Draft Lottery, the Celtics will be selecting at No. 28 and No. 32 — valuable spots that could produce instant contributors or long-term assets if chosen wisely. With that in mind, here are some of the best prospects Boston should consider in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Maxime Raynaud (PF/C)

7'1" — 20.2 PPG — 10.6 RPG — 1.7 APG — 1.4 BPG — 46.7 FG %

A skilled 7'1 forward with a soft shooting touch and elite rebounding instincts, Raynaud was a walking double-double at Stanford, averaging 20 points and 10 boards during his senior year. Over the course of his four-year campaign, he showed steady growth as a well-rounded offensive weapon, capable of stretching the floor and finishing inside when need be. With Kristaps Porzingis battling persistent injuries during his time in Boston, Raynaud could immediately step in as a reliable stretch four who rebounds, spaces the floor, and plays within the system. His ability to shoot, attack closeouts, and operate both inside and out makes him a versatile fit in just about any lineup.

Ryan Kalkbrenner (C)

7'1" — 19.2 PPG — 8.7 RPG — 1.5 APG — 2.7 BPG — 65.3 FG %

A 7'1 super senior out of Creighton, Kalkbrenner enters the draft as one of the most skilled and polished big men available. At 23 years old, he's physically and mentally ready to make an immediate impact. The reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Kalkbrenner brings elite shot-blocking, efficient interior scoring, and surprising mobility for his size—a rare combination that makes him a potential cheat code at the next level. The Celtics haven’t had a true interior force in the paint in years, and Kalkbrenner could be exactly that. Think of him as a major upgrade over Luke Kornet, but with better defense, better touch, and a much higher ceiling.

Walter Clayton Jr. (PG/SG)

6'3" — 18.3 PPG — 3.7 RPG — 4.2 APG — 1.2 SPG — 44.8 FG %

Fresh off an NCAA Championship run, Walter Clayton Jr. is projected to go near the end of the first round—not for lack of talent, but due to lingering questions about his consistency as a playmaker and defender. Still, his scoring upside is undeniable. One of the best pure shooters in the draft, Clayton thrives in catch-and-shoot situations and brings a high basketball IQ to the table. He sees the floor well and can find open teammates when the ball swings his way. Defensively, he’s far from a liability—always active with his hands and known for being one of the more rugged on-ball defenders in his class. The Celtics may not be desperate for another guard, but Clayton’s high motor, winning pedigree, and scoring ability make him a tempting pickup at either No. 28 or 32 if available.

Adou Thiero (F)

6'8" — 15.1 PPG — 5.8 RPG — 1.9 APG — 1.6 SPG — 54.5 FG %

Standing 6'8 with a 7'0 wingspan, Adou Thiero made a significant impact during his lone season at Arkansas. Most of his scoring comes around the rim, where he finishes through contact and protects the ball well—signs of untapped offensive potential. Defensively, Thiero can be utilized within multiple systems. His size, lateral quickness, and high motor make him a switchable, multi-positional defender who can guard wings, forwards, and even some guards. That versatility alone gives him clear value at the next level. The biggest concern lies in his shooting—with inconsistent mechanics and struggles from beyond the three-point line, his offensive ceiling remains a question mark. Still, if Thiero can refine his shot, his blend of physical tools and defensive upside make him a high-reward option worth taking a chance on.

Hunter Sallis (SG)

6'5" — 18.3 PPG — 5.1 RPG — 2.8 APG — 1.2 SPG — 45.7 FG %

Upon transferring to Wake Forest, Hunter Sallis transformed and made an immediate offensive impact, showcasing the kind of poised, efficient scoring that could give the Celtics a much-needed spark off the bench. At 6'5 with a 6'10 wingspan, Sallis thrives in the mid-range, using his body control and ball-handling creativity to create shots off the dribble, typically in half-court sets. He’s a capable playmaker and an engaged, versatile defender who uses his length well to close space on closeouts and cover ground across multiple positions. While his three-point shooting (27%) remains a work in progress, his confidence and rhythm suggest room for growth. Sallis may not be a plug-and-play contributor right away, but his upside as a two-way guard makes him a smart developmental pick for a team like Boston.

Drake Powell (G/F)

6'6" — 7.4 PPG — 3.4 RPG — 1.1 APG — 48.3 FG %

Don’t let the modest box score numbers fool you. Drake Powell is one of the most intriguing athletes in this year’s class. Measuring 6’5.25” with a 7’0” wingspan and a 43” max vertical at the NBA Draft Combine, Powell is a long, explosive wing with elite defensive potential and an offensive game still unfolding. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt ball-handlers, and rotate on the perimeter makes him a defensive chess piece with serious value. While he was underutilized at times on a crowded UNC roster, he showed glimpses of creation off the dribble, playmaking, and smart decision-making within the offense. His athleticism in transition and willingness to make the right play point to a multi-positional wing. I'm hearing Jordan comparisons thanks to the UNC pedigree, freakish physical tools, and two-way ability. The Celtics could be the perfect landing spot for Powell’s development. If he’s available, Boston shouldn’t hesitate.

Yang Hansen (C)

7'2" — 16.6 PPG — 10.5 RPG — 3.0 APG — 2.6 BPG — 58.6 FG %

At 7'2 and just 19 years old, Yang Hansen is one of the most intriguing—and overlooked—big men in this draft class. Performing well for the Qingdao Eagles of the CBA, Hansen has already established himself as a strong defensive presence and a reliable force near the basket. The challenge, of course, is the precedent: many CBA draftees follow a familiar and discouraging arc—stashed overseas, underutilized in the NBA, and ultimately forgotten. Zhou Qi and Wang Zhizhi come to mind. But Hansen may be different. He plays with an old-school bag and brings a dutiful blend of creativity to the ball court—physical, smart, unselfish—and passes the eye test with ease. If the Celtics are willing to invest in his development and give him a real shot, Hansen could quietly become a long-term gem. He won't be ready on Day 1, but there’s more than enough here to justify the risk.

Danny Wolfe (PF/C)

7'0" — 13.2 PPG — 9.7 RPG — 3.6 APG — 1.4 BPG — 49.7 FG %

From stepback jumpers to no-look dimes and stifling defensive energy, Danny Wolf brings a rare skill set for a 7-footer. Projected to go in the late first or early second round, he’s exactly the kind of high-upside swing the Celtics could take a chance on with one of their picks. Wolf plays with confidence—sometimes to a fault—but never shies away from the moment offensively. His ability to operate inside and out, along with his vision and passing from the high post, sets him apart from most bigs in this class. That said, he’s far from polished. Wolf’s turnover rate is a concern, and his shooting numbers are streaky at best. But when he’s locked in, he’s a walking highlight reel—the kind of player who can shift momentum and energize both an audience and a second unit. If Boston is looking to add flair, versatility, and long-term upside to its frontcourt rotation, Wolf might just be the wildcard worth betting on.

Any of these prospects would be a solid addition to a more-than-capable Celtics squad looking for that extra boost. Whether it’s scoring, defense, or depth, these players have the tools to elevate the roster and contribute right away. With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, the stakes are high—and Boston can’t afford to miss. Stay tuned to Fans Only Sportz for the latest draft coverage, player breakdowns, and Celtics updates as the big night gets closer. With that, the shot clock ticks zero. 🚨 Until next time!