The Boston Celtics know what went wrong. A first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers exposed a vulnerability that had been lurking beneath the surface all season. Joel Embiid dominated Boston’s frontcourt throughout the series, and the Celtics’ inability to generate consistent looks at the rim became a defining theme as the series slipped away in Game 7.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens addressed the issue directly after the playoffs, identifying rim presence as a priority heading into the offseason. As he put it: “we’ve got to figure out how to have more of an impact at the rim.” The Celtics ranked second-to-last in points in the paint among the 16 first-round playoff teams, shooting the most three-pointers of any team in the bracket. The numbers told the story.
Boston holds the No. 27 pick in the first round. Finding an impact player this late in the draft is never guaranteed, but the Celtics have a strong track record of developing late picks into meaningful contributors. Here are three prospects worth watching at that slot.
1. Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
GettyCameron Boozer of the Duke Blue Devils attempts a shot against Henri Veesaar of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Henri Veesaar is the name that fits Boston’s needs most naturally. The 7-foot center transferred to North Carolina after two seasons at Arizona and took a significant step forward in his expanded role with the Tar Heels, averaging 17 points per game as a starter. NBC Sports projects him to the Celtics specifically because of how well his size and skill set address their center position.
Veesaar is not just a big body. He offers genuine perimeter shooting ability, making him a natural fit in Boston’s five-out offense. He is an agile defender, a willing passer, and a bouncy finisher around the rim. The combination of size and shooting at the back end of the first round is exactly what Brad Stevens described when he talked about needing better looks at the basket.
2. Joshua Jefferson, PF, Iowa State
GettyIowa State’s Joshua Jefferson.
Joshua Jefferson is a polished, physically ready forward who profiles as the kind of player win-now teams gravitate toward in the late first round. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Iowa State product plays a physical brand of basketball around the basket while also showing comfort creating plays away from it. His outside shot improved noticeably this season, which opens up his utility in Boston’s offense considerably.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley projects Jefferson as a realistic fit for the Celtics, noting his poise and versatility as attributes that would translate well alongside Boston’s existing core. He is not a project. He is a player who could contribute in a real role from day one.
3. Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
GettyAlabama’s Amari Allen will enter the NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility.
Amari Allen is a versatile wing who draws projections to the Celtics from both ESPN and CBS Sports. The Alabama forward can handle, pass, and defend across multiple positions, fitting the mold of perimeter player Boston has consistently valued in the back half of the first round.
Allen’s three-point shooting numbers do not fully capture his ability as a shooter. Both ESPN and CBS Sports note his efficiency is better than the raw percentages suggest. His rebounding volume for a wing is notable. His defensive instincts should mesh well with the way Joe Mazzulla’s teams are built. There is a chance he returns to college, but if he declares he fits the Celtics’ profile at 27.
Final Word for the Celtics
Boston’s offseason will not be defined by the No. 27 pick alone. The front office has bigger moves to make. But the draft is another tool. The Celtics have used it well at this range in recent years.
Veesaar offers the most direct answer to what Stevens identified. Jefferson offers the most immediate impact. Allen offers the most versatility.
The pick is there. The need is clear.
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