As the Boston Celtics gear up for a pivotal 2025 offseason, their focus shifts to the NBA Draft, where they hold the No. 28 and No. 32 picks. Fresh off a 64-18 season and a second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance, the Celtics are in a unique position: their roster is stacked, but adding young talent is crucial to sustain their championship window. With a proven track record of developing late picks into rotation players—like Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard—the front office is eyeing four promising guards: Walter Clayton Jr., Ben Saraf, Koby Brea, and Labaron Philon. Each brings distinct skills, from clutch shot-making to elite 3-point shooting. Can one of these prospects become Boston’s next draft steal? Let’s dive into their profiles and what they could mean for the Celtics’ dynasty.
The Boston Celtics are the NBA’s gold standard, boasting a 2024 championship and a 2025 season that saw them lead the league in offensive efficiency (121.3 points per 100 possessions) and 3-point attempts (42.5 per game). Yet, with Jayson Tatum (27, $34.8 million) and Jaylen Brown (28, $31.8 million) entering their primes, and veterans like Al Horford (39, $10 million) nearing retirement, the Celtics must plan for the future. The 2025 NBA Draft, set for June 25-26, offers a chance to bolster their depth with the No. 28 (first round) and No. 32 (second round, via Washington) picks. The new two-day draft format, implemented in 2024, gives GM Brad Stevens extra time to negotiate trades or scout sleepers, a strategy that yielded Jordan Walsh (2023, No. 38) and Pritchard (2020, No. 26).
Boston’s roster flexibility is a luxury. With no glaring positional needs, Stevens can prioritize talent over fit, a philosophy that’s paid dividends. Hauser (7.8 points, 40.1% from three) and Pritchard (9.6 points, 38.4% from three) emerged as key bench contributors in 2024-25, while Derrick White (16.7 points, 39.8% from three) earned All-Defensive honors. However, potential offseason moves—such as trading Hauser for cap relief or addressing Horford’s successor—could shape draft priorities. The four guard prospects—Walter Clayton Jr., Ben Saraf, Koby Brea, and Labaron Philon—offer diverse skill sets, from scoring to playmaking, aligning with Boston’s 3-point-heavy, switchable system. Social media buzz, like @CelticsWire’s post hyping Clayton’s “clutch gene,” reflects fan excitement, though some, like @BostonFanatic, question whether late picks can crack Boston’s loaded rotation.
Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida) brings proven shot-making and championship pedigree. The 6’2” guard averaged 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 2024-25, leading Florida to a national title. His 43.4% field goal and 35.7% 3-point shooting (on 6.1 attempts) showcased his ability to hit tough shots, earning praise from Celtics legend Al Horford, who attended Florida’s Final Four run. Clayton’s clutch performance, including a 28-point outburst against Auburn, raised his draft stock. At 22, he’s not a raw prospect, but his defense and playmaking need refinement. For Boston, Clayton could emulate Pritchard’s microwave scoring off the bench, though his smaller frame may struggle against NBA physicality. His 76.9% free-throw shooting suggests shooting upside, making him a potential first-round steal at No. 28.
Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany) offers tantalizing potential at 19. The 6’5” Israeli guard averaged 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 2024-25, shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.8% from three. His crafty passing, highlighted by left-handed dimes in Euroleague play, stands out, as does his size for a point guard. Saraf’s youth makes him a long-term project, and his 3-point consistency (33.8% on 3.2 attempts) needs work. For the Celtics, who’ve developed international talents like Kristaps Porziņģis, Saraf could be a second-round gamble at No. 32. His transition to the NBA’s speed and physicality is a question mark, but Boston’s G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, could nurture his growth. X posts, like @NBADraftScout’s clip of Saraf’s “vision,” fuel intrigue, though some fans worry about his readiness.
Koby Brea (Kentucky) is a 3-point sniper tailor-made for Boston’s system. The 6’6” guard transferred from Dayton to Kentucky for 2024-25, averaging 11.6 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 47.0% from the field and an elite 43.5% from three (5.9 attempts). His efficiency in the SEC, the nation’s toughest conference, proves his big-stage readiness. Brea’s size and shooting make him a potential Sam Hauser replacement if Boston trades the wing for cap space. At 23, he’s older, and his defense (0.7 steals per game) and playmaking (1.3 assists) are limited. Still, his 3-point volume fits Boston’s identity—first in 3-point makes (14.9 per game) in 2024-25. Brea could be a plug-and-play bench shooter at No. 28 or 32, with X users like @CelticsNation praising his “Hauser 2.0” potential, though others question his one-dimensional game.
Labaron Philon (Alabama) combines youth and versatility. At 19, the 6’3” guard averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for a top-ranked Crimson Tide squad, shooting 45.2% from the field. His 31.5% 3-point shooting (3.4 attempts) is a concern, but his 76.7% free-throw rate hints at shooting growth. Philon’s tenacity and two-way play—1.1 steals per game—fit Boston’s switch-heavy defense, ranked second in defensive efficiency (108.7). His role as a rotation player on a Final Four team showcases NBA-ready intangibles, though his frame may struggle against bigger guards. Philon’s upside makes him a second-round target at No. 32, with potential to develop into a White-like combo guard. X buzz, like @DraftExpress’s highlight of Philon’s “hustle,” excites fans, but some doubt his shooting translates immediately.
The NBA Draft landscape adds context. The 2025 class is guard-heavy, with prospects like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey projected as top picks. Late first-round talent often includes high-upside international players or polished collegians, aligning with Boston’s targets. The Celtics’ draft success—hitting on late picks like Robert Williams (No. 27, 2018)—stems from their development pipeline, led by coach Joe Mazzulla’s emphasis on versatility. However, risks loom: Clayton and Brea’s age limits their ceiling, Saraf’s rawness requires patience, and Philon’s shooting is unproven. Boston’s $189.2 million payroll, second-highest in the NBA, also pressures Stevens to find cost-controlled talent, as Tatum’s $314.5 million extension kicks in for 2025-26.
The Celtics’ draft strategy reflects their dynasty mindset. Unlike rebuilding teams, they can afford to take swings on high-potential players or instant contributors. Trading up, as Stevens did for Malcolm Brogdon in 2022, or packaging picks for a veteran (e.g., a rim-protecting center) remains possible. The four guards offer varied paths: Clayton and Brea provide immediate scoring, while Saraf and Philon are long-term bets. Boston’s history of turning late picks into gems—Pritchard’s 26.1 playoff points per 100 possessions in 2025—bodes well, but fan debates on X, like @GreenRunsDeep’s call for a big man over guards, highlight roster balance concerns.
The Boston Celtics’ 2025 NBA Draft picks at No. 28 and No. 32 are a chance to cement their dynasty. Walter Clayton Jr., Ben Saraf, Koby Brea, and Labaron Philon each bring unique strengths, from clutch scoring to 3-point marksmanship, fitting Boston’s elite system. With Brad Stevens’ keen eye and a proven development pipeline, one of these guards could be the next Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser. Will the Celtics unearth another late-round steal? Can these prospects help sustain Boston’s title reign? As the draft nears, the buzz is electric. Share your pick for the C’s next star!