The 2026 NBA Draft is just weeks away, with the first round scheduled for June 23, and the Boston Celtics are once again positioned to make a calculated move that could reshape their roster. Holding the No. 27 pick, Boston has flexibility — but one intriguing scenario outlined by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has league executives taking notice.
In Buckley’s latest mock draft, the Celtics select Santa Clara forward Allen Graves with the 27th overall selection. At 6’9″, Graves is the kind of skilled, versatile big who could slide seamlessly into Boston’s system alongside Jayson Tatum, potentially forming a potent frontcourt tandem for years to come.
While the Celtics could pursue a guard if they ultimately part ways with Jaylen Brown this offseason, Buckley argues that bolstering the frontcourt represents a compelling alternative — and Graves fits the bill perfectly.
“Graves offers far more feel and skill than physical tools, but being good at basketball feels pretty helpful in this profession, right?” Buckley wrote. “And analytics say he was way more than good this past season, when he posted the fifth-highest box plus/minus in college basketball.”
The numbers back up the intrigue. In his lone season at Santa Clara, the freshman forward averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds across 35 games. His production wasn’t limited to one area of the floor — Graves delivered a well-rounded statistical profile with strong shooting efficiency from every level. Volume scoring, rebounding, and perimeter skills all checked out, painting the picture of a player who impacts winning in subtle but meaningful ways.
Of course, context matters. Graves produced primarily in a reserve role against middling competition. Still, Buckley sees a higher ceiling and immediate value, describing him as “an uber-valuable glue guy hiding in plain sight.”
What makes the selection even more notable is Graves’ decision to declare for the draft after just one college season. As a freshman, he retains the option to withdraw his name and return to Santa Clara for further development — a common path for young prospects testing the professional waters. For now, though, his name remains in the mix, and Boston appears to like what it sees.
Pairing a 6’9″ forward with Tatum’s scoring gravity and playmaking could give the Celtics a dynamic frontcourt capable of stretching defenses, switching on the perimeter, and dominating the glass. In a league trending toward positionless basketball and high-level skill, Graves’ basketball IQ and feel could prove more valuable than raw athleticism alone.
If the pick lands, it would signal Boston’s commitment to building around Tatum with high-character, high-IQ teammates who complement his game rather than overlapping with it. For opposing general managers, the prospect of the Celtics adding yet another smart, productive piece to an already championship-caliber culture is an unwelcome development.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how Boston navigates its roster decisions. Trading Brown remains a major “what if,” but selecting a talent like Allen Graves could quietly be the move that keeps the Celtics contending at the highest level for the foreseeable future.
The bombshell possibility is on the table — and the league is paying attention.