With Jayson Tatum sidelined for an extended period due to an Achilles injury, the Boston Celtics find themselves at a crossroads. The team is poised to make bold roster moves, with offloading some of their top contracts appearing inevitable. This shift will likely thin out their frontcourt depth, pushing Boston to target reinforcements in the 2025 NBA Draft. Holding the No. 28 pick, the Celtics have a chance to add a high-impact big man to their roster. Here are three intriguing prospects who could shake up the NBA and reshape Boston’s future:
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a dominant force in college basketball, consistently delivering elite production. In his fifth season at Creighton, the 7-footer averaged 19 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. His versatile skill set makes him a tantalizing prospect, though the leap in athleticism at the NBA level could pose a challenge. Nevertheless, Kalkbrenner’s proven productivity suggests he’s capable of carving out a meaningful role. For the Celtics, he could step in as an immediate plug-and-play frontcourt piece, providing rim protection and scoring punch from day one.
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
Maxime Raynaud, a 7-foot-1 center from Stanford, brings a modern, offensive-minded game to the table. During his college campaign, he averaged an impressive 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, shooting 47% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc on 5.5 three-point attempts per game. Raynaud’s ability to stretch the floor makes him an ideal fit for a post-Kristaps Porzingis Celtics squad looking to maintain spacing. With a knack for scoring and solid rim protection, Raynaud could seamlessly transition to the NBA as a versatile big man.
Danny Wolf, Michigan
Danny Wolf, a 7-foot prospect from Michigan, stands out as one of the most unique players in the 2025 draft class. Unlike traditional bigs, Wolf plays like a wing, thriving as a pick-and-roll handler and self-creating off the dribble. He averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, often serving as the Wolverines’ offensive catalyst. While Wolf may need refinement to fully adapt to the NBA, his rare combination of size, playmaking, and scoring versatility offers both a solid foundation and sky-high upside. For Boston, he represents a bold swing with the potential to redefine their frontcourt.
The Celtics’ decision at No. 28 could send shockwaves through the league, as any of these prospects—Kalkbrenner’s ready-made production, Raynaud’s floor-spacing prowess, or Wolf’s one-of-a-kind versatility—could reshape Boston’s roster and keep them in championship contention.