While much of the focus surrounding the Boston Celtics centers on president of basketball operations Brad Stevens navigating trades to manage the team’s payroll below the second apron, the upcoming NBA Draft at the end of June remains a key priority. With the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in their possession, the Celtics are actively evaluating prospects, and one player may have caught their eye during a recent workout.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the Celtics hosted Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier for a workout on Wednesday. Lanier, a standout from the SEC, is widely regarded as one of the top shooters in this year’s draft class, boasting an impressive 40.2% 3-point shooting percentage over his college career.
The 6-foot-5, 207-pound guard spent his first four college seasons at North Florida in the Atlantic Sun Conference before transferring to Tennessee for his final year. In his lone season with the Volunteers, Lanier proved he could compete at a higher level, averaging 18 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc. His stellar performance earned him the SEC Newcomer of the Year award.
Lanier’s standout game came in a road victory against Texas A&M, where he erupted for a season-high 30 points, including an remarkable 8-of-13 shooting from 3-point range. This performance showcased his ability to take over games and deliver in high-pressure situations.
Draft analysts project Lanier as a second-round pick, making him a potential target for the Celtics with either of their late first- or early second-round selections. His sharpshooting and versatility could align perfectly with Boston’s needs, potentially influencing Stevens’ draft strategy as the team looks to bolster its roster with cost-effective, high-upside talent.