The Boston Celtics are in a strong position heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, holding their own first-round pick near the end of the round thanks to their solid 2025-26 season under Joe Mazzulla.
Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft has Boston selecting 6-foot-11 Duke big man Patrick Ngongba late in the first round. Zach Buckley wrote that the Celtics “would be wise to leave this draft with a center if the board breaks right,” praising Ngongba’s feel, instincts, 7’4” wingspan, paint protection, and passing ability.
While Ngongba has intriguing tools — he’s a rim-runner with advanced basketball IQ — the fit with Boston is questionable at best. The Celtics already have significant depth and talent at the center position, making another big man addition feel redundant.
Current Frontcourt Depth Makes Ngongba a Tough Fit
Boston’s big man rotation is already loaded:
Nikola Vucevic — Acquired at the February 5 trade deadline, he showed solid production (10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists) in his limited games before a hand injury sidelined him for the past 11 contests. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the team must decide whether to re-sign him on a longer-term deal.Neemias Queta — A reliable rim-runner and defender who has earned consistent minutes.Luka Garza — A stretch big who provides spacing and scoring punch off the bench.Amari Williams — Another athletic, playmaking five with upside and elite passing skills.
Adding Ngongba would create overlap with Queta and Williams in the rim-running, paint-protecting archetype while offering limited spacing compared to Garza or a potential Vucevic return. With the roster already crowded at the position, drafting another center would likely push one of the current pieces out of the rotation or force a trade.
Ngongba’s Polarizing Profile and Injury Concerns
Ngongba has drawn mixed reviews from scouts. In a March 2 mock from The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, he was projected as high as No. 20 overall, but Vecenie noted he has become a “weirdly polarizing player.”
“Ngongba has turned into a weirdly polarizing player for scouts, with some very strongly appreciating his well-rounded game on both ends and thinking it will translate exceedingly well,” Vecenie wrote. “His lack of vertical explosion, however, gives scouts pause as to how his finishing at the rim will translate. He’s also not a particularly strong defensive rebounder, and scouts wonder whether he can anchor a defense by ending possessions.”
Injury history adds another layer of caution. Ngongba missed his senior year of high school with a right foot injury and dealt with a left foot issue last fall. Durability questions at the center position are always magnified in the NBA.
Better Draft Strategy for Boston
Given the depth at center, the Celtics would be wiser to use their late first-round pick on a guard or multi-position wing who can add perimeter creation, defense, or shooting. The front office has done an excellent job developing big men in recent years (Queta, Garza, Williams), so continuing to overload the position feels unnecessary.
If the Celtics decide to re-sign Vucevic to a team-friendly deal, the need for another big man drops even further. Even if they let him walk, elevating Garza or Williams makes more sense than drafting another similar archetype.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics are in a enviable spot — contending for titles while still holding draft capital and flexibility. Drafting Patrick Ngongba would be a safe but uninspiring choice given the current roster construction. A guard or wing who can contribute immediately on both ends would better complement the core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the returning stars.
Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, has shown patience and smart roster-building. Expect them to target perimeter help or defensive versatility rather than adding to an already crowded frontcourt.
Celtics fans, would you be happy with Patrick Ngongba late in the first round, or would you rather the team draft a guard or wing to add creation and spacing? How do you see the Nikola Vucevic situation playing out this summer?
The 2026 draft won’t define the Celtics’ future, but a smart pick could give them another valuable piece for their championship window.