As the Boston Celtics navigate the complexities of the NBA’s second apron payroll threshold this summer, center Kristaps Porzingis, set to earn $30.7 million next season, has emerged as a prime candidate for a trade or departure. Persistent health concerns, including a postseason flare-up of a lingering viral illness, turned the 29-year-old into a liability during the playoffs. This contributed significantly to the Celtics’ failure to defend their 2024 NBA championship, culminating in a humbling six-game second-round exit against the New York Knicks.
Despite his injury challenges, the 7-foot-2 Latvian played a pivotal role in Boston’s 2023-2024 title run and their stellar 61-win 2024-2025 regular season — a feat achieved only 15 times in the franchise’s storied history, just three shy of their 18 NBA championships. However, with Porzingis’ availability in question, the Celtics are compelled to explore options to replace their star big man.
The Search for Porzingis’ Successor
Replacing Porzingis won’t be easy. Backup center Luke Kornet, coming off a career-best 2024-2025 season, is now a free agent and likely to command a contract beyond Boston’s financial reach. Meanwhile, third-string center Neemias Quetta has yet to prove he can handle a starting role. With limited options on the current roster, the Celtics are turning to the 2025 NBA Draft to find their next dominant center.
Think this remains one of my favorite draft prospect clips of the year from 7-1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner. Legit think I pulled off my glasses and wiped them off while watching live.
Straight pump fake into attacking a closeout with a one-hand gather and finger roll finish lol. pic.twitter.com/OPp4bK3i9G
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 21, 2025
According to a new mock draft published by NBC Sports Boston on Friday, crafted by Celtics insider Chris Forsberg with input from the outlet’s college basketball experts, Boston is poised to make a bold move. While the draft’s top picks unfold predictably — with the Dallas Mavericks selecting New England native Cooper Flagg from Duke at No. 1, the San Antonio Spurs taking Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2, and the Philadelphia 76ers grabbing Harper’s teammate Ace Bailey at No. 3 — the Celtics’ choice at No. 28 is a game-changer.
Enter Ryan Kalkbrenner: The Elite Rim Protector
With the 28th pick, Forsberg’s mock draft projects the Celtics selecting Creighton’s 7-foot center Ryan Kalkbrenner, a former teammate of Boston’s 2024 first-round pick, Baylor Scheierman. Described by Forsberg as “possibly the best rim protector in the draft,” Kalkbrenner brings an elite defensive skillset to a team in need of a paint presence. The Creighton star earned first-team Wooden All-American honors last season, showcasing his dominance on the college stage.
“Our panel really wanted us to make Maxime Raynaud the pick here,” Forsberg noted, referencing the 7-foot Stanford center from Paris. “But given the choice between two available big men, we’re taking the guy with an elite defensive skillset.”
NBA senior analyst Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports echoes this sentiment, calling Kalkbrenner “a throwback seven-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight.” While O’Connor notes Kalkbrenner’s rebounding as an area for improvement, he praises the center’s “sneaky passing and shooting skills” that hint at untapped potential. As a “super senior” who utilized an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID pandemic, Kalkbrenner, already 24 and married to Creighton women’s basketball player Rachel Saunders, brings maturity and experience to the NBA.
A Bold Move for Boston’s Future
Drafting Kalkbrenner signals a shift for the Celtics, prioritizing defensive stability and long-term potential over retaining a high-salary, injury-prone star like Porzingis. While the move may shock fans, it aligns with Boston’s need to stay competitive under financial constraints. Kalkbrenner’s ability to anchor the defense could complement the Celtics’ core, setting the stage for another championship push.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Boston to see if this bold draft strategy pays off. For now, Kalkbrenner represents a new hope for a franchise determined to reclaim its place atop the NBA.