Boston, MA — After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens delivered a characteristically straightforward assessment of the team’s immediate future.
“We have to get better,” Stevens said.
With the NBA Draft scheduled for June 23, the Celtics hold two selections in the top 40 and are moving aggressively through the pre-draft process. The organization has already conducted workouts with top prospects and scheduled sessions with additional candidates. The first player to receive an official workout this offseason was Andrej Stojaković of Illinois.
Stojaković, a shooting guard, was listed at 6-foot-7 on the Fighting Illini roster but measured 6-foot-5 at the NBA Combine. While his size at the position drew attention, it is his pedigree that has generated significant intrigue across the league.
Andrej is the son of Peja Stojaković, a longtime NBA standout who appeared in more than 800 games between 1998 and 2011. The elder Stojaković earned three All-Star selections and finished fourth in MVP voting in 2004. At 6-foot-10, Peja leveraged his height and elite shooting stroke to convert contested shots at a high level throughout his career.
Andrej’s collegiate performance at Illinois showed flashes of that shooting touch, though he did not establish himself as an elite shot-maker or playmaker. He was not overly aggressive launching threes but demonstrated the capability to make them when called upon.
Whether Stojaković ultimately fits the high-octane, positionless system employed by head coach Joe Mazzulla remains an open question. The Celtics’ current roster and playing style prioritize versatile defenders, elite spacing, and multi-positional creators. A 6-foot-5 shooting guard without dominant creation instincts or elite athleticism would require careful integration.
Still, few executives command more respect in personnel decisions than Brad Stevens, a two-time NBA Executive of the Year. Stevens’ track record of identifying undervalued talent and building sustainable contention suggests the Celtics see something specific in Stojaković that aligns with their long-term vision.
League observers note that Boston’s front office rarely brings in prospects for workouts without serious interest. With two top-40 picks available, the Celtics have the flexibility to add depth and upside without sacrificing future assets. Drafting the son of a proven NBA winner could also bring intangible benefits—professionalism, basketball IQ, and a championship pedigree passed down from father to son.