The Boston Celtics’ front office, led by Brad Stevens, is in overdrive this offseason. With the NBA rumor mill buzzing and Brian Windhorst noting on First Take that the “NBA offseason is going to happen faster than normal” (h/t ClutchSports), the Celtics are juggling multiple priorities. From navigating the salary cap to scouting talent for the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25th and 26th, Stevens and his team are laying the groundwork for a pivotal year.
According to HoopsHype, the Celtics have conducted 16 pre-draft workouts as of June 8th, targeting prospects for their 28th and 32nd picks. These picks are unlikely to yield immediate stars but could fill end-of-bench roles, develop in the G-League, or hone their skills overseas. While these workouts may offer a glimpse into Boston’s strategy, they could also be a smokescreen. Here are five key takeaways from the Celtics’ pre-draft process that reveal their offseason plans.
1. Seasoned Prospects Are the Priority
The Celtics are zeroing in on experienced college players. Of the 16 prospects worked out, ten are seniors, and three are juniors. This focus on upperclassmen suggests Boston is seeking “finished” products who can contribute sooner rather than later. While juniors and seniors may have less upside compared to younger prospects, their maturity could allow the Celtics to slot them into specific roles immediately.
This approach aligns with a strategy of building for 2026-27, when the Celtics aim to rebound from a non-contending 2025-26 season. Rather than a complete roster overhaul, Stevens may be targeting players who can grow into contributors by the time Jayson Tatum returns to lead the team.
2. Few Big Men Workouts Signal Frontcourt Retention
Boston’s frontcourt is thin. With Al Horford and Luke Kornet entering free agency, only Kristaps Porzingis and Neemias Queta remain as proven NBA centers. The Celtics’ G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, has just two centers—James Banks and Kavion Pippen—neither of whom appears ready for the NBA. Yet, the Celtics’ workout list is notably light on big men, especially those ranked in the 25-35 range on draft boards.
This omission suggests Boston may plan to re-sign Horford or Kornet, or perhaps the rumors of Porzingis’ departure are exaggerated. In an era where “Twin Towers” lineups are gaining traction, the lack of big man evaluations is puzzling unless Stevens believes the current frontcourt can hold the fort.
3. Obscure Prospects Point to Summer League Fodder
Prospect rankings are subjective, and the gap between the 50th and 125th-ranked player is often minimal. Still, the Celtics’ workout list includes only four top-75 prospects, all seniors, with three being guards. The rest are unranked or lesser-known names, suggesting Boston is either intrigued by under-the-radar talent spotted at the combine or prioritizing players who can fill immediate roles over high-upside underclassmen.
This list feels more like a Summer League roster than a draft board. The Celtics may be using these workouts to identify players who can compete for two-way contracts or G-League spots rather than banking on them as draft picks.
4. Draft Picks Are Expected to Contribute Quickly
High-salaried teams often use the “draft and stash” strategy to delay cap hits while retaining player rights. Given Boston’s cap constraints, this approach would make sense, but the Celtics aren’t even glancing at international prospects. Instead, their focus on college upperclassmen indicates a desire for players who can join the roster in the fall.
This urgency underscores Stevens’ intent to maximize every roster spot, even late in the draft. The Celtics may not expect their 28th or 32nd pick to start, but they’re clearly looking for someone who can contribute minutes or develop rapidly.
5. The Cedric Coward Workout Hints at a Trade-Up
One name stands out: Cedric Coward, a modern three-and-D forward projected at No. 15 in HoopsHype’s aggregated mock draft, with rankings ranging from 12 to 30. A 40% three-point shooter, Coward fits coach Joe Mazzulla’s system and could replace minutes vacated by Jayson Tatum this season. However, it’s unlikely Coward will be available at 28, raising the possibility that Boston is exploring a trade-up.
If Stevens believes in Coward’s potential, moving up could be part of a broader offseason shakeup. This move would signal ambition, aiming to add a player who can grow into a rotation piece sooner than a typical late-first-rounder.
Could Sam Hauser Be on the Move?
The Celtics’ workout trends—focusing on upperclassmen wings with three-and-D potential—point to a specific roster need. This profile aligns with replacing Sam Hauser, a key contributor whose cap hit is the highest among Boston’s wings outside Jaylen Brown. With Baylor Scheierman already on the roster and poised to absorb some of Hauser’s minutes, trading Hauser could alleviate Boston’s luxury tax burden.
Stevens and the new ownership group are committed to building a title contender, even if it’s not for 2025-26. Drafting a wing like Coward or another workout prospect could signal the end of Hauser’s tenure, especially if Boston calls one of these names on draft night. While Hauser’s departure would sting, it could free up resources to retool around Tatum’s return.
What’s Next for Boston?
The Celtics’ pre-draft workouts reveal a calculated approach: targeting experienced wings who can contribute soon, retaining key frontcourt pieces, and potentially trading up for impact talent. Whether these moves culminate in a Hauser trade or a surprise draft-night deal, Stevens is clearly planning for both the short and long term. As the offseason accelerates, Boston’s front office is poised to make waves—whether fans see them coming or not.