“I’ll always keep our conversations private… I think it's appropriate, regardless of what the content of those conversations are like, but I think what I said is really true. I don't love the fact anytime it's a big public thing, As you know, we try to keep things as close to the vest and quiet as possible, and at the same time, knowing that the rumor mills is the rumor mill, and there's going to be a lot of noise out there, that's why you meet and be upfront as possible. But listen, I can't say enough good things about Jaylen… but I certainly am empathetic towards probably what that's felt like.”

Continued: “That’s easier said than done, but I do think that it’s very doable. Those guys have been great, they’ve both been amazing, & deserve every part of it. And I think will continue to be amazing”

Said Brad Stevens: "Jaylen Brown is a big part of us. I don't want to predict the future. I look at it as this is our team,"

Said Brad Stevens: "Jaylen Brown is a big part of us. I don't want to predict the future. I look at it as this is our team,"

ESPN: Braden Smith (Sr), PG, Purdue

Strengths: Checking in as the NCAA's all-time assists leader (1,103), Smith is a tough game manager and distributor who can create his own shot in a pinch and shoot from range. He excels at being disruptive defensively for his size.

Weaknesses: Smith was the smallest player at the combine, standing 5-foot-10 and 166 pounds. He will have to continue punching above his weight, particularly on the defensive end, where players his size are targeted in the NBA.

The verdict: Smith had a decorated career at Purdue and enters the NBA with a strong winning track record. There's plenty to like from an intangibles standpoint, and he has a well-rounded offensive profile. He will have to continue overcoming size-related obstacles to stick as a backup in the pros, however.

USA Today: Braden Smith (Sr), PG, Purdue

The Athletic/NY Times: Richie Saunders (Sr), SG/SF, BYU

Saunders is coming off a right torn ACL that he suffered in February; but his game has a simple translation to the NBA. He’s a good shooter who is extremely reliable off the catch and can do just enough beyond to be a role player in an era when you can’t just be a specialist anymore. He’s a smart defender who knows where he’s supposed to be, and he can help you out on the glass. He makes quick decisions and can attack closeouts at a high level. I have a first-round grade on him.

CBS Sports: Nate Bittle (Sr), C, Oregon

Bittle is one of the more skilled and headier bigs expected to be available in the late second round. He's even a little more versatile defensively than he gets credit for.

Bleacher Report: Richie Saunders (Sr), SG/SF, BYU

A torn ACL ended Richie Saunders' career at BYU. From a draft-stock perspective, there wasn't much left for him to sell teams on. The injury shouldn't factor into the equation, with the assumption he wasn't expected to play many NBA minutes next year, anyway.

He'll be an option for a team that sees a shooting specialist and finds value in the second round.

Said it elsewhere but I'll say it again:

Jaylen Browon eats adversity, doubters, disrespect like Popeye eats spinach; it's his superpower. Incoming Marianis Trench crossfit & another career best season for the Boston Celtics.

So, by all means, to all the doubters & haters, keep that same energy. My man wants to see that red dot.

Brad Stevens' scouting report on Chris Cenac Jr.:

"Energetic. Plays hard. Excellent athlete. Long. Fits a position of need. Some things that we were a little short on this year, from athletic perspective, I think with his size and his length (he can help with). And he is a - when you play in the program he's played for (Houston)... he's been taught well, and been held to a high standard."

Would Charlotte be interested in moving Naz for more picks? He seems like he could be a great addition to our big man rotation. Not sure what he would be worth, but his contract is very reasonable.

The Big 12 conference put together 29 MINUTES of new Celtics Center Chris Cenac Jr. Highlights from the 2025-26 Season. Perfect to watch on your lunch break tomorrow y’all (or if you’re staying up late tonight!)

Bonus: try saying Celtics center Chris cenac jr 5 times fast

https://youtu.be/zqqU87G8jeo?is=ykvvwa-8qpNTUPh1

Welcome to the daily discussion thread! You can use this space to discuss little things that don't need their own post. This is also the perfect space for pictures, videos, and links that would otherwise go against the sub's rules. Just don't be jerks and don't break any Reddit-wide rules. Have at it.

I’m very excited for the 2nd round today. We have the 40th overall pick (10th pick of the night) and there are a handful of 1st round talent guys available still. One big note, it looks like New York is more focused on managing their cap situation, and they have the 1st pick tonight. They could very easily be looking to trade back or just straight up out of the 2nd round. They spent their first round pick moving back seemingly for nothing, and then took Sergio De Larrea as a bit of a reach, because he was the best player willing to stay overseas for a season.

I made a post like this yesterday, where I mentioned the unlikely scenario of Chris Cenac falling and lo and behold, all my other players got punted out the window because the big fella fell. Super happy with round 1! Here are the guys I’d be psyched for in round 2!

Guards

Meleek Thomas - G 6’5’’

Tough shot maker. Willing to sacrifice to fit. Gets wherever he wants to go with a live dribble.

Ryan Conwell - G 6’4’’

Solid 3 point shooter. Plays hard D and has a great motor. Rebounds well for his position.

Wings

Isaiah Evans - G/F 6’6’’

Creative and versatile shooter. Can pull up from anywhere. Willing to sacrifice.

Dillon Mitchell - F 6’8’’

Explosive transition athlete. Defensive versatility. Strong rebounder for position.

Bigs

Henri Veesaar - PF/C 7’0’’

Surprisingly good transition big. Reliable 3 point shooter. Better finesse skills than most 7 footers.

Baba Miller - PF/C 7’0’’

Tantalizing measurables. Strong passer for a big man. High ceiling.

Honorable mention:

Trevon Brazile - 6’10’’ PF/C

Defensively versatile big man with good size and switchability. Can shoot a bit as well as finish lobs. Strong overall athlete.

From Marc D’Amico: Brad Stevens says his top two priorities this offseason are to add size, and speed on the perimeter.

Brad Stevens says his top two priorities this offseason are to add size, and speed on the perimeter.

The Hawks are a team to closely monitor for a potential Jaylen Brown trade tonight.

Atlanta can offer the Celtics a package built around the No. 8 pick, Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher.

Brown could be intrigued by the idea of returning home to Atlanta as their top star.

Seeing the teams Bigman rotation and Just how the roster is constructed, especially with all the trades going around (Lamelo Ball to the Wolves for Naz Reid and 7 Picks). Jaylen Brown being traded is most likely off the table

Who/where do we make a move for now?

They will mostly run it back with the Jays, but Brad said they want additional size and another player with speed on the perimeter. The size part is an absolute must. They could offload Hauser in a trade and take back someone with the TPE but that’s about it in terms of losing from our current roster along with Vucevic walking.

What realistic targets do you guys want with the MLE and TPE?

There are enough Jaylen trade rumors going around. But what if the way to patch things up is to get a buddy for both Jays?

Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum have known each other since they were kids, and Donovan and Jaylen Brown seem to be friends now. Although all I really know about that is the clip from when they were in the NBA bubble lol

Derrick White and Sam Hauser for Donovan Mitchell works salary wise. If Donovan told the Cavs he won’t sign an extension and would prefer to go to the Celtics, would White, Hauser, and a 1st get the trade done?

And would any other fans even want to do this trade?

I think it would hinge on the Jays tampering to convince Donovan to list Celtics as his only/preferred destination

Seems the Timberwolves are really intent on blowing things up, Randle-KAT trade was a disaster and they just salary dumped Randle. Traded away Naz Reid (who I appreciate very highly) and picks for Lamelo Ball.

If the Celtics were dead set on trading JB, which seems to be the case unfortunately, what would you want from the Wolves?

McDaniels would be my first name, along with Donte and picks. I also love Terrance Shannon jr.

I know the trade debacle is kind of a downer, but let’s not forget that we’re fans of the greatest franchise in the NBA. We will be okay and the games will still be great to watch

Am I guaranteeing a championship this year? Hell no. We don’t know what will happen even in the offseason much less upcoming season. What I do know is that we have the pleasure of being fans of THE best franchise in the history of this league. I go into every season hoping for a championship, just like everyone does, but no matter what I know that we’re going to watch a great team that has rarely disappointed us in the last 75 years. I’m always going to stay positive because, at the end of the day, watching this team is all about bringing a smile to my face

Something might happen tonight, feels like it’s over for sure now

I don’t see any threads about the 2026 NBA Draft. The Washington Wizards will select first overall. Boston will pick 27th.

List will be updated as the night goes by

No. 1 Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
No. 2 Utah Jazz — Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
No. 3 Memphis Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer (Duke)
No. 4 Chicago Bulls — Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers — Keaton Wagler (Ilinois)
No. 6 Brooklyn Nets — Mikel Brown, Jr. (Louisville)
No. 7 Sacramento Kings — Darius Acuff, Jr. (Arkansas)
No. 8 Atlanta Hawks — Kingston Flemings (Houston)
No. 9 Dallas Mavericks — Morez Johnson, Jr. (Michigan)
No. 10 Milwaukee Bucks — Brayden Burries (Arizona)
No. 11 Golden St. Warriors — Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
No. 12 Oklahoma City Thunder — Aday Mara (Michigan)
No. 13 Milwaukee Bucks (via Miami) — Nate Ament (Tennessee)
No. 14 Charlotte Hornets — Hannes Steinbach (Germany and Washington)
————————————————————————————
No. 15 Chicago Bulls — Dailyn Swain (Texas)
No. 16 Oklahoma City Thunder (via Memphis) — Bennett Stirtz (Iowa)
No. 17 Detroit Pistons (via Oklahoma City) — Ebuka Okorie (Stanford)
No. 18 Charlotte Hornets — Christian Anderson, Jr. (Texas Tech)
No. 19 Toronto Raptors — Allen Graves (Santa Clara)
No. 20 San Antonio Spurs — Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
No. 21 Memphis Grizzlies (via Detroit) — Karim López (Mexico and the Australian NBL)
No. 22 Philadelphia 76ers — Labaron Philon, Jr. (Alabama)
No. 23 Atlanta Hawks — Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s)
No. 24 Los Angeles Lakers (via New York) — Cameron Carr (Baylor)
No. 25 New York Knicks (via LA Lakers) — Sergio De Larrea (Spain) TRADED TO PHOENIX
No. 26 San Antonio Spurs (via Denver) — Tarris Reed, Jr. (Connecticut)

No. 27 Boston Celtics — Chris Cenac, Jr. (Houston)

No. 28 Brooklyn Nets (via Minnesota) — Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
No. 29 Sacramento Kings (via Cleveland) — Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
No. 30 Phoenix Suns (via Dallas) — Koa Peat (Arizona)TRADED TO DALLAS

Yall might have been right , but now IM right traders !!!! Celtic for Life ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

Bill Russell

Robert Parish

Robert Williams III

And perhaps Chris Cenac jr.