NBA Analyst Predicts Celtics Select College All-American In Second Round
Ryan Kalkbrenner would provide depth in the front court
The Boston Celtics won’t have to wait long to make a selection on night two of the NBA draft. They own the Washington Wizards’ second-round pick at 32nd overall, the second pick in round two.
With the 28th overall pick, general manager Brad Stevens selected wing Hugo Gonzalez from Spain.
CBS Sports’ basketball analyst Kyle Boone published his second-round mock draft following the conclusion of round one. He predicts the Celtics will select Ryan Kalkbrenner, a center out of Creighton.
Kalkbrenner, a seven foot one center, played five seasons at Creighton and was named to the Wooden All-American first team this past season. He averaged 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in 2024-25.
His best asset is his rim protection. Kalkbrenner won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award four times, and was named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in 2024-25. He’s old for an NBA prospect at 23, but more experienced than many of the players who will be selected.
The Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis before the draft, and Al Horford and Luke Kornet are set to hit free agency. That leaves Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman as the only centers on the roster. With the departure of Jrue Holiday and Porzingis freeing up salary, they’ll also look to add to the frontcourt in free agency.
Round two of the draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
