NBA Writer Predicts Celtics To Draft Playmaking Big In 2026

There was a chance the Celtics were going to have a tough season with Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles.

However, Boston is on a five-game winning streak and is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics are likely to be out of the running for the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft due to their strong performance. However, Boston could still land a solid player in the later stages of the first round.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman released an early mock draft on Tuesday, predicting Boston would select Duke Center Patrick Ngongba II with the 21st pick.

“Patrick Ngongba II pairs a physical inside presence with low-post and passing skills. There’s nothing flashy about his game, nor is there any clear path to upside,” Wasserman wrote. “However, NBA teams could eventually see him as useful frontcourt depth, as the 6’11”, 250-pound big has a special feel for how to finish plays/drives and deliver assists as a playmaking big.

“He has excellent hands and patience around the basket, though he looks more interesting when he’s facing up, attacking, taking methodical steps and converting driving layups. Ngongba seemed to give positive minutes whenever he was on the floor last year, and a bigger role should be coming his way in 2025-26.”

Ngongba has started 10 games this season, recording 11.9 points and 6.3 total rebounds. The Celtics need help at center, and adding a player like Ngongba, who can attack the boards and has impressive defensive skills — averaging 1.6 blocks per game this season — could make a difference for Boston.