Celtics Predicted To Draft 6-Foot-6 Elite 3-Point Shooting Guard

Celtics Predicted To Draft 6-Foot-6 Elite 3-Point Shooting Guard originally appeared on NESN.
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The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is on Tuesday night, which could be a significant event for the Celtics. Although Boston has the 27th pick, it still has the opportunity to select a valuable player or potentially trade it in a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Since the Celtics still hold the pick, it’s time to consider who they might select in the first round. USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky published a mock draft on Saturday, in which the Celtics selected Duke shooting guard Isaiah Evans.

“Boston tends to favor players with a high effective field goal percentage, low turnover percentage and low usage rate,” Kalbrosky wrote. “They also like players who make quick decisions on catch-and-shoot opportunities and on corner 3-pointers.

“Duke sophomore Isaiah Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made. Expect the Celtics to potentially have Evans higher on their big board than other teams might. UConn’s Alex Karaban, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, also fits the bill.”

Evans spent two seasons at Duke. He started only three games in 2024-25, but this past season, he took a big step. Evans started in 38 games, recording 15 points per game.

If the Celtics take Evans, they will likely need him to work on creating his own shot more. However, he could bring great use on defense with his 6-foot-6 frame.

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