Top Five Potential First-Round Picks the Celtics Should Eye for the 2026 NBA Draft

The Boston Celtics have consistently built their roster around versatility, defense, and players who can thrive within a structured system, making the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft especially important for maintaining their competitive edge. With limited margin for error as a contending team, Boston must target first-round prospects who can contribute early while also offering long-term upside. This group of potential first-round picks brings size, physicality, and role-based impact that aligns well with the Celtics’ identity. Each player has the tools to step into a defined role and provide meaningful minutes within a championship-caliber rotation.

1. Chris Cenac Jr., Forward, University of Houston

Chris Cenac Jr. brings elite size and physicality at six-foot-11, making him a strong interior presence with the ability to impact both ends of the floor for the Boston Celtics. His playstyle is similar to Luka Garza’s in the way he uses strength, positioning, and touch around the basket, with Garza adding an offensive dimension through his scoring instincts, footwork in the post, and ability to stretch the floor. In his most recent season at the University of Houston, Cenac has averaged approximately 9.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, has shot around 49% from the field, highlighting his efficiency and rebounding impact.

His ability to finish around the rim and control the glass fits well within Boston’s need for frontcourt depth, especially in a system that values players who can play within their role. Cenac’s game is built on effort, rebounding, and defensive presence, allowing him to contribute without requiring offensive touches. In a system like Boston’s, players who protect the paint and play efficiently in limited roles are extremely valuable. His long-term upside as a physical forward makes him an intriguing first-round option for a contending team.

2. Morez Johnson Jr., Center, University of Michigan

Morez Johnson Jr. offers a powerful inside presence at six-foot-nine, 250 pounds, giving him the ability to dominate physically in the paint and fit seamlessly into the Boston Celtics rotation. His playstyle is similar to Neemias Queta in the way he impacts the game through physicality, rebounding, and interior defense while thriving in a defined role. In his most recent season at the University of Michigan, Johnson has averaged approximately 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Meanwhile, he has been shooting around 64% from the field, highlighting his efficiency around the rim.

Johnson thrives as a high-energy big man who can anchor second units, rebound at a high level, and provide toughness against opposing frontcourts. His ability to impact the game through effort and efficiency aligns perfectly with Boston’s system, where role players contribute without needing high usage. Johnson brings elite interior scoring, rebounding presence, and defensive toughness to the table. Adding a player like him would strengthen the Celtics’ frontcourt depth.

3. Cameron Carr, Guard, Baylor University

Cameron Carr provides a different dimension as a six-foot-five guard who can score, handle, and stretch the floor, making him a strong fit within the Boston Celtics system. His playstyle is similar to Payton Pritchard in the way he can serve as an offensive spark, combining shot creation with efficient scoring while still fitting within a structured offense. In his most recent season at Baylor University, Carr has averaged approximately 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting around 51% from the field and nearly 39% from three. This has highlighted his scoring efficiency and versatility. 

Carr’s size allows him to defend multiple positions, which is essential in Boston’s switch-heavy defensive scheme, while his scoring ability gives him value as both a primary option and secondary playmaker. He brings versatility as a scorer who can create his own shot without disrupting offensive flow. He contributes efficiently and adapts to different roles with ease. This makes him a strong backcourt option for a team built around balance and depth.

4. Aday Mara, Center, University of Michigan

Aday Mara stands out due to his size at seven-foot-three, giving him elite rim protection and interior presence that fits well within the Boston Celtics system. His playstyle is similar to Jayson Tatum's in the sense that both use length, timing, and overall awareness to impact the game on both ends while fitting within a structured offense, with Tatum known for his exceptional footwork and shot-making ability. In his most recent season at the University of Michigan, Mara averaged approximately 11.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting over 67% from the field. These numbers highlight his efficiency and defensive presence.

His ability to alter shots and control the paint makes him an ideal defensive anchor for a team like Boston, where rim protection and versatility are essential. Mara’s length creates clear advantages in contesting shots and protecting the rim, while his ability to finish efficiently fits within a defined role. Players of his size and defensive impact are rare. This makes him a strong first-round option for a contending team.

5. Motiejus Krivas, Center, University of Arizona

Motiejus Krivas offers a combination of size and skill at seven-foot-two, allowing him to impact the game both inside and as a developing offensive option within the Boston Celtics system. His playstyle is similar to Derrick White's in the sense that both maximize their effectiveness through efficiency, smart decision-making, and playing within the flow rather than needing high usage. In his most recent season at the University of Arizona, Krivas averaged approximately 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and an assist per game while shooting nearly 59% from the field, along with around 1.8 blocks per game. These numbers highlight his interior presence and efficiency.

Krivas plays with strong awareness and positioning, which allows him to fit naturally into structured defensive systems and contribute without disrupting offensive flow. His ability to rebound, protect the rim, and finish efficiently makes him a well-rounded big with long-term upside. In Boston’s system, he could develop into a reliable frontcourt contributor. He would provide consistent impact through role-based play and defensive stability.

Final Thoughts

The Celtics’ draft strategy should remain focused on targeting first-round picks who can contribute immediately within a defined role while still offering long-term upside. As a contending team, hitting on first-round talent is critical, especially when those players can provide defensive versatility, efficiency, and depth without requiring high usage. This group of prospects fits that identity, bringing size, physicality, and the ability to impact winning in structured roles. Strengthening the frontcourt and adding versatile contributors through the first round will be essential for maintaining Boston’s championship window. The 2026 NBA Draft gives the Celtics another opportunity to add impactful first-round talent that aligns with their proven system.