The Boston Celtics are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, and according to ESPN's latest mock draft, they're eyeing a fresh face from Alabama: forward Amari Allen. With the 27th pick in the first round, the Celtics could be adding a versatile wing to their roster—a move that signals a slight shift from recent draft strategies.

After a disappointing postseason exit—blowing a 3-1 lead against the Philadelphia 76ers and losing three straight, including two at home—the Celtics have plenty of work ahead. Brad Stevens, now at the helm of roster decisions, will likely explore the trade market first. Speculation swirls around Jaylen Brown's future, while Derrick White and Sam Hauser could also be trade chips this summer. But the draft offers a chance to add a cost-controlled asset, and Stevens has historically favored players with multi-season college experience for their higher floor.

Enter Amari Allen, a 6-foot-8 forward who started 24 of 32 games for the Alabama Crimson Tide. ESPN's Jeremy Woo notes his "positional versatility and ability to augment lineups on both sides of the ball," highlighting his defensive instincts and playmaking flashes. While Allen shot just 34.1% from three and isn't a primary scorer yet, his potential as a role player is intriguing. "Whether he can work up the board from here or ultimately winds up back in college remains to be seen," Woo writes, calling him "an older freshman who was unheralded to begin the season."

For the Celtics, Allen would be a developmental project—and that's a familiar path. Boston has a solid track record of refining young talent before integrating them into Joe Mazzulla's rotation. But there's a catch: the wing position is already the deepest area on the roster. If Allen lands in green, he'll need to carve out a niche in a crowded lineup. Still, with the 27th pick, adding a versatile defender with upside could be a smart long-term play for a team looking to bounce back next season.