The Boston Celtics are heading back to the drawing board after a tough first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers, and one NBA analyst believes the team could boost its frontcourt with an intriguing young talent in the upcoming draft.

According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, the Celtics are predicted to select Kansas forward Flory Bidunga in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-9, Bidunga is described as a "vertical weapon" who brings energy and athleticism to the paint.

"Bidunga is a 6-foot-9 vertical weapon with bouncy legs, soft hands, and the defensive instincts to anchor the paint," O'Connor wrote. "He also has some switchability, which could make him highly valuable on defense. But he lacks the size of a true center and any perimeter skill on offense."

Born in Kinshasa, Congo, and moving to the U.S. as a teenager, Bidunga is still learning the nuances of high-level basketball. That means there's plenty of untapped potential waiting to be unlocked over the long term.

For a Celtics team looking to add depth to its frontcourt, this move could be a smart investment. While Bidunga may not be ready for high-pressure playoff minutes right away, his combination of bounce, soft hands, and defensive instincts could develop into a legitimate weapon for Boston in a few seasons.

With other roster decisions looming—including the possibility of trading star guard Jaylen Brown—the draft offers a chance to build for the future without sacrificing the present. Adding a young, high-upside big man like Bidunga could be the first step in reshaping the Celtics' identity.