Celtics Predicted To Draft North Carolina Center Who Could Challenge Neemias Queta For Starting Spot originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics likely have little interest in the 2026 NBA Draft coming up in late June, as their focus is on winning an NBA title this season. However, USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky published a mock draft on Wednesday suggesting that the Celtics might select North Carolina center Henri Veesaar with the 27th pick.
"We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina," Kalbroksy wrote. "The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer.
"Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Celtics, will have him high on their priority list."
Veesaar played college basketball for three seasons and spent a total of four years in school, redshirting during the 2023-24 season. Throughout his career, he appeared in 97 games, averaging 9.7 points and 5.1 rebounds. Yet this past season at North Carolina, he truly hit his stride, averaging 17 points and 8.7 rebounds.
If the Celtics were to select Veesaar, he could spend a season developing at the NBA level and then potentially compete with Neemias Queta for the starting center position.
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