The Boston Celtics are heading into the NBA Draft with the No. 27 overall pick, and if the latest projections hold true, they may be adding a towering presence from Estonia to their roster. USA Today's Bryan Kalbrosky has linked the Celtics to University of North Carolina center Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot big man who has been turning heads with his rapid development and versatile game.

Veesaar's journey to the NBA draft is a story of resilience and growth. After starting his college career at the University of Arizona in 2022 and sitting out the 2023 season, he transferred to UNC and exploded onto the scene. Last season, he averaged an impressive 17 points and 8.7 rebounds while playing 31.4 minutes per game, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. His efficiency around the rim, ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting, and solid rebounding and passing make him an intriguing prospect for any team looking for an immediate contributor.

"We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina," Kalbrosky 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."

The Celtics' interest in a player like Veesaar aligns perfectly with what president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has identified as a key need. After Boston's playoff run, Stevens emphasized the team's struggles to generate quality looks at the rim, particularly against tough defenses like the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic. "We had a hard time generating really good looks on that first shot," Stevens said. "We've got to figure out a way to do better in that, and I think that one of the things that we've got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim. And I think we do need to add to our team to do that."

Veesaar's ability to finish through contact and his growing offensive arsenal could provide exactly the kind of interior presence Stevens is looking for. Of course, the Celtics also have the option to use the pick as trade bait in a potential blockbuster deal. Rumors continue to swirl around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Boston has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the superstar forward. Whether they keep the pick or deal it, all eyes will be on the Celtics on draft night as they look to build on their championship aspirations.