Looking at 4 wings Boston Celtics could pick in 2025 NBA Draft
For now, the Celtics' next agenda of the offseason is the 2025 NBA Draft. They hold the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in the upcoming draft, set for June 25-26. So they'll have some options at the end of the first round and the top of the second.
The C's could end up making some trades like they've done in the past, but for now, they're armed with two draft picks. MassLive already looked at four potential guards who could be around when the Celtics are on the clock for the draft.
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Now, here's a closer look at four potential wings the Celtics could pick:
Drake Powell, North Carolina
2024-25 stats: 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 25.5 minutes in 34 games. Shot 48.3% from the field and 37.9% on 3-pointers.
There was some thought that Powell could return to college, but he was firm in that he was staying in the NBA Draft process. Powell was a one-and-done product after playing a single season with the Tar Heels as he won't turn 20 until later this year.
The counting stats don't pop off the page as took just 5.7 shots per game at North Carolina. However, he had some eye-popping numbers coming out of the draft combine. Powell was measured with a 7-foot wingspan. Notably, he also came in at 37.5 inches standing vertical leap and his max vertical leap was 43 inches.
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The athleticism and defensive potential are both there. His 3-point shooting number looks solid, though it was only on 2.6 attempts per game, and he shot 64.8% on free throws. Still, that's an intriguing prospect at this point in the draft.
Adou Thiero, Arkansas
2024-25 stats: 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 27.5 minutes in 27 games. Shot 54.5% from the field and 25.6% on 3-pointers.
Thiero comes in with some versatility and a solid frame as he was measured in at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan. He's an athletic wing and slasher who could fit well with the Celtics. He started his career at Kentucky for the first two years before transferring to Arkansas, where he was a major contributor. He turned 21 last month, so he's not a super old prospect.
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The knock on him is his shooting as that's just not a part of his game at this point. Thiero does a lot of things well but that's the one area the Celtics would like to see some improvement if they go this route. Thiero also shot 68.6% on 6.5 free throw attempts per game last season, so that doesn't look super promising there either.
Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)
2024-25 stats: 5.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists in 14.8 minutes in 60 games in Liga ACB, per EuroBasket. Shot 44.5% from the field and 28% on 3-pointers.
Gonzalez is one of the more intriguing prospects of this draft considering his age and where he's playing. Gonzalez just turned 19 years old and already playing for Real Madrid. He didn't get much playing time at the beginning of the year, though he's seen some more recently.
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One thing about Gonzalez is that he can't go through predraft workouts because Real Madrid just started its playoff run. Considering it's the No. 1 seed, the playoffs could go for a while ahead of the draft. There's a lot to like about his game on both sides of the court, though he'll need to grow into his frame. But considering his age, there's some intrigue there too for NBA front offices.
Alex Toohey, Sydney Kings (Australia)
2024-25 stats: 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 22.9 minutes in 30 games, per the NBL. Shot 45.2% on field goals.
Toohey was committed to Gonzaga but elected to stay closer to home in Australia, where he's developed into a potential NBA draft pick. He was measured in at nearly 6-foot-8 at the draft combine with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. So he brings size and had a maximum vertical leap of 31.5 inches.
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Toohey has shown he can get out in transition but shooting is another question mark. He turned 21 years old last month, so he's not super young but also not that old. Will need to bulk up a bit more to play in the NBA game but can be a versatile defender with his frame.
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