Getty
Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens during a game against the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025
With the trade deadline behind them and the season resuming following the All-Star break, the Boston Celtics are not only focused on the present but also beginning to look ahead to the franchise’s long-term future.
Boston recently reinforced its contender status on Thursday with a 121-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors, improving to 36-19 and strengthening its grip on the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With Jaylen Brown continuing to lead the team, Nikola Vucevic providing stability in the frontcourt, and Jayson Tatum working towards a return from a long-term Achilles injury, the Celtics appear well-positioned for a strong late-season title push.
However, with Brown, Tatum, and Derrick White already occupying significant portions of the team’s future salary cap, and Vucevic potentially joining them if he re-signs in unrestricted free agency, the 2026 NBA Draft represents a key opportunity to add young, cost-controlled talent to support Boston’s long-term outlook.
Boston Celtics Projected to Target High-Upside Guard
Boston currently controls its future draft capital and is projected to select towards the end of the first-round.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman projected the Celtics to select Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner, identifying him as a potential high-upside option in the 20s.
Despite standing just six feet tall, Tanner has delivered an impressive sophomore campaign.
Through 26 games, he is averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.5 steals while shooting 47.2% from the field, 37% from three-point range on 4.6 attempts per game, and 86.3% from the free-throw line. Vanderbilt currently holds a strong 21-5 record.
Wasserman highlighted Tanner’s rising draft stock and growing interest from NBA evaluators.
“Scouts had been opening up to the idea of taking Tyler Tanner seriously as an NBA prospect,” Wasserman wrote. “And then he went for 29 points and seven assists in a win over Alabama. He averaged 22.6 points over his next 10 games with scouts paying even closer attention.”
“With ball-handling quickness and speed, both in the open floor and turning the corner, he’s been able to easily create advantages, resulting in high-percentage finishes and quality shots for teammates. Tanner has shot it well from three and the free-throw line, and he’ll need to sustain this type of shooting to hold off skepticism.”
Tanner’s Recent Surge Strengthening Case as Draft Riser
Tanner continued his strong run of form on Wednesday, scoring 27 points and adding five assists in a narrow loss to Missouri.
He has scored at least 20 points in five of his last seven games, highlighted by a career-best 37-point performance against Oklahoma on February 7.
In that outing, he shot 10-of-23 from the field, connected on three three-pointers, and made 14 of 18 free throws. He also contributed three rebounds, nine assists, two blocks, and five steals, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends.
Despite concerns surrounding his size, Tanner’s athleticism and versatility have helped him stand out among his peers.
“The NBA hasn’t been very willing to give 6-foot guards a long leash lately, but Tanner looks different with 16 dunks and 12 blocks,” Wasserman added. “And all it takes is one team to see an outlier and believe he’s worth the gamble in the late teens or 20s.”
Beyond scoring, Tanner has demonstrated encouraging all-around production. He has recorded five games with at least five rebounds, including a nine-rebound performance in December, while also posting multiple high-steal outings and several multi-block games.
NBA Draft Room describes him as “one of the most exciting and talented guards in the country,” adding that “he’s a big time talent.”
Boston’s developmental infrastructure could further enhance Tanner’s potential. The organization has consistently utilized its G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, to nurture young talent.
Most recently, 2025 second-round pick Amari Williams earned a full NBA contract following a strong run of performances.
If selected, Tanner could benefit from a similar development path as the Celtics continue balancing their championship ambitions with long-term roster sustainability.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
More Heavy on Celtics
Loading more stories