THE NBA Draft is just around the corner, in what shapes as one of the most anticipated selection nights in recent memory, thanks to a talented crop of up and comers set to have their dreams realised.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be previewing each side ahead of draft night on June 22, unpacking all 30 teams’ needs and potential selections as they look towards the future.

In a theme that has continued across the first few teams in this series, the Boston Celtics have built a roster set to contend in the present, and are currently engaged in an Eastern Conference battle with the Miami Heat. Where the team goes from here remains unclear, but the team will be eager to make the most of its sole selection in the upcoming draft.

Boston Celtics

Draft selections

35

Contracted players

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Robert Williams, Danilo Gallinari (player option), Grant Williams (qualifying offer), Mike Muscala (team option), Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet (non-guaranteed), Sam Hauser, Demetrius Jackson

The Celtics are currently fighting to keep their season alive in the ECF, but appear likely to keep the core of the team to maintain a contending list. The roster has been built on the back of past drafts and smart trading over the past few years. As a result of the latter, the Celtics hold just the one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but could still use it to bring in a solid piece for their championship intentions.

With Al Horford getting into the twilight of his career, the addition of a young big man could prove extremely beneficial to Boston, and one player that could be available with its selection is Tristan Vukcevic.

The Turkish big man stands a whopping seven feet, but has impressive range having shot 40 per cent from three-point territory last season. The biggest question mark on his game is surrounding how well he will adjust to the pace of the NBA, but he certainly has plenty of upside as a pick and pop player.

The Celtics could also opt to bring in a player who is ready to be dropped into the rotation sooner rather than later, and ticking that box is Jaime Jaquez Jr.

The wing would be a ready-made player for the NBA, and at 22 years of age, has already developed his game enough to contribute at the top level. He can score in a variety of ways and create his own shot, and works hard down the other end to defend with intent.

Another option for the Celtics could be guard Marcus Sasser, who works well in the pick-and-roll and could compliment the team’s offence nicely off the bench.

At pick 35, Boston has the opportunity to draft a solid contributor for its side moving forward, and there are plenty of options for the recruiting staff to consider on draft night.