The NBA Draft begins on June 23 and the Celtics own picks No. 27 and No. 40.
While it's unclear if they'll use or trade their draft picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics are certainly making the rounds when it comes to pre-draft workouts.
The Celtics currently own picks No. 27 and No. 40 and they've been connected to multiple players in the pre-draft process, including Zuby Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell of St. John's, as well as Alex Karaban of the University of Connecticut.
Our sister UConn site notes that UConn general manager Tom Moore says that the Sacramento Kings and Celtics have expressed the most interest in Karaban to this point.
The Kings have the No. 7 pick, which is too high for the forward, but they own picks No. 34 and No. 45, so if the C's don't take him at No. 27, they may not get him.
About Karaban
A two-time national champion, Karaban is one of the most beloved UConn players of all-time. A four-year player at a time when almost no one is a four-year player at the same school, he is the winningest player in program history. A two-time All-Big East selection, he averaged 12.5 ppg for his career to go along with five rebounds.
Listed at 6-foot-8, there are questions about if he's quick enough to play on the perimeter in the NBA, but his shooting numbers at the NBA Combine prove there is a spot for him somewhere in the league.
He played in 151 games at UConn, including 150 starts, also the most in program history. He averaged 13.2 ppg this past season as UConn got to another national title game, losing to Michigan.
UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots the ball over Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesWhat would his role be with Celtics?
Admittedly, Karaban is interesting draft prospect. He's 6-foot-8, but as of now, doesn't seem to have the athleticism to be a dynamic, off-the-dribble perimeter player. Furthermore, he doesn't have the pure strength to be an interior bruiser.
For now, he's most likely a spot-up shooter who would benefit from drive-and-dish opportunities created by Payton Pritchard, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Could he potentially be a replacement for Sam Hauser? Hauser does have three years left on his contract, but is there a chance the C's could move him this offseason?
Of course, Karaban is hard worker and a coachable player, so there's always the chance that he can grow physically and add new elements to his game, making himself a more well-rounded offensive player.
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