On Tuesday morning, ESPN put out its latest NBA Mock Draft, suggesting that the Boston Celtics take 6'8 forward Koa Peat of Arizona with the No. 27 pick in the draft, which begins on June 23.

We covered Peat, and ESPN's projected second-round pick, here, but Yahoo! Sports Insider Kevin O'Connor has a different plan for the Celtics.

O'Connor, one of the most well-respected basketball analysts out there, put out his two-round mock draft on Monday, and he has the Celtics taking center Tarris Reed Jr. out of UConn in the first round.

For comparison, that is 10 picks higher than ESPN has Reed going.

The 6-10 senior averaged 14.7 ppg for the Huskies this past season, also pulling down nine rebounds a night at UConn advanced to the national championship game for the third time in four years. He shot 60.7 percent from the floor and dished out 2.3 assists.

He made history in the Round of 64 of this year's NCAA Tournament, securing 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. He was the first player since 1968 with a 30-25 game in the NCAA Tournament.

Reed spent two years at Michigan before transferring to Storrs. He averaged 9.2 ppg for his career to go along with 6.8 rebounds. He was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team this season and was a member of the All-Big East team. 

In 2024-25 he was the Big East's Sixth Man of the Year. He also performed well at the NBA Combine, especially in the 5-on-5 scrimmages, which perhaps is a reason why O'Connor feels confident bumping him up into the first round.

As good as Neemias Queta was all year, the Celtics clearly need to upgrade at center. Maybe Reed could be that choice. Reed is a throwback center who played at his best on the biggest stage on UConn’s way to the national title game. He does all the dirty work inside the paint as a finisher and rebounder and shot-blocker. But beyond his ability to screen and pass, he wasn’t all too comfortable on the perimeter as a shooter or defender. That story might have changed at the Draft Combine, though, since on multiple occasions Reed looked more nimble moving his feet outside, which could be the key to unlocking his potential.

To O'Connor's point, Reed is a potential answer to the Celtics problems on the interior. Brad Stevens has clearly stated that he wants this team to be better around the rim - and to be more willing to get to the rim - and Reed certainly does that.

He attempted just seven three-pointers in his college career. The real question for Stevens is: Is he too one-dimensional? Or, is O'Connor's assessment of his growth outside something real?

Queta and Luke Garza are both under contract, so it's not quite clear just how many minutes would be available for Reed, but if he can help the team's physicality and rebounding, you have to think Joe Mazzulla will find time for him.

If the Celtics are serious about pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo on the trade market, they may not make any selections in the draft. Milwaukee could value those picks. Just something to think about.

2025: Hugo Gonzalez and Noah Penda (traded to Orlando)

2024: Baylor Scheireman and Anton Watson

2023: Julian Phillips (traded to Washington then Chicago)

2022: JD Davison

2021: Juhann Bagarin 

2020: Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, Desmond Bane (traded to Memphis), Yam Madar

BOLD = on active roster

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