NBA analyst’s latest mock draft has Celtics taking forward with ‘severe’ offensive limitations

The NBA Draft is fast approaching and the Boston Celtics have some decisions to make.

Boston needs to address its center position whether it be via free agency or the draft. But the Celtics could also benefit from forward depth — especially with Jayson Tatum set to be out most, if not the entire 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achilles.

The Celtics have the 28th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and longtime analyst Kevin O’Connor has Boston drafting Adou Thiero out of Arkansas in his latest mock draft.

“Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter,” O’Connor wrote. “If he’s able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player. The Celtics have had good success at improving shooters, so he’d be a fair bet at this spot, considering his other strengths are tailor-made for their system.”

Thiero’s junior season saw him average 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He made 54.5% of his shots from the field, but made just 25.6% of his 3-point attempts.

A scout recently told HoopsHype that Thiero is “just a highlight-reel without a role” and called him a “project” until his shooting can improve.

Whether the Celtics take a chance on Thiero in hopes to improve his shooting remains to be seen, and it will be interesting to see what direction they’ll go on June 25.