May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts during the second quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Could Celtics Make Appearance at 2026 NBA Draft Lottery?

Originally posted on NBA Draft on SI | By Derek Parker | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 8:00 AM ET

For the most part, it’s already known which teams will likely land among the 2026 NBA Draft’s top picks. At least, without unprecedented lottery luck.

Teams like the Nets, Wizards, Jazz, and a few more will vie for top players like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer. But its currently foggy which teams will join them in the lottery.

The Boston Celtics — having offloaded a few valuable contributors this offseason, and likely being without superstar Jayson Tatum for the entirety of the season — could very well make that list.

On paper, Boston should still be able to field a fairly competitive roster, if they choose. Jaylen Brown still offers an All-Star level offensive player, capable of carrying plenty of the scoring load. Derrick White continued to offer one of the league’s premier glue players, connecting start fives with ancillary offense, play-making and plenty of defense. Payton Pritchard and the newly-added Anfernee Simons are strong pieces, too, both of which should add a big scoring spark in the backcourt.

If the Celtics wanted to contend for an Eastern Conference Playoffs spot, even sans-Tatum, they likely could.

But is that the best path forward for Boston?

Hugo Gonzalez is helping lead a free basketball clinic here in Medford

He’s spent a lot of time in Boston in recent days pic.twitter.com/EaNjS8ywzq
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) August 24, 2025

Even if the C’s were to make an appearance in the postseason, their chances at cruising to the NBA Finals again with a much-lesser roster are slim to none. While the Pacers will be without an essential superstar of their own, plenty more teams like the Cavaliers, Knicks and Magic are prepped to offer strong competition.

While it might not offer the flashiest regular season, leaving with a high draft pick and attempting to recoup some lost talent could be the stronger move for the Celtics.

To do so, Boston will likely need to lean into the development of young players this season, opposed to heavily leaning on its veteran core. That would mean those like Amari Williams, Jordan Walsh, Max Shulga, Baylor Sheierman, Josh Minott, Hugo Gonzalez and more getting significant burn — which likely wouldn’t yield wins.

Didn't get to lock in to as many games in person as I wanted yesterday but liked what I saw from Hugo Gonzalez.

Brought that energy from the jump and through mistakes. Confidence on some of these shots stood out most. Similar to some flashes he'd shown before. pic.twitter.com/Xo9dhQXcGI
— Keandre Ashley (@HoopIntelllect) July 12, 2025

Luckily, should the Celtics pivot from their winning ways for one season, the 2026 NBA Draft is said to be one of the best in years. They luckily still hold their own first, giving them some flexibility moving forward.

This article first appeared on NBA Draft on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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