Who Are the Celtics’ Three Draft Picks?

Friday, June 27, 2025

Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla PHOTO: GoLocal

The Boston Celtics, coming off a period of significant roster turnover and financial recalibration, used the 2025 NBA Draft to inject much-needed youth and versatility into their lineup. With three new prospects—Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez, Kentucky center Amari Williams, and VCU guard Max Shulga—the Celtics signaled a shift toward development and flexibility as they navigate a transitional offseason.

First Round: Hugo Gonzalez Brings International Upside

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With the 28th pick in the first round, Boston selected 19-year-old Hugo Gonzalez from Spain. The 6-foot-6 wing, who played for Real Madrid, is widely regarded for his blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. Gonzalez is seen as a versatile guard/wing with a strong frame and advanced ball-handling skills for his position. Analysts have praised his potential to make an early impact, citing his NBA-ready body and high-level feel for the game. He joins a Celtics roster that may lean more on its younger players this season, especially with Jayson Tatum expected to miss significant time recovering from an Achilles injury.

Draft Night Trades: Celtics Move Down, Add Depth

Initially holding the 32nd pick early in the second round, Boston traded the selection to the Orlando Magic. In return, the Celtics received the 46th and 57th picks, as well as two future second-rounders (2026 and 2027). Orlando used the 32nd pick to select French forward Noah Penda, while Boston pivoted to address other needs with their acquired picks.

Second Round: Amari Williams and Max Shulga

Amari Williams (No. 46 overall, Kentucky): The Celtics used their first acquired second-round pick to select Williams, a defensive-minded center from England who played at Kentucky. Williams is known for his shot-blocking instincts and rebounding, attributes that could earn him early minutes given Boston’s current lack of frontcourt depth. With veteran big men Al Horford and Luke Kornet facing uncertain futures in free agency, Williams will compete for a backup role alongside Neemias Queta.

Max Shulga (No. 57 overall, VCU): With their final pick, Boston chose Max Shulga, a 6-foot-4 guard from Ukraine who starred at VCU. Shulga is a decorated college player, having won the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year award in 2024-25 and earning multiple All-Conference honors. He’s recognized for his shooting ability—connecting on 39% of his three-point attempts over five college seasons—and playmaking skills. The Celtics are expected to sign Shulga to a two-way contract, allowing him to develop in the G League with the potential for a full-time NBA role.

Draft Class Overview and Immediate Outlook

Boston’s 2025 draft class is notable for its international flavor: Gonzalez (Spain), Williams (England), and Shulga (Ukraine) all bring diverse backgrounds and skillsets. The team’s financial constraints and recent trades—moving on from Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis—have heightened the importance of affordable, developmental talent. With Tatum sidelined and other roster questions looming, the Celtics’ rookies could see more opportunity than in previous years.

Big Fiscal Impacts

Front Office Sports reports that by shedding Holiday and Porzingis, the Celtics have transformed their financial situation:

The Celtics saved about $28 million on their 2025–26 payroll from the two trades—but, depending on projections, the team has cut their record $500 million tax bill by about half entering next season.

Yoshi Gozlan of CapSheets.com projected that Boston’s 2025–26 total bill—payroll and tax—is down from $512 million to $274 million. That means the two trades saved the Celtics about $238 million, with $210 million coming purely from tax penalties.

While Gonzalez faces a crowded depth chart on the wing, Williams may have a clearer path to early minutes due to Boston’s thin frontcourt. Shulga, meanwhile, will look to prove himself in the G League and could emerge as a valuable shooter and playmaker if he adapts defensively.

As the Celtics reset around Jaylen Brown and a retooled supporting cast, the 2025 draft class could play a pivotal role in shaping the next era of Boston basketball.

This story includes contributions from Front Office Sports, CapSheets, and Perplexity.

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