5 Centers the Celtics Could Draft to Replace Porzingis

Following the trade of Kristaps Porzingis, and with veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet entering free agency, the Boston Celtics suddenly find themselves with a hole in the frontcourt.

They’ve already retooled with wings and guards in recent years, but now—with limited cap flexibility and two late first-round picks (Nos. 28 and 32)—the 2025 NBA Draft could be their best shot at landing a long-term big.

Here are five centers who could fit Boston’s system and timeline.

1. Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)

Raynaud is a modern big who checks a lot of boxes. At 7’1″, he can stretch the floor, pass from the high post, and protect the rim. He fits the Celtics’ five-out style perfectly—bringing the type of pick-and-pop shooting and dribble handoff passing that Joe Mazzulla loves.

He wouldn’t replace Porzingis one-for-one, but Raynaud would keep Boston’s offense humming with spacing and feel. He’s also underrated defensively, capable of switching on the perimeter when needed.

Player Comparison: Brook Lopez

Mock Draft Range: Pick 24 (Yahoo), Pick 32 (The Ringer)

2. Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

If Boston wants pure rim protection, Kalkbrenner is the guy. He’s a 7’1″ defensive anchor with elite shot-blocking instincts and great drop coverage mechanics. He fits the mold of a low-usage, high-efficiency center who can rebound, defend the paint, and finish around the rim.

In the absence of Porzingis’s interior presence, Kalkbrenner offers a plug-and-play defensive solution—especially if Horford’s minutes continue to dwindle.

Player Comparison: Jakob Poeltl, Luke Kornet

Mock Draft Range: Pick 29 (Yahoo), Pick 29 (The Ringer)

3. Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)

Sorber’s physicality stands out immediately. He’s a 6’10”, 250-pound screen setter, rim protector, and interior scorer who does the dirty work. Think Horford’s size and discipline with more vertical pop and potential as a roll man.

He’s not flashy, but he’s ready to contribute. With a bit more touch and offensive growth, he could become a long-term starter—and a tough, playoff-ready big that fits Boston’s identity.

Player Comparison: Jonas Valanciunas, Kevon Looney

Mock Draft Range: Pick 14 (Yahoo & The Ringer)

4. Danny Wolf (Michigan)

Wolf might be the most unique option on the board. A 6’11” ball-handling big who can initiate offense, hit threes, and run dribble handoffs, he brings an entirely different kind of versatility.

While his defense still needs development, his offensive creativity could juice Boston’s bench units and provide a different wrinkle when Jaylen Brown sits. He’s the kind of high-IQ, floor-spacing big that Mazzulla could weaponize in short bursts.

Player Comparison: Kelly Olynyk

Mock Draft Range: Pick 26 (Yahoo), Pick 18 (The Ringer)

5. Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)

If Boston wants upside, Niederhauser’s the swing. He’s long (7’0″, 243 lbs), athletic, and explosive around the rim. He’s still raw but has shown flashes as a rim runner, shot blocker, and vertical lob threat.

Think Robert Williams upside—if the shooting touch and timing come together. As a second-round target or developmental stash, he could be a long-term payoff play who grows into a rotation piece.

Player Comparison: Clint Capela

Mock Draft Range: Pick 35 (Yahoo), Round 2 (The Ringer)

Who’s the Best Fit for the Celtics?

With Porzingis out and Horford nearing the end, the Celtics need a new big to anchor their next chapter.

Raynaud gives them shooting and feel. Kalkbrenner brings rim protection. Sorber offers toughness and reliability. Wolf adds offensive flavor. Niederhauser is the upside swing.

Any of them could fit. The question is: do the Celtics want ready-made help—or a long-term bet?

The 2025 NBA Draft takes place June 25 at 8 PM ET on ABC and ESPN.