The NBA Draft is nearing, and teams are zeroing in on specific prospects to target. The Boston Celtics are in an intriguing spot with the 28th and 32nd picks in the draft. Finding two quality contributors would be massive for the Celtics, given their historic payroll. While many of Boston’s targets are experienced college prospects, they must also consider some high-upside young players. North Carolina’s Drake Powell is one younger prospect worth targeting for the Celtics. Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 48.3/37.9/64.8 shooting splits during his lone season with the Tar Heels. Let’s dive into Powell’s game and fit the Celtics.
Celtics Draft Targets: High Upside Two-Way Wing is a Worthy Gamble
Powell’s Impressive Two-Way Skill Set
Powell is one of the most impactful defenders in the draft. The 6-foot-6 wing boasts an impressive 7-foot wingspan, making him well-equipped to guard multiple positions at the NBA level. With a combine high 43-inch vertical, Powell is an elite athlete. He can shut down opponents on the ball and wreak havoc off the ball. Powell’s combination of athleticism, length, quickness, and IQ makes him a complete defender. Notably, opposing ball handlers shot just 32 percent when guarded by Powell. Additionally, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg was held to just four points while Powell was his primary defender across two games. Powell’s ability to guard multiple positions is highly impressive and will serve him well in the NBA.
Drake Powell has the potential to be the best wing stopper in this draft class.
6’6, 7’0 wingspan. Opposing P&R ball-handlers shot 32% (!) when guarded by Powell. Exceptional screen navigation, physical tools + point-of-attack defense.
99th %-ile in max + standing vert testing. pic.twitter.com/wO0P7gAXfc
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 18, 2025
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At UNC, Powell had a ton of responsibilities, often playing power forward as the Tar Heels ran three-guard lineups. This gave Powell a ton of experience guarding bigger players. Regardless, Powell will mostly guard positions one through three at the NBA level, with the capability of guarding fours or fives if needed. Powell could mainly be used as a perimeter stopper given his elite on-ball abilities. Overall, Powell’s elite defense gives him a clear bankable skill and a path to NBA minutes.
Offensively, Powell’s main selling point is his catch-and-shoot abilities. Powell shot 37.9 percent on 2.6 three-point attempts per game he also shot 42 percent on corner threes. Given his spot-up shooting and defense, Powell has a clear projectable role as a 3-and-D wing. However, it’s possible he could become much more. Powell shot 69 percent at the rim, is capable of scoring in transition, and off cuts. While Powell didn’t show much as a self-creator or playmaker at UNC, he is a former five-star recruit. Given Powell’s talent and athleticism, the 19-year-old has clear offensive upside.
The Last Word
Powell is one of the more overlooked prospects in this class. He has all the tools to be a highly impactful two-way player and could be drafted in the late first round or even the early second round. We’ve seen similar types of prospects drafted in the lottery. While some people are projecting Powell to be a surprise riser, most mock drafts are projecting Powell to be available in the late first round. If Powell is available when the Celtics are on the clock at pick 28 or certainly at pick 32, they should jump on this opportunity.
With Jayson Tatum‘s injury, bolstering wing depth would be wise. Furthermore, Tatum’s injury allows the Celtics to experiment a bit with a younger prospect like Powell. Once Tatum returns, Powell’s defense and spot-up shooting will allow him to fit nicely alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Ultimately, Powell could be a high-quality contributor for the Celtics with the upside to become a lot more.
Featured image: © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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