The Boston Celtics are already looking ahead to the 2027 NBA Draft, with early projections linking them to USC guard Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. This comes as the team navigates a recent rough patch, having lost their last three games, including a 100-109 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on May 2, 2026. Their recent form stands at two wins and three losses in their last five outings.
Who is Alijah Arenas and why are the Celtics interested?
Alijah Arenas is a 19-year-old guard for the USC Trojans carrying a famous basketball name. He is the son of Gilbert Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star who played from 2001 to 2013. Early scouting reports highlight his advanced ball-handling and shot-creation skills, traits that run in the family. Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman has projected the Celtics to hold the No. 27 pick in the 2027 draft, a spot where Arenas could be available.
Wasserman placed Arenas within Boston's potential draft range on his latest big board. He noted the guard's "size, movement, repertoire and genes" make it easy for scouts to picture an NBA-level scorer. However, his freshman season stats showed room for growth. Arenas averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 14 games in the 2025-26 campaign. His shooting efficiency was low, at 34.1% from the field and 21.3% from three-point range.
What challenges did Arenas face in his freshman year?
His first college season was far from ideal. Arenas suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery, delaying his debut until January 2026. After returning from the lengthy injury absence, he was immediately thrust into a major role against a tough Big Ten schedule. This disrupted preparation provides important context for his shooting percentages and his ratio of 32 turnovers to 23 assists.
Scouts have reportedly been willing to give him a pass for those early struggles due to the late start and injuries. The expectation is that better decision-making and a fuller season of experience should lead to sharper execution. 247Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein pointed out that Arenas is "a glaring talent in the midst of a late growth spurt" with significant long-term potential.
How can Arenas improve his draft stock for 2027?
Arenas had the chance to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, where some outlets still saw him as a potential late first-round pick despite the rocky start. He chose to withdraw and return to USC for his sophomore season. This decision gives him a clear opportunity to transform his draft narrative during the 2026-27 campaign.
A healthy and consistent season could quickly push his name higher up draft boards. The Celtics, who have recently selected players like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, and Chris Cenac Jr. with late first-round picks, are always looking to add young talent. Another year of development for Arenas could make him a perfect fit for Boston's developmental pipeline. Fans tracking the team's future prospects can keep an eye on the roster page for updates on young players.
What is the context for the Celtics' draft position?
The Celtics have operated in the late first round for several consecutive drafts. They picked at No. 30 in 2024, No. 28 in 2025, and No. 27 in 2026. Early 2027 projections suggest they could be in a similar position again. This pattern gives the front office repeated chances to find value, much like they will hope to do if Arenas is on the board.
For the Celtics, integrating new talent remains a priority as they build a roster capable of sustained success. While the immediate focus is on correcting their recent on-court form, planning for the future through the draft is a constant process. The team's activity in upcoming drafts will be key to maintaining their competitive edge, and a player with Arenas' pedigree and upside is certainly one to watch.
