Mike Zarren press conference

[Gant]

He of the enormous brain, answers all questions with great clarity. This is a must watch. The Celtics are very fortunate to have this guy.

Among other things, Zarren points out they took the risk of trading down in the second round because they thought they could get players about equal to who they could get at 32, plus add other assets. He also speaks about how having those extra assets aid in crucial future flexibility.

This interview is very informative and upbeat.

He says he thinks Hugo will be here next week.

Watch on YouTube

[Gant]

Brian Robb:

Why Boston Celtics traded back in second round of 2025 NBA Draft

“All the time we’re looking for the ability to get more assets in the future and still get a bunch of good players,” Zarren said. “We felt pretty confident that there’d be guys we liked lower in the draft and we had the ability to add a couple of really good future draft picks in addition to getting those guys. So, that’s what we did.”

The Celtics are still dealing with a luxury tax crunch despite dipping under the second apron ($207 million) with their trades of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday last week. However, Zarren did not indicate that finances had any impact on Boston’s decision to move out of the No. 32 slot.

“I don’t think our draft philosophy has changed that much relative to the CBA,” Zarren said. “The draft pick contracts tend to be relatively small relative to the rest of the cap, so most of the time we’re looking to get the guys we think will be good contributing NBA players, particularly later in the draft. Most people aren’t that, and so we’re looking for the guys who are. And because of that you can’t spend a lot of time thinking about what your team need is. So mostly we look for the best players we can get, with an eye toward the fact that you have to have an opportunity for them to contribute at least a little bit to know if they’re gonna be successful or now. But for the most part it’s go get the best guys.”

After Thursday’s trade, the Celtics have now compiled 10 future second-round draft picks through 2032, which Zarren says the team plans to put to use in future moves.

“You need those assets in order to be able to swing trades for great players later or to move around either in the draft or with guys you’ve got,” Zarren said. “So yeah that adds additional flexibility. We got two picks tonight, both of which should be good future picks, they’re the best of three and two teams in some upcoming years. I think we’ll put the press release out on that shortly if it’s not already out. But that’s a key part of our strategy. We’ve used picks to go acquire a lot of good players over the years and hopefully we’ll be able to do that with these if we’re not also drafting them.”

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/06/why-boston-celtics-traded-back-in-second-round-of-2025-nba-draft.html

[brackdan70]

Good two know about those future seconds we got in the Orlando trade. Have we seen any details on those?

[Gant]

Good two know about those future seconds we got in the Orlando trade. Have we seen any details on those?

via Keith Smith:

Boston gets:
draft rights to Amari Williams and Max Shulga
2026 most favorable of Magic/Pistons second-round pick
2027 most favorable of Celtics/Magic second-round pick (Boston is reacquiring this pick)

Orlando gets:
draft rights to Noah Penda

[brackdan70]

Good two know about those future seconds we got in the Orlando trade. Have we seen any details on those?

via Keith Smith:

Boston gets:
draft rights to Amari Williams and Max Shulga
2026 most favorable of Magic/Pistons second-round pick
2027 most favorable of Celtics/Magic second-round pick (Boston is reacquiring this pick)

Orlando gets:
draft rights to Noah Penda

Thanks. Those are probably late 40s picks. Not a bad haul….
I appreciate Zarrens take, but I really liked Penda.

[SuperDeluxe]

The Celtics' braintrust has got to be at the very top of the league.

While I believe every word Zarren said, he "forgot" to mention that the lower picks will be cheaper, helping the cause of getting under the luxury tax line (assuming that's the ultimate financial goal).

[canman1971]

The Celtics' braintrust has got to be at the very top of the league.

While I believe every word Zarren said, he "forgot" to mention that the lower picks will be cheaper, helping the cause of getting under the luxury tax line (assuming that's the ultimate financial goal).

I think this is his way of saying just that,

I don’t think our draft philosophy has changed that much relative to the CBA,” Zarren said. “The draft pick contracts tend to be relatively small relative to the rest of the cap, so most of the time we’re looking to get the guys we think will be good contributing NBA players, particularly later in the draft.

[redslastlaugh]

You listen to these press conferences and it's a whole new generation of reporters. I miss Mark Murphy of the Herald and his rapid fire delivery, lol

Between this one and Brad's one, no reporter asked if the C's made any efforts to trade up. Bulpett had reported Celtics were trying to trade up to select Kasparas Jakucionis, who was mocked in the 9-14 range. Jak started to slide on draft night, ultimately ending up at #20 to Miami. No reporter even asked if the Bulpett report was true and C's moveup offers were rebuffed or if the cost was just too high, just no question at all.

[cloverleaf]

Likable guy.

[tfmiii]

Zarren's interview was more informative regarding the roster moves and draft. He seemed comfortable and upbeat.

Stevens interview was more informative regarding perceived deficiencies regarding last season's team philosophy and performance with respect to pace, player and ball movement. One could also read between the lines of his praise of Hugo as reinforcing that criticism.

Stevens seemed tired, a bit frustrated, and less comfortable or candid than he typical. I came away wondering if all was well between POBO and his head coach.

[celticgreenie]

Zarren's interview was more informative regarding the roster moves and draft. He seemed comfortable and upbeat.

Stevens interview was more informative regarding perceived deficiencies regarding last season's team philosophy and performance with respect to pace, player and ball movement. One could also read between the lines of his praise of Hugo as reinforcing that criticism.

Stevens seemed tired, a bit frustrated, and less comfortable or candid than he typical. I came away wondering if all was well between POBO and his head coach.

I wonder if some of his frustration stemmed from trading Holiday and Porzingis. Stevens was a huge fan of Jrue for a long time and was ecstatic to have him here. Must have been tough phone calls to make.