Despite One Major Concern, Tyrese Proctor Might Be the Celtics’ Smartest Draft Move Yet
As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, the Boston Celtics find themselves at a familiar crossroad: choosing substance over flash, long-term potential over instant gratification. And in this year’s pool, one name continues to fly under the radar, despite checking many of the boxes the Celtics typically covet — Tyrese Proctor.
There’s a longstanding bridge connecting the Celtics organization and Duke University. From Jayson Tatum’s rise from Durham to becoming Boston’s franchise centerpiece, to former Celtics assistant coach Kara Lawson now leading the Duke women’s program, the bond is strong and deep. Even Brad Stevens and Coach Mike Krzyzewski share a well-documented respect and friendship that’s helped shape scouting conversations behind the scenes. So when a Blue Devil enters the draft, Boston tends to listen a bit more carefully.
This year, while the spotlight shines brightly on Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel, it’s Proctor — Duke’s quietly confident guard — who could become one of the steals of the draft, especially if he lands in Boston.
A Smart Fit in Boston’s System
Tyrese Proctor isn’t just another late-round flier. His game is wired for the modern NBA — and more specifically, for the Celtics’ philosophy. At 6-foot-4, the Australian guard offers a rare blend of shooting, passing, and basketball IQ that fits like a glove in Joe Mazzulla’s offensive blueprint.
In his final season at Duke, Proctor connected on 40.5% of his 5.8 three-point attempts per game, showing versatility both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. That kind of shot-making consistency is invaluable in a Celtics system that lives and dies by spacing and ball movement.
He’s not a one-trick shooter either. Proctor’s playmaking ability has steadily evolved, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. He’s shown a knack for manipulating defenses, making sharp reads, and delivering precise passes to rollers or shooters — an essential skill in Boston’s offensive scheme.
And it’s not just about the numbers. Proctor’s lane agility score of 10.75 — fourth among guards at the combine — highlights how smoothly he operates in tight spaces, whether it’s gliding through a screen or snaking through a collapsing defense.
The Knock on Proctor: Size and Strength
Still, there’s no denying the elephant in the room: Proctor’s slight frame. At just 183 pounds, he’ll face challenges finishing through contact and staying sturdy defensively against bigger, stronger guards. He’s agile and long (boasting a wingspan over 6-foot-7), but his lack of muscle limits him in physical matchups — particularly when switched onto larger wings or trying to fight through screens.
However, it’s worth noting that strength is the easiest attribute to develop at the NBA level. Players like Brandon Ingram and even Jayson Tatum transformed their frames within a couple of seasons, and there’s no reason Proctor can’t follow that path with the Celtics’ elite performance staff guiding him.
Why Boston Shouldn’t Overthink This
With the Celtics holding the 32nd overall pick, Proctor may very well be available when they’re on the clock — but should they risk waiting? According to reports, teams like Sacramento are circling him in pre-draft workouts. A team like Boston, with strong intel on Duke players and a clear need for a secondary playmaker and sharpshooter, would be wise to act early.
Even if Boston decides to trade back or maneuver around the board, Proctor offers as much upside as many late first-rounders. The margin between picks 17 and 31 is slimmer than most assume, as echoed by Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly, and Boston would be betting on both value and fit.
Proctor Isn’t Just a Future Play — He’s a Plug-and-Play Talent
Proctor might not walk into the Celtics’ locker room and dominate day one, but he won’t need to. With All-Stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, and veterans like Derrick White anchoring the backcourt, Proctor would have time to develop at a healthy pace.
Still, his shooting and vision mean he could contribute off the bench almost immediately, especially as a spark plug to keep offensive flow alive when stars sit. Over time, he could grow into a trusted secondary ball handler, capable of running the offense in stretches while bringing dependable defense on the perimeter.
Bottom Line: Ignore the Weight, Trust the Game
The Celtics could easily focus on Proctor’s lack of strength and let him slip away. But if Boston truly believes in building a roster of smart, versatile, and scalable talents, then Tyrese Proctor is an ideal fit. The upside is real. The system fit is seamless. The developmental pathway is clear.
He won’t be the loudest name on draft night — but he just might be the one everyone regrets passing on in a few years.
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