The Boston Celtics have reported interest in trading up on draft night. While the report specifically mentions the Celtics are looking into guards, targeting a center would also be logical. Notably, the futures of Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet are all uncertain. The Celtics have the 28th and 32nd picks at their disposal, along with role players like Sam Hauser. If the Celtics can trade into the late lottery, Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber would be a clear target. Let’s dive into Sorber’s game and fit with the Celtics.
Celtics Draft Targets: Versatile Big Man is Worth Trading Up for
Sorber’s Defensive Skill Set
In his lone season at Georgetown, Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.5 steals with 53.2/16.2/72.4 shooting splits. The 19-year-old big man has an impressive two-way skill set. Sorber is one of the best defenders in the draft, offering elite rim protection. In college, he held opponents to 54 percent shooting at the rim. Furthermore, Sorber’s 7.6 block percentage ranks fifth in this draft class, and he posted an absurd 18.6 defensive on-off swing. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Sorber has the perfect build for an NBA defender.
He pairs his shot-blocking and rim protection with an ability to rack up steals both on and off the ball. Sorber’s length, rim protection, rebounding, and IQ are central to his impact as a defender. Crucially, Sorber is capable of playing drop coverage but also has the mobility to switch onto smaller players if needed. Sorber’s versatility is ideal for the Celtics’ defensive scheme and gives Sorber tons of upside. Ultimately, Sorber is poised to be a positive defender from day one and could blossom into one of the league’s best defenders.
Thomas Sorber is undoubtedly the most versatile big man in this draft class that I believe WILL return T10 value.
6’10, 7’6 (!) wingspan. Physically imposing interior scoring + rebounding/rim protection skill (7.8% BLK) — strong short-roll passing with developing perimeter shot. pic.twitter.com/Ok8z3AKfDx
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 19, 2025
Sorber’s Offensive Skill Set
Offensively, Sorber has a nice touch and shot 68.7 percent at the rim. He thrives as a roll man and is a solid lob threat. Sorber is also comfortable creating his own shot, especially in the post. Additionally, Sorber has an excellent feel for the game and makes the right reads as a playmaker, especially on short roll plays. Sorber’s playmaker could further improve, and he has immense offensive upside as a result.
While he might not operate as an offensive hub at the NBA level, having a center who is comfortable with the ball in his hands is always beneficial. Furthermore, Sorber’s screening opens up the game for his teammates. Despite only shooting 16.2 percent from beyond the arc, Sorber is a willing shooter, attempting 1.5 threes per game. He has a fundamental and fluid shot, which could develop in the Celtics’ three-point-centric offense.
The Last Word
Overall, Sorber’s ability to contribute to all facets of basketball makes him a natural fit for the Celtics on both ends of the court. Sorber offers the ability to make an immediate all-around impact with upside to be a true star. The best case for Sorber with his well-rounded skill set is that he develops into a Bam Adebayo-like player. With uncertainty around the Celtics’ current centers, securing a big man of the future would be ideal if Boston opts to trade up. All things considered, Sorber is arguably the best target for the Celtics in a trade-up scenario.
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