With the Boston Celtics' season over, the team has begun to hold pre-draft workouts, already hosting three players according to HoopsHype. Of those three, St. John's forward Zuby Ejifor could be a solution to the Celtics frontcourt issues.
Zuby Ejifor could bolster the Celtics' frontcourt depth
Following a defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, the Celtics had some weaknesses exposed. The biggest one is the team's frontcourt, which struggled during the series, especially once Joel Embiid returned. Given the struggles, it would make sense for Boston to look for extra help in the frontcourt.
After breaking out during the 2024-25 college basketball season, Ejifor had another great season for St. John's, averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. A strength of his is his ability to create second chances for his team, shown by his 3.3 offensive rebounds per game.
Along with his ability to create second-chance points, the Texas native has a strong basketball IQ, shown by his continued improvements, especially as a facilitator, averaging 3.5 assists.
His biggest strengths, however, come from his high motor and his defensive capabilities. Ejifor never quits on the play, always playing until the end of the possession. Defensively, he may be one of the most underrated defenders in the draft.
This past season, Ejifor was able to control the paint for St. John's, averaging 2.1 blocks a game, along with averaging 1.2 steals. In the Big East championship game, he finished with seven blocks against the UConn Huskies.
Ejifor does have some things he needs to work on, though, most notably, his shooting. Last season, the 22-year-old shot only 30.5% from three, on 1.6 attempts per game. In the NBA, that won't cut it for someone who doesn't have the size of a true center.
Along with his shooting, Ejifor more than likely won't be a true center in the NBA, measuring with a height of 6'7.5 barefoot. That shouldn't be a reason to remove him from consideration, as he measures well as a whole, with a 7'2 wingspan and 8'11 standing reach. Though he may not be a full-time center, he could work well for Boston playing as a power forward, with some time as a small-ball center.
Zuby Ejifor could be a solid, long-term contributor in Boston
Overall, if Boston were to take Ejifor at pick 27, it wouldn't be the worst move for the team.
People may want to address the center spot, but adding a capable defender at the power forward spot. He'd also be a great fit for the Celtics culture that has been built on hustle plays and second-chance opportunities. When watching Ejifor, a player comp that comes to mind is Isaiah Stewart.
Similar to Stewart, he'll hold his own defensively and do all the little things right. While he won't consistently win you games with his offense, he also won't be a negative on that side of the ball. If he continues to improve his shot and playmaking, Ejifor could work his way into being a solid starter at the NBA level.
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