Boston Celtics Surprise Fans by Selecting Talented Auburn Tigers Guard in Latest CBS Sports 2025 NBA Mock Draft Projection

The 2025 NBA Draft is still months away, but the buzz surrounding potential selections has already taken over the basketball world, especially after CBS Sports released its latest mock draft projection. One of the biggest storylines to emerge from the updated predictions is the Boston Celtics being projected to select an Auburn Tigers guard — a move that has sparked excitement, curiosity, and plenty of speculation across both college and NBA circles.

The Celtics, fresh off another deep playoff run in pursuit of Banner 19, continue to solidify their status as one of the NBA’s most stable and championship-hungry franchises. With an elite core led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and defensive anchors like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, Boston has managed to blend star power with defensive tenacity, versatility, and team-first basketball. But even with all their recent success, smart organizations never stop planning for the future — and that’s exactly where Auburn’s rising star comes into play.

According to CBS Sports’ latest projections, the Celtics are expected to use their first-round pick to bolster their backcourt depth by selecting an explosive and dynamic Auburn Tigers guard. Though the official NBA Draft order won’t be set until after the lottery and playoff results conclude, CBS projects Boston owning a late first-round pick, consistent with their expected finish as one of the league’s top teams.

The Auburn Tigers guard in question? None other than Tre Donaldson — the lightning-quick, playmaking guard who has rapidly climbed NBA Draft boards thanks to his combination of athleticism, vision, and two-way potential. While Donaldson may not have been a household name entering the college season, his performances for Bruce Pearl’s squad have captured the attention of scouts and front offices league-wide.

Standing 6-foot-3 with a sturdy frame and an elite motor, Donaldson has showcased steady development during his time with Auburn, evolving from a rotational piece into one of the SEC’s most reliable and impactful guards. His statistical output only tells part of the story — averaging around 13 points, 5 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game — but it’s his poise in critical moments, defensive versatility, and willingness to make the extra pass that fits the mold of what Boston covets.

For the Celtics, the projected addition of Donaldson would serve multiple purposes. Firstly, he brings immediate defensive intensity, which aligns with the franchise’s identity of building from the defensive end. His quick hands, lateral quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing guards on the perimeter make him a natural fit within Boston’s switch-heavy schemes.

Offensively, Donaldson offers intriguing upside as a secondary ball-handler and playmaker. With the Celtics often staggering Tatum and Brown’s minutes, along with managing the workloads of veterans like Holiday and White, having a young, energetic guard capable of orchestrating the offense in spurts is invaluable. Donaldson’s ability to push the pace, break down defenders, and either finish at the rim or kick out to shooters aligns well with the Celtics’ floor-spacing philosophy.

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Donaldson’s game — and one that Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens surely values — is his high basketball IQ. Known for being coachable, detail-oriented, and mature beyond his years, Donaldson fits the prototype of the “winning player” label that Boston often targets in the draft. His experience competing under Bruce Pearl, a coach renowned for discipline and demanding effort on both ends, has clearly shaped Donaldson into a player ready to contribute at the next level.

It’s also worth noting that Auburn has quietly become an impressive pipeline for NBA-caliber talent in recent years. From Chuma Okeke to Isaac Okoro, Jabari Smith Jr., and most recently Johni Broome, Auburn products have increasingly found themselves on NBA radars. Donaldson appears poised to be the next Tiger to make the leap, and landing in a structured, winning environment like Boston could accelerate his development.

Some analysts were initially surprised to see CBS Sports project Donaldson as a late first-rounder, considering the heavy guard depth in this year’s class. However, a deeper dive into his film reveals why teams like Boston are paying close attention. His relentless work ethic, on-ball defense, and ability to make winning plays have been on full display, especially in conference matchups against elite opponents.

Additionally, with uncertainty surrounding Boston’s long-term backcourt depth, the timing of adding a young guard makes perfect sense. While Jrue Holiday remains under contract, he’s entering the later stages of his career. Derrick White has been exceptional, but roster flexibility is key to sustaining success in the modern NBA. Donaldson gives the Celtics a potential future contributor who can grow into a bigger role without the immediate pressure of carrying the offense.

From Auburn’s perspective, Donaldson’s rise up draft boards is another testament to Bruce Pearl’s ability to develop NBA-ready players. Known for his up-tempo style and emphasis on defensive accountability, Pearl has built Auburn into an SEC powerhouse with a reputation for toughness and grit. Donaldson embodies those qualities, making him a natural fit for the Celtics’ organizational culture.

While some fans may have hoped for a different positional focus — perhaps more frontcourt depth or wing versatility — the reality is that drafting for talent, IQ, and defensive prowess often outweighs strict positional needs, especially when selecting late in the first round. The Celtics have built their success on versatility, adaptability, and internal development, and Donaldson checks many of the boxes required to thrive in that system.

It’s important to remember that mock drafts are fluid, especially this early in the process. Player performances at the NBA Combine, private workouts, and further college games will all influence draft boards in the coming months. However, the fact that reputable outlets like CBS Sports are already connecting Boston to Donaldson speaks volumes about how NBA evaluators view his potential fit in a contending environment.

Should this projection hold true, Donaldson would join a long lineage of guards to don the iconic green and white. The Celtics have historically valued guards who blend competitiveness, unselfishness, and defensive pride — from legends like Dennis Johnson and Rajon Rondo to modern stars like Marcus Smart and Derrick White. Donaldson’s game mirrors many of those same traits, making him an exciting prospect for fans eager to see the next generation of Celtics contributors.

In summary, CBS Sports’ latest mock draft has set the stage for what could be one of the more intriguing storylines of the 2025 NBA Draft: the Boston Celtics selecting Auburn Tigers guard Tre Donaldson. For Donaldson, it’s an opportunity to transition from SEC battles to NBA hardwood with one of the league’s most prestigious franchises. For the Celtics, it’s a chance to further insulate their elite roster with youthful energy, defensive grit, and long-term upside.

While draft night always brings surprises, one thing is certain — the prospect of Donaldson joining the Celtics is already generating significant excitement, both in Boston and down on the Plains of Auburn. As the draft approaches, expect the chatter surrounding this potential pairing to only intensify. The green and white faithful may soon have a new Tiger-turned-Celtic to rally behind.