WELCOME TO BOSTON CELTICS BASKETBALL: NATION’S NO. 1 PLAYER, 7-FOOT-9 OLIVIER RIOUX, SHOCKS THE BASKETBALL WORLD BY COMMITTING TO CELTICS OVER LAKERS, WARRIORS, AND CAVALIERS
In a seismic decision that has stunned the basketball world, Olivier Rioux — the towering 7-foot-9 phenom and the consensus No. 1 overall player — has officially committed to the Boston Celtics, bypassing other NBA powerhouses like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers. The move has flipped the script on the 2025 NBA Draft narrative and injected even more star power into the storied franchise of Boston.
Rioux, whose height and raw talent have made him one of the most talked-about prospects in basketball history, was widely expected to land with one of the other elite teams that had cleared cap space or accumulated draft assets with the intention of drafting him. Instead, he will be wearing green and white at TD Garden — a place where legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce carved their names into basketball lore.
A Monumental Addition to a Championship Culture
Boston, fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals run and boasting one of the most balanced rosters in the NBA, wasn’t initially seen as the favorite in the Rioux sweepstakes. But the front office, led by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, made a bold, calculated series of trades to position themselves for the draft rights and pulled off what many are calling the “draft-day heist of the decade.”
“Olivier is a generational talent,” Stevens said in a press conference following the announcement. “At 7-foot-9, he’s not just a physical outlier — he’s smart, coachable, and driven. He wants to win. We believe he can become a cornerstone of this franchise for the next decade and beyond.”
Why Boston?
For Rioux, the decision wasn’t just about hype or Hollywood lights — it was about fit, legacy, and development. While the Lakers pitched a storied rivalry and big-market buzz, the Warriors offered championship pedigree and a system that maximized shooters, and Cleveland offered young stars and rebuilding flexibility, Boston stood out for a unique reason: its vision for him.
Sources close to Rioux’s camp said the Celtics presented the most comprehensive development plan — tailored around building his strength, improving mobility, and crafting a sustainable long-term path to stardom. Additionally, the presence of elite defenders like Jrue Holiday and versatile stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown gave Rioux confidence that he wouldn’t have to carry the weight alone as he adjusted to the NBA pace.
“It’s an honor to join the Celtics family,” Rioux said in a social media post. “Boston believes in me — not just for what I can become, but for who I am right now. I’m ready to put in the work and chase banners.”
The Impact on the League
Rioux’s decision has already sent ripple effects across the league. The Lakers, once thought to be building their post-LeBron era around the 7-foot-9 unicorn, now must pivot. Golden State, who had reportedly promised Rioux a chance to learn under Draymond Green and Steve Kerr, now faces the reality of missing out on the most unique prospect since Victor Wembanyama. And the Cavaliers, who had aligned young talent in hopes of building a dynasty, have to return to the drawing board.
For Boston, however, the acquisition is monumental. While Rioux’s offensive game is still developing — with decent touch around the rim and an improving mid-range shot — his impact on defense is instant. His sheer size alone alters everything opponents want to do in the paint. Scouts say his basketball IQ is underrated, and his passing ability out of the post could unlock new offensive looks for the Celtics.
What Comes Next
The road ahead won’t be easy. Standing at 7-foot-9, Rioux’s body will need special care — from managing minutes to tailoring training regimens for durability. But Boston is prepared. The team’s investment in sports science and elite-level medical staff was a major selling point in his decision.
Ticket sales have already surged, and Celtics merchandise featuring Rioux’s name and No. 99 jersey has sold out within hours of the announcement. Fans are dreaming of what could be the dawn of a new era — one where the league’s most dominant frontcourt presence calls Boston home.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, expectations will be high. But for a franchise built on banners, pressure isn’t a burden — it’s a tradition. And with Olivier Rioux now in the fold, the Celtics just got a lot taller — and perhaps, a lot closer to Banner 19.
Welcome to Boston, Olivier Rioux. Let the legend begin.
