BREAKING: Nation’s No. 1 Recruit, 6’10” Center Jalen Bridges, Shocks NBA World by Committing to Boston Celtics Over Suns and Grizzlies
By Travis Holcombe | July 26, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that’s already being hailed as the biggest draft-related signing shock of the summer, Jalen Bridges, the consensus No. 1 five-star recruit and elite 6-foot-10 center out of Montverde Academy, has officially committed to the Boston Celtics, bypassing offers and interest from the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies.
Bridges, just 18 years old and widely regarded as a generational big man with a blend of old-school post dominance and new-era versatility, made the announcement in dramatic fashion during a nationally televised special on ESPN. Draped in a sleek emerald green suit with subtle gold trim, he pulled a Celtics cap from beneath the table and declared:
> “Boston is where legends are made. I want to be one of them.”
A Generational Prospect
The 6’10”, 235-pound center has drawn comparisons to a hybrid of Tim Duncan’s footwork, Bam Adebayo’s switchability, and Anthony Davis’ length. With a 7’4″ wingspan, a soft shooting touch, and an innate feel for the game, Bridges dominated the high school circuit this year, averaging 25.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 4.4 assists per game. He also led Montverde to a national championship and earned Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.
But it wasn’t just the numbers that caught the eye of NBA scouts and GMs—it was how effortlessly he controlled both ends of the floor. From orchestrating high-post offense to calling out defensive switches like a seasoned pro, Bridges played with poise far beyond his years.
> “Jalen Bridges is the most NBA-ready big man we’ve scouted in the last five years,” said a Western Conference scout. “He defends the rim, passes like a guard, and already understands spacing at a pro level.”
Why Boston?
The Celtics were long considered dark horses in the race for Bridges, especially with the Suns offering a more immediate path to starting minutes and the Grizzlies pitching a frontcourt duo with Jaren Jackson Jr. But Boston, fresh off back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances and still led by the superstar duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, made a long-term vision pitch—and it stuck.
Sources close to the situation say Celtics President Brad Stevens personally met with Bridges and his family, selling him on a vision where he’d grow under head coach Joe Mazzulla, learn behind veteran Al Horford, and eventually anchor the next generation of Celtics basketball alongside Tatum.
> “It’s about more than touches and minutes,” Bridges said. “It’s about culture, legacy, and being around people who know how to win.”
Projected Role and Impact
While he’s expected to start the season coming off the bench, Bridges could rapidly earn minutes as a versatile big in Boston’s second unit. With his ability to stretch the floor (he shot 38% from three in his senior year) and switch onto guards defensively, he fits the Celtics’ system like a glove.
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins weighed in on ESPN shortly after the announcement:
> “This kid ain’t just ready—he’s Boston ready. He’s got that edge, that presence. Think KG in terms of attitude, but smoother with the ball.”
The League Reacts
Phoenix GM James Jones was reportedly “blindsided” by the decision, while Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said Bridges “would’ve been the perfect complement” to their young core.
Fans across Boston erupted on social media with trending hashtags like #BridgesToBoston and #GreenDynastyNext, while Tatum posted a cryptic “👀☘️” tweet just minutes after the announcement.
Final Word
In an era where superteams are built overnight and rookies are often overlooked for short-term gain, Jalen Bridges’ decision to commit to Boston is a testament to vision, culture, and the long game. He’s not just a prospect—he’s a pillar in the making.
And in a city where banners speak louder than words, the message is clear:
Boston isn’t done building. They’re just getting started.
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Travis Holcombe is an NBA Draft analyst and senior writer for The Hardwood Journal.
