Celtics draft Chris Cenac Jr. in first round of 2026 NBA Draft

The Boston Celtics had to wait until pick #27 to make their selection tonight and have nabbed a 6'11, 240 pound big man Chris Cenac Jr. who played one season at the University of Houston where he averaged 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Cenac shot 48.5% from the floor and 33.3% on his three point attempts.

Dreams coming true in real time 🥹 pic.twitter.com/xTbPSaS1TX

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 24, 2026

High upside big man who probably won't make much of an impact right away, but he's a skilled frontcourt player who can step out. Needs to get stronger. https://t.co/Ro12NJYKen

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 24, 2026

Cenac Jr. on what makes him 'obsessed with the game': "Honestly, just seeing myself get better. Seeing myself get better in the gym and going on the court and perfecting it. I think it's just my work ethic. I love the game and I love getting better."

— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) June 24, 2026

Still raw and full of upside but absolutely love the rebounding ability from Houston freshman big man Chris Cenac Jr.

Does a fantastic job of finding a way to create additional posessions on the offensive side of the ball.

Battles for positioining and love the desire to at… pic.twitter.com/nHvHrt5lpA

— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) April 15, 2026

Brad Stevens' scouting report on Chris Cenac Jr.: "Energetic. Plays hard. Excellent athlete. Long. Fits a position of need. Some things that we were a little short on this year, from athletic perspective, I think with his size and his length (he can help with). And he is a - when… pic.twitter.com/WlHIgd9tc7

— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) June 24, 2026

Brad Stevens says he watched Chris Cenac Jr. play live several times over the past year. What stood out to him most was Cenac's consistent effort.

"I never walked out of the gym thinking he didn't play hard."

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) June 24, 2026

Everything you need to know after the Celtics drafted Chris Cenac Jr. at No. 27, and Dillon Mitchell at No. 40. https://t.co/KZXNSfcabt

— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) June 25, 2026