Overview
- The Boston Celtics selected Chris Cenac Jr. at No. 27 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday, using a late first-round pick to add a developmental big.
- Cenac entered Houston as a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 7 player nationally, which makes his slide to the late first round notable to scouts and analysts.
- Scouts cite his size and tools as the key upside, with reports putting him around 6-foot-10 to 6-foot-11 and noting a roughly 7-foot-5 wingspan that helps his rebounding and rim defense.
- Cenac’s freshman season featured heavy corner and spot-up deployment at Houston, so evaluators say there is limited tape of him creating off the dribble or serving as a playmaker.
- With Boston’s depth up front, the team can afford a patient development plan that likely begins with bench minutes for rebounding and rim finishing while he adds strength and playmaking skills.