Celtics pick Chris Cenac at No. 27

Cenac had an impressive 2025/26 season for Houston, starting 36 of 37 games and averaging 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per contest. The 6’11” forward/center also flashed the ability to stretch the floor, knocking down 30-of-90 three-point attempts (33.3%), and averaged a double-double (10.0 PPG, 12.3 RPG) in three NCAA tournament games.

Cenac has excellent length, including a 7’5″ wingspan, and moves well for a big man. However, as Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports writes in his scouting report, the 19-year-old frequently got into foul trouble with the Cougars and struggled to score efficiently, often preferring to play on the perimeter rather than going inside. He may not be ready to immediately step into an NBA role, but he has plenty of long-term upside.

The Celtics are known for their ability to get the most out of their prospects, and saw players like Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman step into bigger roles this season. Cenac represents a classic draft project that could pay off in a major way if he’s able to actualize his skills and physical tools in Boston’s system.

Cenac was a potential target for the Pelicans if they were able to trade into the draft, Jake Fischer reports (Twitter link), but the Celtics will hold onto him and attempt to mold him into an ideal modern big man in the league.

While his offense is more theoretical at this point, his fluidity and length made him an imposing force on the defensive end of the floor this season for Houston, and his potential on that end of the floor could be very high if he can improve his awareness and instincts.