Former University of Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr. has signed his rookie scale contract with the Celtics, per the NBA’s transaction log.

Boston selected the 19-year-old forward/center with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The New Orleans native was considered a potential top-10 pick entering his lone college season, but his stock slipped a little in 2025/26.

While Cenac is viewed as more of a long-term prospect rather than a player who is expected to contribute right away at the NBA level, he could eventually end up looking like a steal after he was selected late in the first round. He averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game as a freshman for the Cougars, with a shooting slash line of .485/.333/.621.

Assuming he received 120% of the rookie scale amount like virtually every first-rounder does, Cenac will earn a little under $3MM as a rookie next season and $15.3MM over his first four years. The third and fourth seasons on his contract are team options.