The Celtics have used their first-round pick on big man Chris Cenac, making him the 27th overall pick in the 2026 draft.

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.

More to come…