2026 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Boston Celtics' No. 27 Pick Chris Cenac
The Boston Celtics have officially selected Chris Cenac with the No. 27 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Cenac had a defined role for Houston that showcased his tools, hustle and shotmaking potential.
It also restricted him from experimenting. But Cenac's projected NBA outlook, responsibilities and strengths seem clear.
While it did seem possible he could return for more touches and a weaker 2027 draft, immediate NBA interest remained in Cenac, even if the expectations are that he'll be more of a longer-term project.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: Houston | Position: PF | Age: 19 | Height: 6'11" | Weight: 240 lbs | PPG: 9.5 | RPG: 7.9 | APG: 0.7 | BPG: 0.5 | SPG: 0.8 | FG%: 48.5 | 3PT%: 33.3 | FT%: 62.1
Realistic Pro Comparison: Bobby Portis
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Cenac will play a Bobby Portis-type role, offering finishing, energy and three-point shooting.
Offense won't run through either of these forwards. Like Portis, Cenac will work as a complementary player who'll cut, crash the glass, pick-and-pop, stretch the floor and use his motor to make plays at both ends.
At worst, Cenac seems capable of carving out a career as an energizer.
Strengths
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Strength 1: Tools
Cenac measured 6'10" barefoot with a massive 7'5" wingspan and strong 240-pound frame. These are NBA center measurements, though he'll likely play minutes at power forward. Cenac converted 74.4 percent of his rim attempts, one of the top marks in this draft class.
Strength 2: Shotmaking potential.
Though streaky, Cenac clearly has confidence in his jump shot. He made 30 threes and 41.0 percent of his two-point jumpers, strong starting points for a prospect with his measurements who turned 19 in February.
Strength 3: Rebounding/energy
Cenac pulled in 7.9 boards in just 24.8 minutes. Active under the glass, he also showed he can move well and cover ground quickly defensively, despite low playmaking rates.
Weaknesses
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Weakness 1: Creating
Cenac remains reliant on being set up for rhythm threes or catch-and-finishes. He wasn't a threat to put the ball down or score from the post often. The lack of self-creation suggests a limited offensive ceiling.
Weakness 2: Passing
A 5.5 assist percentage ranks near the bottom among draft prospects. He didn't turn the ball over often, but there weren't many instances where he saw Cenac read the floor, process and make a play for a teammate.
Weakness 3: Shot-blocking
There are guards with a higher block rate than Cenac's 2.6 percent. It's going to be difficult to play him at center if he's not a threat to shut down drivers and finishers in the paint.
