Man, you gotta love it when a team snags a hidden gem. Chris Cenac Jr. wasn't supposed to be available when the Celtics picked at No. 26 last month, but somehow, this raw big man slipped right down the draft boards, landing Boston an emerging young talent to invest in. And let me tell you, the early returns? Straight fire. On Monday night, after a tough first half, Cenac Jr. bounced back big time, dropping 16 points, five rebounds, and an insane four blocks in Boston’s 102-90 loss to the Hawks.
This Kid's Already Dominating the Summer League Paint
Four blocks! That's not just a flash in the pan either. Through three games, Cenac Jr. is averaging three blocks per game, putting him right up there among the league leaders in Summer League. And remember, this dude is only 19 years old! You see the flashes on both ends of the floor, even with some natural inconsistency you'd expect from a rookie. Amile Jefferson, one of the coaches, is already hyping him up. He said Chris is "really impressive, especially with his size," adding that he has "super big hands," is "really mobile," and "can move." Jefferson also highlighted the growth, seeing how coaching has impacted him just in this last week, getting him to play hard, screen, make points, and be a "connector for our team." That's the kind of stuff you love to hear about a young prospect.Why Boston Isn't Rushing Their New Big Man
But here's where it gets interesting, and it shows Boston's long game. Even with Cenac Jr. showing off athleticism and leaping ability that look like he belongs in the NBA already, the Celtics aren't rushing things. Why? Well, they've got Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza all ahead of him on the depth chart. That means they can take a long-term approach to his development. Stevens himself, after the draft, made it clear: "I hope we’re good enough that it’s hard for any 18-year-old or 19-year-old to come in here and be really good out of the gate." He's focused on personal development, learning how hard the league is, being part of a team, and understanding their work ethic. While there’s "a lot of excitement and expectation," there's no immediate pressure for him to "add value" right away. It's all about building that foundation. So, while Summer League is all about showing out, for Cenac Jr. and the Celtics, it's about laying brick by brick. He's got two more chances to keep that growth pattern going, with his next game on Wednesday night against the Kings. Keep your eyes peeled for this kid's progress, because the talent is undeniable, and Boston is clearly banking on a huge future payoff. Speaking of payoffs, the Celtics are currently sitting at +220 on DraftKings to win the Atlantic Division during the 2026-27 NBA campaign. Think about that potential with this guy in the mix down the line!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.