The Boston Celtics, fresh off a disappointing first-round exit in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, are eyeing a trade up in the upcoming NBA Draft to secure Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr. The Cougars' 6-foot-11 freshman declared for the draft after a single season in college, where he averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Cenac is currently projected to land anywhere from the late lottery to the late middle of the first round, a range that puts him well ahead of Boston's current No. 27 overall pick.
Cenac's collegiate numbers with Houston included 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and a workable 33.3% from beyond the arc. His free throw percentage, at 62.1%, raises some concerns about his touch. Despite these somewhat pedestrian statistics, Cenac's upside is undeniable, largely due to his elite physical tools and athleticism, which were on full display at the draft combine. He registered a 33-inch standing vertical (95th percentile for centers) and a 37-inch max vertical (92nd percentile), along with a 10.76-second lane agility time (99th percentile). These athletic gifts, combined with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 9-foot standing reach, make him an intriguing prospect.
From a pure basketball standpoint, Cenac presents a compelling, albeit raw, package. His defensive impact was significant in college, posting a 3.0 DPM (99th percentile) and a 92.2 defensive rating, the best of any prospect in this year's class. He shows flashes of being a versatile defender, capable of protecting the rim and holding his own on the perimeter. Offensively, Cenac is primarily a face-up big who can shoot jumpers, though his efficiency on long midrange attempts was poor. He's an explosive vertical athlete and an excellent lob threat, converting 77.5% of his rim looks, with over half being dunks. The Celtics desperately need frontcourt depth, especially after being exposed by the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. Cenac’s potential as a two-way big, capable of stretching the floor and anchoring a defense, aligns with the modern NBA's demands, even if his offensive game needs considerable polish.
The Celtics' financial situation presents a significant hurdle to trading up. Boston is projected to have a substantial payroll next season, potentially reaching $500 million, including player salaries and luxury tax penalties. The team's core five players alone are set to earn $198.5 million, exceeding the projected salary cap by roughly $44 million. While the Celtics do possess their own first-round pick at No. 27 and a second-round pick at No. 40 in the 2026 Draft, moving up into the lottery will likely require parting with future assets or taking on additional salary. They hold a first-round pick in 2027, 2029, 2030, 2031, and 2032, but the 2028 first-rounder is subject to a swap right with San Antonio. The front office, led by Brad Stevens, will need to navigate these complex cap mechanics and draft asset limitations to make a significant move.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24, with the first round on the 23rd and the second on the 24th. Cenac declared for the draft on April 9, 2026. If the Celtics are serious about acquiring Cenac, they will need to identify a trade partner willing to move down from the middle of the first round. This could involve packaging their No. 27 pick with their 2026 second-round pick (via Milwaukee) or future draft capital. Given their current roster and salary constraints, any trade-up scenario would likely involve a calculated risk, betting on Cenac's long-term potential to outweigh the immediate financial and draft capital costs.
Boston Celtics 
