On Tuesday the Boston Celtics took their newest draft picks, a forward from Houston and a wing from St. John’s, on a city tour that ended at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. A group of local children joined the two prospects for a brief media session, giving the newcomers a first taste of the community-first culture the franchise emphasizes.
Cenac, a 19-year-old 6-foot-9 forward, arrived in Boston after being selected with the 27th pick. He spent Monday night dining with head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has already begun offering basketball advice, and with president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. The forward said he did not complete a formal workout with the Celtics but recalled a productive conversation with team executives at the NBA Combine in May. "I come in with the same attitude, the same energy every single day," Cenac said, adding that he plans to give his all whenever he steps on the court. He compared his defensive outlook to that of Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr., two forwards known for rim protection and the ability to switch onto perimeter players.
Mitchell, a 22-year-old who bounced among three schools in four seasons, was selected in the second round after earning a spot on the Big East All-Defensive team at St. John’s. He recalled a pre-draft workout with the Celtics in which Mazzulla stressed the importance of battling for offensive rebounds. "Me and Chris landed Monday at like 3 p.m., and we went straight to the gym and worked out," Mitchell said. "You could tell the type of culture is here just by how the first two days have been, just working out, getting around, meeting everybody." The wing also noted his study of defensive specialists such as Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden McDaniels, underscoring his focus on gritty, high-energy play.
Both players fit neatly into Boston’s defensive identity, which relies on versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions and thrive in a switch-heavy scheme. Cenac’s length and rim-guarding instincts mirror the profile of a modern stretch big, while Mitchell’s willingness to crash the boards and emulate Vanderbilt’s hustle could provide depth on the wing. Their early immersion in community outreach and practice routine suggests the organization views them as integral parts of the culture they are building around their veteran core.
The pair will join the Celtics’ summer-league roster next week, with the team heading to Las Vegas for the tournament shortly thereafter. After the summer league, training camp opens later in the season, where the coaching staff will evaluate who earns a spot on the regular roster or a two-way assignment with the G League affiliate. Their continued exposure to the Celtics’ defensive philosophy and community work points to a clear path for their development in Boston.
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