Celtics Predicted To Draft 6‑Foot‑11 Center Who Could Transform Their Frontcourt

Celtics Predicted To Draft 6‑Foot‑11 Center Who Could Transform Their Frontcourt originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.As the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft approaches on Tuesday, it's a great time to start thinking about which player the Celtics might select with the No.

27 pick.Boston should look to add frontcourt help with that selection, and CBS Sports' Isaac Trotter has a player in mind. Trotter published a mock draft on Friday, with the Celtics selecting Houston center Chris Cenac Jr."

Cenac is raw but toolsy," Trotter wrote. "The Houston big man has a 7-foot-5 wingspan and was one of the best per-minute rebounders in the country. He gobbles up boards outside of his zip code time and time again.

Cenac's decision-making is still a major work in progress, and the speed of the college game seemed too much for him on some nights, but the former five-star recruit projects to be a long-term piece, with rebounding and shooting potential at the forefront of the evaluation."Cenac spent one season with Houston, appearing in 37 games and averaging 9.5 points and 7.

9 rebounds. Since he is 6-foot-11, he could end up being the starting center for the Celtics.Boston could use Cenac in a rotational role next season, then look to position him in the starting lineup for the 2027-28 season.

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