LAS VEGAS — Chris Cenac Jr. wasn’t expected to be available when the Celtics picked at No. 26 last month. However, the raw big man slipped down draft boards, leaving Boston with an emerging young talent to invest in.
The early returns remained promising on Monday night as Cenac Jr. bounced back from a tough first half to finish with 16 points, five rebounds and four blocks in Boston’s 102-90 loss to the Hawks.
Through three games, Cenac Jr. is averaging three blocks per game, putting him among the league leaders in Summer League as a 19-year-old. There have been flashes on both ends of the floor despite some inconsistency.
“Chris is really impressive, especially with his size,” Amile Jefferson said at a recent practice. “He has super big hands. He’s really mobile, he can move. It’s been really good. Just in this last week, see the growth, see how the coaching has impacted him, getting him to play really hard, screening, making points and then just being a connector for our team.”
With Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza all ahead of him on Boston’s depth chart, the Celtics know they can take a long-term approach with Cenac’s development. The foundation in place give them a lot to work with since his athleticism and leaping ability look like he belongs in the NBA already.
The early returns remained promising on Monday night as Cenac Jr. bounced back from a tough first half to finish with 16 points, five rebounds and four blocks in Boston’s 102-90 loss to the Hawks.
Through three games, Cenac Jr. is averaging three blocks per game, putting him among the league leaders in Summer League as a 19-year-old. There have been flashes on both ends of the floor despite some inconsistency.
“Chris is really impressive, especially with his size,” Amile Jefferson said at a recent practice. “He has super big hands. He’s really mobile, he can move. It’s been really good. Just in this last week, see the growth, see how the coaching has impacted him, getting him to play really hard, screening, making points and then just being a connector for our team.”
With Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza all ahead of him on Boston’s depth chart, the Celtics know they can take a long-term approach with Cenac’s development. The foundation in place give them a lot to work with since his athleticism and leaping ability look like he belongs in the NBA already.
4 months ago
