BOSTON — It didn’t take rookie Chris Cenac Jr. a long time to warm up to becoming a member of the Boston Celtics, and that’s not because he arrived in Beantown amid a brutal heat wave. Rather, his new teammates and coaches have welcomed him with open arms and made him feel at home.
On a warm Monday morning in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Cenac Jr. and fellow Celtics rookie Dillon Mitchell walked into the Reggie Lewis Center surrounded by an entourage of local kids who jokingly requested that the media not take any pictures of their distinguished guests. The two newest Celtics then rebounded for the youth during a game of knockout and took a picture with everybody in attendance, completing their guided tour of the city that also featured stops at the Auerbach Center and the historic Tobin Community Center gym where the C’s once practiced.
Celtics rookies Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell are here in Roxbury at the Reggie Lewis Center: pic.twitter.com/TaTNFfV2dz
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) June 30, 2026
It’s been a busy time for Cenac Jr. and Mitchell, who were selected by the Celtics about a week ago during the 2026 NBA Draft in New York City. But, Cenac Jr. has embraced the whirlwind of events with an enthusiastic attitude and the help of various members within the Celtics organization.
“I pretty much met everybody,” he told the media when asked which coaches and teammates he’s talked to. “Everybody’s been very welcoming. It feels like home already.”
Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. on being welcomed to Boston by his teammates:
“It feels like home already.” pic.twitter.com/fiHgOBe0W2
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) June 30, 2026
The Celtics took Cenac Jr. at No. 27 in the first round of the draft. He’s a 19-year-old forward who’s seen as more of a project player, yet there’s no questioning his zeal.
“Just how hard I play,” Cenac Jr. described of what he can bring to the Celtics. “I’m an every day guy. I come in with the same attitude, same energy every single day. I’m just going to give it all when I’m on the floor.”
During his one season in the NCAA, Cenac Jr. averaged 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game with the Houston Cougars. And while it might be difficult for him to make an immediate impact with the Celtics — especially under head coach Joe Mazzulla who generally doesn’t favor rookies when it comes to playing time — he’s already looking forward to competing with the Green Team during Summer League in Las Vegas.
“Just be aggressive, play hard, show everything I’m capable of doing,” Cenac Jr. said of his Summer League plans.
Cenac Jr. played for a tough coach in Kelvin Sampson, so he should be accustomed to Mazzulla’s ways and understand that minutes have to be earned over time with continuous effort.
Chris Cenac Jr. also had dinner with Joe Mazzulla already:
“He’s already been giving me some tips.”
He called Joe a “great person to be around.” pic.twitter.com/WkggNWtaRD
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) June 30, 2026
“I’m coming into a great organization and I’m coming into a place where it’s a great fit for me,” he stated.
That demonstration of drive will begin on Friday, July 10 during the Celtics’ first Summer League game. In the meantime, Cenac Jr. will relish in the fact that he’s achieved his dream and made it to the league.
“It’s a blessing to even be here,” he said.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. excited to be in Boston: It feels like home
