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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Boston Celtics don't need a total makeover.
They already have stars, a championship foundation and plenty of proven players. But if there's one young player who could make a difference this season, it's the big man they got late in the first round.
Chris Cenac Jr. was still available at No. 27, and Brad Stevens didn't hesitate.
The Celtics have needed more size and depth in the frontcourt, especially after seeing that group get tested during the playoffs. At 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, Cenac brings the kind of versatility Boston has always valued. He can play bigger lineups, switch defensively and eventually give the team another option alongside its established stars.
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The road won't be easy. Cenac entered college with plenty of hype and was considered one of the top players in his high school class, but his freshman season at Houston didn't go exactly how many expected. Now, he'll have to prove he can turn that talent into consistent production against NBA competition.
The Celtics don't need him to be that player right away. That's a good thing.
A strong first step would simply be bringing energy off the bench, defending, rebounding and making the most of limited opportunities. From there, developing his shooting and finishing around the basket could open up a much bigger role.
Boston also added Dillon Mitchell in the second round, giving the team another young athlete to develop. But Cenac is the player who could have the biggest impact if everything starts coming together.
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The Celtics have spent years building one of the league's deepest rosters. Finding another reliable big man who can grow with the team could be what keeps them near the top of the NBA for years to come. Cenac is the x-factor.
Cenac has plenty of work ahead, but the opportunity is there. Sometimes late first-round picks don't need to arrive as finished products. They just need the right situation.
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