NBA DRAFT

June 23, 2026

Chris Cenac Jr.

Q. Congrats getting drafted to the Celtics, historic franchise. How do you feel about making an impact to such a storied franchise and what do you feel you can bring to the team this year?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: I feel like that I can bring a lot: my versatility, being able to space the floor but definitely my defense, rebounding. Coming in and playing hard and doing whatever it takes to help the team win and get on the floor.

I feel like I can bring a lot to the team. I'm looking forward to getting to Boston, getting to work.

Q. Have you worked out for the Celtics? I couldn't find info on that. If not, did you talk to them during the Combine maybe?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: I did not work out for the Celtics, but I did talk to them during the Combine.

Q. As of now, the Celtics have not retired the number 5, but it belonged to KG of course. Will you reach out to Kevin and ask if you can rock number 5? Because you wore that in college.

CHRIS CENAC JR.: That's a good question. I think that's something to think about in the next day or two.

Q. Kelvin [Sampson] was just saying that during the process there that he was telling you, don't worry about where you're picked; it's about the fit.

CHRIS CENAC JR.: Exactly.

Q. Can you take us through what you were going through and what you were feeling there and also just landing with Boston?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: Yeah, I mean, I'll start off with saying thank you to the Boston organization for taking me. You know they are going to get a high-character guy that's coming in ready to work and get to it.

But I was just thinking while waiting, it's God's plan. Wherever I go, it's meant to be. So just stay patient.

Q. Looking forward to watching these next years. For the fans of Boston who are accustomed to having a team that is either right there every year or very close, what can you bring to this team to add to that?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: A lot. I feel like I can definitely be that piece that helps the team a lot. I'm the type of guy that's willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. I'm going to come in and play hard, defend, rebound, space the floor, make shots.

So I'm ready to get to Boston. I'm ready to get to work.

Q. What's the communication like? There was a lot of conversation about you being a player that Boston could use, if you got to them. I wonder what the dynamic was like leading up to the draft?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: I didn't work out for Boston. We talked during the Combine. There was a great relationship there.

But yeah, that's what I can say that for you.

Q. When you see the way they developed players last year, what does that mean to you, and the potential that you can have under what they did? And also, what do you think of Joe Mazzulla?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: I'll start off with Joe. Great coach. Definitely going to be a Hall of Fame coach in the future. So I'm definitely looking forward to playing with him, for him.

And yeah, their development is great. I'm big on development. I have a great work ethic. I'm always attempting to try to get better and trying to figure out what to do to get better. I'm hundred percent looking forward to getting to Boston and putting the work in every single day.

Q. The moment you had with Kingston, can you tell us what that was about? And the Hawks had one other pick. Were you thinking you guys might have been able to be teammates again?

CHRIS CENAC JR.: Yeah, when Kingston got drafted, I was just happy for him. I almost shed a tear myself because we've both seen all the hours and all that we went through last year at Houston. It's like, we're in this together. I'm just super happy for him. He's going to get to Atlanta and he's going to do great, and I'll be watching every step. Yeah, I'm just really happy for him.