Celtics Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. Challenges Luka Garza for Minutes

Boston Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. has emerged as a potential factor in the team's frontcourt rotation during the 2026 preseason, creating additional competition for Luka Garza and Amari Williams. Selected 27th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Cenac has demonstrated defensive instincts, rebounding ability and offensive potential that could influence playing-time decisions as Boston begins the 2026-27 season.

According to reporting by Yahoo Sports and Hardwood Houdini, Cenac entered the league with considerable expectations after falling further in the draft than some projections anticipated. His preseason performances have strengthened his case for NBA opportunities, although his role remains uncertain as he adjusts to professional basketball.

Boston strengthened its center rotation by signing Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.3 million contract during the offseason. Neemias Queta, Garza and Williams also provide frontcourt options, while Cenac offers another young prospect for head coach Joe Mazzulla to develop.

Yahoo Sports reported that Cenac received 7% of the votes in the NBA's annual general manager survey asking which rookie would become the draft's biggest steal. He tied for fifth alongside Cameron Carr, Cameron Boozer, Yaxel Lendeborg and Caleb Wilson, behind Brayden Burries at 30%, Allen Graves at 10%, Labaron Philon at 10% and Meleek Thomas at 10%.

In Boston's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cenac played 24 minutes and recorded seven points, eight rebounds and four blocks. He shot 3-of-13 from the field, highlighting the offensive adjustments still required at the NBA level.

His opportunities subsequently decreased, with the rookie logging a combined 12 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets. During four Summer League appearances in Las Vegas, he averaged 10.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 2.8 blocks while shooting 36.6% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report previously questioned whether Cenac was ready for an immediate NBA role, pointing to his age and developing skills. Wasserman described the 19-year-old as a 6-foot-11, 240-pound forward whose athleticism and shooting potential could reward patience.

"At 19 years old, he presumably fell to No. 27 due to how raw and far away he seemed," Wasserman wrote. "Flashes of shotmaking and three-point shooting should create patience, particularly for a 6'11\", 240-pound forward who's active at the rim, energetic and coachable."

Wasserman also identified the G League as a possible development environment where Cenac could receive more opportunities to work on his offensive game.

"But Cenac seems like an ideal candidate for the G League, where he can receive more post touches and three-point opportunities needed for confidence and skill building."

Garza enters the season after establishing a productive role in Boston. According to Dear Old Gold, the former Iowa standout averaged career highs of 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 2025-26, shooting 57.7% from the field and 43.3% from three-point range.

Garza previously spent four seasons with Detroit and Minnesota before signing a two-year contract with Boston. His current deal expires after the 2026-27 season, and competition from Robinson, Queta and Cenac could affect his minutes and longer-term position with the Celtics.

Garza's offensive rebounding and touch around the basket remain useful attributes in Boston's system. However, Cenac's preseason progress could complicate the team's decisions about its developing big men as the coaching staff evaluates the rotation.

Boston has also continued its recent approach of acquiring first-round prospects outside the lottery. The Celtics selected Baylor Scheierman at No. 30 in 2024, Hugo Gonzalez at No. 28 in 2025 and Cenac at No. 27 in 2026, according to Yahoo Sports.

Meanwhile, four former Iowa men's basketball players are entering the new NBA season with different responsibilities. Dear Old Gold identified Garza, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz, Memphis Grizzlies forward Kris Murray and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray as former Hawkeyes to watch during opening week.

Stirtz, selected 16th overall by Oklahoma City, averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals during his 2025-26 season at Iowa. He helped lead the Hawkeyes to their first Elite Eight appearance since 1987 and impressed during the summer and preseason, although he was projected to begin his NBA career as a reserve.

Kris Murray joined Memphis after a trade involving Portland and averaged a career-high 5.8 points per game last season while shooting 46.7% from the field. Injuries affected his previous campaign, and competition from Jerami Grant and Cameron Boozer could influence his role with the Grizzlies.

Keegan Murray, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 14.0 points and 5.7 rebounds for Sacramento in 2025-26. His shooting fell to 42% from the field and 27.7% from three-point range, while the Kings finished the season with a 22-60 record.

As the NBA regular season begins, Boston's frontcourt competition remains a key personnel question, while the four former Iowa players prepare for new campaigns with the Thunder, Grizzlies, Kings and Celtics.