Celtics Rookies Impress in Preseason Win Over Cavaliers

Boston's newest additions made an immediate impression during the Celtics' preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Rookies Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell delivered productive performances in a 124-113 victory, drawing praise from coaches and veteran teammates for their rebounding, defensive activity, and athleticism.

Cenac, selected 27th overall, finished with seven points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and one assist in 24 minutes. Mitchell, the 40th overall pick, contributed 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals across 28 minutes, according to CelticsBlog's game coverage.

Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell also played in the exhibition, recording 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and three assists in 17 minutes. NBC Sports and RotoWire reported that the Cavaliers limited their available starters to 17 minutes as the team evaluated its lineup during the preseason.

Celtics assistant coach DJ MacLeay, who led the team during the second half of the exhibition, identified Cenac's rim protection and rebounding as important contributions. He also highlighted Mitchell's energy and activity throughout the game.

"The two things that really stuck out to me were Chris, his ability to protect the rim, and then just him rebounding basketball — I thought he did a really good job of that. And then Dillon, I thought, brought great energy, so that was great. Those two, I thought, really, really brought it from a motor perspective, and that was great," MacLeay said, according to CelticsBlog.

The coaching staff had emphasized those responsibilities before the game, with player development director Craig Luschenat helping prepare both rookies. MacLeay credited that preparation for the defensive effort and activity they displayed against Cleveland.

"Coach Craig did a good job of getting those guys ready," MacLeay said.

Veteran guard Payton Pritchard also praised the rookies' approach to practice and their willingness to develop their skills. He emphasized that defensive contributions and consistent effort would be important as the young players work toward earning regular playing time.

"They've been doing a tremendous job coming in with their work ethic, and I think that should be their only focus right now — just working on their craft, finding a way, staying ready, finding a way to get on the court," Pritchard said. "That starts defensively for them — rebounding, doing the little things."

Pritchard is now the Celtics' second-longest-tenured player, according to CelticsBlog. His comments highlighted the team's expectations for its rookies as they adjust to the professional game and compete for opportunities within the rotation.

Forward Baylor Scheierman focused on the physical attributes both newcomers displayed during the exhibition. Their leaping ability stood out to him as another notable part of their early performances.

"Dillon can jump through the roof… It's absolutely insane how he can jump," Scheierman said. "Same with Chris, honestly."

Both rookies are also working with Luschenat on their shooting development. Cenac said the current emphasis is repetition rather than making major changes to his shooting mechanics.

"It's really just getting reps," Cenac said. "I had a pretty good jump shot in college and high school, so Craig didn't really want to change up my shot or anything, so it's really just reps right now."

Mitchell expressed confidence in Boston's player development program, pointing to its detailed instruction, communication, and consistent work in the gym as key parts of his adjustment.

"It's been the best I could say I've been a part of for sure," Mitchell said. "Just the attention to detail, how everything is as far as the development side of it, how communicative they are with you, what you got to work on, what you got to get better at, and then just attacking it, day in and day out, assisting with it. Every day, we're in the gym trying to get better."

Despite the strong opening performances, both Boston rookies are expected to spend some time with the Maine Celtics as they continue developing. Meanwhile, Cleveland is preparing for its regular-season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, October 22, with Donovan Mitchell expected to remain a central offensive option.