Boston Celtics fans are getting a little too excited about rookie Chris Cenac Jr., and honestly, it’s wild to watch. A short 49-second video of Cenac tearing it up in a New York City pickup game went viral this week, and the internet is absolutely buzzing. This clip, showing Cenac creating his own shot, sinking jumpers, and running some picture-perfect pick-and-rolls with none other than Trae Young, has already racked up almost three million impressions on X. Seriously, three million! It’s got fans wondering if they found the next big thing, like he’s going to win Rookie of the Year or something.
The Hype Train Is Rolling, Maybe Too Fast?
Let’s be real, you can’t blame fans for getting hyped up. That video is tantalizing! When you see a 6-foot-11 big man moving with that kind of fluidity, knocking down shots, and making plays with a superstar like Trae Young, your mind immediately jumps to “steal of the draft.” Cenac clearly flashed some serious size, mobility, and skill in that short burst, the exact kind of intriguing combination that got Boston’s attention in the first place. It makes you think he’s ready to contribute from day one, doesn’t it? Everybody wants to believe their team found a diamond in the rough, especially late in the first round.
Hold Up, Let’s Check the Stats and the Draft Board
But pump the brakes for a second. While that video is flashy, we need a dose of reality. The Celtics picked Cenac with the No. 27 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Remember that? Some analysts actually saw that selection as a bit of a reach, mainly because of Cenac’s raw skill set. He only played one season of college ball at Houston. In that freshman year, he started 36 of 37 games, which is solid, but his averages were 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.5 blocks. And his shooting? He wasn’t the most efficient scorer, hitting 48.5 percent from the field and just 33.3 percent from three. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens did say Cenac is “just a good young player. Energetic, plays hard, excellent athlete, long. Fits a position of need, some things that we were a little short on this year from an athletic perspective, I think with his size and his length.” So they like his potential, his athleticism, and his fit, which is fair enough for a late first-rounder.
The Trae Young Effect Is Real, Folks
Here’s the thing about those workout videos: they can be super misleading. Players look amazing in isolated clips, often in low-pressure situations. And let’s not forget Cenac had the benefit of playing with Trae Young, who’s undeniably one of the NBA’s best playmakers. Young has practically made a career out of making big men look good. His ability to create for others can elevate anyone’s game, especially in a pickup setting. So, no, this 49-second clip isn’t definitive proof that Boston scored a massive steal at No. 27. It’s just a glimpse. It shows you *why* he was an intriguing prospect and what he *could* become, but the regular season is a whole different beast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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