It’s been a busy summer for the Boston Celtics. From signing free agents Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson to trading Jaylen Brown for Paul George and draft picks, the roster has undergone major changes. While the fan base was split on the blockbuster trade, there has also been plenty of excitement surrounding the rookie class Brad Stevens and the front office brought in.

Boston made two selections in the 2026 NBA Draft. Its first-round pick was Chris Cenac Jr. out of Houston.

If you had asked me after the 2025 draft whether Boston would land Cenac a year later, I would have assumed Brown suffered a major injury and the Celtics finished with a top-five pick. Cenac entered the 2025-26 season as a projected lottery pick, making it a surprise to see him available when Boston was on the clock.

The athletic big man adds size and rim protection to Boston’s frontcourt.

Throughout Summer League, Cenac showcased his athleticism and ability to create space for teammates with solid screens, something Boston has long valued with Neemias Queta and will likely continue to utilize with Robinson. Cenac also knocked down a clutch corner 3-pointer with one second remaining to force overtime against the Toronto Raptors.

Boston’s second selection was Dillon Mitchell out of St. John’s. The 6-foot-8 forward was one of the most athletic players in this year’s draft, even after averaging just 8.3 points per game last season.

Mitchell built his reputation on elite athleticism and defensive ability, but offensively he remains a work in progress. He struggled shooting the ball consistently in college, yet his explosiveness allows him to impact games in other ways.

At the NBA Draft Combine, Mitchell recorded a 38.5-inch vertical leap. He showed off that athleticism throughout Summer League, soaring for putback dunks and making highlight-reel plays on both ends of the floor.

Both rookies impressed during Summer League, and perhaps the biggest advantage of being drafted by Boston is that neither will be asked to contribute immediately.

The Celtics have Luka Garza, Robinson and Queta providing depth in the frontcourt, while Jayson Tatum, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh give Boston several options on the wing. That allows both Mitchell and Cenac to develop without added pressure while using the Maine Celtics to fine-tune their games.

Having a G League affiliate has been a major benefit for the Celtics.

Players such as Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Queta and Walsh all spent time developing in Portland, Maine, before earning opportunities in Boston. That pipeline has consistently produced contributors because it gives young players time to grow without the pressure of producing immediately while allowing the Celtics to stay focused on competing for a championship.

The Celtics wrapped up Summer League with a 3-2 record after falling to the Orlando Magic in their finale.

Now, we wait until October to watch Boston take the court again.