Boston Celtics' new big man Chris Cenac Jr. has silenced critics with his impressive rim protection skills in the Las Vegas Summer League. The 6-foot-11 forward averaged 3.0 blocks per game with the Sin City Celtics, a significant improvement from his college days at Houston.

What happened?

Chris Cenac Jr. addressed concerns about his rim protection during a pre-draft interview with USA TODAY's Bryan Kalbrosky. He stated that he could block shots and protect the rim, skills he aimed to showcase at the next level. In the Las Vegas Summer League, Cenac Jr. has indeed proven himself as a capable rim protector.

Why it matters for Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics' emphasis on rim protection is crucial in their quest for a championship title. With Cenac Jr. on board, the team can expect a significant boost in defensive capabilities. His ability to block shots and protect the rim will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset to the team.

What comes next?

As the Boston Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, Cenac Jr. will continue to work on his rim protection skills. With his impressive performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, he has already made a strong case for himself as a key contributor to the team's success.

The Boston Celtics' recent form has been dismal, with a record of 0-5 in their last five games, including a 100-109 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on May 2, 2026. However, with Cenac Jr. on board, the team can expect a much-needed boost in defensive capabilities.

Cenac Jr.'s ability to block shots and protect the rim is a significant improvement from his college days at Houston, where he was focused on rebounding and guarding multiple positions. He has emphasized the importance of rim protection in his game, stating that it's something he needs to do for the organization.

"I'm a player that's going to do whatever it takes, do whatever the organization needs me to do," Cenac Jr. said via CLNS Media. "So that's something, I'm emphasizing in my game while I'm on the court."

As the Boston Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, Cenac Jr. will continue to work on his rim protection skills. With his impressive performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, he has already made a strong case for himself as a key contributor to the team's success.