Celtics Assign Cenac Jr. to Maine Celtics
Boston sent its first-round pick to its G League affiliate as Maine prepares to open its season Friday against Westchester.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Basketball
The Boston Celtics assigned first-round draft pick Chris Cenac Jr. to the Maine Celtics on Thursday. Maine opens its season Friday against the Westchester Knicks at the Portland Expo.
Why it matters
Cenac, drafted 27th overall in June, has only logged garbage-time minutes in the NBA and sits behind three veteran big men on Boston's depth chart. The assignment gives him a consistent opportunity to play and develop in the G League.
Cenac is 19 years old and 6-foot-11, and he practiced with Maine on Wednesday before dressing for Boston's 109-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Carter has not played since October 8, when he scored 17 points in a preseason game.
The players
Chris Cenac Jr.
A 19-year-old 6-foot-11 center drafted 27th overall by Boston out of Houston in June, who has been a development prospect for the Celtics.
Maine Celtics
The Boston Celtics' G League affiliate, based in Portland, Maine, which serves as the team's primary developmental club.
Devin Carter
A guard drafted 13th overall by Boston in 2024 who was released in September and is recovering from mononucleosis.
The details
Boston assigned Cenac to its G League affiliate in Maine on Thursday, after he practiced with the team Wednesday and dressed for Boston's game that night. Veterans Neemias Queta, Mitchell Robinson and Luka Garza occupy the top three spots on Boston's center depth chart, leaving Cenac with limited minutes.
Timeline
June 2025: Boston drafted Cenac 27th overall out of Houston.
October 8: Devin Carter last played, scoring 17 points in a preseason game.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Cenac practiced with Maine before Boston's win over the Bucks.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Boston assigned Cenac to the Maine Celtics.
Friday, November 6, 2026: Maine opens its season against the Westchester Knicks at the Portland Expo.
Season Trajectory
NBA teams routinely use their G League affiliates to develop first-round picks who are not yet part of the regular rotation. Cenac's assignment follows that established pattern as Boston builds depth behind its veteran centers.
Fantasy managers should note that Cenac's playing time in Maine will determine whether he becomes relevant for Boston's rotation later in the season. Carter's status for the G League opener remains uncertain while he works back from mononucleosis.
The takeaway
Cenac's assignment gives Boston a clear view of his development over a full G League season, while Carter's recovery will determine how quickly he can re-enter the team's plans.
What happens next
Maine opens its season Friday, November 6, 2026, against the Westchester Knicks at the Portland Expo.
Further reading
For more on the league's developmental pipeline, browse the Basketball section.
