What drew the Boston Celtics to Max Shulga in the draft?
Max Shulga is the latest rookie to join the Boston Celtics. He was the 57th overall pick, making him one of the last players to enter the NBA out of the 2025 class. Brad Stevens once again prioritized a player with multiple years in the collegiate ranks, as Shulga is a five-year collegiate product, having spent three seasons with Utah State and two with VCU.
When speaking to the media after the second round, Celtics Vice President of Basketball Operations, Mike Zarren, detailed what Shulga brings to the table and why Boston was drawn to the impressive shooter. Shulga played in 35 games last season, averaging 15 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range.
'Max is a tough guy who can handle and shoot and elite toughness,' Zarren said. 'He's been all over the world. He moved to Spain when he was 13, I think, to play basketball. ... But he's just a winner. Was the A-10 player of the year. I think they won 18 of their last 20 games or something like that, was the A-10 player of the year.'
Shulga will undoubtedly join the Maine Celtics for the upcoming season. Late second-round picks often reside in the G League for their rookie and, potentially, sophomore seasons.
Shulga has an exciting style of play that could fit with what Joe Mazzulla wants to do next season. Unfortunately, Boston's guard rotation is already stacked, which will make life even harder for him as he looks to break into the NBA.
The Celtics have multiple players who have come through their G League pipeline. Therefore, Shulga can remain confident that if he impresses the coaching staff will provide him a route to NBA minutes.
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