As the Boston Celtics continue to retool their roster before training camp begins, there are some players from their Summer League squad who had standout performances.
Of the bunch, today we at the Houdini look at Jay Scrubb.
Scrubb emerged from John A. Logan College after two productive seasons between 2018 and 2020. In 59 games with the Volunteers, he showcased exceptional talent, averaging 21 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 52.4 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc. As a result of his impressive performances, the six-foot-five guard was selected as the 55th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Though he played 22 games across two seasons on a two-way contract, the Clippers waived him. Scrubb then briefly joined the Orlando Magic, appearing in just two games last season. Eager to prove himself consistently, Scrubb took the opportunity to represent the Cs in the Summer League, demonstrating his potential as an NBA-worthy player.
His efforts paid off, as he earned himself a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics immediately after showcasing his skills.
During the Summer League, Scrubb played in all five games for the C’s, averaging 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and an impressive 40 percent from beyond the arc.
Scrubb also played above expectations when it came to guarding his matchups, displaying his abilities with 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. His standout performance came against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored 18 points, secured six rebounds, and made four assists, one steal, and one block, shooting 6/12 from the field, including four three-pointers. Scrubb did this while coming off the bench in 23 minutes of action, displaying his ability to get buckets at an efficient rate.
While he had a quieter game against the Orlando Magic, starting in the lineup and scoring six points with three rebounds and two blocks on 2/8 shooting from the field, Scrubb’s overall Summer League showing was impressive.
Jay Scrubb could earn minutes with the Boston Celtics on a two-way contract
As one of only two players to receive a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics, along with JD Davison, Scrubb stands a good chance of earning minutes in the rotation. He will most likely spend his time in Maine for the majority of the season, but his six-foot-five frame complements the mostly undersized guard position, potentially providing a spark of energy off the bench.
If Scrubb continues to showcase his skills and improves defensively during training camp, the Boston Celtics will undoubtedly benefit from their decision to have him on the team.