According to Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog, the Boston Celtics have signed rookie Max Shulga to a two-way contract. The former VCU Ram was the No. 57 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, chosen with one of the selections Boston received in a draft-night deal with the Orlando Magic. With JD Davison having moved on from the Maine Celtics, this deal will likely give Shulga the chance to earn important developmental minutes as a lead ball handler in the G League.
Shulga just wrapped up Summer League with the Celtics, appearing in all five games under head coach Matt Reynolds. In his five appearances, he played 21.0 minutes per contest, averaging 5.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists (and only 0.6 turnovers), and 1.8 steals while shooting 24.1% from the field and 21.4% from beyond the arc.
Though Shulga struggled with his shot in Las Vegas, he was a very consistent three-point shooter in college, and his defense and playmaking stood out amidst his shooting woes at Summer League.
What role can Max Shulga play?
Despite already being 23 years old, Shulga doesn’t seem ready to play minutes at the NBA level just yet. That said, especially since he’s on a two-way contract, Shulga will have plenty of time to develop his game in Maine.
Maine lost Davison, as he was ineligible to sign a fourth two-way deal with the organization, leaving them point guard-less heading into next season. This opens up a new swing factor to the Shulga signing.
Shulga’s playmaking shined in Vegas, as did his defensive pressure on the perimeter. If everything pans out as it looks like it will, Shulga could have the chance to be Maine’s lead ball handler next year. That would seriously help his development.
If Shulga ever wants to contribute in Boston, or at the NBA level in any capacity, for that matter, his three-point shot needs to remain consistent. He was a 39.2% shooter from deep across his four years of college ball, and in his final season with the Rams, he shot 38.7% on 5.3 attempts per game.
He’s a pesky full-court defender who’s not afraid to jump at the chance to get a steal, but he’s also a bit undersized. Despite being listed at 6-foot-5, Shulga’s wiry frame puts him in danger of being overpowered by stronger players on the offensive end.
Regardless, this was a move that was likely from the moment Shulga was drafted. Mike Zarren said as much after the draft, noting that he and fellow rookie Amari Williams would probably both be on two-way deals.
Now, the Celtics can keep close tabs on Shulga as he develops, likely spending most of his first NBA season up in Maine.