Celtics' draft pick gets a harsh reality check from a not-so-new teammate

As this year's NBA Draft wound down, the Boston Celtics selected Max Shulga with the third-to-last pick, the 57th overall selection. The Atlantic 10 Player of the Year starred at Virginia Commonwealth University [VCU].

However, before that, the six-foot-four sharpshooter spent three years at Utah State. One of his teammates as a freshman with the Aggies was Neemias Queta.

When Mike Zarren spoke after the second round, the Celtics' vice president of basketball operations and team counsel shared that Shulga and Queta met up for dinner when Boston brought the former in for a pre-draft workout.

Less than a week later, Shulga and the rest of the team's draft class, Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams, were at a renovated court unveiling at a YMCA in the greater Boston Area, helping conduct a youth basketball clinic.

There, Shulga told Hardwood Houdini about reuniting with Queta at basketball's highest level, "It's honestly, it's unreal, it's surreal to see now we're together on the team. It's crazy. It was great to meet up with him, see him again, looking forward to playing together as well."

The Kyiv, Ukraine native also revealed the reality check he got from his former collegiate teammate as he joins the Celtics.

"He said it's going to be hard as a rookie," said Shulga. "Especially, it's going to be a transition period, and just try to learn as much as I can from coaches, players on the team, vets. Just be a sponge and learn about everything as much as I can."

Max Shulga is more than a shooter

The 23-year-old guard is a dynamic threat from beyond the arc. Shulga finished his collegiate career with nearly a 40 percent conversion rate on 3.7 three-point attempts. He hoisted 5.3 in his senior campaign, knocking them down at a 38.7 percent clip.

According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, this season, the former Ram made 14/28 threes off screens, 43.4 percent off the catch, 41 percent on spot-ups, and 35 percent off handoffs.

But Shulga brings more to the table. Tasked with being a playmaker at VCU, he responded by averaging 4.0 assists to 1.7 turnovers. He also proved effective attacking to the right or left. He finishes well when he gets to the rim and does a good job of absorbing and selling contact. The 5.4 free throws he generated per contest as a senior are a testament to the latter.

At the other end of the floor, he swiped nearly two steals per tilt, applied pressure in the backcourt, and did well when navigating screens.

The expectation is for Shulga to join the Celtics on a two-way deal. His versatility and effectiveness from beyond the arc are valuable. But the ability to develop those other skills will significantly shape his career.