Celtics Acquire Max Shulga in Draft Day Trade

Max Shulga, a Ukrainian guard and the 2025 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, was selected 57th overall in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and then traded to the Boston Celtics. Shulga averaged 15.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in his final season at VCU, where he led the team to both regular-season and tournament A-10 championships. Known for his three-point shooting and playmaking, Shulga faces questions about his defensive potential at the NBA level. He is reportedly expected to sign a two-way contract and spend significant development time with the Celtics' G League affiliate. Shulga's story is notable as a Kyiv native who found refuge in basketball amid the war in Ukraine. The Celtics also selected Kentucky center Amari Williams in the second round as part of their broader strategy to maintain championship contention.