Max Shulga Joins Celtics on Two-Way Deal: NBA Ready or G League Bound?

Max Shulga Signs Two-Way Deal with Celtics — But Will He Actually See NBA Action This Season?

The Boston Celtics have officially added another name to their developmental pipeline — Max Shulga, the 6-foot-4 guard out of Virginia Commonwealth University, has signed a two-way contract after being selected 57th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. But here's the real question: will Shulga suit up in green and white this season… or spend most of his rookie campaign grinding in the G League?

🟢 Quick Glance at Max Shulga’s Background:

• Height: 6’4”

• College: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

• Position: Combo Guard

• Draft Pick: No. 57 overall (2025 NBA Draft)

• Summer League Team: Sin City Celtics (Las Vegas)

🌟 From Vegas to Maine?

Let’s start with his recent stint at the 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, where Shulga threw on a Celtics jersey for the first time. While he didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard, his performance was solid — consistent, steady, but nothing that screamed “NBA-ready.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing for a late second-rounder, but in a league overflowing with athletic freaks and polished shooters, it doesn’t move the needle a ton either.

Realistically, Shulga’s immediate future probably isn’t at TD Garden — it’s in Maine. The Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, will likely be his home base for most of the season. He’ll have the chance to run the floor, sharpen his game, and prove whether he can hang with higher-level talent.

🎙️ Celtics Talk: What Are the Podcasters Saying?

If you’re tapped into Celtics Nation, chances are you’ve caught an episode of “How Bout Them Celtics!” hosted by Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance. On a recent episode, they broke down what Max Shulga’s signing means — and how much we can realistically expect to see him this season.

According to the hosts, Shulga is likely to spend a big chunk of the year in the G League, working on the finer points of his game — decision-making, off-ball movement, defense — basically all the things that could make him an intriguing two-way option down the road. Their take? Don’t expect Shulga to be part of Joe Mazzulla’s regular rotation anytime soon.

🎧 Want more of that Celtics analysis energy? Be sure to check out CLNS Media's family of New England sports podcasts like "First to the Floor" and more.

🔥 The Depth Chart is STACKED

Another reason Shulga might not sniff real NBA minutes? The Celtics' backcourt is absolutely loaded.

Let’s break it down:

• Derrick White: Coming off an All-Defensive season and looking like a full-time starter.

• Payton Pritchard: Still carving out a consistent role but deadly when he’s hot.

• Anfernee Simons: A fresh acquisition with major scoring upside — if Boston doesn’t move him in a trade package.

• Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28 pick): One of the Celtics’ higher-profile draft choices this year, and already seen as a potential rotational guy.

• Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh: Two guys from Summer League who’ll also be fighting for minutes and proving their worth.

With all of that guard and wing talent ahead of him, Shulga may have to bide his time and look at this season as a development year more than anything else.

👀 What Makes Shulga Interesting?

Despite flying under the radar, Shulga isn’t without intrigue.

• Basketball IQ: Coaches have praised his decision-making and calm demeanor under pressure.

• Versatility: He can run the point or slide off the ball as a shooting guard.

• Grit: Shulga isn’t flashy, but he’s a grinder — the kind of guy who earns every minute he gets.

In short, he may not be a highlight-reel player, but he’s someone who understands the system and plays team-first basketball.

And remember, in today’s NBA, second-round success stories aren’t that rare. Just ask Jalen Brunson or Draymond Green. The key is seizing the moment when it finally arrives.

📈 The Bigger Picture: Boston’s Youth Movement

Here’s a fun twist to all this: the Celtics are subtly shifting gears toward youth development this season. While the core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown still means the team is in "win-now" mode, there’s clearly an effort to groom the next wave of contributors.

That means guys like Shulga, Gonzalez, and Scheierman will be getting more chances than usual to shine — even if it’s just in practices, scrimmages, and G League play. Developing depth is just as important as chasing banners.

🧪 What’s a Two-Way Contract Really Mean?

Under NBA rules, a two-way player like Max Shulga can spend up to 50 games with the main team — though most of their time is spent with the affiliate. It’s a foot in the door, not a full-time gig.

But it’s also a valuable opportunity to work with NBA coaching staff, learn the Celtics’ system, and train alongside some of the league’s elite. If injuries strike or Boston needs a late-season spark, Shulga could be the next man up.

📝 Final Thoughts: Patience Is the Plan

Will Max Shulga make headlines this season? Probably not. Will he surprise people a year or two down the road? That’s entirely up to him.

For now, expect him to put in work in Maine, soak up everything he can, and be ready when his number’s called. That’s how guys like him earn a permanent roster spot.

And who knows? In a long, grueling NBA season, injuries, trades, and slumps happen. Sometimes all it takes is one breakout performance to change the narrative.

So while Shulga’s name might not be trending right now, keep it in your mental notes — because the Celtics are clearly investing in his potential.

✅ Recap: Why Max Shulga's Deal Matters

• Celtics signed Max Shulga to a two-way contract (No. 57 overall pick)

• Likely to spend most of the season in G League (Maine Celtics)

• Tough competition ahead with White, Pritchard, Simons, Gonzalez, Scheierman, and Walsh

• Podcast hosts suggest limited NBA action this season

• Celtics are subtly focusing on youth development

• Shulga brings basketball IQ, versatility, and grit to the table

So, Celtics fans — maybe don’t go rushing out to grab a Shulga jersey just yet, but if you’re into watching young talent evolve, he’s definitely worth keeping tabs on.