The Boston Celtics have recently secured the services of Max Shulga, signing the promising guard to a two-way contract, a move that immediately sparks considerable discussion regarding his potential impact on the main roster this upcoming NBA season.
Shulga, a dynamic combo guard out of Virginia Commonwealth University, was a notable acquisition for the Celtics during the 2025 NBA Draft, selected with the 57th overall pick. His collegiate tenure showcased a player with versatility and potential, earning him a look from an NBA franchise known for player development.
His initial foray into the Celtics’ system came during the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, where he suited up for the “Sin City Celtics.” While his performance was described as solid, it was largely unremarkable, with Shulga wearing jersey No. 27 and averaging 1.0 point and 2.2 rebounds per game during his limited appearances.
A two-way deal signifies a unique pathway for young talent, allowing players to shuttle between an NBA team and its G-League affiliate, providing valuable professional experience without occupying a full roster spot. For Shulga, this means significant time with the Celtics’ G-League team in Maine, honing his skills and adapting to the professional game’s demands.
This season, the Boston Celtics are strategically shifting their focus towards nurturing their burgeoning talent pool, prioritizing the development of younger players over their traditional relentless pursuit of immediate postseason victories. This organizational directive opens doors for many prospects, yet also intensifies internal competition for limited NBA minutes.
Shulga faces a formidable challenge in earning court time, given the established depth and new additions to the Celtics’ backcourt and wing positions. He will be competing with fellow draftees like Hugo Gonzalez, the 28th overall pick, alongside seasoned veterans such as Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, and potentially new addition Anfernee Simons, if he remains with the team. Further competition comes from other Summer Celtics standouts like Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh, all vying for opportunities at the NBA level.
Considering the crowded roster and the strategic emphasis on developing top-tier prospects, the pathway for Max Shulga to secure significant NBA minutes this season appears to be a steep uphill climb. It is highly probable that he will spend the majority of his inaugural professional season refining his game and gaining experience with the Celtics’ G-League affiliate in Maine, with only sporadic call-ups to the big club.
The discussion surrounding Shulga’s potential playing time has already permeated NBA circles, with the hosts of the CLNS Media “How Bout Them Celtics!” podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, dedicating a segment of a recent episode to dissecting just how much action the Virginia Commonwealth alumnus can realistically expect to see at the professional level.
Ultimately, while the two-way contract offers Max Shulga a valuable opportunity within the Boston Celtics organization, his immediate future in the NBA proper will largely depend on his continued development in the G-League and the strategic needs of the team as the season progresses. His journey is a testament to the competitive nature of the league and the patience required for prospects to carve out their niche.
