The Boston Celtics traded back in the second round of this year's draft to select two players, and acquire two future second rounders. The second and final player has now been chosen.
Boston shipped off its No. 32 selection to the Orlando Magic, in exchange for the Nos. 46 and 57 picks this year, and the Magic's seconds in 2026 and '27. Orlando used the No. 32 pick on Le Mans forward Noah Penda.
With the No. 57 selection, Virginia Commonwealth University combo guard Max Shulga now joins Real Madrid swingman Hugo Gonzalez, the No. 28 pick, and Kentucky center Amari Williams, the No. 46 selection, as Boston's rookie haul. Whether Williams and Shulga make the club's 15-man standard roster or are instead inked to two-way deals remains to be seen, although a two-way contract for at least one of them seems likely.
Shulga was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Jonathan Givony of ESPN noted on the network's draft broadcast that Shulga can handle and shoot, and could be an intriguing long-term fit for the 2024 champs.
Last year for VCU, the fifth-year senior swingman averaged 15.0 points on .435/.387/.783 shooting splits, 5.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals a night. That three-point shooting is par for the course with Boston, a prolific team from long range.
The 6-foot-4 23-year-old began his collegiate career with Utah State in 2020, transferring to VCU in 2023. He was a two-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 honoree during his two-season tenure with the Rams.