The Boston Celtics are gearing up for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, and an intriguing new name has emerged on their roster: Zach Hicks, a 22-year-old forward fresh off his senior season at Penn State. According to the school’s official X account, Hicks, who went undrafted in last month’s NBA Draft, will don the green and white as he vies for a spot on the Celtics’ roster—or their G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
Hicks brings a skill set that aligns perfectly with Boston’s perennial quest for sharpshooting talent. During his senior year with the Nittany Lions, he appeared in 31 games, averaging 31.8 minutes per contest. His stat line is eye-catching: 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Most notably, Hicks shot an impressive 47.1% from the field and a scorching 41.3% from three-point range on 5.8 attempts per game. His 80% free-throw shooting further underscores his potential as a reliable marksman at the professional level.
Next level 🍀 @zhicks1231 will suit up for the @celtics in @NBASummerLeague! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/IqTxSWSrl6
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) June 27, 2025
The Celtics have a well-documented love for shooters, and Hicks fits the mold. Last season, Boston made waves by waiving second-round pick Anton Watson in favor of sharpshooting forward Miles Norris, a move that paid dividends. This summer, the Celtics’ roster has undergone significant changes, with cost-cutting trades sending Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday packing. While additions like Luka Garza and Josh Minott have pushed Boston back above the league’s second-apron line, more roster moves are on the horizon.
If those moves involve parting ways with primary shooters like Sam Hauser or Georges Niang, Hicks could be a dark horse to step into a bigger role. His high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooting makes him an ideal candidate to replace Norris on a two-way contract if Norris earns a standard deal. Hicks’ ability to stretch the floor could provide the Celtics with much-needed spacing, especially in a league where perimeter shooting remains a premium.
While Hicks’ shooting prowess is undeniable, his journey to an NBA roster spot is far from guaranteed. At six-foot-eight, he boasts a solid frame for a wing, but he’ll need to add muscle to compete with the league’s elite. Scouts have noted his shoot-first mentality as a potential limitation, suggesting he’ll need to adapt to a more complementary role alongside the NBA’s top talents. A stint with the Maine Celtics in the G-League could be the perfect proving ground for Hicks to refine his defense and decision-making while maintaining his deadly shooting touch.
In Las Vegas, Hicks is likely to play a supporting role behind returning Summer League standouts like Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh, as well as rookie forward Hugo Gonzalez, Boston’s 28th overall pick in last month’s draft. Still, his knack for knocking down threes could make him a fan favorite and a key contributor in the Summer League.
Hicks’ profile screams “sleeper.” His combination of size, shooting, and defensive potential makes him a low-risk, high-reward addition for a Celtics team that thrives on uncovering hidden gems. If he can translate his college efficiency to the pro level and round out his game, Hicks could follow in the footsteps of other undrafted success stories who’ve carved out roles in Boston.
As the Celtics look to reload their roster with cost-effective talent, Zach Hicks represents an exciting opportunity. Whether he’s draining threes in Vegas or honing his craft in Maine, this sharpshooting forward has the tools to make an impact—and maybe even fill the shoes of a player like Sam Hauser. Keep an eye on Hicks as the Summer League tips off; he might just be the next Celtic to steal the spotlight.