The Boston Celtics’ newest rookie, Max Shulga, is already making waves—and not just for his sharpshooting. The Ukrainian guard, selected 57th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, arrived in Boston for a predraft workout and found himself in the middle of an unexpected storyline. Alongside his reunion with an old college teammate and a peculiar “welcome gift” from the Celtics, Shulga’s introduction to the NBA has fans buzzing with excitement and intrigue.
During his predraft visit to Boston, Shulga seized the chance to reconnect with Neemias Queta, a familiar face from their days together at Utah State during the 2020-21 season. The two linked up for a heartfelt dinner, reminiscing about their college days and swapping stories about life in the pros. Little did Shulga know, their paths would cross again as teammates, with Shulga now joining Queta on the Celtics’ roster. While Shulga is expected to ink a two-way contract—details are still being finalized—this reunion adds a layer of camaraderie to his NBA journey.
Queta, now a seasoned Celtic, didn’t hold back with his advice for the rookie. “He told me it’s going to be tough, especially as a rookie,” Shulga shared. “There’s a transition period. His advice was to soak up everything—learn from the coaches, the vets, everyone. Be a sponge.” With that mindset, Shulga is ready to dive into the grind, but the Celtics had another surprise in store for their new draft pick.
At a community event held at the Huntington Avenue YMCA in Boston, Shulga was introduced alongside fellow 2025 draft picks Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams. The trio spent an hour engaging with local youth, showcasing the Celtics’ commitment to community outreach. But what stole the headlines was the team’s quirky “welcome gift” for Shulga—a custom-made, green-sequined shamrock jacket emblazoned with his name and draft number. The glitzy garment, presented with a playful flourish by team staff, sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans debating whether it was a bold fashion statement or a lighthearted hazing ritual for the rookie. “Is this a gift or a challenge?” one fan posted on X, while another quipped, “Max better shoot 40% from three to pull that off!”
Shulga, a 6’4” guard with a knack for long-range shooting, brings an impressive collegiate resume to Boston. After three seasons at Utah State, where he played alongside Queta, he transferred to VCU for his final two years, finishing with a career 39.2% three-point shooting percentage. His silky stroke from beyond the arc has Celtics fans dreaming of a new sharpshooter in the mold of a young Sam Hauser. However, questions linger about his defensive prowess in the NBA’s fast-paced, physical environment. Summer League practices, set to begin in the coming days, will offer Shulga his first chance to prove he can hold his own.
Shulga’s basketball journey is as global as it is inspiring. Growing up in Ukraine, he was drawn to the game through his father, a basketball referee whose work kept the sport on constant display at home. Shulga’s passion led him to Spain, where he honed his skills before crossing the Atlantic to play college ball in the U.S. Now, as a Celtic, he’s on the cusp of realizing his NBA dream—a moment that still feels “surreal” to the 23-year-old.
“It hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” Shulga admitted during the YMCA event, still clutching the infamous shamrock jacket. “Walking into the facility feels like I’m just here for a workout. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m ready to work.”
As Shulga prepares for the challenges of Summer League and the NBA season ahead, one thing is clear: between his long-range shooting, his reunion with Queta, and the Celtics’ dazzling (or dubious) welcome gift, this rookie is already leaving a mark. Will he rise to the occasion and cement his spot in the league? Or will that sparkly jacket be the loudest statement he makes? One thing’s for sure—Boston fans will be watching every step of the way.