The Boston Celtics are once again priming their developmental engine, channeling fresh talent into their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, for the 2025-26 season. According to Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog, nine players have been added to Maine’s roster: Ron Harper Jr., Jalen Bridges, Kendall Brown, Aaron Scott, Hayden Gray, Hason Ward, RJ Luis Jr., Amari Williams, and Max Shulga. While Gray, Luis, Williams, and Shulga were already slated to join the squad, the announcement unveils five new faces—Harper, Bridges, Brown, Scott, and Ward—who are poised to make waves under the guidance of first-year head coach Phil Pressey. With Boston’s two-way players anchoring the roster and a mix of returning and new talent, the Maine Celtics are shaping up to be a formidable force as they aim to build on their back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
Boston’s two-way players are expected to set the tone for Maine’s campaign. Max Shulga, who showcased his playmaking prowess at point guard during Summer League, is primed to orchestrate the offense. Paired with Amari Williams, a skilled big man, Shulga could form a lethal pick-and-roll tandem that keeps defenses guessing. Williams’ ability to roll to the rim or pop out for mid-range jumpers adds versatility to Maine’s attack.
RJ Luis Jr., acquired in a trade that sent Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, is another name to watch. The dynamic wing is expected to take on a featured role, bringing athleticism and scoring punch to the perimeter. His ability to attack the basket and create his own shot will give Pressey a reliable offensive weapon.
Hason Ward, a fan favorite from last season, returns to Portland after a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Summer League. Under former coach Tyler Lashbrook, Ward was a defensive anchor, logging significant minutes at center behind Anton Watson and later James Banks III. Known for his electrifying dunks and rim-rattling blocks, Ward’s high-flying style is sure to energize Maine’s home crowd at the Portland Expo. His familiarity with the system and knack for highlight-reel plays make him a cornerstone of Pressey’s rotation.
The five newcomers—Ron Harper Jr., Jalen Bridges, Kendall Brown, Aaron Scott, and Hayden Gray—bring a blend of raw talent and specialized skills to the Maine Celtics. Each player showed flashes of potential during Summer League or prior stints, and now they’ll have the chance to refine their games in the G League crucible.
Ron Harper Jr. is no stranger to Maine, having started last season with the team before signing a two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons. Now back in the Celtics’ fold after inking a training camp deal with Boston, Harper brings versatility and experience. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset for Pressey’s squad.
Kendall Brown impressed in Summer League with his off-ball movement and knack for cutting to the rim. His relentless energy and ability to finish in traffic add a dynamic layer to Maine’s offense. Meanwhile, Jalen Bridges caught eyes in Vegas with his silky three-point shooting. If he can maintain that consistency, he could stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for his teammates.
Aaron Scott’s calling card is his tenacity on the glass. His offensive rebounding stood out during Summer League, giving the Celtics second-chance opportunities that could prove crucial in tight G League contests. Rounding out the group is Hayden Gray, a defensive dynamo who led the NCAA in steals last season by a wide margin. Gray’s elite off-ball awareness and quick hands make him a perimeter pest, capable of disrupting opponents and sparking fast-break opportunities.
Under Pressey’s leadership, the Maine Celtics are poised to continue their recent success. The team has reached the Eastern Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons, and with this influx of talent, they’re hungry to go further. Pressey, a former NBA point guard known for his tenacity and basketball IQ, brings a fresh perspective to a roster brimming with potential.
The combination of Boston’s two-way players, returning standouts like Ward, and the new additions creates a balanced squad with depth and versatility. Shulga and Williams provide a strong foundation in the pick-and-roll, while Luis and Brown add scoring flair. Bridges’ shooting and Scott’s rebounding bolster the wings, and Gray’s defensive instincts give Maine a stopper to deploy against opposing guards. Harper’s experience ties it all together, offering leadership for a team with championship aspirations.
As the Maine Celtics gear up for the 2025-26 G League season, the spotlight will be on how these rough gems polish their skills in the crucible of professional basketball. With Pressey at the helm and a roster packed with athleticism, shooting, and defensive prowess, Maine is well-positioned to make another deep playoff run. For players like Harper, Bridges, Brown, Scott, and Ward, this season is a chance to prove they belong in Boston’s long-term plans. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness the next wave of Celtics talent take shape in Portland.