When speaking to the media after the second round, Celtics Vice President of Basketball Operations, Mike Zarren, detailed what Shulga brings to the table and why Boston was drawn to the impressive shooter. Shulga played in 35 games last season, averaging 15 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range.

Gonzalez declined the unusual offer, but it wasn’t absurd for Boston to give it a try. Last season, as Fischer noted, the New York Knicks signed Pacome Dadiet to 80% of the rookie scale for his first year, with the dealing increasing to 120% for the final three seasons.

Lacking depth was a big reason the New York Knicks had their key players taking on a massive load of minutes in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Tom Thibodeau's coaching style was another. With Thibs out the door, bolstering the reinforcements for the Knicks' next coach will be key.