Last summer, guard Jay Scrubb enjoyed a very eventful Summer League showcase with the Boston Celtics. In five games during last year’s Summer League, Scrubb averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He also shot 46.3% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Due to his impressive performance, Scrubb received a two-way contract from the Celtics. However, before the start of the 2023-24 season, Scrubb suffered a torn ACL that forced him to miss the entire season. The Kentucky native was waived just a couple of weeks later. Since suffering his injury, Scrubb has not signed another NBA contract. However, it seems like things could change for the 23-year-old.
According to Brian Robb of MassLive.com, “there is interest” from Boston’s side to bring Scrubb back to the team.
“Nothing is officially done with the Celtics yet but there is interest in getting something done. Would be a cool story for him to get a chance again after suffering such a brutal injury during preseason. Would expect him to try to find a two-way deal somewhere but he may have to show he’s back first physically in the G-League.”
The Celtics currently have just one roster spot open. Additionally, the team only has one two-way contract remaining after bringing back JD Davison and Drew Peterson this summer. And although Scrubb is a great candidate to take the last two-way spot, second-round pick Anton Watson looks like a lock to take it. For Scrubb to return to Boston, a stint strictly in the G League could make the most sense as a way to make it back to the league.
Scrubb previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic from 2021 to 2023. In total, the guard appeared in 24 games during this time and started one of them. Over his career, Scrubb has averaged 4 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.
Boston Celtics Reuniting With Former Summer League Standout?
Is Jay Scrubb the Only Celtics Player Expected to Return?
The Celtics have every player from the 2023-24 championship team locked up for next season, with the exception of two players. Currently, Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk remain free agents. And with just one roster spot left, one of them is guaranteed to be gone. According to Robb, it is likely that Mykhailiuk will not return to Boston next season.
“I don’t think Svi will be back after the drafting of Scheiermann but the door should remain open for Brissett if he doesn’t like other options.”
The Ukraine native joined the Celtics on a one-year deal last season despite considering taking his game overseas. In 41 games played last season, Mykhailiuk averaged 4 points per game while shooting 41.6% from the field. Additionally, in Boston’s season finale against the Washington Wizards, Mykahiliuk recorded 26 points on 10-for-13 shooting, five rebounds, and five assists. It is highly unlikely the forward would receive more playing time with the team if he returned for next season.
As for Brissett, the possibility of a return is still in play. Recently, general manager Brad Stevens spoke about possibly bringing the 26-year-old back.
“We have to be mindful of, with the last roster spot, what our needs might be. Oshae had a terrific year with us… in his shoes, there might be the desire to play more, too. I always want to be respectful of that.”
Brad Stevens on a potential Oshae Brissett return:
“We have to be mindful of, with the last roster spot, what our needs might be. Oshae had a terrific year with us… in his shoes, there might be the desire to play more, too. I always want to be respectful of that.” pic.twitter.com/LU5Dn5k1Zq
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) July 17, 2024
Brissett previously declined his player option for next season. However, a possible return was always in the mix. In his first season with Boston, Brissett averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
