According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Boston Celtics have signed center Dmytro Skapintsev to an Exhibit 10 contract.
Boston Celtics and Dmytro Skapintsev have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The 7-foot-1 center from Ukraine was called up by the New York Knicks last season. He’s two-way eligible and enters training camp looking to compete for a spot with the Celtics pic.twitter.com/yEyyGvcgWb
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 17, 2024
Skapintsev appeared in two games for the New York Knicks last season. The Ukraine big man only logged two total minutes and failed to score on his only field goal attempt. He did, however, play a legitimate role with the Knicks’ G League affiliate in Westchester. In 25 games last season, he averaged 12.1 points, 8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks. Skapintsev also shot 53.7% from the field and 30% from the three-point line.
Boston Celtics Sign 7’1″ Big Man to Training Camp Deal
Where Dmytro Skapintsev Ranks On Boston’s Roster
There is a very small chance Skapintsev will play in a game for the Celtics next season. This is even true given their slim depth at the position following Kristaps Porzingis‘ injury. However, as Scotto mentioned in his tweet, Skapintsev is eligible for a two-way contract. Currently, the Celtics have filled their two-way spots with JD Davison, Drew Peterson, and rookie Anton Watson. However, if Skapintsev can perform well in training camp, a two-way deal could be an option for him down the line.
Regardless, at most, he will likely play exclusively in the G League for the Celtics next season. However, as a 7’1″ big, he possesses great size that would be valuable to any team in the NBA. However, at 26 years old, it seems unlikely he will drastically improve on the court.
The Boston Celtics’ Outlook After Signing Dmytro Skapintsev
The Celtics are the reigning NBA champions and still look like the team to beat. This summer, the team made very few changes. They drafted Baylor Scheierman, who could contribute to the team immediately. Furthermore, they added veteran Lonnie Walker IV on a training camp deal. However, it remains unclear what his role on the team will ultimately look like.
On the flip side, the Celtics lost sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk to the Utah Jazz. Furthermore, Oshae Brissett, who declined his player option at the start of free agency, remains unsigned. While a reunion is technically still on the table, it seems unlikely at this stage in the offseason.
The Celtics will miss Porzingis to start the regular season due to the rare injury he suffered during the NBA Finals. However, even with his absence, the Celtics are a loaded team on paper. They will still have Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and star Jayson Tatum on the roster. Plus, Derrick White, who signed a contract extension this summer, and Jrue Holiday continue to make up arguably the best defensive backcourt in the NBA.
All eyes are on the Celtics as they aim to repeat as champions, but this is a challenge they are clearly ready to take on.
