The Boston Celtics signed Summer League standout and former Los Angeles Clippers rookie Jay Scrubb to a two-way contract on Saturday. Scrubb has averaged 16.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 1.8 APG through four Summer League games. The 22-year-old is also shooting 50% from both the field and beyond the arc.
Boston Celtics Sign Jay Scrubb to Two-Way Contract
Jay Scrubb Career Breakdown
Jay Scrubb was drafted with the 55th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets before immediately getting sent to the Clippers. He was the first JUCO player drafted since Donta Smith was selected in the 2nd round of the 2004 NBA Draft. Scrubb played in just four games his rookie year and started one game in a loss to the Houston Rockets. In this game, Scrubb played 40 minutes and scored a career-high 17 points to go along with six rebounds and three steals.
In February 2022, Scrubb was shut down after suffering a season-ending foot injury. He was released in July 2022 and played 22 total games for the Clippers.
Scrubb signed with the Lakeland Magic, the G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, in October 2022. His time in Orlando wasn’t eventful either, however. Scrubb only played in two NBA games for the team on a two-way contract before being released in June 2023.
What does Jay Scrubb Bring to the Celtics?
Scrubb is a 6’5″ guard-forward hybrid whose main strength is his athleticism. It is evident that Scrubb has talent and potential, but he’s had very few opportunities to showcase this. Scrubb can score and is a good shooter who can also slash to the basket. He is also a decent defender with a 6’9.5″ wingspan.
It is no secret that Scrubb is a very well-rounded player, but he doesn’t necessarily excel at anything on either side of the ball. Still, the talent is there and Scrubb should be given an opportunity to showcase this in the G League with the Maine Celtics.
Despite showing signs of being a good NBA player so far in Summer League, it is likely Scrubb may never have a consistent role with the Celtics. Scrubb comes to a team that is already led by two wings in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics also have recently-signed Oshae Brissett and rookie Jordan Walsh rostered to add depth to their wings. It will be tough for Scrubb to become a regular contributor for the Celtics, especially in the short term. That said, playing well enough in Summer League to earn a contract is certainly promising.
Last Word on Jay Scrubb to the Celtics
Signing Scrubb is a very low risk, high reward move for the Celtics. Although it will likely be a while before Jay Scrubb could potentially be a rotational player for the Celtics, he has played well enough in Summer League to get an opportunity to show more of what he can do in the G League.
As for what this means for the Celtics, they now have one two-way contract left to give out. This is after the team after also signed JD Davison to a two-way contract recently. It remains to be seen who the team is looking at for that last spot.
