Rumors were swirling about a potential reunion for a few weeks, but nothing became official until recently. According to writer Bobby Manning, the Boston Celtics have signed wing Jay Scrubb to an Exhibit 10 contract. Last year, Scrubb earned a two-way contract with the Celtics after his impressive performance in the Summer League. However, after suffering an ACL injury, Scrubb missed the entire season and was ultimately waived by the team. In an interview with Manning, the 23-year-old said that, despite not officially being on the roster anymore, he felt like he “was a part of the team” anyway.
“Even though I wasn’t on the deal, I still felt like I was a part of the team, because I was there and the relationships I built and just being there, you still feel like you’re part of the organization,” Scrubb said. “That gave me the motivation to want to get back and be there with those guys … the mental part, being away from the game for the first time just crushed me, I didn’t really know how to feel, but having the support, it really takes over. That really brought me back … it’s tough physically, but the harder you work, the more you build yourself up to better yourself.”
Scrubb initially joined the NBA after the Brooklyn Nets drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. However, the Kentucky native made his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021. Scrubb played 22 games for the team across two seasons. This includes one start in May 2021, the team’s second-to-last regular season game, against the Houston Rockets. In the game, Scrubb recorded 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting, six rebounds, and three steals. The 6’5″ wing also played two games with the Orlando Magic in the 2022-23 season.
Celtics Re-Sign Jay Scrubb to Exhibit 10 Contract
Boston Celtics Still Have a Roster Spot Left
Despite re-signing Scrubb, the Celtics still have an open roster spot. The team brought back nearly everybody from last season’s championship team. Currently, only Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk are not on the roster for next season. At this point in the offseason, it seems highly unlikely Mykhailiuk will return. As for Brissett, though a return is still an option, it seems like his time in Boston will likely end.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, BrissyTV (YouTube link), Brissett spoke about his free agency, essentially signifying his stint with the Celtics is likely over. However, Brissett made it clear that the door to return is “not closed fully.”
“I want to do my job, and I love basketball. I want to play. So that’s really it. You know, I’m still a free agent now, talking to some teams. You guys will all see, obviously, when it happens, where I end up. But, you know, that’s full transparency, man. Like, at the end of the day, that’s what it comes down to. I loved every single part about being a Boston Celtic. And, you know, I could go back. Who freaking knows? The door is not closed fully. It’s like, it’s like right there, but it’s not closed fully.”
Whether the Celtics use that final roster spot before the start of next season or not remains unknown. However, Brissett remains a name to monitor for that spot as the offseason continues.
