Ukrainian basketball player Maxim Shulga has secured a spot in the NBA, being selected with the 57th pick in the second round of the 2025 draft.

Today, June 27, the draft took place, paving the way for the 23-year-old athlete.

Shulga was chosen by Orlando and then traded to Boston along with the 46th pick, Amari Williams, in a prior agreement.

Orlando received the 32nd pick in return, selecting forward Noah Pendah, while the Celtics acquired Shulga, Williams, and two second-round draft picks (2026, 2027).

According to ESPN, Maxim is expected to sign a two-way contract with Boston, allowing him to play for both the Celtics in the NBA and their G-League affiliate. Throughout the season, Boston will have the option to keep Maxim in the G-League or convert his two-way contract into a full contract.

Shulga is the first Ukrainian player drafted in the NBA in the past 7 years. In 2018, Washington Wizards selected Issuf Sanon, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was picked by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Interestingly, Mykhailiuk was the only Ukrainian to have played for the Boston Celtics. Last year, the 28-year-old helped the Celtics win their 18th championship. Sanon, on the other hand, has yet to play a game in the NBA.

Shulga declared for the NBA draft after completing his fifth season in the NCAA, where he played for the Virginia Commonwealth Rams (VCU).

With his team, he became the champion of the Atlantic-10 division and was named player of the year.

After VCU exited the NCAA March Madness tournament in the first round, Maxim participated in the NABC-Reese Division I All-Star Game.

He was later invited to the NBA draft combine, showcasing his skills among 75 NCAA players.