The Celtics drafted two rookies this year: Chris Cenac Jr. out of Houston in the first round, and Dillon Mitchell out of St. John’s in the second round. But, those aren’t the only first-year players that will be at the Auerbach Center for training camp.
That’s because the Celtics are also signing two undrafted rookies to Exhibit 10, training camp contracts: Houston guard Milos Uzan and Indiana forward Tucker DeVries. Both could be candidates for two-way contracts.
Milos Uzan
Milos Uzan is a 23-year-old
who spent two years at the University of Oklahoma and two years at the University of Houston. Uzan averaged 11.1 points and 4 assists per game last season, and was teammates with Celtics first-round pick Chris Cenac Jr, so both will have some built-in familiarity to start the season. Uzan is an impactful defender and playmaker who has already improved as a shooter.
Tucker DeVries
Tucker DeVries is a 23-year-old forward who spent three years at Drake University, one year at West Virginia University, and one year at the University of Indiana. DeVries has shot 35.9% from three in his career, but had his worst shooting season last year at Indiana, hitting just 33.3% from three-point range.
Last year, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. And, DeVries has a quick release, is comfortable coming off screens, and can read the floor well.
A best-case scenario for DeVris could be carving out a career as a sharpshooter like Sam Hauser, Max Strus, and Duncan Robinson.
Tucker DeVries, Milos Uzan could both fight for two-way contracts
Last year, the Celtics had Amari Williams, Max Shulga, and John Tonje on rookie contracts, though Williams and Shulga were converted to standard roster spots by the end of the season. All three players could return next season, but it seems more likely than not that that won’t be the case.
Dillon Mitchell is likely to secure one of the team’s three two-way contracts.
