The Boston Celtics have signed guard Jay Scrubb to a training camp contract. Scrubb was originally signed by the Celtics last season but tore his ACL in a preseason practice and did not play a single game. The Celtics waived Scrubb because of the injury, however, Scrubb has gone through rehab and recovery and the Celtics have signed him again on an Exhibit 10 deal. To free up a spot on the 21-man training camp roster, the Celtics waived undrafted forward Tristan Enaruna.
Jay Scrubb’s Career
Jay Scrubb was drafted in 2020 by the Brooklyn Nets but spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers. He got a bit of playing time during his stint in LA, playing in 22 games and starting once. But he spent most of his time in the G-League. Scrubb played well in the G-League, averaging 19.8 points per game in the 2021-22 season. He was a regular starter and averaged over 33 minutes a game.
In 2022, Jay Scrubb left the Clippers and signed with the Orlando Magic. Again, he mainly played in the G-League, but his production increased. In the 2022-23 season, Scrubb averaged 24.5 points per game with improved shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc. So, when the Boston Celtics signed Scrubb in 2023, they were hopeful to get similar scoring production from one of the G-League’s top scorers. Scrubb never played a game for the Celtics after tearing his ACL. He has been on the road to recovery since.
Scrubb’s Recovery
While the Boston Celtics were on the road to their 18th NBA Championship, Jay Scrubb was rehabbing and recovering from his injury. Scrubb spoke with Taylor Snow about his recovery and motivation, and Scrubb said, “I could have given up, I could have quit, but I wanted to get back out here with these guys. Seeing them win that championship motivated me. It gave me that extra push.” Scrubb was motivated by the success of the Boston Celtics, and it made him want to work harder to get back into playing shape.”
This week, Jay Scrubb returned to practice with the Celtics as they prepare for their upcoming preseason games. Boston went 2-0 against the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi and will look to keep winning this preseason with Scrubb back on the squad. Returning to practice, Scrubb has enjoyed the atmosphere and feeling of being on the court again. Scrubb said, “It’s amazing; you can feel the championship environment… Guys working, guys coming in and competing every day from the younger guys to the older guys. It’s definitely a good vibe.”
Scrubb also spoke about how he and the Celtics have been in communication during his recovery. He is appreciative of the team and how they welcomed him back and is ready to get back into form. Scrubb said, “It’s been a battle … But I’m just trying to work hard to get back to where I was at. I’ve had real confidence in the last year that I could get back to where I was and so I’ve just been working, trying to put it back together.”
Final Thoughts
Jay Scrubb was brought back to the Boston Celtics on an Exhibit 10 contract for training camp. This is Scrubb’s first time practicing with the team since he tore his ACL and was waived in training camp last season. But, with a positive story comes a negative, as Tristan Enaruna, an undrafted rookie, was waived to free a roster spot for Scrubb to fill. Still, Celtics fans are happy to see Jay Scrubb back and he is happy to get back on the court with the team.
