Former WVU Forward Tucker DeVries faced a tough break in the 2026 NBA Draft, going undrafted despite his promising college career. However, the Boston Celtics, coached by Joe Mazzulla, quickly moved to offer him an Exhibit 10 contract, giving him a shot to prove himself professionally. This contract allows DeVries to attend training camp with the Celtics while keeping the door open for development time with their G League affiliate in Maine. While itâs far from a guaranteed roster spot, itâs a crucial foot in the door for the former WVU Forward hoping to transition from college basketball to the NBA. The move also highlights the unpredictable nature of basketball careers, where a strong collegiate background doesnât always lead to an immediate draft selection, yet pathways to the pros remain available for those willing to fight for it.
DeVriesâ route to Boston marks a curious reunion with a program tied to his WVU rootsâthis time under the guidance of Joe Mazzulla, a Mountaineer Final Four legend. His tenure at West Virginia was brief, followed by a transfer to Indiana where his performance dipped, notably suffering the worst statistical season of his college career. Despite flashes of his potential, inconsistency and average athleticism challenged his draft stock. The Exhibit 10 deal reflects this reality: a non-guaranteed, league-minimum chance to showcase his skills in a high-pressure NBA environment. For the Celtics, this is low-risk, high-reward business, betting on DeVriesâ potential to develop into a valuable role player. For Tucker, itâs a pivotal moment to reshape the narrative and prove his worth beyond college stats.
The Reality Behind Tucker DeVriesâ Undrafted Status and New Celtics Deal
The 2026 NBA Draft saw many surprises, and Tucker DeVries going undrafted was one that caught attentionâif only for the questions it raised. Despite being a notable figure at West Virginia and later Indiana, his subpar shooting percentages and notably low scoring average of 13.7 points per game in his final college season spelled trouble. The Celticsâ Exhibit 10 contract is essentially a trial period. It offers DeVries the chance to participate in training camp but without any salary security or guaranteed roster placement. If waived, heâs likely to start his professional journey in the G League, which the Celtics will control. Itâs a developmental gambit, signaling cautious optimism but also underscoring how tough the transition from college to the NBA really is for players like DeVries.
What the Contract Means Practically for DeVries and the Celtics
The terms of an Exhibit 10 contract reveal a lot about where DeVries stands in the Celticsâ plans. At its core, itâs a one-year, minimum salary deal with no guaranteed money, essentially an extended tryout with added benefit of potential G League assignment. For the Celtics, signing DeVries is not an immediate game-changer but a move to secure a player they believe has upside without financial risk. Itâs a smart, practical approach to developing talent on the fringes. For DeVries, itâs a moment to prove he can adapt to the faster pace and physicality of professional basketball. Failing to stick with Bostonâs roster doesnât mean the end; the pathway through their Maine affiliate offers a vital development platform.
From West Virginia to Indiana: The Journey Shaping DeVriesâ Professional Challenge
Tucker DeVriesâ journey from being a West Virginia Mountaineer to playing for the Indiana Hoosiers reflected a gamble that didnât pan out as hoped. Both Tucker and his father, coach Darian DeVries, left WVU seeking better prospects. Yet, the Hoosiers ended just as stagnant as his one season in Morgantown. His statistical drop in Indianaâcareer lows in scoring and shooting percentagesâleft scouts skeptical. During 2025, highlights like a 26-point game against Louisville offered glimpses of talent but were overshadowed by inconsistency. Many analysts believe that sticking with West Virginia might not have changed much, given the tough competition and similar playing style. The silver lining remains: now with Boston, DeVries can craft a new narrative under Joe Mazzullaâs leadership.
