Yam Madar preparing to join Celtics sooner than anticipated
Less than nine months after the Boston Celtics called his name with the No. 47 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft as an obvious draft-and-stash, Yam Madar sounds like a man ready to leave Israel and embark on his NBA journey.
In fact, that’s the plan for Madar, who is in the United States for the 2021 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, this year.
“I feel comfortable in my game,” Madar said in his first media availability since being drafted by the Celtics. “It’s a new challenge. I worked really hard, I prepared myself for this moment to come. I know it’s going to be this year that I will come [to the NBA], and I’m excited to get started.”
A 6-foot-3 guard, Madar is coming off a 2020-21 campaign that included 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, along with a 46.3 field goal percentage (and 40.9 percent success rate from deep), in 33 games for Hapoel Tel Aviv.
It was enough for the 20-year-old to earn Most Improved Player honors, making him the youngest player in Israeli Basketball Premier League history to capture the award.
“I understand the game much more than I had in the past season,” Madar offered. “I just need to build it year-by-year, because when you’re here, you just want to go from the start.”
If his overseas efforts are indeed a sign of what’s to come, the Celtics could certainly use what Madar brings to the table. Especially with the Celtics’ depth at point guard currently featuring Marcus Smart in a starting role, along with Payton Pritchard, Carsen Edwards, and the recently acquired Kris Dunn currently behind him and in supporting roles.
The Celtics do have one two-way contract spot currently open on their roster, too, which could be filled by Madar, especially in the wake of both Tacko Fall and Tremont Waters failing to receive qualifying offers for 2021-22.
Madar and the C’s will begin their Summer League slate Aug. 8 against the Hawks.
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Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.
