The Celtics are woefully thin at point guard right now. But some help could be coming from overseas.
At least, that’s what Yam Madar says.
The Celtics selected the standout Israeli guard with the No. 47 overall pick in last year’s draft, stashing him overseas for the season. He’ll play in the U.S. for the first time when the Las Vegas Summer League begins Aug. 8.
At a press conference Tuesday — his first on U.S. soil — Madar said he plans to be in Boston for the upcoming season.
“I feel comfortable in my game,” he told reporters. “It’s a new level, 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 come, and I’m excited to get started.”
Madar is one of the best young prospects in Israel, playing in his native country’s professional league since he was 17 years old (he’s now 21). Last season, he averaged 17.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, while improving his 3-point accuracy from 27 percent to 41.
Of course, Madar must show he’s ready for an NBA contract. The Celtics have one two-way roster spot he could fill. But it might not be as simple as that.
An arbiter in Israel ruled that Madar must remain under contract with his current team, the Hapoel Tel Aviv, for one more season. They’ll have to buy him out if he plays in Boston for the 2021-22 campaign.
Still, it’s hard to imagine Madar’s Israeli team getting in the way of his NBA dreams. While the Celtics have a mixed track record with international prospects — recent first-round picks Ante Zizic and Guerschon Yabusele never turned into dependable contributors — there’s reason to be optimistic about Madar.
The Celtics could definitely use him. After trading Kemba Walker, their only point guards are Marcus Smart, Payton Pritchard, Kris Dunn and Carson Edwards.
In other words, it’s Madar time, or at least we hope.