Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin will never play for the Boston Celtics.
Maybe I’m wrong, but this is what my gut tells me. The two point guards drafted in 2020 and 2021, respectively, were draft and stash players when they were selected in the second round, but may not be seen stateside except in Storage Locker Wars.
At least they played on the Celtics Summer League team in 2021, so we at least know they’re real. I’ve been waiting so long for Ben Pepper that his name is spoken in lore with Krampus and the chupacabra.
Who should the Boston Celtics select in the 2022 NBA Draft?
Madar and Begarin were meant to save the Celtics a roster spot and from using salary cap space, so at least they served that purpose. And as much as I want Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to spend the 53rd overall selection on a big man, I will settle for a domestic point guard that can play in 2022-23.
Now why would Stevens draft another point guard when he already has Marcus Smart, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard? Hell, why did the Celtics draft two international point guards two years running? Alright then. It doesn’t have to make sense. The Celtics just do what they do.
If the Boston Celtics want to add point guard depth, I assume the first option would be Denzel Valentine. He was signed to the Maine Celtics so Boston could get a closer look at the former lottery pick. For a team that wants to win now, it would make perfect sense. Valentine is experienced and would be able to contribute on day one.
But if they look at the draft, two players are worth looking at for Boston.
Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga, 6-5 193
11.8 Pts .383 3P percent 5.8 Ast 1.9 TO 3.4 Reb
Going from a star to a role player isn’t always an easy transition. No second rounder is coming to the Boston Celtics and is going to supplant either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown as one of the primary scorers.
Andrew Nembhard won’t have that problem.
The beauty of Nembhard is he played for Gonzaga, setting up lottery pick Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme. Sure Nembhard must adjust to the level of competition, but he’s familiar with playing a complimentary role. That should ease his adjustment from college to the pros.
That almost worked against Nembhard. But at the draft combine, Nembhard stole the show, dropping 26 points and 11 assists. Maybe Nembhard could had been more than a compliment to Holmgren and Timme. Making that sacrifice for the team speaks volumes about the team first player Nembhard is.
Nembhard plays downhill. He wants to push the ball off defensive rebounds, turnovers and even following made baskets. He always keeps his head up to spot teammates and hit them in stride for easy buckets. Even without a long pass, Nembhard pushing the ball often beats the defense, leading to quick scoring opportunities. This would be very much welcomed in Boston.
In the half court, Nembhard surveys the floor and conducts the offense. He will make the game easier for his teammates by getting them open looks, and he can bail them out as a shooter (.383 on threes).
Because of his draft combine performance, Nembhard’s stock blew up. He went from likely undrafted to a second round selection. Some mocks even have Nembhard selected in the first round. If the Boston Celtics are lucky, Nembhard could fall right to them. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Celtics had to make a move up to get the former Bulldog.
Michael Devoe, Georgia Tech, 6-5 197
17.9 Pts .365 3P percent 3.1 Ast 2.8 TO 4.9 Reb
For what the Boston Celtics need, Michael Devoe would be a riskier prospect.
Devoe shouldered a heavy offensive load for a disappointing Georgia Tech team. He was just one of two players that scored in double figures and led the Yellow Jackets in assists.
Despite that, Devoe was efficient, shooting .462 overall (.365 on threes). He was selected the Portsmouth Invitational MVP, a four-day pre-draft showcase held in Virginia.
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Devoe had to score a lot for Georgia Tech, but he might thrive in a smaller role with the Celtics. He displays the ability to find open teammates and create open looks all over the floor.
While he doesn’t push the ball up court like Nembhard, Devoe was an opportunistic break leader off of defensive rebounds and turnovers. He keeps his head up and finds the open man, sometimes passing them open.
Devoe should have plenty of opportunities to run in Boston, as he’s active defensively. With his long arms, he will poke the ball away or intercept passes and quickly go the other way. Devoe also blocks shots, leading to more chances to run.
Off the ball, Devoe was a solid .462 shooter. That includes .365 from deep, sometimes very deep. He was willing to pull the trigger from well behind the arc. He also has a step-back and turnaround jumper, though he seemingly only lays up with his left hand.
Devoe might not get drafted, but that doesn’t mean he won’t find a team. He’s worked out for the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs.
Since the Spurs have shown an interest in Devoe, maybe the Boston Celtics quietly are interested in Devoe as well.