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Boston Celtics: NBA comparisons for each C’s rookie

By Mark Nilon

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings is defended by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors during first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 6, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings is defended by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors during first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 6, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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In the 2020 draft, the Boston Celtics came away with 3 new players. Let’s see which current NBA talents the most represent.

For the third time in five years, and for the second time in a row, the Boston Celtics came into the NBA Draft holding the rights to 3 first-round picks.

Though they didn’t end up keeping them all — traded their No. 30 pick to the Memphis Grizzlies — Danny Ainge and co. still managed to bring aboard 3 young prospects in Aaron Nesmith at 14th overall, Payton Pritchard at 26, and Yam Madar at 47.

While some may be a bit underwhelmed by the team’s choices, as many — including ourselves — believed the Cs would opt to draft a potential answer at their pivot spot, no one can deny that the individuals they wound up with don’t have quality talent and potential.

In fact, each one of their picks resembles, in one way or another, a specific talent currently playing in the league.

Today, the Houdini presents to you an NBA comparison for each of the franchise’s draft selections:

NBA comparison for Yam Madar: Dante Exum, Cleveland Cavaliers

Even though Yam Madar may not have been the most highly-touted prospect coming into the 2020 NBA Draft, make no mistake about it, the man is a solid talent.

The Israeli-native has been playing professionally in his home country since 2018 with the Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C. In 2019-20, the 19-year-old posted some impressive averages of 14.3 points and 6.7 assists per game on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 33 percent shooting from deep. With his performance, Madar was bestowed the Israeli Basketball Premier League Most Improved Player award.

Likely a draft-and-stash player for the Boston Celtics, the point guard showcases a sound combination of court vision, ball-handling, quickness, and defensive chops and, with a bit more molding and weight (currently 180 pounds), could prove to be a quality reserve guard in the NBA.

The player that the Houdini believes most resembles Madar’s game is Cleveland Cavaliers reserve veteran guard, Dante Exum.

Yes, while the sixth-year pro has about three-inches on the C’s rookie, both have a pass-first mentality with exceptional defensive instincts, and a preference to play in the mid-range or attack the basket.

Though the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 draft is widely considered a “bust”, had he been selected at the time Madar was his production to date and attributes would likely be seen as pretty efficient and beneficial for his respective ball club.

At 47th overall, a team could easily do a lot worse than a player resembling Dante Exum.