Juhann

Begarin

Begarin came in averaging 16.5 points on 39.7% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 dimes, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.0 triple and 4.5 turnovers per game in four SL appearances, which is promising, but he clearly still has some issues in a few areas. Begarin most recently played in France and is now fighting for a roster spot somewhere in the league, so he’ll more than likely be a non-factor in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. Mfiondu Kabengele was next up in scoring for Boston with 18 points with a nice all-around effort inclusive of a steal, four blocks and two triples, and JD Davison had another fantastic showing with a 17/6/10 line, but the Celtics are coming off a Finals berth and already know who’s going to be playing heavy minutes on opening night.

Kabengele is having a fun Summer League but the Celtics are loaded and it’s going to be tough for him to make much of a dent again this season, especially in fantasy. Justin Jackson led the way with 24 points and Juhann Begarin added 21 points in the win over the Warriors. Brodric Thomas also had a nice game with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and four 3-pointers in the win.

Both Madar and Begarin, second round picks in 2020 and 2021, respectively, were a part of the Celtics’ Summer League team. The former recently signed a three-year deal with Partizan Belgrade, while the latter played for Paris Basketball last season. Boston’s perimeter rotation was already a bit loaded, so it would have been difficult for either Madar or Begarin to crack the rotation as rookies.

He’s probably too good for Summer League as he’s already played meaningful NBA minutes on a good Boston team, including an NBA career-high 28 points just four months ago. He was rarely on the fantasy radar last season, but with Kemba Walker out of town, some more minutes may be available for the second-year guard. At the very least, he could be a fun late-round gamble if you miss out on triples in the rest of your draft. Other second-year player Aaron Nesmith also had a great game with 18 points, nine rebounds and a pair of triples, while No. 45 pick Juhann Begarin notched a 7-7-8 line with two steals and five turnovers.

The Celtics selected Begarin with the No. 45 pick in Thursday night’s draft, making him the first official selection by Boston with Stevens calling the shots. He’s a raw 6’5’’ guard out of France and considering he’s one of the youngest players in the 2021 draft class (he doesn’t turn 19 years old until August 7), it’s certainly not surprising the Celtics will stash him overseas for at least one more year.

Begarin is a physical wing who is pretty athletic and raw. Begarin has the ability to be good defensively because of his solid build. It is not clear if he will come over to Boston right away, and even if he did, he would likely not be much of a factor in the fantasy world.