BOSTON (AP) — The Celtics’ priorities this summer are to add some experience around their solid young core. So they didn’t enter Thursday night’s NBA draft eyeing a lot of fresh faces they’d have to find roster spots for.
Instead, they chose a young prospect they won’t feel pressure to rush onto the court anytime soon.
Boston selected 18-year-old French wing player Juhann Begarin with the No. 45 pick, the second straight year it has added an overseas player likely a few years away from playing an NBA game.
Begarin, who didn’t play college ball, has already played two years professionally in Paris and represents another opportunity for the Celtics to watch a developing player from afar, while still getting him valuable experience against top talent.