LA Clippers prospect #2 -Yam Madar (PG, Israel)
Yam Madar presents an interesting opening for a Clippers side currently mortgaging their future to capitalize on their Championship window. The 19-year-old Madar has been competing against men for the past two years in Israel, displaying glimpses of his raw talent with Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Madar posted advancements in all statistical categories in his second professional season, highlighted by his 28 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal performance in a narrow loss against southern neighbors Maccabi Ashdod.
Israeli PG Yam Madar with 28 points today on 3-4 3PT after scoring 21 on Saturday. Potential 2nd-round pick capitalizing on a return to strengthen his case little bit before the draft. pic.twitter.com/9wL6WdM9ti
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) July 13, 2020
Madar’s growth was recognized at the conclusion of the 2019/20 Israeli League season when he was awarded with the competition’s Most Improved Player award.
Despite Madar’s commendable progression, the teenager is emerging as a prospect that could become the beneficiary of experience in the G League, where the Israeli would be afforded ample playing opportunity while remaining under the guidance of the Clippers’ infrastructure. With the Agua Caliente Clippers, Madar will be challenged to add size to his 180-pound frame and improve his three-point shot, where he completed just 27.4 percent of attempts last campaign.
But this is where the Madar pick may become interesting.
The contract structures of the Clipper’s superstars – Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – includes the option for both All-NBA talents to ‘opt-out’ of their current agreements and sample free agency at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season. Whilst these clauses have incentivized the front-office to form a roster prepared to win immediately, another disappointing campaign in Southern California could prove catastrophic for a Clippers brass with little future assets.
Drafting Madar could signal an acknowledgment of a future without Leonard and George, where the Clippers roster beyond this season remains predicated on success in the present.