Henri Veesaar, the former University of North Carolina center, continues to impress in the NBA Summer League, delivering a 20‑point outing that helped the Atlanta Hawks secure a 102‑90 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
The performance built on his debut two weeks earlier, when he led all bench scorers with 14 points, and showcased a polished offensive repertoire — 7‑of‑12 shooting, four three‑point makes, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
From Chapel Hill to the NBA: Veesaar’s Journey
Veesaar’s emergence comes at a time when the Tar Heels are reflecting on a season that ended with an unexpected Round of 64 upset to VCU, a loss that exposed the team’s reliance on frontcourt depth when Caleb Wilson missed the final month with injury.
Having entered the NBA Draft while still retaining eligibility, Veesaar elected to remain in the pool, a decision that appears to be paying immediate dividends as he adjusts to the professional pace and showcases the versatility that made him a cornerstone for UNC.
His strong start not only elevates his personal draft stock but also revives optimism among Hawks officials who see a potential impact player emerging from the second round.
The upcoming weeks will test whether Veesaar can sustain this level of production against tougher competition, but early indicators suggest the former Tar Heel is poised to make a meaningful contribution at the next level.