Draft Rumors: Hornets, Lakers, Russell

The Hornets have been extremely active this week and sources have indicated to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News that they’re probably not done.  The Celtics and Suns, according to a source, have been the most ardent suitors of Charlotte’s No. 9 pick.  The Suns have the No. 13 pick but want to move up to draft Frank Kaminsky, who they fear could be a target of the Heat at No. 10 or the Pacers at No. 11. The Celtics, meanwhile, have interest in Willie Cauley-Stein.  If the Hornets stay at No. 9, Deveney believes they will want to add shooting, which could lead them to Kentucky guard Devin Booker.

  • Jahlil Okafor did not perform well in his second pre-draft workout with the Lakers, according to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report.  While Okafor had a drop-off from his first showing in Los Angeles, D’Angelo Russell flourished and knocked down his shots.  Ding expects the Lakers to target Russell at No. 2 in Thursday night’s draft.
  • Oregon guard Joseph Young does not have a first round promise from the Lakers or anyone else, Sean Deveney of the Sporting News tweets.   Young’s foot injury remains a concern and he’ll be reevaluated to see if he needs surgery.
  • The Lakers, Sixers, Knicks, Magic, Kings, Hornets, Pacers are all talking trades and could shake up the draft order, Chad Ford of ESPN.com tweets.
  • Richaun Holmes is drawing consideration from several teams picking in the 20s, league sources tell Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated (on Twitter).  Holmes spoke with Hoops Rumors recently as a part of our Draft Prospect Q&A series.
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