Draft Notes: McGary, Risers, Adams, Thunder

As more draft news pours in, be sure to check out our Early Entrants tracker which will be continuously updated as more underclassmen declare for the draft.  Here are the latest news and notes on the NBA Draft:

  • Goodman also tweets that all signs still point toward Nerlens Noel entering the NBA Draft.  Noel's rehab is "well ahead of schedule" according to Goodman, who adds that he doesn't envision Noel making an announcement by the April 16 NCAA deadline.  Since he will likely sit out next season regardless, Noel has the luxury of being able to wait until the April 28 NBA deadline to make dis decision. 

Earlier updates:

  • Despite his exploding draft stock, Michigan freshman sensation Mitch McGary will return to Ann Arbor for his sophomore season regardless of what happens in the Final Four, he told MLive.com's Kyle Meinke on Tuesday.  McGary and Trey Burke have fueled the Wolverines run this March, and some draft experts think his performance was impressive enough to have moved him into the first round conversation.
  • In an Insiders Only piece, Chad Ford of ESPN included McGary in his list of five draft prospects who gave NBA scouts and GMs something positive to think about with their play in the NCAA Tournament.  Also included are Louisville's Russ Smith, Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas and LaQuinton Ross, and Syracuse's C.J. Fair
  • Meanwhile, Pittsburgh 7-footer Steven Adams has decided to enter the NBA Draft, writes Jeff Goodman, adding that NBA executives have indicated to CBS Sports that Adams will be a first round pick.  Adams, from New Zealand, averaged 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and two blocks per game as a freshman Panther.  Goodman is told that Adams primary motivation is to provide for his family.  Adams and his 18 siblings lost their father when he was 14.  
  • Royce Young of Daily Thunder breaks down the draft odds for the Thunder, who stand an excellent chance of being able to utilize the protected pick they received in the James Harden deal now that the Raptors have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.  The pick is top-3 and 15-30 protected and Toronto is currently tied for the seventh worst record.  Young outlines who should be available at seven or eight, according to an assortment of big boards and mock drafts.
  • Here are a handful of early entry draft trackers, courtesy of Draft Express, ESPN and HoopsWorld.
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