Draft Rumors: Pistons, Leonard, Bobcats, Rockets
The NBA combine continues in Chicago today, with the buzz this morning surrounding the official measurements of the prospects in attendance. Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal provides the complete list. According to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, a handful of players saw their stock rise a little due to the results, but Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress heard from scouts that there weren't many big surprises (Twitter link). A handful of rumors and rumblings have also emerged from the combine today, so let's round up some of them….
Amico On Barnes, Knicks, Sullinger
The 2012 NBA Draft Combine got underway Thursday in Chicago and will continue through Friday as prospects are tested, weighed and interviewed with hopes of improving their stock for June 28. Former Florida star Bradley Beal's height was a point of contention heading into the combine but the ex-Gator shooting guard surprised everyone when he told reporters he measured in at 6-foot-4, which was on the higher end of expectations. Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio has more news and headlines out of Chicago with the draft exactly three weeks away…
Knicks, Nets, Cavs, Suns Eyeing Teletovic
After leading the Euroleague in scoring this season, Mirza Teletovic may be taking his talents to North America. According to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando, the Bosnian forward is drawing interest from the Knicks, Nets, Cavaliers, and Suns.
Draft Rumors: Hornets, Barnes, Cavs, Bobcats
The Nets may be looking to find a way into the first round of this month's draft, but a number of teams are considering moving their first-rounders. According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio (via Twitter), every club besides the Cavs that has multiple first-round picks is trying to trade one of them for a young player. The Blazers, Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Hornets all fit the bill, with two first-rounders each. Let's round up a few more of today's draft rumors….
- Teams inquiring on the 10th overall pick are being told by the Hornets that taking on a contract like Emeka Okafor's or Trevor Ariza's won't be enough to land the pick, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
Prospect Profile: Will Barton
Will Barton does not lack confidence. The University of Memphis swingman currently sits 38th on the DraftExpress.com prospect listing, but he recently told Lang Greene of HoopsWorld he believes he's the best wing player in the draft.
Draft Rumors: Suns, Warriors, Barnes, Cavs
The league is holding a two-day draft combine starting tomorrow in Chicago, but the event isn't likely to reveal much about the top prospects. Sam Amick of SI.com reports that Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Andre Drummond, Dion Waiters, and Harrison Barnes will not take part in running and shooting drills, and Matt Moore of CBSSports.com takes this as a sign that the league should either force players to participate fully or scrap the event entirely. Fellow CBSSports.com scribe Jeff Goodman nonetheless identifies some of the key issues surrounding prospects that the combine is likely to resolve. Here's more draft-related news from around the Association.
Odds & Ends: Magic, Bobcats, Wolves, Cavs, Draft
We already heard from new Blazers' general manager Neil Olshey tonight, who implied that he all but has his mind made up that the man to fill Portland's coaching vacancy should be interim head coach Kaleb Canales. Portland is one of multiple franchises that needs to make decisions coaching and front office decisions this offseason. Let's look at some of those latest rumors as well as a couple more notes from around the league on this Tuesday night:
Amico On Gee, Cavs, Ilyasova, Humphries
So far this season, rumors surrounding restricted free agent Alonzo Gee have invariably involved the Suns, who are eyeing the Cavs guard and reportedly considering making him a four-year, $16MM offer. According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio, however, Phoenix isn't the only team preparing to pursue Gee. The Wizards, Celtics, and Rockets will also have the 25-year-old "high on their wish list," says Amico, adding that the Cavs like Gee and hope to keep him. Here are a few more rumblings from around the league courtesy of Amico….
Cavs Notes: Draft, Alonzo Gee, Harrison Barnes
The Cavaliers will have the opportunity to rebuild their roster this offseason as they currently hold the fourth and #24 picks in the upcoming NBA draft. However, the Cavs aren't content with the fourth pick as they had their eyes on the draft's top spot and are currently exploring a variety of trade opportunities. Bob Finnan of The News-Herald has the latest news and rumors out of Cleveland with the draft looming mere weeks away…
Brigham On Bobcats, Thomas Robinson, Cavs
The Bobcats suffered a setback to their offseason as they came up short on Wednesday during the NBA draft lottery and lost out on the top pick to the Hornets. Team owner Michael Jordan and his front office are now tasked with maximizing the value of the second pick in the draft especially when there are at least six prospects who could be deemed worthy of being selected after Anthony Davis come June. HoopsWorld's Joel Brigham has the latest news and rumors surrounding the draft including which player the Bobcats could take second and end up with a key piece to build around moving forward…