Hawks Acquire Tim Hardaway Jr.
9:59pm: The deal is official, both teams have announced. The Knicks get to create a $1,250,640 trade exception for Hardaway’s salary.
8:42pm: The Hawks and Knicks have struck a deal that sends Tim Hardaway Jr. to Atlanta, which will use the No. 19 pick to select Notre Dame point guard Jerian Grant for New York, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (on Twitter).
It’s no shock to see Hardaway in a deal, though the Pistons reportedly appeared to be the most interested team. New York drafted Hardaway 24th overall two years ago, and parlays him into a higher selection in this evening’s draft.
Grant spent five years, including a red-shirt season at Notre Dame. He spoke with Zach Links of Hoops Rumors about why he didn’t declare earlier and the progress he made as a senior this past season. He’ll represent a cap hold of $1,310,300 on New York’s books, slightly more than the nearly $1.305MM Hardaway is to make next season.
Hardaway will give Atlanta depth on the wing with DeMarre Carroll a free agent this summer. The Hawks are clearing about $300K in extra cap flexibility as they moved down from the No. 15 pick in a deal with the Wizards before reaching the agreement with New York.
Pacers Aggressively Shopping Roy Hibbert
The Pacers are making a hard push as they shop Roy Hibbert, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). Indiana chose to select Texas center Myles Turner at No. 11, as Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported (on Twitter). Hibbert is ineligible to be traded unless he opts in, though he has more than $15.514MM coming to him if he does so.
That Indiana would be looking to trade its center isn’t surprising. Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird signaled this spring that the team is moving to a more up-tempo style and coach Frank Vogel wouldn’t dismiss the idea that he’ll bench Hibbert.
David West, who’s reportedly decided to opt out, is likely to sign with the Knicks, a source told Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling this evening, so it would appear a radical makeover of the frontcourt in Indiana is coming.
Draft Rumors: Porzingis, Celtics, Hornets
Much speculation surrounded whether the Knicks would trade the No. 4 pick, but they plan to keep Kristaps Porzingis, whom they took with the choice, tweets Chris Broussard of ESPN.com. Here’s more as the first-round churns along:
- The Celtics and Hornets are talking about swapping picks, with No. 9 going to Boston and Nos. 16 and 28 going to Charlotte, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
- The Timberwolves have spoken to the Mavs about trading for the No. 21 pick that Dallas holds, but Minnesota doesn’t want to take Raymond Felton and that’s a hang-up in negotiations, reports Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link).
- Boston was interested in Jahlil Okafor as it reportedly made its Marcus Smart/Nerlens Noel offer to the Sixers, as Jake Fischer of SI Now hears (Twitter link), but Philadelphia intends to hang on to the former Duke center, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (on Twitter).
- The Suns are presumably targeting Frank Kaminsky as they remain aggressive in seeking to trade up from No. 13, but earlier this evening Wojnarowski suggested that Kaminsky wouldn’t get past the Hornets at the No. 9 pick (Twitter link). The Mavs also wanted picks Nos. 31 and 36, too, Wolfson adds in a second tweet.
Belief Increasing That Lakers Will Draft Russell
6:42pm: There’s a 90% chance the Lakers draft Russell, a source told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
6:07pm: The increasing belief is that the Lakers will take D’Angelo Russell, and not Jahlil Okafor, with the No. 2 pick, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Chad Ford of ESPN.com has Russell going to the Lakers in his latest mock draft amid the growing belief within the Lakers organization that they’ll land either LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love in free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding reported earlier today that the front office had been coming to a growing consensus on the Ohio State guard, though Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com heard the team had yet to decide, and Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported that they were leaning toward Okafor, as we passed along. Either way, we’ll find out soon, with the Lakers scheduled to pick within the hour.
Lakers spokesman John Black says that he knows whom the team will draft, indicating that a decision has been made, tweets Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.
Timberwolves Select Karl-Anthony Towns No. 1
The Timberwolves have selected Kentucky forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns with the No. 1 overall pick. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported the news moments earlier (Twitter link). The move has appeared the likeliest outcome since earlier this month, when Mark Heisler of Forbes.com reported that coach and president of basketball operations Flip Saunders had become enamored with Towns after having previously favored Duke center Jahlil Okafor. It’s seemed like a virtual foregone conclusion since Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv heard that the team told Towns he would be the pick, even though Towns later denied the report.
Towns emerged as the top prospect on draft boards during the NCAA Tournament, surpassing Okafor. Kentucky coach John Calipari‘s unprecedented depth helped keep Towns’ numbers modest, as he put up 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game in his lone season with the school. Still, his defensive ability is obvious, and he has the capability to develop into an all-court force, as Eddie Scarito of Hoops Rumors examined in our Prospect Profile of the 19-year-old.
The Leon Rose client will earn $5,703,600 this coming season, presuming he signs for the standard 120% of the rookie scale. He’s in line to earn $25,720,035 over the course of the four-year rookie scale contract, as our table of likely salaries for first-round picks shows. The Timberwolves will have to sign him to that deal before they bring him onto the roster, though that should be largely a procedural matter. He’ll represent a $4.753MM cap hold on Minnesota’s ledger until the team officially signs him.
Nets Explore Bojan Bogdanovic Trades
The Nets are looking into the market for swingman Bojan Bogdanovic as they continue to try to move up in the draft, reports Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com (Twitter link). The team’s efforts to trade up from the 29th overall pick with Mason Plumlee attached to such a deal haven’t borne fruit, Youngmisuk adds.
That Brooklyn would at least considering trading Bogdanovic isn’t a complete shock, especially since GM Billy King said he explored trades for everyone on the roster this past season. The one-year veteran from Bosnia and Herzegovina is already 26, so he might not get much better than he already is, posits Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
Bogdanovic is set to make nearly $3.426MM in the second year of a three-year deal in 2015/16.
Hoops Rumors Draft Chat Transcript
After months of speculation, the 2015 NBA Draft is finally upon us. While this year’s class of potential draftees doesn’t bring with it quite the same level of hype as 2014’s, there are still a number of players who can change the face of a franchise and develop into tomorrow’s superstars. While the Timberwolves may have already told Karl-Anthony Towns that he’s their man with the No. 1 overall pick, there is still plenty of intrigue as to how the rest of the draft lottery will shake out. There should also be a significant amount of trade talk revolving around tonight’s big event, and quite a few teams could end up dealing away draft picks in exchange for veteran players or future assets.
We’ll be watching all the drama unfold this evening, and you can follow along with us in our live chat. Come and join Hoops Rumors’ Eddie Scarito, who will be answering reader questions throughout the entire first round. Just click on the link below to join in. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.
And-Ones: Batum, Warriors, Sixers, Clippers
The Timberwolves will be on the clock just one hour from now. While we wait with eager anticipation, here’s the latest from around the league:
- The Pistons expressed interest in Nicolas Batum before he was shipped from the Blazers to the Hornets, a person with knowledge of the team’s inner workings told Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. Therefore, Ellis expects that Detroit will target a small forward in the mold of Batum in the draft.
- While the Warriors would like to move up from No. 30 in the first round, that doesn’t seem likely right now, David Aldridge of TNT tweets.
- Tom Moore of Calkins Media (on Twitter) hears that the players union didn’t like the Sixers trading for JaVale McGee at the deadline. That acquisition cost existing Sixers players money since the team had needed to spend more in order to reach the NBA salary floor. The players association is reportedly probing the moves the Sixers have made of late for possible circumvention of collective bargaining agreement tenets.
- The Clippers still attempting to purchase a first-round pick, as Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times (on Twitter) hears.
- Brandon Jennings expects he’ll be ready for training camp after having suffered a season-ending torn Achilles this past January, a source told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link).
Hoops Rumors 2015 NBA Mock Draft 4.0
The 2015 NBA Draft is today, and to hardcore hoops fans, it is one of the most exciting days of the year. It is a time of optimism, with each team hoping that the player it selects will become the next great superstar. Of course, most of the players taken on Thursday won’t live up to that distinction, but the draft is one of the most important building blocks that teams have in constructing their rosters. It looks like it will be a busy night, with a number of teams reportedly looking to either move up or down in the selection order. These trades can make predicting who will end up where a difficult task. But the speculation is a large part of the fun involved with this annual event. It’s with that in mind that I present the final version of my 2015 NBA Mock Draft:
#1 Timberwolves — Karl-Anthony Towns F/C (Kentucky)
- Height/Weight: 7’0″/250 pounds
- Stats: 10.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 2.3 BPG. .566/.250/.813.
Earlier reports indicated that Minnesota was leaning toward selecting Jahlil Okafor with the top pick. But I firmly believed that the Wolves would become increasingly enamored with Towns’ superior defense, athleticism, and upside as the predraft process wore on. That is now apparently the case, with the revelation that Wolves coach/executive Flip Saunders is now firmly in Towns’ camp after watching him work out. Towns denied a report that the Wolves already told him he’ll be their pick, but it would be a surprise if he doesn’t end up hearing his name called first. Towns would also be a better fit than Okafor alongside Nikola Pekovic, provided that Pekovic recovers from his Achilles surgery. With Towns running the floor alongside Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and the rest of the young athletic talent on Minnesota’s roster, the team may not make the playoffs next season, but it should become a regular fixture on SportsCenter’s top plays.
#2 Lakers — Jahlil Okafor C (Duke)
- Height/Weight: 6’11”/272 pounds
- Stats: 17.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. .664/.000/.510.
Okafor becomes the prize for the franchise moving up in the draft order on lottery night. Los Angeles could still throw a wrench in my mock draft by selecting a guard, but I think the idea of adding a potential franchise cornerstone like Okafor at the pivot will be too tempting to pass up. The Lakers can solidify the middle with this pick for years to come, and pairing Okafor alongside Julius Randle should make for a formidable frontcourt offensively.
#3 Sixers — D’Angelo Russell G (Ohio State)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/176 pounds
- Stats: 19.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 5.0 APG. .449/.411/.756.
Not landing the No. 1 overall pick this season is actually a blessing in disguise for the franchise. As long as the top two teams go big, Philadelphia will have no choice but to address its glaring hole in the backcourt, rather than stockpiling another big man to go alongside Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. Philadelphia could opt for Emmanuel Mudiay here, as well as Kristaps Porzingis, whom the team is reportedly high on. But Russell’s playmaking ability and versatility should get him the nod at pick No. 3.
#4 Knicks — Kristaps Porzingis F (Latvia)
- Height/Weight: 7’0″/220 pounds
- Stats: 10.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. .560/.328/.750.
This is one of the most difficult picks in the entire draft to try to predict. New York is very likely to try to trade this pick if Towns, Okafor, and Russell are off the board before the Knicks are on the clock. While Emmanuel Mudiay could very well be the choice here, he’s not an ideal fit for the triangle and isn’t as strong an outside shooter as the team would prefer from the one spot. While I’m not sold on Porzingis as a top five talent, scouts and front office types reportedly are. There’s no denying Porzingis’ athleticism and potential, but far too many international lottery picks have turned out to be busts for my comfort level. I think Phil Jackson rolls the dice on Porzingis’ upside.
#5 Magic — Justise Winslow F (Duke)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/221 pounds
- Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.1 APG. .486/.418/.641.
Orlando needs help in the frontcourt, and could lose Tobias Harris to free agency this offseason. Winslow’s game has flaws, but he could end up becoming one of the top players in the entire draft. His defensive tenacity should please new Magic coach Scott Skiles. The concern is that his outside shot won’t travel to the pros, but Winslow is a hard worker who should develop quickly. If the Magic decide to go big, then Willie Cauley-Stein is a likely target here.
#6 Kings — Emmanuel Mudiay G (China)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/200 pounds
- Stats: 18.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 6.3 APG. .493/.321/.586.
The Kings need a point guard in the worst way, and Mudiay falling to them at No. 6 is a gift. Cauley-Stein is also very much in play with this pick, but I can’t see Sacramento passing on the chance to add a talent like Mudiay here.
#7 Nuggets — Mario Hezonja G/F (Croatia)
- Height/Weight: 6’7″/200 pounds
- Stats: 8.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .475/.406/.739.
The Nuggets need help across the board, but a player who can light it up from the outside like Hezonja is too good to pass on. I will offer one caveat here. If Ty Lawson is dealt prior to the draft, Cameron Payne is a very real possibility here. Payne would be an excellent replacement, though he’ll likely not be ready to be a full-time starter next season.
#8 Pistons — Stanley Johnson F (Arizona)
- Height/Weight: 6’7″/237 pounds
- Stats: 13.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 1.5 SPG. .446/.371/.742.
The Pistons found their replacement for Greg Monroe with the trade for Ersan Ilyasova, so a small forward becomes the priority. Sam Dekker is an option here, but I don’t see Stan Van Gundy passing on a gritty two-way player like Johnson, though his outside game will need some work for him to be an effective pro.
#9 Hornets — Frank Kaminsky F/C (Wisconsin)
- Height/Weight: 7’0″/242 pounds
- Stats: 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 1.5 BPG. .547/.416/.780.
The deal for Nicolas Batum gives Charlotte the wing player it has been seeking, and it has made Kaminsky, the sweet-shooting center from Wisconsin, a likely target, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported. The Hornets also recently acquired Spencer Hawes, and together with Kaminsky, the team hopes it can replace the outside shooting that was lost when Josh McRoberts signed with the Heat last offseason.
#10 Heat — Devin Booker G (Kentucky)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/195 pounds
- Stats: 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .470/.411/.828.
The Heat land the outside shooter they have been seeking, as well as add a potential replacement for Dwyane Wade. Booker isn’t a complete player yet, and will likely require significant D-League time during his rookie season, but he’s the best pure shooter in this year’s draft.
#11 Pacers — Willie Cauley-Stein C (Kentucky)
- Height/Weight: 7’0″/244 pounds
- Stats: 8.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 1.7 BPG. .572/.000/.617.
President of basketball operations Larry Bird referred to Cauley-Stein as a $100MM player, and he may end up regretting those words when negotiating the player’s second contract. Indiana needs a replacement for Roy Hibbert, whose days seem numbered in Indiana. Cauley-Stein is as NBA-ready as any player in the draft and would be an excellent addition. The team also needs a point guard, and Cameron Payne may prove too tempting to pass up here.
#12 Jazz — Myles Turner C (Texas)
- Height/Weight: 6’11”/242 pounds
- Stats: 10.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.6 BPG. .455/.274/.839.
The Jazz are quietly building a competitive roster, and they could use a stretch-four to help open up their offense. Turner has an extremely high upside and would be a nice addition to the team’s rotation. Trey Lyles and Kelly Oubre are also possibilities at this slot, but Turner would fill an obvious need.
#13 Suns — Trey Lyles F (Kentucky)
- Height/Weight: 6’10″/235 pounds
- Stats: 8.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .487/.138.735.
What Lyles’ NBA position will be is still up for debate. He has the size and ability to guard power forwards, but his best fit may be as a small forward for the long term. Phoenix could use a boost at either spot, and Lyles could end up being one of the best players in the entire draft. Kentucky coach John Calipari didn’t give him the opportunity to display his full range of skills this season because of the squad’s ridiculous depth. Those who haven’t seen him play will be in for a pleasant surprise.
#14 Thunder — Cameron Payne PG (Murray State)
- Height/Weight: 6’2″/180 pounds
- Stats: 20.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 6.0 APG. .456/.377/.787.
The Thunder need a reliable backup for Russell Westbrook, as well as some more firepower off the bench. Payne can certainly fill both of those needs, though he’s a player who could creep into the top 10. If that ends up happening, OKC could switch gears and nab Oubre here instead.
#15 Hawks (via Nets) — Kelly Oubre G/F (Kansas)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/204 pounds
- Stats: 9.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 0.8 APG. .444/.358/.718.
The Hawks are coming off a successful regular season, but injuries and lack of depth helped derail the team during the playoffs. Oubre would provide a nice building block for the future, as well as some immediate depth. Plus, if DeMarre Carroll departs, the team will have a big hole to fill. Bobby Portis is also a big possibility here, especially if Atlanta gets the sense that Paul Millsap doesn’t intend to re-sign.
#16 Celtics — Bobby Portis F (Arkansas)
- Height/Weight: 6’11″/242 pounds
- Stats: 17.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. .536/.467/.737.
Speaking of Portis … Boston could use some depth and athleticism from the four spot, and Portis can certainly provide both. The forward isn’t a stellar defender, so pairing him alongside center Kelly Olynyk could be a disaster for the team’s defensive ranking. But at pick No. 16, the former Arkansas player would provide excellent value and be a solid addition to the Celtics’ rotation.
#17 Bucks — Sam Dekker F (Wisconsin)
- Height/Weight: 6’9″/230 pounds
- Stats: 13.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 1.2 APG. .525/.331/.708.
The Bucks need frontcourt depth as well as a player who can stretch the floor with his shooting, and Dekker can provide both. He’s a tweener, and will need to bulk up to defend at the four. He’s also a player whose hype has outstripped his ability somewhat, but Dekker is solid and more athletic than many realize. He should be a strong fit alongside Milwaukee’s other talented young players. R.J. Hunter is a tempting possibility here if the Bucks decide to add backcourt depth.
#18 Rockets (via Pelicans) — Tyus Jones PG (Duke)
- Height/Weight: 6’1″/184 pounds
- Stats: 11.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 5.6 APG. .417/.379/.889.
The Rockets need to improve at the point guard spot, and Jones is a pass-first playmaker who will pair nicely alongside James Harden and Dwight Howard. Jones is still a bit raw, and his athleticism leaves something to be desired. But his upside is higher than Delon Wright‘s or Jerian Grant‘s, so he gets the nod here.
#19 Wizards — Jerian Grant PG (Notre Dame)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/185 pounds
- Stats: 16.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 6.7 APG. .478/.316/.780.
The Wizards’ talented backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal have had their injury woes, and the team could use some insurance. Washington is a talented squad that has a very real shot to contend in the East in 2015/16. The team learned the hard way in the playoffs that it needs to have solid depth at point guard. While Grant’s age, 22, has some scouts concerned that he’s already close to his ceiling, he’s a solid two-way player who fills an obvious need for the Wizards. He would be an excellent pickup for the franchise here.
#20 Raptors — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson F (Arizona)
- Height/Weight: 6’7″/215 pounds
- Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 1.6 APG. .502/.207/.707.
Toronto desperately needs to improve on the defensive end, and snagging Hollis-Jefferson, who is perhaps the best wing defender in the entire draft, would be a great start to correcting that deficiency. His outside game, or lack thereof, is what is preventing him from being a lottery pick. But he is exciting to watch in the open court, and with some hard work and serious gym time he could develop into a steal at this spot. If Toronto decides to add a more offensive-minded player, UCLA’s Kevon Looney could be their man here.
#21 Mavs — Delon Wright G (Utah)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/178 pounds
- Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 5.1 APG. .509/.356/.836.
The Mavs need backcourt help in the worst way, with the likely departure of Rajon Rondo and the uncertainty regarding Monta Ellis. Wright is a versatile guard and the best playmaker still available. He won’t be ready to start next season but will be a solid addition to the Dallas roster.
#22 Bulls — R.J. Hunter G (Georgia State)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/190 pounds
- Stats: 19.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG. .396/.307/.878.
Chicago needs backcourt depth, and since the top point guards are already off the board, the Bulls select the best outside shooter still available. The Georgia State product is a long-range bomber without a conscience, and I believe he’ll be a better pro than collegiate player. He’ll be a nice addition to coach Fred Hoiberg‘s squad in the Windy City.
#23 Trail Blazers — Justin Anderson G/F (Virginia)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/227 pounds.
- Stats: 12.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.7 APG. .466/.452/.780.
The Blazers may have two significant holes to fill, depending on whether or not the franchise retains LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews. Anderson would be a nice insurance policy in the event that Matthews doesn’t return or is slow in recovering from his Achilles surgery. Looney is another possibility here.
#24 Cavaliers — Montrezl Harrell F (Louisville)
- Height/Weight: 6’8″/243 pounds
- Stats: 15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.4 APG. .566/.243/.597.
The Cavs need to add frontcourt depth, and possibly a replacement for Kevin Love. Harrell’s game has a number of offensive similarities to Love’s, and he can also chase down his fair share of rebounds. He’d be a strong fit in Cleveland and a value pickup this late in the first round.
#25 Grizzlies — Jarell Martin F (LSU)
- Height/Weight: 6’10″/236 pounds
- Stats: 16.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.8 APG. .509/.269/.690.
The Grizzlies could stand to add some frontcourt depth regardless of whether or not Marc Gasol re-signs. Martin reportedly has a first-round draft promise, and though there are conflicting reports about whether Memphis is the team that gave it to him, we’ll wager that the Grizzlies did. Looney is also a possibility here if the team wants to add offense and upside instead.
#26 Spurs — Rashad Vaughn G (UNLV)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/215 pounds
- Stats: 17.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 1.6 APG. .439/.383/.694.
The Spurs’ backcourt isn’t getting any younger, and Manu Ginobili still hasn’t announced his intentions about playing next season. So, it would be wise for San Antonio to add some depth and look toward the future. Vaughn is young and raw, but there is no denying his ability. It will likely take a few seasons for him to flourish, but he has the potential to become a top 10 scorer in the league. A big man, such as Christian Wood or Jordan Mickey, is a possibility here as well.
#27 Lakers (via Rockets) — Joseph Young G (Oregon)
- Height/Weight: 6’2″/185 pounds.
- Stats: 20.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 3.8 APG. .448/.357/.925.
Young has reportedly secured a first-round promise, and while a conflicting report dispels that notion, I’ll bet he ends up with the Lakers at this pick. He’s a bit undersized, but his speed and excellent outside shooting will be assets to a rebuilding Los Angeles squad.
#28 Celtics (via Clippers) — Kevon Looney F (UCLA)
- Height/Weight: 6’9″/220 pounds
- Stats: 11.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. .470/.415/.626.
If the Celtics don’t trade this pick, and I think they will, adding another frontcourt player would likely be the play here. I was conflicted about placing Looney near the bottom of the first round, but he drops more because of the needs of the teams picking in the early 20s than due to any lack of talent and potential. I like Looney’s upside, though he bears the dreaded tweener tag, and he may not have a defined position in the NBA. The Celtics could certainly use more versatility on offense, and Looney has the potential to provide it.
#29 Nets (via Hawks) — Terry Rozier G (Louisville)
- Height/Weight: 6’1″/190 pounds
- Stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 3.0 APG. .411/.306/.790.
With the health and production level of Deron Williams a concern, Brooklyn could certainly use an insurance policy at the point guard spot. Rozier has been impressing teams during his pre-draft workouts, and he’s likely earned himself a first-round selection. The Nets land a solid backup and insurance policy.
#30 Warriors — Christian Wood F (UNLV)
- Height/Weight: 6’11″/220 pounds
- Stats: 15.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 2.7 BPG. .497/.284/.736.
The Warriors don’t have many needs, but frontcourt depth is certainly one of them. Andrew Bogut is always an injury risk, and the franchise is reportedly looking to move David Lee to avoid a hefty luxury tax payment. Wood is a young player who won’t be ready to step in and play major minutes his rookie season, but he has a high upside and would be a solid addition to the franchise. Robert Upshaw and Guillermo Hernangomez are also possibilities with this pick.
Celtics Willing To Deal Marcus Smart For High Pick
4:20pm: The Pacers are a potential landing spot for Smart, according to Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times (on Twitter). Indiana owns the No. 11 pick.
2:06pm: There’s more and more buzz around the idea that the Celtics are willing to surrender guard Marcus Smart if it gets them into the upper reaches of the lottery, Marc Stein of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears. On Wednesday, it was reported that the Celtics proposed a deal to the Sixers involving Smart to get the No. 3 pick, but were rebuffed.
Earlier today, Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe heard that the C’s would have to be blown away in order to part with Smart. If the latest word is accurate, Boston sees a high draft pick as enough of a prize to part ways with the promising young guard. Smart, 21, averaged 7.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 3.1 APG in 27 minutes per contest in his rookie season.
The offer reportedly made to Philly would have seen Smart and the 16th and 28th picks in this year’s draft heading to the Sixers for Nerlens Noel and the No. 3 pick. Smart was a Second-Team All-Rookie pick in 2014/15.