2018 NBA Draft Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Suns Secure Top Spot In Lottery Standings

April 9th, 2018 at 8:19am CST by Luke Adams

Following the Grizzlies’ win over Detroit and the Suns‘ loss to Golden State on Sunday, Phoenix has locked up the NBA’s worst record for the 2017/18 season. As our Reverse Standings show, the Suns’ 2.5-game lead for that top lottery spot ensures that they’ll head into next month’s draft lottery with a 25% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick. They’ll also be guaranteed a top-four pick in the 2018 draft.

The Suns will be hoping for better luck this year than they had last spring — after finishing with the NBA’s second-worst record in 2016/17, Phoenix slipped out of the top three of last year’s lottery, ultimately landing Josh Jackson with the fourth overall pick. This time around, the Suns will have a 64.3% chance of securing a top-three selection.

Although the Grizzlies are no longer in the running for the No. 1 spot in the lottery, they look like a good bet to wind up at No. 2 in the lottery standings — they have a 22-58 record, putting them 1.5 games ahead of the 24-57 Hawks and Mavericks with three days left in the season.

Unlike in the NBA’s playoff race, where ties are broken based on each team’s performance in certain regular-season matchups, lottery ties are broken via coin flips. If Atlanta and Dallas ultimately finish tied for third in the lottery standings, they’d receive nearly equal odds of landing the No. 1 pick. Rather than 15.6% for third place and 11.9% for fourth, one team would have a 13.8% chance for the No. 1 pick and one team would have a 13.7% chance. In that scenario, the winner of a coin flip would receive the slightly higher lottery odds, and would get the higher draft pick if neither team ends up in the top three.

2018 represents the last year that the NBA will use its current draft lottery format. Starting in 2019, the lottery odds will be smoothed out, reducing the “top” teams’ chances of landing the highest picks. If the Suns had finished No. 1 in the lottery standings under that new format, they’d only have a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick – plus a 40% chance at a top-three selection – and could have fallen as low as No. 5.

Draft Updates: Trent Jr., Fernando, Weatherspoon, Rorie

April 7th, 2018 at 5:02pm CST by Arthur Hill

Gary Trent Jr. is the latest Duke player to declare for the NBA draft after a single season with the Blue Devils, according to a report in The Duke Chronicle. The basketball program announced Trent’s decision in a tweet this morning, but didn’t specify whether he intends to hire an agent. However, a statement from coach Mike Krzyzewski makes it sound like he’s definitely gone.

“Gary was the best 3-point shooter in the ACC. At the NBA level, that’s what they’re looking for,” Krzyzewski said. “He has the size of a two-guard who will be able to fit in the NBA. We appreciate everything Gary brought to Duke basketball and wish him the best as he begins his journey in professional basketball.”

Trent, who posted a video announcement on Twitter, averaged 14.5 points per game and shot .402 from long distance. He currently projects as a second-round pick, rated 52nd by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on his list of the top 100 prospects.

There are more early entrants headed for the draft:

Maryland forward Bruno Fernando plans to enter the draft without hiring an agent, tweets John Rothstein of FanRag Sports. Fernando averaged 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds during his freshman season, but doesn’t make Givony’s list.
Junior guard Quinndary Weatherspoon of Mississippi State also declared for the draft without an agent, according to a report in The Clarion Ledger. Weatherspoon averaged 14.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a junior, but doesn’t appear in Givony’s top 100. “Thank you Bulldog fans for your continued support thus far, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me,” Weatherspoon tweeted in making his announcement.
Also entering the draft without an agent is Montana guard Ahmaad Rorie, writes Frank Gogola of The Independent Record. Rorie averaged 17.2 points and 3.7 assists per game as a redshirt junior, but also isn’t on the Givony list. “I have aspirations to play at the next level,” he said in a press release, “and this is a great chance for me to work out with NBA teams and other players who are projected to be at that level.”

Kevin Knox Entering 2018 NBA Draft

April 6th, 2018 at 2:40pm CST by Luke Adams

Kentucky forward Kevin Knox is going pro, having made the decision to enter the 2018 NBA draft and hire an agent, the school announced today (via Twitter). Knox confirmed the move in a video published to his Twitter account.

Knox, a 6’9″ freshman, enjoyed a productive 2017/18 season with the Wildcats, averaging 15.6 PPG and 5.4 RPG. His efficiency was somewhat lacking (.445 FG%), but that can be attributed – at least in part – to playing out of position, Jonathan Givony of ESPN wrote last month.

Givony, who ranks Knox 14th overall on his big board for 2018, also observed that there’s a “significant market” in the NBA for combo forwards with Knox’s skill set, which includes the ability to defend multiple positions and knock down an open shot. The Kentucky forward also won’t turn 19 until August, making him one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class. In other words, he’ll have plenty of time to improve.

Knox is the second Kentucky underclassmen to declare his intent to enter the 2018 draft this spring. He joins teammate PJ Washington, who is testing the waters for now.

Draft Updates: Vick, Travis, Harper, Charalampopoulos

April 6th, 2018 at 1:16pm CST by Luke Adams

Kansas guard Lagerald Vick appears set to forgo his senior year and begin his professional career, according to an announcement from the Jayhawks. Vick’s own statement indicates that he doesn’t plan to hire an agent at the moment, which would give him the opportunity to withdraw his name from the draft pool and play one more college season. However, the press release from the program makes it sound as if he won’t be back.

“I believe the time is right for him to move on, explore his options as a professional and see what develops,” coach Bill Self said of Vick. “We won a lot of games with Lagerald over the last three years and appreciate everything he’s done for Kansas and our basketball program. We are 100% supportive of his decision and wish him the very best in whatever path this takes him.”

Here are more of the latest updates on early entrants for the 2018 NBA draft:

Stanford forward Reid Travis is declaring for the 2018 draft without hiring an agent, the school announced today. Travis, who averaged an impressive 19.5 PPG and 8.7 RPG as a junior, will have until May 30 to withdraw his name and retain his NCAA eligibility.
Auburn sophomore guard Jared Harper is testing the NBA draft waters, according to a press release. Harper is coming off a season in which he averaged 13.2 PPG and 5.4 APG while shooting 35.5% on three-pointers.
Greek forward Vasilis Charalampopoulos is the latest international early entrant to join 2018’s draft pool, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. A veteran of Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, Charalampopoulos says it has “always been a dream” to play in the NBA. “Entering the draft gives me the opportunity to challenge myself outside of Europe,” he said. “This decision to enter the draft was not difficult. The difficult part was finding when the right time was for me.”
Texas A&M junior Admon Gilder is entering the draft without an agent, a source tells Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports (Twitter link). The 6’4″ guard averaged 12.3 PPG on .458/.395/.821 shooting in 2017/18.
Tyler Hall, a junior guard from Montana State, announced (via Twitter) that he’ll test the NBA draft waters this spring. The Bobcats’ leading scorer (17.5 PPG) will have the opportunity to return for his senior year if he removes his name from consideration by May 30.

Alabama’s Collin Sexton Declares For NBA Draft

April 6th, 2018 at 10:03am CST by Arthur Hill

APRIL 6: Sexton has confirmed to Evan Daniels of 247Sports.com that he’s entering the draft and will hire an agent, forgoing his remaining NCAA eligibility.

“I will be going to the NBA,” Sexton said. “I made this decision because I feel like it’s been my dream growing up, it’s so close. Also I talked to my family and the coaching staff and they felt like I’m pretty much ready and I’ll be good because they taught me a whole lot here at Alabama.”

APRIL 5: Alabama point guard Collin Sexton will announce his intention to enter the NBA draft at a press conference Friday, according to Tony Tsoukalas of BamaInsider.

The move has been expected as Sexton is a likely lottery pick and could be the first point guard selected. He is ranked ninth in the list of top 100 prospects compiled by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, who has him going ninth to the Knicks in his latest mock draft.

Sexton, 19, was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Year after averaging 19.2 points and 3.6 assists per game. A five-star recruit, he will be Alabama’s first one-and-done player since the current rules were adopted in 2006.

Draft Updates: Ahmad, Reed, Martin, Weatherspoon

April 5th, 2018 at 9:14pm CST by Luke Adams

West Virginia junior forward Esa Ahmad will enter his name in the 2018 NBA draft pool, but won’t hire an agent, the program announced today in a press release. Ahmad is the second West Virginia underclassmen to decide to test the waters this spring, joining sophomore forward Sagaba Konate.

“Just like Sags, Esa will go through the NBA Draft procedures in a systematic and professional manner by exploring the situation. Numerous college basketball players are testing the waters, gaining valuable feedback and leaving open their option to return to school,” head coach Bob Huggins said in a statement.

Ahmad averaged a respectable 10.2 PPG and 5.5 RPG for the Mountaineers in 2017/18, but neither he nor Konate are viewed as elite prospects. The only West Virginia prospect on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN is senior Jevon Carter, who comes in at No. 44.

Here are more updates on early entrants for the 2018 NBA draft:

Junior center Trayvon Reed is declaring for the draft without hiring an agent, per Texas Southern head coach Mike Davis (Twitter link via Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston). A 7’2″ rim protector who averaged 3.1 BPG in 2017/18, Reed will have the option of withdrawing by May 30 and returning to school for his senior year.
After a breakout sophomore season in which he averaged 19.8 PPG, Towson guard Zane Martin announced that he’ll enter the 2018 draft without an agent. “This is a chance for Zane to get feedback from NBA teams and will allow him to gather as much information as possible about the entire process and his future prospects that will help him make a decision that’s best for him and his future aspirations,” head coach Pat Skerry said.
Mississippi State guard Nick Weatherspoon is testing the draft waters, he tells Evan Daniels of 247Sports.com (Twitter link). Weatherspoon posted 10.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 2.1 APG during his freshman season with the Bulldogs.
Two Wake Forest juniors, guard Bryant Crawford and center Doral Moore, are testing the draft waters without representation, the program recently announced (Twitter link). Crawford posted 16.9 PPG and 4.9 APG in 2017/18, while Moore nearly averaged a double-double (11.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG).

Jontay Porter Testing 2018 NBA Draft Waters

April 5th, 2018 at 3:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Missouri big man Jontay Porter announced today that he has decided to enter his name in the 2018 draft pool, though he won’t yet forgo his NCAA eligibility (Twitter link).

“While I am not making any final decisions at this point, I am not hiring an agent, and will be diligent in complying with all NCAA rules to ensure that I maintain my eligibility to compete at the NCAA level for Mizzou in the future,” Porter wrote. “I am going to declare for the NBA draft. This will allow me to evaluate my status with NBA teams so that I can make a fully educated decision on my future.”

In his freshman year, Porter averaged 9.9 PPG and 6.8 RPG for the Tigers, flashing an ability to protect the rim on the defensive end (1.7 BPG) and to shoot from outside on offense (.364 3PT%). Porter is currently the 35th-ranked prospect on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN.com.

Porter is the second Missouri underclassman to declare for the 2018 draft — and the second Porter brother to do so. His older brother – Michael Porter Jr. – has entered the draft and will forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility. Despite missing most of the season with a back injury, the elder Porter is viewed as a probable top-10 pick.

Draft Notes: Newman, Duval, J. Robinson, Sanon

April 4th, 2018 at 6:23pm CST by Arthur Hill

Malik Newman, a dynamic shooting guard who led Kansas to the Final Four, will declare for the draft and sign with an agent, according to a press release from the school’s athletic department.

The 21-year-old was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after transferring from Mississippi State. He averaged 14.2 points in 39 games and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA’s Midwest Regional.

“He had a terrific season this year and was one of the best players in the NCAA tournament,” said Jayhawks coach Bill Self. “I think this is good timing for Malik. We wish nothing but the best for him and appreciate all his efforts. We all know his best basketball is still ahead of him.”

Newman is listed 46th in the latest list of top 100 prospects compiled by Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

There are more early draft entrants to round up:

Duke’s Trevon Duval will enter the draft and sign with an agent, tweets Jeff Goodman of ESPN. Duval averaged 10.3 points per game and comes in 50th on Givony’s list.
Boston College teammates Jerome Robinson and Ky Bowman will both enter the draft without hiring agents, writes John Rothstein of Fanrag Sports. Partners in the Eagles’ backcourt, Robinson averaged a 20.7/3.6/3.3 line this season, while Bowman put up 17.6/6.8/4.7. Robinson is ranked 39th by Givony, while Bowman didn’t make the list.
Mississippi State’s Lamar Peters will declare for the draft, but won’t hire an agent, Rothstein relays in a separate story. The point guard, who averaged 9.6 points and 4.5 assists this year, also isn’t listed by Givony.
Auburn’s Mustapha Heron plans to declare for the draft and sign with an agent, relays Evan Daniels of 247Sports. The 20-year-old sophomore wing averaged 16.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game this year. “It’s always been a dream to play at the highest level,” Heron said. “Now is a better time than any other time. I’m coming off a pretty good season and the buzz is there and I feel like I’m ready mentally and physically.” He’s also not ranked by Givony.
Issuf Sanon of Urkaine plans to enter the draft, according to Mike Schmitz of ESPN. The 18-year-old guard has a multiyear contract with Petrol Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia that contains an NBA out each season. He has until June 11 to withdraw, but his agent, Daniel Moldovan, said Sanon plans to remain in the draft. “Since moving to Olimpija Ljubljana my game has grown,” Sanon said. “Working with coaches, I feel myself getting better every day. It has been a dream of mine to play in the NBA and I’m excited for this next chapter.” Givony rates him as the 69th best prospect.

Miami’s Lonnie Walker To Enter NBA Draft

April 4th, 2018 at 5:10pm CST by Arthur Hill

Lonnie Walker of Miami will declare for the NBA draft and hire an agent, he announced on Twitter.

The 19-year-old freshman averaged 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists during his lone season with the Hurricanes. A 6’4″ guard, he is considered a potential lottery pick and is ranked 15th by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony in his latest list of the top 100 prospects.

“The University of Miami exceeded my expectations,” Walker said in his announcement. “… I’ve made friends and memories that will last a lifetime and can’t thank anyone but the man above for giving me such an amazing experience.”

Zhaire Smith To Test 2018 NBA Draft Waters

April 4th, 2018 at 12:56pm CST by Luke Adams

Texas Tech swingman Zhaire Smith has decided to go through the NBA draft process for 2018, he announced today (via Twitter). Smith won’t sign with an agent, giving him the option of withdrawing his name by the NCAA’s May 30 deadline and returning to school for the 2018/19 season.

“I am excited to say that I am going to enter my name in NBA Draft without an agent,” Smith wrote. “I would like to see where I stand after my freshman year. I would like to thank coach [Chris] Beard, my parents, and the best fans in college basketball.”

Smith, 18, had a solid freshman year for the Red Raiders, averaging 11.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 BPG, and 1.1 SPG with a shooting line of .556/.450/.717.

Describing Smith as “long-armed and explosive,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony recently wrote that the youngster was originally viewed as more of a 2019 draft candidate. That could still ultimately be the case if Smith withdraws from this year’s draft and plays out his sophomore year with Texas Tech. However, he would be one of the best athletes in this year’s class and is considered a potential first-round pick — Givony ranks him 17th overall on ESPN’s big board.