Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 5/17/15-5/23/15
In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop me a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com or @EddieScarito on Twitter. Now for this week’s inquiries:
“What compensation do you think the Bulls will get in return for coach Tom Thibodeau?” — Robin
This is going to be a very interesting situation to watch. It’s been reported that Thibs wouldn’t walk away from the team, so the Bulls will need to fire or trade him it seems. The problem is that just about everyone in the league knows how tenuous the situation is between the coach and the front office in Chicago. That’s not a position of strength for the franchise to negotiate from. The Bulls will likely begin by asking for a first-rounder, but will almost assuredly have to settle for one or two second round draft picks if they do indeed decide to part ways with Thibodeau.
Another potential roadblock is that the Pelicans are seemingly moving away from pursuing Thibodeau, and are reportedly looking for a lower profile coach who won’t get into a power struggle with GM Dell Demps. That probably eliminates one of the three open slots, and the Nuggets have reportedly been looking to become more of a fast-paced offensive team, which in no way plays to Thibs’ strengths as a coach. This leaves the Magic as the only potential suitor, and if that is indeed the case, then the Bulls will have a more difficult time securing a return for their coach. This vacancy may also soon dry up seeing as Scott Skiles is now reportedly the front-runner for the job. It’s very possible that Thibodeau could return for one more awkward season in Chicago as a result. I find it difficult to believe that the Bulls would fire him outright, and if the desired return isn’t there, then the team could try and make the marriage work for one more campaign. But the best case scenario I see for Chicago is snagging a second round pick or possibly two.
“Now that the Draft lottery is set, who do the Timberwolves take with the No. 1 pick?” — Juan
I’m not sure the team has this answer figured out just yet. The current reports have the team leaning toward Jahlil Okafor, but in my gut I believe that Karl-Anthony Towns is the guy for Minnesota, and even have the mock draft to prove it! Okafor is a heck of a talent, but Towns has way more of an upside, is a better defender, and a superior athlete. The idea of pairing Towns alongside Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and Ricky Rubio is an intriguing one. The Kentucky big man would also fit better alongside Nikola Pekovic, provided he can recover from his Achilles injury. Selecting Towns would instantly make the Wolves one of the most entertaining teams in the league to watch, though they will still likely end up in the draft lottery next season as well, regardless of who the franchise nabs at No. 1 overall.
“Which potential second-rounder do you see being the best value in this year’s NBA Draft?” — Kyle
I’ll go with former University of Washington center Robert Upshaw, provided he slips into the second round. If not for his substance abuse issues, I’d peg Upshaw as a mid first-rounder. But teams are reportedly reluctant to give him a fully guaranteed deal because of the risk involved, and since first round picks’ contracts are automatically guaranteed, it could mean a potential steal in the second round for a team willing to take a flier on Upshaw.
I will float one other possibility regarding Upshaw. Since the big man is going to need significant D-League time his rookie season anyway, a team could work out an arrangement similar to the one the Thunder did with 2014 first-rounder Josh Huestis. A franchise could make a deal to select Upshaw in the first round, but not sign him for next season. Upshaw could agree to play in the D-League for the 2015/16 campaign, and if he remains trouble-free, then he can ink his NBA deal the following summer. It could be a win-win for both parties.
“So of course the Knicks failed in the lottery. What do they do with the pick? How likely is Phil [Jackson] to trade the pick?” — Bryan
I feel your pain. I’m sure my neighbors weren’t thrilled with my screaming when the Knicks logo was pulled for pick No. 4 on lottery night. I honestly don’t see Jackson trading this pick, or at least he shouldn’t be looking to deal it away. New York needs some young talent in the worst way, and Jackson can still land an impact player at No. 4. Teams won’t likely be willing to trade a star player for the fourth pick in this draft, which is the only reason to even consider a trade here. Of course, Jackson is still an unknown quantity when it comes to the draft, so all bets are off. But in the end I think he’ll have no choice but to keep the pick and try to work his magic via the free agent market.
As for who the team is likely to select, my current mock draft has Emmanuel Mudiay heading to New York. There is virtually no way that Towns or Okafor will be there at No. 4, and I have D’Angelo Russell coming off the board to the Sixers at No. 3. So unless a team reaches and nabs Kristaps Porzingis much earlier than I believe he should be drafted, Mudiay will be the best player available when the Knicks are on the clock. Justise Winslow and Willie Cauley-Stein are also possibilities here, but I still think Mudiay will be the name called by Adam Silver on draft night for the franchise.
Thanks for all of the submissions and please keep them coming! That’s going to do it for this week, but I’ll be back next Saturday with some more responses to your inquiries.
And-Ones: Mudiay, Llull, Anderson
It is difficult for NBA scouts to accurately gauge how good 2015 NBA Draft prospect Emmanuel Mudiay is because of his decision to play in China this past season, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes. But Mudiay thinks his experience overseas has prepared him for the rigors of the NBA just as well as attending SMU would have, Pompey adds. “I got out of it what I wanted,” said Mudiay. “It definitely was a great experience. I wanted to do it for my mom at first. But after I made the decision and made sure she was financially stable, I just wanted to go on and pursue it, a basketball mind-set. It can definitely help me out in the NBA.“
Here’s more from around the league:
- Rockets draft-and-stash prospect Sergio Llull has been rumored to be in line to receive a three-year deal worth a total of at least $17MM to join the NBA next season, though Houston GM Daryl Morey denied that was the case. For his part, Llull isn’t too concerned about whether or not he plays in the U.S. in 2015/16. In an interview with Gigantes.com (translation by Enea Trapani of Sportando), Llull said, “The NBA is there, but I’ll sleep well in any case. I want to win titles and I’m in the best place to do that.” Llull currently plays for Real Madrid in the Euroleague.
- Virginia forward Justin Anderson can be looked at as “Tony Allen with a jump shot,” and the swingman is firmly on the Celtics‘ radar heading into the 2015 NBA Draft, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com writes. Anderson enjoyed his sit down with Boston coach Brad Stevens at the draft combine, Blakely adds. “What stuck out to me most, is him [Stevens] and his relationship with his guys,” Anderson said. “Just coming out of college, playing for him would be similar to playing for coach [Tony] Bennett.”
- Pistons TV analyst and former NBA player Grant Long wants to become an NBA coach, and he is making the rounds this offseason hoping to land an assistant position to realize that dream, Terry Foster of The Detroit News writes. “What’s odd is when I was playing I heard all the time from coaches what a wonderful coach you would make,” Long said. “And when I finished playing I got nothing. Sometimes it’s just lip service until you get in. I know I am not ready to be a head coach, but I feel in time I will. That is why I want to be an assistant first. I know the game. I can convey it to players to make them better. I can motivate people and can relate to younger players.“
Hoops Rumors Originals 5/17/15-5/23/15
Here’s a look at the original analysis generated by the Hoops Rumors staff this past week…
- In Hoops Rumors’ 2015 NBA Mock Draft 1.0, Karl-Anthony Towns is projected to be taken No. 1 overall, followed by Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell.
- I reviewed the NBA Draft history for Sixers GM Sam Hinkie.
- Dana Gauruder profiled 2015 draft prospect Willie Cauley-Stein.
- Chuck Myron broke down the cap hit associated with each of the 2015 lottery picks.
- I profiled Duke forward Justise Winslow, a projected lottery pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
- Zach Links profiled former St. John’s University guard Phil Greene, who is hoping to catch on with an NBA team for next season.
- Chuck looked at how the offseason was shaping up for the Bulls, Grizzlies, and Wizards.
- I ran down how the Spurs, Raptors, Wizards, and Jazz utilized the NBA D-League this past season.
- Zach highlighted some of the better basketball blogs around in his weekly installment of Hoops Links.
- Chuck ran down the teams that have the most picks in the 2015 NBA Draft.
- I answered reader questions in Hoops Rumors’ Weekly Mailbag.
- If you missed the week’s live chat you can view the transcript here.
Week In Review 5/17/15-5/23/15
The All-NBA Teams were announced and LeBron James and Stephen Curry finished atop the voting, with James Harden, Anthony Davis and Marc Gasol joining them on the first team. Russell Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Paul, Pau Gasol and DeMarcus Cousins comprised the second team. Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Tim Duncan, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving made up the third team.
Here’s the rest of the happenings from the week that was…
2015 NBA Draft News
- The 2015 NBA Draft Lottery was held and this year’s big winner was the Timberwolves. You can view the full NBA Draft order here.
- South Korean prospect Jong-Hyun Lee will remain in the 2015 NBA draft.
- Overseas draft entrant Guillermo Hernangomez, also known as Willy Hernangomez, is likely to play for Real Madrid in his native Spain next season.
- You can keep up with all of the scheduled and completed player workouts and interviews here.
Coaching News/Rumors
- Recently fired Pelicans coach Monty Williams is reportedly among Billy Donovan’s targets for assistants with the Thunder.
- A shakeup of Dwane Casey’s staff is underway as the Raptors parted with assistants Bill Bayno and Tom Sterner. One of the factors reportedly involved was the slow growth curve of former No. 5 overall pick Jonas Valanciunas.
- New Orleans interviewed Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry for its vacant head coaching position. The Pelicans have also made calls on Jeff Van Gundy and have an interest in Scott Brooks. But Brooks reportedly plans to decline opportunities to interview with the Pelicans and Nuggets and seems to be leaning toward taking next season off.
- Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is non-committal regarding whether or not Flip Saunders would coach the team next season.
- The odds that the Nuggets will formally fill their head coaching vacancy with interim coach Melvin Hunt are reportedly getting better, though Mike D’Antoni still remains in the mix.
News/Rumors
- Wizards big man Kevin Seraphin, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, reportedly wants to play for a team that would allow him to compete for a starting job. This likely means that the center won’t re-sign with Washington.
- Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Tony Allen, Jordan and Paul comprise this year’s All-Defensive First Team. Davis, Jimmy Butler, Andrew Bogut, John Wall and Duncan are on the second team.
- Doc Rivers, the Clippers‘ coach and president of basketball operations, said that re-signing DeAndre Jordan is the franchise’s top offseason priority. The team would also like to re-sign Austin Rivers.
- The Timberwolves’ Andrew Wiggins was a unanimous All-Rookie First-Team selection, the league announced as it revealed the media voting results for the honors. Nikola Mirotic was the second-leading vote-getter, followed by Nerlens Noel, Elfrid Payton and Jordan Clarkson, all of whom comprise the first team. Marcus Smart, Zach LaVine, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jusuf Nurkic and Langston Galloway comprised the second team.
- The Spurs are widely expected to focus their attention on LaMarcus Aldridge first before turning their attention to fellow free agent target Marc Gasol.
- The Mavs, Knicks and Lakers are also reportedly putting together proposals to make to Gasol when free agency opens July 1st.
- The Wizards have made it clear that they’re committed to paying Bradley Beal the maximum salary either via an extension or when he hits free agency after next season.
- The Clippers have reportedly expressed interest in signing unrestricted free agent Wesley Johnson this offseason.
- Mavericks guard Raymond Felton will file paperwork to exercise his $3.9MM player option for next season.
- Kobe Bryant has signaled to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak that the 2015/16 season will be his last as an NBA player.
- The Lakers, Pistons, and Celtics all reportedly have an interest in signing soon-to-be free agent DeMarre Carroll.
- The Hawks are optimistic about their chances to sign Paul Millsap when he hits free agency this summer.
- Garrett Temple said that he’s pretty sure he’ll pick up his player option, worth his minimum salary of nearly $1.101MM, to return to the Wizards next season.
- Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks‘ contract option for 2015/16 wasn’t picked up by the team, and Brooklyn has now reportedly given Marks permission to explore other opportunities.
- The NBA’s Board of Governors are expected to complete the approval process for Tony Ressler’s deal to buy the Hawks within the next four to six weeks.
- Center Sasha Kaun, whose draft rights are held by the Cavaliers, will likely leave CSKA Moscow at the end of the Russian League’s season.
- Kiki Vandeweghe, the league’s senior vice-president of basketball operations, said that the NBA is unlikely to pass any sort of draft lottery reform to prevent tanking this offseason.
- Tim Salier, the Spurs‘ Sports and Entertainment Vice President of Franchise Business Operations, was named the 2015 NBA D-League Team Executive of the Year.
- David Harrison, a former Pacers first-rounder, is looking to make a comeback to the NBA, and he has hired Zachary Charles of 3pt Sports Management for representation.
- The possibility of JaVale McGee joining the Celtics for next season remains in play.
Hoops Rumors 2015 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
With the NBA draft lottery now complete and the draft order set, the weeks ahead will be filled with reports of interviews, workouts, and teams trying to hide who they are interested in selecting. While the 2015 draft class doesn’t bring with it the same level of hype as last year’s, there are still a number of players who can change the face of a franchise and develop into tomorrow’s superstars.
No draft pick is ever a sure thing, and careers will be made as well as broken based on the moves made on the night of June 25th. There should also be a significant amount of trade talk revolving around the draft, and there are quite a few teams that could end up dealing away draft picks in exchange for veteran players or future assets.
Front offices are still figuring out their respective draft boards, and upcoming pre-draft workouts will launch the stocks of a few players and send others tumbling by the wayside. While I anticipate my mock draft changing over the weeks to come, this is my initial read on whose name each team will likely have commissioner Adam Silver intone while on stage for the first round at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
#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.
The latest reports have Minnesota leaning toward selecting Jahlil Okafor with the top pick. But I firmly believe that the Wolves will become increasingly enamored with Towns’ superior defense, athleticism, and upside as the pre-draft process wears on. Towns would also be a better fit than Okafor alongside Nikola Pekovic, provided he 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 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.
#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, but Russell’s playmaking ability and versatility should get him the nod at pick No. 3.
#4 Knicks — Emmanuel Mudiay G (China)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/200 pounds
- Stats: 18.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 6.3 APG. .493/.321/.586.
There is a distinct possibility that the Knicks attempt to deal this pick for an established star, having lost out on the chance to select Towns or Okafor by falling in the draft order. New York has so many roster needs, trading down for multiple picks could also seem appealing for team president Phil Jackson. But if the franchise holds onto the pick, which it should, Mudiay is the likely choice, though his developmental curve will be difficult to manage amongst the growing impatience of owner James Dolan and the team’s disgruntled fanbase. Willie Cauley-Stein or Justise Winslow are very real possibilities at this spot as well, but I’m going with Mudiay for now at No. 4.
#5 Magic — Kristaps Porzingis F (Latvia)
- Height/Weight: 7’0″/220 pounds
- Stats: 10.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. .560/.328/.750.
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 there have been far too many international lottery picks who have turned out to be busts for my comfort level. But Orlando needs to add some frontcourt scoring and outside shooting, and the young Latvian certainly has the potential to provide both. Winslow is a possibility at this spot, but his outside game is still a work in progress, and he’s considered a bit of a tweener as well.
#6 Kings — 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.
DeMarcus Cousins has reportedly been pushing to be used more as a power forward, and Cauley-Stein would be a great addition to pair alongside the mercurial big man. Cauley-Stein won’t provide much in the way of offense, but he’ll be ready to play immediately, and his defensive ability will be a welcome addition in Sacramento.
#7 Nuggets — Justise Winslow F (Duke)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/221 pounds
- Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.1 APG. .486/.418/.641.
The Nuggets need talent at virtually every position, and Winslow would be a steal at No. 7. His outside game needs more consistency, and he might not have a defined position, but his defense, character, and open court skills will be most welcome in Denver. If Winslow develops the way that I think he will, the Nuggets could be snagging themselves the next Kawhi Leonard here.
#8 Pistons — 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 Pistons need to add someone who can stretch the floor and fill up the stat sheet from the wing position. Hezonja has a wealth of talent, though he’s reportedly had issues with his attitude and maturity while playing overseas. While Detroit could go for Devin Booker or Stanley Johnson at this spot, I say Stan Van Gundy rolls the dice and goes for the superior upside and athleticism of Hezonja with this pick.
#9 Hornets — Devin Booker G (Kentucky)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/195 pounds
- Stats: 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .470/.411/.828.
Charlotte desperately needs to add some outside shooting, and Booker may very well be the best in the entire draft from beyond the arc. He’s not as athletic as some teams might prefer, but he has the potential to become something special in the league in a few seasons.
#10 Heat — Sam Dekker F (Wisconsin)
- Height/Weight: 6’9″/230 pounds
- Stats: 13.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 1.2 APG. .525/.331/.708.
There are quite a few ways that Miami could go with this pick. Dwyane Wade isn’t getting any younger, nor are his knees, so a wing like Kelly Oubre could be a very real possibility here. But I’m going with Dekker as the pick for the Heat. While he wasn’t as consistent in college as many scouts would like to see, his versatility and skillset make him just the sort of player Pat Riley loves. He can slide in as a stretch four off of the bench, or if Luol Deng departs, he could be the team’s starting small forward next season.
#11 Pacers — 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 Pacers have made no secret that they wish to part ways with Roy Hibbert and his $15,514,031 player option for next season. Team president Larry Bird has also indicated that the franchise wishes to become more athletic and play a faster paced game. Neither of which play to Hibbert’s strengths. It’s highly doubtful that the big man will opt out of his contract for next season, so barring a trade, he’ll be on the roster for 2015/16. But the team will need to find a replacement and its center of the future. Turner is more of a stretch four at this point, but if Indiana wants to go with a quicker lineup, then the big man from Texas could be a fit at the pivot. David West is also getting up there in years, and he also possesses a player option for next season ($12.6MM), so Turner could also be groomed to take over the four spot.
#12 Jazz — 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.
Utah could definitely stand to add some offense to its roster, and Kaminsky can certainly provide that. I don’t see him becoming a viable option in the NBA at center, but as a stretch four he could be quite productive. He could essentially replace what the franchise lost when it dealt away Enes Kanter this season, including his porous defense. But with Rudy Gobert patrolling the paint, the team should still be OK on the defensive end. Kaminsky is also a solid teammate and has an excellent basketball IQ. Coach Quin Snyder should be able to get creative with how he uses Kaminsky, as well as minimize exposing his flaws and lack of athleticism.
#13 Suns — Stanley Johnson F (Arizona)
- Height/Weight: 6’7″/237 pounds
- Stats: 13.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 1.5 SPG. .446/.371/.742.
Johnson has the talent to go higher, but slips to No. 13 based on his lack of a reliable outside game and teams filling other needs. But Johnson’s slide becomes the Suns’ gain, as they nab a solid wing who has an NBA-ready frame and a high motor. Phoenix could use a bit more punch from the small forward spot, and Johnson gets to continue to play in Arizona. Seems like a perfect fit. Cameron Payne and Trey Lyles are also possibilities here if Phoenix decides to go in a different direction with this pick.
#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 he wows teams during his workouts. If that ends up happening OKC could switch gears and nab Oubre here instead.
#15 Hawks (via Nets) — Trey Lyles F (Kentucky)
- Height/Weight: 6’10″/235 pounds
- Stats: 8.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 1.1 APG. .487/.138.735.
The Hawks could potentially need to replace both Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll, both of whom hit free agency this summer. Lyles’ stats aren’t eye-popping, thanks to Kentucky’s depth and platoon system, but this kid has the potential to be a solid contributor. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but that can be said for the majority of big men making the transition to the pros. If Atlanta elects for a more offensively minded player, then Bobby Portis could come into play here.
#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 — 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.
Oubre’s lone season at Kansas was a bit of a disappointment, and he never lived up to the hype that preceded his arrival in Lawrence. But the 19-year-old certainly has lottery-level talent, though it will take a couple of seasons before he’ll be able to harness his abilities at the NBA level. The Bucks are a team on the rise, and have a number of young and intriguing pieces. Oubre will become one more asset for Milwaukee to build around. If Oubre is gone prior to this slot the team will likely go with either the best big man still on the board, or perhaps a wing defender like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
#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 — Kevon Looney F (UCLA)
- Height/Weight: 6’9″/220 pounds
- Stats: 11.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. .470/.415/.626.
Looney could work his way up in the draft order with strong showings during his workouts. His athleticism, long-term potential, and offensive skillset are all very good. But Looney enters the draft with a number of questions regarding his conditioning and drive, and according to Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Insider subscription required), Looney may suffer from asthma, which won’t help his draft stock if that is indeed the case. The other knock on Looney is that he’s a tweener, and may not have a defined NBA position. But the Wizards can afford to take a flier on him based off of his potential at the No. 19 spot in the draft.
#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 in the open court he is exciting to watch, and with some hard work and serious gym time he could develop into a steal at this spot.
#21 Mavericks — 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 Mavs desperately need a point guard, especially since Rajon Rondo is almost assuredly going to be playing elsewhere next season. Grant is perhaps the most NBA-ready playmaker in the draft, which is important for a veteran laden team like Dallas. He is a solid all-around player who can step right in as a solid rotation piece for the 2015/16 campaign.
#22 Bulls — Delon Wright G (Utah)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/178 pounds
- Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 5.1 APG. .509/.356/.836.
Derrick Rose can no longer be counted on to play a full NBA season, and his backup, Kirk Hinrich, isn’t getting any younger. Chicago desperately needs to add some depth at the point, and Wright is the best remaining playmaker available. Though he’ll need to bulk up and improve his outside game if he wants to get on the court during his rookie campaign.
#23 Trail Blazers — Montrezl Harrell F (Louisville)
- Height/Weight: 6’8″/243 pounds
- Stats: 15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.4 APG. .566/.243/.597.
If LaMarcus Aldridge departs as a free agent the franchise will have an enormous hole to fill at the four spot. Even if the team re-signs the power forward this summer the Blazers will still need to add frontcourt depth. Harrell would be a nice addition, though preferably as Aldridge’s backup. He projects to be a solid player, and fills a need spot for Portland as well.
#24 Cavaliers — 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.
If J.R. Smith opt out of his deal, then shooting guard will become an area of need for the Cavs. Even if Smith returns, Hunter would still be a nice addition to the team. Hunter had a rough season shooting the rock, but he has the makings of a player who will be better as a pro than in college. I really like Hunter’s game, and he would be a nice value pick at this spot for Cleveland.
#25 Grizzlies — Christian Wood F (UNLV)
- Height/Weight: 6’11″/220 pounds
- Stats: 15.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 2.7 BPG. .497/.284/.736.
While Wood has a load of talent, there are a number of scouts who question his work ethic and conditioning. There are a few ways Memphis could go with this pick, but with Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos becoming unrestricted free agents this summer, nabbing a big man should be a priority for the franchise. Jarell Martin and Robert Upshaw are also possibilities here.
#26 Spurs — 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.
Anderson might not be available this late in the first round if he aces his pre-draft workouts. But if he’s still on the board at No. 26, the Spurs shouldn’t hesitate to grab this athletic 3-and-D wing. Anderson should fit in extremely well in San Antonio. Both on the court, as well as within the team’s stellar culture. George De Paula is also a strong possibility here given Tony Parker‘s advancing age, and the Spurs’ propensity to draft foreign born players.
#27 Lakers (via Rockets) — George De Paula G (Brazil)
- Height/Weight: 6’6″/205 pounds
- Stats: 10.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 3.1 RPG. .500/.750/.500.
The Lakers already nabbed a big man at pick No. 2, and now the franchise can grab a potential steal in De Paula, aka George Lucas. The 18-year-old is extremely raw and could end up slipping to the second round. But with the Lakers being a few seasons away from contention, barring an unexpectedly robust free agent haul this offseason, gambling on De Paula’s potential could pay off big time down the road. Rashad Vaughn is also a possibility at this spot.
#28 Celtics (via Clippers) — Jarell Martin F (LSU)
- Height/Weight: 6’10″/236 pounds
- Stats: 16.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.8 APG. .509/.269/.690.
If the Celtics don’t trade this pick, which I think they will, adding another big man will likely be the play here. Martin doesn’t have the prototypical length and wingspan teams generally look for, but he has enough talent and upside for the team to take a chance on him. Injured Syracuse forward Chris McCullough is also a very real option here, as is Kentucky’s Dakari Johnson.
#29 Nets (via Hawks) — 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 Nets recover rather well from having to swap picks with the Hawks and land Vaughn, who could turn out to be a steal at this spot. Vaughn could evolve into a dominant scorer in the league, though he won’t contribute much during his rookie campaign. The franchise really needs to find a gem here given its crippling lack of draft picks the next few seasons. Vaughn might be the best and only option to do so this late in the first round. Brooklyn’s other option here is to select a point guard, another team need. If so, Louisville’s Terry Rozier could be the guy.
#30 Warriors — Robert Upshaw C (Washington)
- Height/Weight: 7’0″/255 pounds
- Stats: 11.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 4.2 BPG. .593/.000/.434.
Upshaw has lottery potential, but his documented substance abuse issues have lowered his draft stock quite a bit. There have been reports that teams will be leery of selecting him in round one because of the guaranteed contract that comes along with any first-rounder. But Golden State can afford to take the gamble, and the franchise needs to add depth at the pivot. At pick No. 30 Upshaw is worth the risk. Teams that select at the bottom of round one don’t often get a chance to nab a potential star, which Upshaw could be, if he can put his troubled past behind him.
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Porzingis, Sixers
The Lakers aren’t necessarily set on selecting a big man with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, which could potentially allow either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor to slip to the Knicks, who pick fourth, Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com writes. This unlikely scenario would also depend on the Sixers selecting D’Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay, instead of adding another big to go alongside Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid, Begley adds.
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Knicks could also look to select forward Kristaps Porzingis, whom ESPN’s Kevin Pelton believes is a better fit for the team than Mudiay, who many mock drafts have linked to New York, Begley adds. “Having succeeded against far tougher competition in Spain, [Porzingis] figures to have more immediate impact, and he’s only seven months older than Mudiay. Also, I have some concerns about how well Mudiay — a poor shooter whose best attribute will probably be running the pick-and-roll — will fit in the triangle offense. There’s flexibility there, but a pick-and-roll-heavy style isn’t what [team president] Phil Jackson and [coach] Derek Fisher ideally want to play. I would take Porzingis,” Pelton opines.
- The Sixers are comfortable with having the No. 3 overall pick, and believe that they can land an impact player, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes. “If you look at [GM] Sam Hinkie‘s draft record, you have to feel pretty good,” said Philly’s CEO Scott O’Neil. “You look at guys around the league who were drafted around there. We’ve got [Embiid] coming back. We’ve got a really improved Noel. Next year, we’ve got four first-round picks and [Dario] Saric. So you’ve got a pretty exciting story here.” Speaking of Hinkie’s draft record, you can see a full rundown of all of his past selections here.
- Despite all of the mock drafts predicting that the Sixers will select Russell, Hinkie said the team hasn’t targeted any specific player yet, Pompey notes. “I think it’s too early now,” Hinkie said. “This time of year, everyone gets away to what one mock draft or another says. And other times, that doesn’t appear to be true very much. Let’s sort of see how things go.”
Eastern Notes: Pierce, Magic, Wizards
The Wizards are still unsure if Paul Pierce, who has a player option for 2015/16 worth $5,543,725, will play next season, but coach Randy Wittman doesn’t believe that he’ll need to try and sell the veteran forward on returning to Washington for another campaign, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post writes. “I don’t need to recruit Paul,” Wittman said. “What Paul saw here and what he did here, not only with the team but with the city, all of that plays into it. His family was comfortable here. Will I sit down and talk with him? Yeah. But I don’t think I need to recruit him.”
Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:
- John Wall is one of the many people in D.C. who wants Pierce to return to the Wizards next season, Castillo adds. “Who wouldn’t want to have a Hall of Fame guy back on this team? He meant so much to us,” Wall said. “Just his leadership, his work ethic, being a mentor, talking to us, and giving us those words of encouragement and that extra grit and fight. He has to do what’s best for him and his family, and that’s taking time off and deciding whether he wants to come back and play. Like he said, it gets tougher and tougher each year, roll out of bed and being 37 years old, it’s tough for him. Everything he gave us this season was another big key why I wanted to come back and try to win and get to the next round.”
- Magic guard Victor Oladipo showed marked improvement in his second season in the NBA, and he is looking forward to who the team can add to its roster this offseason, Ken Hornack of FOX Sports Florida writes. But in the event the team stands pat in the free agent market, Oladipo still believes Orlando can improve upon its 25 wins this season, Hornack relays. “We might make some additions, and hopefully they’ll come in and help us,” Oladipo said. “But at the end of the day, I feel like the core group of guys we have here has just got to get better. If they do, if we do, I think we’ll be where we need to be. We’re going to push each other. It’s all about winning. Everybody has to get that mentality of doing whatever it takes to win. And if we lose, they’ve got to hate losing.“
2014/15 D-League Usage Report: Wizards
The relationship between the NBA and the D-League continues to grow, and 17 NBA franchises currently have one-to-one D-League affiliates amongst the 18 D-League teams. The remaining 13 NBA teams shared the Fort Wayne Mad Ants this season. We at Hoops Rumors will be recapping each team’s use of the D-League this season, looking at assignments and recalls as well as the players signed out of the D-League. We’ll continue onward with a look back at how the Wizards utilized the D-League during the 2014/15 campaign…
D-League Team: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Affiliation Type: Shared
D-League Team Record: 28-22
Number of NBA Players Assigned To D-League: 1
Total D-League Assignments: 1
Player Stats While On Assignment:
- Glen Rice Jr.: 1 assignment, 14 games, 12.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.4 APG. .492/.359/.720.
D-League Signings
- Toure’ Murry (Rio Grande Valley Vipers-Rockets affiliate): Inked 1st 10-day pact on March 12th. Signed 2nd 10-day deal on March 22nd.
Assignment/Recall Log
- November 20th: Assigned Glen Rice Jr. (Waived on January 7th)
Draft Notes: Kaminsky, Turner, Johnson
Texas big man Myles Turner didn’t perform as anticipated during his lone NCAA season, but a number of league personnel believe he will blossom when he steps onto the NBA hardwood, Brendan Savage of MLive.com writes. “He didn’t have a great year, but the team was disorganized,” one NBA GM told Savage. “He’s a guy that I fully expect to be a better pro than college player. I think he’ll be late lottery and if I’m wrong, middle of the first, because his workouts will be good. And he’s another guy who can shoot the ball. They were jerking him in and out of the lineup and I didn’t understand it; it’s not like they were Duke and playing for the national championship.”
Here’s more regarding the upcoming NBA Draft:
- BDA Sports Management’s pro day on Thursday saw over 150 NBA personnel in attendance, and Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Insider subscription required) runs down five players who improved their draft stock as a result of their showing at the event. According to the ESPN scribe, Frank Kaminsky, Kelly Oubre, Stanley Johnson, Robert Upshaw, and Andrew Harrison all had stellar performances.
- Kaminsky entertained the idea of entering last season’s draft, Ford relays, but the big man admits that he wasn’t quite ready for the NBA at that point. “I knew I needed to get better. I wanted to go back to school, finish my degree and do more research by watching NBA basketball so I could see what I needed to get better at,” Kaminsky said. “It was like a free year to study for your final exam.“
- A scout who was at the pro day told Darren Wolfson of 1500 (via Twitter) that Kaminsky and Oubre were clearly the two best players on the court, but Johnson was merely “decent.”
Southeast Notes: Magic, Nene, Heat
The Magic are unlikely to add a player with the No. 5 overall pick who can make an immediate impact, so any dramatic roster improvements will need to come via the free agent market, Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel writes. Orlando would have about $14MM in available salary cap space if the team were to waive Ben Gordon and Luke Ridnour before their salaries for next season become guaranteed, Robbins adds.
“Organizationally,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said, “we’ve always maintained the same approach, the same philosophy: when available, spending up to the tax level as it relates to free agency. Our ownership has given us the ability to do that again, and we’ll continue to do that in these upcoming free-agent years, this offseason and next year as well.”
Here’s the latest out of the Southeast Division:
- One of the Wizards‘ top priorities this offseason will be to add a stretch four, which would result in Nene playing more at center, something the player might not be too keen on, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post writes.
- Wizards coach Randy Wittman indicated that Nene shifting to the reserve center role wouldn’t diminish his value to the team, Castillo adds. “As we saw down the stretch, he played some five, he and Marc in that situation,” Wittman said. “Him playing that position doesn’t make it a lesser role. We’ve got to look at what works best for who we have here. … With what John Wall does and the pace of play, we’ve got to play fast.”
- Heat president Pat Riley indicated that the team is looking for an all-around player who can score from the outside with the No. 10 overall pick in this June’s NBA Draft, Joseph Goodman of The Miami Herald writes. “A lot of times you have a player or two players who are playmakers that are your best playmakers and your best scorers, but they might not have that kind of range or that kind of game, so you need to go out and get two or three of those kinds of players,” Riley said. “And so, while we felt we had enough maybe on the perimeter, that might be an area where we look, but I don’t want him to be a one-dimensional guy.”