Amico On Cavs, Bobcats, Lakers, Rockets, Gasol
It was SI.com's Sam Amick, not Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio, that first reported yesterday that the Cavaliers and Bobcats could explore a trade involving the second and fourth picks in the draft. But the FOX scribe confirmed Amick's rumor last night, tweeting that the Cavs are trying to pry away the No. 2 pick from the Bobcats. He added (Twitter link) that it appears Cleveland is targeting Bradley Beal, which makes sense. Although I think the Cavs would do well to land Beal, Harrison Barnes, or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, if the team truly covets Beal, trading up may be necessary — I don't think the Florida product gets past the Wizards at No. 3.
Here are a few more notes from Amico, via Twitter:
Draft Updates: Thursday
All eyes tonight will be on Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as the Thunder look to stave off elimination in Miami, but exactly one week from now, we'll be gearing up for the 2012 draft. The first draft-related trade of the month was finalized yesterday, when the Wizards sent the No. 46 overall pick to the Hornets along with Rashard Lewis as part of a three-player swap. Will we see another deal consummated today? We'll keep track of the day's latest draft news and rumors right here, with the newest items added up top….
- Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com wonders whether Royce White's decision to pull out of his remaining workout has to do with an injury or his fear of flying instead of a promise from the Celtics (Twitter link). Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune pegs White as a candidate to be picked at No. 18 by the Wolves, and lists the second-round hopefuls the team will be working out Friday.
- Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal sizes up Andrew Nicholson and the chances he'll go to the Cavs at pick No. 24.
- Chad Ford of ESPN.com has tweaked his mock draft in the wake of the latest developments (Insider link).
Earlier updates:
Amick On Bobcats, Cavs, Kings, Blazers
Our Draft Updates post chronicles the rumors we've been hearing throughout the day, and Sam Amick of SI.com has a piece that warrants its own post. Amick details the latest on Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Harrison Barnes, Thomas Robinson and Damian Lillard, players who could be taken with picks two through six.
Cavs Expected To Match Offers For Alonzo Gee
Alonzo Gee started the 2011/12 season on a non-guaranteed contract, but over the course of the year, he became one of the Cavaliers' key rotation players, averaging 10.6 points in 29 minutes per game in 63 contests. With Gee eligible for restricted free agency this summer, the Cavs are prepared to match any offer sheet the 25-year-old may sign, according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio.
Draft Updates: Tuesday
In case you missed it yesterday, we published our first 2012 mock draft. Be sure to check out our projected first round and jump into the comments section to tell us which choices you like or dislike. In the meantime, we'll continue tracking the latest draft news and rumors. Tuesday's updates can be found right here, with the newest items added up top throughout the day….
- John Reid of The Times Picayune writes that the Hornets will likely keep their 10th pick. GM Dell Demps says that he hasn't received any offers warranting any serious consideration to trade the pick and believes that they can come away with a good player at that slot.
- Jared Sullinger will work out for the Cavaliers on Friday, writes Bob Finnan of The News-Herald. Fab Melo is also scheduled for a workout this week and could join Sullinger.
Bradley Beal Drawing Heavy Interest
After making himself available to the top four teams in the draft, Bradley Beal is done with workouts, as Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer writes. Beal is confident he's a top-four pick, and at least one league executive agrees, telling Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld there's "no way" the Florida guard slips out of the top four (Twitter link). However, that doesn't necessarily mean Beal will become a Hornet, Bobcat, Wizard, or Cavalier — according to Kennedy (via Twitter), there are teams trying to trade into the top four to land Beal.
Draft Updates: Monday
Earlier this morning, we unveiled the first version of our 2012 mock draft, projecting every pick from No. 1 (Anthony Davis) to No. 30 (Quincy Miller). We'll publish one more mock next week, before draft day, and until then, we'll be keeping tabs on all the latest draft-related news and rumors. Here are today's updates, with the newest items added at the top throughout the day….
- The Pistons have a big workout scheduled for next Monday, with Jared Sullinger, Tyler Zeller, Meyers Leonard, John Henson, Terrence Jones, and Perry Jones III expected to attend, tweets ESPN.com's Chad Ford.
- Harrison Barnes and a pair of possible second-round candidates will work out for the Wizards tomorrow, the team announced.
Draft Updates: Sunday
We've already heard today from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer about the Bobcats' draft history and how important it is to capitalize on top five picks when you have them. In an Odds & Ends post, the Pistons and Hawks draft prospects were also discussed. As tonight's start time for Game 3 of the NBA Finals approaches, we will keep all draft-related links in this post, with the latest news on top.
- Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com examines the possibility of Austin Rivers being drafted by the Celtics and playing for his father. While he deems the chances remote, it sounds like something both parties would be up for.
Schmitt Boyer On Cavs’ Free Agency, Draft, Varejao
The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer has posted a new mailbag column, covering various topics surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the fourth overall pick in the June 28 draft. Relevant points below:
Draft Updates: Saturday
Earlier updates:
- Syracuse center Fab Melo tells HoopsWorld's Stephen Litel that he is emulating Tim Duncan in his style of play.
- Morley Quatroche of WEEI.com looks at Miles Plumlee as a potential draft target for the Celtics.
- Paul Coro of AZCentral.com says that the Suns are looking to improve their offense in the draft.
- Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel looks at a handful of guards who have worked out for the Bucks recently.
- Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld.com talks to Iona's Scott Machado, who is attempting to raise his profile ahead of the draft.
