By Luke Adams |
at June 13, 2012 11:16 pm
With 15 days remaining until draft night, we'll round up today's notes on draft workouts, stock watches, and potential selections right here, with the latest up top:
Earlier updates:
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- Morley Quatroche of WEEI.com breaks down Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from a Celtics perspective.
- HoopsWorld's Stephen Brotherston looks at whether Kentucky sixth man Darius Miller can be just as valuable as a key reserve in the NBA.
- Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times has the latest on the Bucks' search for a big man.
- Portland native Terrence Jones talks about his workout for the Blazers today in a video posted by Sean Meagher of The Oregonian.
- Warriors.com shares mock drafts put together by broadcasters and well-known bloggers.
- Thomas Robinson worked out for his hometown Wizards today, as Michael Lee of The Washington Post chronicles.
- Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld looks at Andre Drummond as teams try to get a handle on his boom-or-bust potential.
- A number of beat writers have updates on draft workouts for the Trail Blazers, Wizards, and Bucks.
- Don't expect the Jazz to make a trade to get back into the first round of the draft. GM Kevin O'Connor tells Steve Luhm of the Salt Lake Tribune that the asking price for first-round picks will be high, and he doesn't anticipate his team will make a move "unless we find something we really like."
- SI.com's Sam Amick shares the list of participants for the Warriors' workout tomorrow.
- The Sixers announced via press release that they'll work out Quincy Miller, Terrence Ross, and Mike Scott tomorrow morning.
- Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com becomes the latest draft scribe to release an updated version of his mock draft today.
- ESPN.com's Chad Ford has provided a ton of draft content today, publishing his new mock draft and answering a number of readers' questions in a chat. Among the highlights of Ford's chat: He believes the Bobcats will trade the No. 2 pick for either multiple picks or a pick and a player.
- Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio also conducted a chat heavy on draft-related inquiries.
- Harrison Barnes and Damian Lillard were among the lottery prospects to boost their stock in athletic testing, while Jared Sullinger and John Henson's scores didn't help them, says Chad Ford (Insider link).
- Anthony Davis isn't the only player in this draft class with star potential, writes Jay Bilas in an Insider piece for ESPN.com.
- Fab Melo and Andrew Nicholson highlighted the group of prospects in attendance at the Suns' first workout yesterday, says Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.
- Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld and SI.com's Sam Amick each released updated versions of their mock drafts today.
- The Raptors worked out six more players today, including Canadian forward Kris Joseph, according to a team press release.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 11, 2012 8:12 pm
With the NBA draft just 17 days away, we're guaranteed to be following daily rumors and rumblings for the next two and a half weeks. We'll try to make it as easy as possible to follow the latest updates by including most of our draft-related items in a single daily post. Consider this Monday's post, and check back throughout the day for more draft notes, with the newest additions up top:
- In a tweet, AZCentral.com's Paul Coro has wrangled up some news from CBSSports.com's Jeff Goodman and SI.com's Sam Amick. North Carolina teammates Kendall Marshall and John Henson will reportedly work out for the Suns this week.
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Earlier updates:
- On Tuesday, the Wizards will hold a workout to help decide what direction they want to go with their two second round picks (as of today, the team holds both the 32nd and 46th picks in the draft), tweets Michael Lee of the Washington Post. Some notable names Washington plans to workout are Syracuse's Scoop Jardine, and Duke's Miles Plumlee.
- The Trail Blazers will work out North Carolina's John Henson on Tuesday, tweets SI.com's Sam Amick.
- Also from Amick, the Kings will work out several players, including North Carolina's Tyler Zeller, on Tuesday. Sacramento currently holds picks 5 and 36.
- The Hornets plan on bringing in several point guards and shooting guards when they resume workouts next week, writes Nola.com's John Reid.
- After predicting the top 15 picks in the draft last week, TNT's David Aldridge takes a crack at the rest of the first round in this week's NBA.com column.
- Royce White and Jordan Taylor are among the six prospects scheduled to work out for the Timberwolves on Tuesday, says Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
- The Pistons are eyeing potential fits for the second round, working out Miles Plumlee and Kyle O'Quinn, tweets Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News.
- Perry Jones III tells Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com that he'd love to play on the Trail Blazers alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.
- The Magic will be prepared for the draft no matter how long it takes to hire a GM, but a lengthy GM search could have other negative effects, writes Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.
- If the Hornets decide to deal their tenth overall pick, gaining future draft assets is more important to them than ditching bad contracts, says Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. Kyler doesn't expect the Hornets to include players like Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza with the pick in a deal that merely creates cap space. According to Kyler, New Orleans could seeking a 2012 second-rounder along with a future first-rounder in any deal.
- Within the same piece, Kyler adds that the Warriors and Knicks have expressed some interest in Alabama's Tony Mitchell.
- In a pair of tweets, Kyler says Harrison Barnes did not officially meet with the Bulls, and that a brief chat with coach Tom Thibodeau was blown out of proportion.
- The Sixers met with Andre Drummond at the draft combine and could be trying to trade up, since Drummond will be long gone at No. 15, tweets Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.
- Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com makes some changes in his latest post-combine mock draft.
- The Kings will need some help if they want a shot to land Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 11, 2012 12:27 pm
We'll be following most of today's draft notes here, but the latest column from ESPN.com's Chad Ford (Insider link) featured enough items of interest that it required its own post. Here are some of the highlights from ESPN.com's draft guru:
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- As expected, there's no chance the Hornets are trading the No. 1 pick. According to Ford, the Cavaliers offered all their picks this year (Nos. 4, 24, 33, 34), and were quickly turned down.
- Ford is hearing that Bobcats owner Michael Jordan "isn't sold on" Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and that Thomas Robinson is a possibility at No. 2. The Bobcats are also seriously considering trading the second overall selection for multiple picks.
- Although GM Bryan Colangelo denied making a promise to Dion Waiters, the Raptors may still take him if he's available at No. 8, says Ford.
- Ford hears rumblings that Austin Rivers may have received a guarantee from a team in the lottery.
- Andrew Nicholson is unlikely to slip past the Celtics' pair of picks in the early twenties.
- Damian Lillard is a candidate to be selected as high as No. 6 by the Trail Blazers, while Moe Harkless could go as high as seventh or eighth, to the Warriors or Raptors.
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By Sean Highkin |
at June 10, 2012 10:20 pm
The 2012 NBA Draft is less than three weeks away. This post will update all evening with the latest noteworthy news and features surrounding the draft and its prospects.
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- The Washington Wizards, who own the No. 3 pick in the draft, will work out Bradley Beal, Thomas Robinson, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this week, reports Michael Lee of the Washington Post.
- HoopsWorld.com's Stephen Litel interviews Kentucky forward Terrence Jones, who says he's focusing on improving his versatility before the draft. Litel suggests the Golden State Warriors as a possible fit.
- Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com has a feature on Jones' Kentucky teammate, Anthony Davis, who is widely expected to be taken by the Hornets with the No. 1 overall pick. Davis says he welcomes the chance to do for the New Orleans community what Chris Paul did before his 2011 trade to the Clippers.
- Sam Amick of SI.com talks to Florida guard Bradley Beal about his admiration for Ray Allen, among other subjects. Beal is expected to be picked in the top five.
- Amick also points to North Carolina's Kendall Marshall as an option for teams looking for a point guard if Damian Lillard is off the board.
- The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Tom Reid speculates in a new video segment that Duke guard Austin Rivers could be the choice for New Orleans at No. 10.
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By Ryan Raroque |
at June 9, 2012 10:31 pm
According to an ESPN report via The Associated Press, Eric Gordon has set a high priority on securing a long-term destination this summer as he hits free agency and still considers New Orleans a viable landing spot. The three-year veteran was seen as a key piece in the Chris Paul deal with the Clippers, but only managaged to play nine games this season while dealing with injury. With about three more weeks to go until free agency begins, here's the rest of tonight's news…
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- Although the Bucks are pretty much set in the back court, Charles F. Gardner of The Journal Sentinel explored the idea of Austin Rivers being selected 12th overall by Milwaukee. The 6'5'' combo guard played for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke this year and told reporters at the draft combine that he tries to pattern his game after Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Deron Williams, and Derrick Rose.
- Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress gives a preview of the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy. With the exception of Evan Fournier projected as first-round pick, Givony says that the assembly of talent includes a group of players who he feels are draft-eligible second round prospects.
- Eddie Sefko of SportsDay DFW began a series of articles covering ten free agents from the upcoming summer that would fit well with the Mavericks. At number 10 is Chris Kaman, a player who should be familiar playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki from their experience together on the German national team.
- Joe Freeman of The Oregonian delves into the mind of newly namedTrail Blazers GM Neil Olshey as he prepares for what he calls "one of the most important Trail Blazers drafts ever." Freeman highlighted Olshey's philosphy of drafting the best available player versus drafting according to need, also mentioning that Neil is open to the possibility of dealing the picks in order to move up or trade for an established veteran player.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer contrasts the personalities of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thomas Robinson, referring to Kidd-Gilchrist as a soft-spoken player with potential who will remind fans of Gerald Wallace and Robinson as a can't-miss prospect with a lower ceiling and a brooding personality.
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 9, 2012 4:29 pm
The Cavs hold picks No. 4 and No. 24, but unlike other teams with two first-round draft choices, they aren't looking to trade one of them. The team seems to be zeroing in on Harrison Barnes with the fourth pick, but Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Plain Dealer says a scenario is in play that could have them leaving Barnes on the board.
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- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist probably won't be there for the Cavs at No. 4, but if the Hornets take Thomas Robinson and the Wizards go for Bradley Beal, the Kentucky small forward could be in for a reunion with high school teammate Kyrie Irving, Boyer writes. Kidd-Gilchrist, who says he wouldn't mind becoming a Cav, has been working out in Cleveland for the past month thanks to agent Rich Paul, who went to high school in the city and is close with LeBron James.
- Schmitt Boyer, in the same piece, runs down the Cavs' options with the 24th, 33rd and 34th pick, with a list including Evan Fournier, Fab Melo and Meyers Leonard.
- The joint Twitter account of Schmitt Boyer and fellow Plain Dealer scribe Jodie Valade was abuzz with a comprehensive listing of players working out for the team (All four Twitter links).
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 9, 2012 1:48 pm
The Trail Blazers have a pair of first-round picks, at No. 6 and No. 11, and back-to-back second-round picks, at No. 40 and No. 41. Four rookies would be a lot to carry on a roster, but earlier this week we passed along a report from Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com suggesting the Blazers would keep both lottery selections. Yesterday, Haynes tweeted that the Blazers have a workout scheduled with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist that could indicate they're looking to trade up. Haynes echoes that sentiment in a report today, and adds plenty of other draft-related news.
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- The Blazers are high on Damian Lillard, Meyers Leonard, Harrison Barnes and Kidd-Gilchrist. Leonard is a player the team could take at No. 11, but the others will likely go sooner, including Lillard, according to a league executive who's watching the Weber state point guard climb the charts, Haynes says.
- As Lillard's stock rises, it becomes increasingly clear he'll be taken in front of fellow point guard Kendall Marshall, who says he doesn't think he'll be drafted as highly as No. 11, Haynes tweets. Marshall is currently ranked No. 14 on the DraftExpress.com list of the top 100 prospects.
- Haynes speculates that the Blazers will take Lillard at No. 6 as long as Barnes and Andre Drummond are off the board.
- Add Drummond to a list of players working out for the team that we learned about yesterday. That list includes Lillard, Tony Wroten, Jared Sullinger and Austin Rivers.
- We've heard that Jeremy Lamb looked disinterested in interviews, but Haynes also notes that during drills he struggled with his outside shot, a purported strength, which disappointed the Blazers and many others.
- A presumptive top-10 pick displayed a knowledge of the team that's months out of date, saying, “I would love to play for a city like Portland and play alongside LaMarcus and be coached by Nate McMillan.”
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 8, 2012 11:25 pm
Magic point guard Jameer Nelson has a June 15 deadline to decide whether to pick up his $8.6MM option for next season, and "all indications" are that he'll decline it and test free agency, tweets Evan Dunlap of OrlandoPinstripedPost.com. Nelson has expressed a willingness to stay in Orlando for the rest of his career, but doesn't want to be treated as a trade chip in the final year of his deal. Earlier today we heard the Jazz could make a play for him. That's just one of many items of note from around the league on a busy Friday.
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- Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune isn't sold that the Blazers will keep coach Kaleb Canales, and says former Blazers coach Mike Dunleavy, who has ties to new GM Neil Olshey, "would love to coach again in Portland."
- GM Ernie Grunfeld and the Wizards have drafted three big men in the last two drafts, but Michael Lee of The Washington Post examines the possibility of the team going for another big at the No. 3 pick this year, with Thomas Robinson and Andre Drummond likely options. Robinson will work out for the team on Tuesday.
- The Wizards also have their eyes on a pair of wing players, as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Bradley Beal will work out for the team next week, reports Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com (Twitter links).
- Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes that it may be more lucrative for Nick Calathes, currently playing in Greece, to remain in Europe rather than join the Mavs, who hold his NBA rights. We heard earlier that Calathes wants to jump to the NBA.
- Harrison Barnes must prove that he can create his own shots in order to prove worthy of a top five pick, writes Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 8, 2012 1:53 pm
The NBA combine continues in Chicago today, with the buzz this morning surrounding the official measurements of the prospects in attendance. Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal provides the complete list. According to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, a handful of players saw their stock rise a little due to the results, but Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress heard from scouts that there weren't many big surprises (Twitter link). A handful of rumors and rumblings have also emerged from the combine today, so let's round up some of them….
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- The Pistons are seriously looking at Arnett Moultrie at No.9, tweets Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times. For his part, Moultrie views Detroit as the perfect fit for him among the lottery teams, according to Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News (via Twitter).
- Meyers Leonard has improved his value at the combine and could be picked in the 9-14 range, tweets ESPN.com's Chad Ford.
- The Bobcats are seeking a star-caliber player and a team willing to take on a bad contract for the second overall pick, reports Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld. I'm not sure there's a clear-cut No. 2 pick in this draft class that's worth paying that price.
- If the Rockets end up using either or both of their first-round picks, it will mean their "exhaustive" efforts to trade them in a package for an impact player were unsuccessful, says Ingram.
- The Kings love Harrison Barnes, but it continues to look as if the Cavaliers are a sure bet to take Barnes at No. 4.
- Quincy Miller has struggled in Chicago and may have played himself out of the first round, according to Ingram.
- Noting that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has a workout scheduled with the Blazers, Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com wonders if Portland could be considering trading up (Twitter link).
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By Luke Adams |
at June 7, 2012 3:18 pm
The Nets may be looking to find a way into the first round of this month's draft, but a number of teams are considering moving their first-rounders. According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio (via Twitter), every club besides the Cavs that has multiple first-round picks is trying to trade one of them for a young player. The Blazers, Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Hornets all fit the bill, with two first-rounders each. Let's round up a few more of today's draft rumors….
- Teams inquiring on the 10th overall pick are being told by the Hornets that taking on a contract like Emeka Okafor's or Trevor Ariza's won't be enough to land the pick, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
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Earlier updates:
- Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld is hearing "emphatically" that Harrison Barnes will be drafted by the Cavs fourth overall (Twitter link).
- Another candidate for that No. 4 pick, Bradley Beal, says he'd "love" to play with Kyrie Irving, according to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal (Sulia link).
- Kyler adds (via Twitter) that the Bobcats are "open for business" on the No. 2 pick, and are meeting with plenty of guys expected to be drafted later in the first round.
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would love to play with the Bobcats' Kemba Walker, tweets Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
- Keith Langlois of Pistons.com tweets that John Henson has a number of workouts lined up with teams drafting in the top ten, including the Kings, Blazers, Warriors, and Pistons.
- Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com says the Trail Blazers have workouts lined up with a number of top prospects, including Jared Sullinger, Austin Rivers, Damian Lillard, and Tony Wroten (all four Twitter links).
- ESPN.com's Chad Ford identifies Lillard as one of a number of prospects that stood out at the draft combine (Twitter link).
- While the Hornets are open to moving their No. 10 pick, it would likely take a starting-caliber point guard to pry it from them, tweets Amico.
- Bradley Beal has a workout scheduled with the Bobcats, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter). Beal is a candidate to be picked second overall, though Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thomas Robinson are probably better bets.
- Weber State's Damian Lillard says he's heard he could be picked as high as sixth by the Trail Blazers, tweets Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Sam Amick takes an in-depth look at the young point guard in a piece for SI.com.
- The Pistons have a number of players scheduled to come in for workouts, including Quincy Miller, Jeff Taylor, and Scott Machado (all Twitter links).
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