Pete Mickeal

Draft Notes: Champagnie, Early Entrants, Myrtle Beach Combine

Pittsburgh sophomore wing Justin Champagnie, who initially decided to test the 2021 NBA draft waters in March, has decided to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility and go pro, agent Todd Ramasar confirms to Jonathan Givony of ESPN (Twitter link).

Champagnie enjoyed a breakout year in 2020/21, averaging 18.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in 20 contests (34.4 MPG). He’s not a lock to be drafted, but he’ll certainly receive second-round consideration — ESPN currently lists him as the No. 66 prospect on its 2021 big board.

Here are a few more draft-related updates:

  • Agent Misko Raznatovic has announced that several of his clients are entering the draft, including French shooting guard Malcolm Cazalon, Bosnian big man Karlo Matkovic, Serbian forward Dalibor Ilic, and Bosnian center Kenan Kamenjas (all Twitter links). They’ll all retain the ability to withdraw from this year’s draft pool at a later date.
  • Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has published an update to his full, 60-pick mock draft. Having used Tankathon‘s tool to simulate the lottery results, Wasserman’s mock has the Raptors moving up to No. 2 and taking Evan Mobley, followed by the Kings nabbing Jalen Green at No. 3.
  • Kelly Iko of The Athletic spoke to former NBA scout Pete Mickeal, the creator of the Myrtle Beach International Combine, about the new pre-draft event, which is intended for prospects who may not be featured at the NBA’s official combine. It will take place from June 13-15 and will feature 40 college seniors, along with 20 international prospects.

Pete Mickeal Drawing Interest From Lakers, 76ers

Pete Mickeal has been one of the top Americans playing abroad for the last decade and NBA interest has picked up considerably for him this season, agent Happy Walters tells HoopsHype (on Twitter).  The Lakers and Sixers are among the teams that are fans of Mickeal and thinking about bringing him stateside.

Mickeal has struggled with injury last season but he's now 100% and clear to play, according to Walters (Twitter link).  However, the small forward will only sign with an NBA team if he gets a guaranteed deal (link).  A guaranteed deal could be hard to come by for the 35-year-old, but the Sixers still need to add players and salary to reach the league minimum.  Philadelphia obviously isn't in a position to contend this season, but a veteran presence could be a welcome addition for the young club.

Mickeal was drafted by the Mavs in the second round of the 2000 Draft, waived, and picked up by the Knicks, but he never saw live action thanks to injury.  He eventually wound up traveling around the globe with stints in the Philippines,  Greece, Russia, and South Korea.  He's spent the last few years with FC Barcelona, leading them to championship gold and capturing the Spanish Cup MVP last season.