P.J. Hairston is this draft’s best-kept secret, writes Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post. Hairston has already caught Knicks president Phil Jackson’s eye, and the Knicks are desperately trying to find a way into the first round in order to have a chance to grab him, notes Dempsey. But Dempsey believes that the Nuggets should consider selecting Hairston with the 11th pick, citing his lottery-level talent and the added experience of having already played in the NBA D-League.
More from way out west:
- The Suns front office is looking to build off of this past season’s success, writes Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic. Coro details a number of the options the team can explore this summer in the draft or via trades.
- Joel Embiid is the “X-Factor” in this year’s draft, and in a separate article, Coro speculates on whether or not Embiid could slide and be available when the Suns pick at No. 14.
- With Klay Thompson being discussed in multiple trade rumors, Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group examines why the Warriors are so reluctant to part with him in a deal.
- Mike Sorensen of The Deseret News looks at the options the Jazz will have with the No. 5 pick in Thursday night’s draft.