2017 NBA Draft Rumors | Hoops Rumors

OG Anunoby To Enter 2017 NBA Draft

April 10th, 2017 at 8:03am CST by Luke Adams

Indiana small forward OG Anunoby is set to enter the 2017 NBA draft, a source tells Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports. According to Rothstein, who notes that an official announcement should come soon, Anunoby will hire an agent, forgoing his remaining NCAA eligibility.

Anunoby’s sophomore season with the Hoosiers was cut short when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in January. However, the injury doesn’t appear to have significantly affected Anunoby’s draft stock. He still ranks 14th overall on DraftExpress’ big board, and 15th on ESPN’s top 100 list.

Before he went down in January, the 19-year-old forward was averaging 11.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.3 BPG, and 1.3 SPG in 16 games for Indiana. Although he was shooting an impressive 55.7% from the field, Anunoby’s overall shooting percentage was dragged down by a 3PT% of just .311. Still, he’s a very strong defender who is capable of contributing in a number of different ways on the court.

According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Anunoby projects as a probable mid-first-rounder in June if NBA teams are comfortable about how his knee is recovering. If it looks like he may miss a significant chunk of his rookie season, Anunoby could slip a little further, but Ford still expects him to be a first-round pick, noting that his “talent level as a two-way player is off the charts.” Ford had the Indiana sophomore going 15th overall to the Pacers in his latest mock draft.

Purdue’s Vince Edwards Tests Draft Waters

April 7th, 2017 at 2:52pm CST by Luke Adams

Purdue small forward Vince Edwards has decided to enter his name in the 2017 NBA draft pool, according to an announcement from the school. Edwards won’t hire an agent immediately, giving him the opportunity to withdraw his name before the May 24 deadline and return to the Boilermakers for his senior year.

Edwards, who also tested the draft waters a year ago before eventually heading back to Purdue, enjoyed a solid junior season in 2016/17, averaging 12.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 3.2 APG, with career-high shooting percentages of .486/.423/.820. Although he was somewhat overshadowed by teammate Caleb Swanigan, who declared for the draft this week too, Edwards is considered a solid prospect in his own right.

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress and Chad Ford of ESPN.com both have Edwards on their top 100 lists, with the 21-year-old coming in at No. 87 on DraftExpress and No. 98 on ESPN. According to Ford, Edwards will be on the second-round bubble if he remains in the draft, with a solid showing in this year’s NCAA tournament helping to boost his stock a little.

Our full list of early entrants for the 2017 NBA draft can be found right here.

Draft Notes: Robinson, Blackmon, Clark, Sina

April 7th, 2017 at 10:13am CST by Luke Adams

With the NCAA tournament over and the deadline for early-entry candidates inching closer, we can expect to hear word of more underclassmen declaring their intent to test the draft waters in the coming weeks. A year ago, 162 players initially entered the draft before more than half of them withdrew their names. This year, we’re almost halfway to 162, with plenty more to come.

With all sorts of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors putting their names into the draft pool, we don’t want to let any slip through the cracks, so here’s the latest round-up of early entrant news, including a couple reports from last week:

Florida forward Devin Robinson has opted to enter the draft without hiring an agent, giving him the option of returning to the Gators for his senior year, according to Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun. Robinson, the 38th-ranked prospect on DraftExpress’ big board, is leaning toward going pro, but will make his decision after getting feedback in the coming weeks, says Dooley.
Indiana junior guard James Blackmon Jr., who ranks 15th among Big Ten prospects according to DraftExpress, will test the draft waters. As Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star reports, Blackmon has decided to enter the draft but won’t hire an agent. That will give him the option to withdraw his name, as he did a year ago after testing the waters.
UMass junior swingman Donte Clark has declared for the draft, but will also put off hiring an agent in order to retain his NCAA eligibility for now, writes Matt Vautour of The Daily Hampshire Gazette. As Clark explains, he’ll make his draft decision first, then will decide whether to return to UMass for one more year or transfer to another program.
Jaren Sina, a junior guard at George Washington, has decided to turn pro and will be represented by agent Misko Raznatovic, a source tells Sportando. Sina isn’t considered a top prospect by draft experts, but given his choice of agents, he likely intends to play international ball.

Draft Notes: Ball, Fultz, Boatwright, Freudenberg

April 6th, 2017 at 6:46pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Potential top pick Lonzo Ball has hired Harrison Gaines as his agent, league sources told Shams Charania of The Vertical. It’s a curious choice, given that Gaines has no other NBA clients. However, Gaines will join Ball Sports Group, a new company created by Ball’s outspoken father, LaVar. The UCLA freshman point guard averaged 14.3 PPG, 6.7 APG and 4.7 RPG in his one-and-done season.

In other draft news:

Ball and Washington freshman guard Markelle Fultz are in a virtual dead-heat to be the top pick, according to ESPN Insider Chad Ford. Speaking to executives and scouts from potential lottery teams, Ford determined that the Celtics, Magic, 76ers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Hornets and Pacers are more likely to select Fultz, while the Suns, Lakers, Pistons, Kings, Mavericks, Pelicans, and Nuggets appear to be leaning toward Ball. Kansas forward Josh Jackson and Duke forward Jayson Tatum could also jump into the picture after the lottery results are revealed and the winning team makes its final evaluation, Ford adds.
USC sophomore Bennie Boatwright will test the draft waters but not hire an agent, according to the Trojans’ twitter feed. The 6’10” Boatwright averaged 15.1 PPG and 4.5 RPG during his sophomore campaign, including 18.0 PPG in three NCAA Tournament games. He’s ranked as the No. 75 overall prospect by Ford but does not appear on the DraftExpress Top 100.
St. John’s forward Richard Freudenberg will return to Europe to pursue professional opportunities, Zach Braziller of the New York Post tweets. Freudenberg, a German native, averaged just 1.3 PPG and 1.3 RPG in his lone college season.

Luke Kennard Declares For 2017 NBA Draft

April 6th, 2017 at 1:46pm CST by Luke Adams

Duke shooting guard Luke Kennard has elected to enter the 2017 NBA draft, the school announced today (Twitter link). The sophomore will hire an agent, forgoing his remaining years of NCAA eligibility.

[RELATED: 2017 NBA Draft Early Entrants List]

Although Kennard didn’t have a great performance in this year’s NCAA tournament, he enjoyed an excellent second season at Duke overall, increasing his production across the board after a solid freshman year. The 20-year-old racked up 19.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 2.5 APG on .489/.438/.856 shooting in 2016/17.

Kennard ranks as the 21st-best prospect on Jonathan Givony’s big board at DraftExpress.com, with Chad Ford placing him at No. 32 on ESPN’s top 100. Ford views Kennard as a potential first-round pick, noting that the Blue Devils guard is a great outside shooter in a draft class that isn’t necessarily packed with great outside shooters.

Duke continues to wait on a decision from Grayson Allen, who may also opt to leave school early and enter the draft. However, ESPN’s Jeff Goodman tweets that he recently heard there’s a “decent chance” of Allen remaining with the Blue Devils for another year.

Kentucky’s Isaiah Briscoe Enters 2017 NBA Draft

April 6th, 2017 at 9:57am CST by Luke Adams

Kentucky sophomore Isaiah Briscoe has become the fourth UK underclassman to enter this year’s draft, with the school announcing today in a press release that Briscoe will go pro. Like his teammates De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, Briscoe intends to sign with an agent. Kentucky big man Bam Adebayo will test the draft waters without hiring representation.

“Thank you to my brothers. We’ve been through so much together and accomplished even more,” Briscoe said in a statement after thanking his coaches at Kentucky. “Thank you to my family and friends. Without your support, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

“It was a dream to play in front of BBN and an honor to wear K-E-N-T-U-C-K-Y across my chest. I’m ready for the next step and can’t wait to begin the next journey.”

A 6’3″ guard, Briscoe ranks 86th on Jonathan Givony’s big board at DraftExpress.com, while ESPN’s Chad Ford places him just outside his top 100 list, at No. 105. Briscoe, who will turn 21 next week, averaged 12.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG in his second season with the Wildcats, though he continued to struggle with his outside shot. After making just 13.5% of his long-distance attempts in his freshman year, the New Jersey native improved his three-point percentage in 2016/17, but only to a modest 28.8%.

While Briscoe returned to Kentucky a year ago after testing the draft waters, hiring an agent this time around will mean forgoing his remaining NCAA eligibility.

Draft Notes: Simmons, Fultz, Fox, Evans

April 5th, 2017 at 10:05pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Kobi Simmons has declared for the draft and won’t return to Arizona, according to journalist Adam Zagoria (Twitter link).

“Kobi Simmons, with the support of his family, has decided to declare for the 2017 NBA Draft,” Wildcats coach Sean Miller said. “All of us here at Arizona thank him for his freshman season and wish him continued success as he pursues his professional career.”

The 6’5″ guard hired Aaron Turner of Verus Team Management to be his agent, Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com tweets. Goodman adds that Simmons will work out for teams as a point guard. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express has Simmons as the 67th best prospect in the draft.

Here’s more on the upcoming draft:

Markelle Fultz, who attended Tuesday’s Sixers game, wouldn’t mind playing for Philadelphia, Jordan Hall of Comcast Sportsnet relays. “I think it would be a great atmosphere, so it would be cool,” Fultz said of playing home games at the Sixers’ home arena. The former Washington guard, who said he believes he’ll be the first player to come off the board in June, added: “I always trust the process.”
De’Aaron Fox has chosen an agent. He’ll be represented by Happy Walters of Catalyst Sports, Givony reports (Twitter link).
Jawun Evans will be represented by ASM Sports, according to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders (Twitter link). Chad Ford of ESPN.com ranks the Oklahoma State product 37th among this year’s prospect.
ASM has also signed Xavier’s Edmond Sumner and Clemson’s Jaron Blossomgame, Daniels reports (Twitter link).
Fred Sims of Chicago State has declared for the draft, Goodman reports (Twitter link). Sims is currently not ranked by Draft Express.

Justin Patton To Enter Draft

April 5th, 2017 at 7:36pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Creighton’s Justin Patton will enter the 2017 draft and hire an agent, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. Patton has signed with ASM Sports, Evan Daniels of Scouts.com tweets.

Wojnarowski hears from multiple NBA executives that Patton could be a top-10 pick. He’s the 17th best prospect according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, while Chad Ford of ESPN.com has him as 18th.

Ford calls Patton a “major work in progress” in his latest mock draft. He has the Blazers nabbing the freshman with the No.18 overall pick.

Patton averaged 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. The big man sported a 25.3 player efficiency rating.

Draft Updates: Fall, Adams, Egbunu, Ilic, Arar

April 5th, 2017 at 12:21pm CST by Luke Adams

UCF sophomore Tacko Fall has decided to test the draft waters, announcing today (via Twitter) that he’ll enter his name into the draft pool without initially hiring an agent. Fall will have until May 24 to get a sense of his draft value and make a decision on whether or not to return to school for his junior year.

A 7’6″ center from Senegal with an eight-foot wingspan, Fall has earned a spot on DraftExpress’ big board, coming in at No. 96 on the site’s top 100 list. The 21-year-old ranks 112th on Chad Ford’s ESPN board. Fall remains a raw prospect, but nearly averaged a double-double in his second year at UCF, finishing the season with 10.9 PPG and 9.5 RPG to go along with a .715 FG%.

Here are a few more draft-related updates:

Ford’s fourth mock draft is up at ESPN.com (Insider link), and there aren’t many changes at the top — Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Jackson are still the first three prospects to come off the board. Still, there are a few interesting picks further down in Ford’s mock, including the Trail Blazers snagging multiple international players.
For agents who represent NBA players, this is one of the most interesting times of year, as they look to lock up potential lottery picks. Sean Deveney of The Sporting News has some details on which agencies this year’s top prospects are choosing for representation.
St. Bonaventure junior guard Jaylen Adams has opted to declare for the 2017 draft without hiring an agent, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (Twitter link). Meanwhile, Florida head coach Mike White said this week that he anticipates junior center John Egbunu will also test the draft waters. Neither player is on DraftExpress’ top 100 list, though Egbunu ranks 24th on the site’s list of juniors.
A pair of international prospects have entered the draft, according to agent Misko Raznatovic, who tweets that Buducnost power forward Aleksa Ilic and Galatasaray big man Ege Arar will go through the process. Both players were born in 1996.

Bam Adebayo, Caleb Swanigan Testing Draft Waters

April 5th, 2017 at 9:27am CST by Luke Adams

A pair of college big men who could be first-round picks in this June’s draft will enter their names without hiring an agent, according to a pair of Wednesday announcements. The University of Kentucky confirmed that freshman Bam Adebayo will test the draft waters, while Nathan Baird of The Journal & Courier writes that Purdue sophomore Caleb Swanigan will do the same.

Adebayo, who is the third UK prospect to declare for this year’s draft, following in the footsteps of teammates De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, is ranked as the 19th-best prospect on Chad Ford’s big board at ESPN.com and comes in at No. 30 on Jonathan Givony’s top 100 list at DraftExpress.com. In his first – and possibly only – season with Kentucky, the 6’9″ PF/C averaged 13.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 1.5 BPG, shooting 59.9% from the floor.

In his analysis of Adebayo’s draft prospects, Ford notes that the 19-year-old’s inconsistency is worrisome for some scouts, but the ESPN draft guru believes the big man will come off the board between picks 15 and 25 if he stays in this year’s draft. Still, if he stays in school another year and has a more consistent sophomore season, he has the upside to become a top-10 pick in 2018, says Ford.

As for Swanigan, the sophomore power forward ranks a little lower on both ESPN’s and DraftExpress’ big boards, coming in at 28th and 32nd respectively. Swanigan enjoyed a breakout sophomore year with the Boilermakers, averaging 18.5 PPG and 12.5 RPG while boosting his 3PT% to .447. According to Ford, the 19-year-old is viewed as one of the most “complete” players in the NCAA this season, and could go in the 20s if he stays in the draft, though he’s not a first-round lock.

Both Adebayo and Swanigan will have until May 24 to withdraw their names from the draft pool and retain their NCAA eligibility.