One draft-related storyline worth watching on Thursday will be whether top prospects’ apparent efforts to steer themselves to – or away from – certain teams will pay off.
Appearing on 92.9FM in Memphis today, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggested that Mohamed Bamba has declined to work out for the Grizzlies, refusing to share his medicals with the team and saying openly that he’d rather not land in Memphis (Twitter link via John Martin). The Grizzlies are the only team in the top half of the lottery with a standout veteran center already on the roster, so it makes some sense that Bamba would prefer to end up elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Givony said during an appearance on Zach Lowe’s ESPN podcast that multiple top prospects may be trying to avoid the Kings (link via Dan Feldman of NBC Sports). According to Givony, Bamba, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Luka Doncic haven’t provided medical information to Sacramento. However, Marvin Bagley III – who wants to be picked as high as possible – seems to have no reservations about landing with the Kings, which may be one reason why the Bagley-to-Sacramento rumors are picking up steam this week.
Here are several more draft-related rumors:
- Givony’s latest mock draft at ESPN.com includes some interesting changes, particularly in the back half of the lottery, where Trae Young falls all the way to the Clippers at No. 12. Givony also notes that there “seems to be a significant market” for Kevin Knox in the 7-11 range.
- Jeremy Woo of SI.com has a new mock draft of his own up today, and it’s filled with intriguing tidbits. Among them: Maryland’s Kevin Huerter shut down his workouts weeks ago, and league sources tell Woo that the Lakers are the team that gave him a promise at No. 25. Whether or not that’s true, Woo doesn’t think Huerter will be available that late in the first round.
- After winning an ACB championship today with Real Madrid, Luka Doncic‘s season is over, freeing him up to attend the NBA draft this Thursday. Doncic will be present in the Green Room for the event, tweets Givony.
- Armed with four second-round picks in this year’s draft, the Sixers figure to trade at least one or two of those selections. If they do, they’d prefer future second-rounders in return rather than cash, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Appearing on ESPN Radio this week, Michael Porter Jr. said that he’s “feeling great” and that concerns about his health have been overblown. ESPN.com has the story and the quotes from the Missouri forward.
The ego of some of these kids. Inherently, teams picking in the top 5 are going to be rebuilding franchises. Suck it up and go where you’re drafted. The Bulls, Rockets, Cavs, Spurs and Mavs were teams struggling to make the finals before they lucked into drafting future HOF that turned their fortunes around and became legends of the game glorified by their local city fans. Step up to the challenge and take on the task of being the difference maker. Everybody wants to immediately play for the GSW or some other winning situation. Dirk may “only” have 1 chip but I doubt he has regrets for staying loyal to the franchise.
Steering yourself in the draft has always been a thing. Ask kobe lol
You are correct sir. But credit the alternative: Bagley is going to have one interesting career. Sacto has to go with that.
Speaking of interesting, Woo’s mock. He has CLE “pouncing” on Young (IMO maybe the best trade bait at 8, oh well).
Then, Sexton “fearless on the big stage” in NY. He would be a good complement to FrankN, & lend a good look to MSG.
Although when Givony said Knox is going in the 7 to 11 range, I thought yeah 9 to 9.
I think this kids who doesn’t wanna be picked for Sacramento for example, show they don’t believe in themselves to become franchise players that can change the future of a team, so I am loving that MBIII is got the believe he can make a difference in Sacramento, that proves to me that he is a real superstar on the making.
About Bamba not wanting Memphis is more understandable, not sure he will ever be better than Gasol, & no doubt wouldn’t be a starter unless they transfer Marc, which I think would be a good idea anyway for a rebuilding team.
Great minds… ! Posted similar.