And-Ones: Draft Interviews, Offseason, O’Bryant, Jersey Ads

Six executives around the league recalled the worst interview answers they’ve received from draft prospects in a story with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, also examining responses to character questions and insane comparisons from players.

“It’s just amazing how these guys don’t realize this is a job interview, and this isn’t a recruiting process,” one longtime executive said. “You’re not coming in here, and we’re going to tell you how good you are. That’s what trips a lot of them up.”

As Scotto examines, one executive asked a prospect during an interview if he did drugs. The player gave a surprisingly honest response to the question.

“He said he did ecstasy,” the executive said. “We asked him where he got the money for the drugs. He said, ‘They paid me to come to this school, so that’s where I got the money.’ Needless to say, he was red-flagged from our list.”

Teams naturally expect a level of honesty from prospects during pre-draft interviews. Unfortunately, some players have missed the mark on just how honest and descriptive their answers should be.

Here are some other odds and ends from around the basketball world:

• Bobby Marks of ESPN examines a number of trade and free-agency questions that could reshape the NBA this offseason. Marks explores how executives are viewing this free-agent class, the chances of Giannis Antetokounmpo staying in Milwaukee long-term, and more.
• Free agent Johnny O’Bryant has signed in Serbia with KK Crvena Zvezda, according to Sportando’s Emiliano Carchia (Twitter link). Christos Harpidis of Bet Corner News first reported (via Twitter) that the sides had reached an agreement. O’Bryant, 27, has made past NBA stops with Milwaukee, Denver and Charlotte, spending last season in Russia.
• The NBA has seen success with its jersey ad program, Jabari Young of CNBC writes. The league has generated more than $150MM from the program, with all 30 teams having entered into an agreement with a sponsor in recent years.