Baylor guard Jared Butler has been referred to a Fitness to Play panel by the NBA, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports (via Twitter) that Butler won’t be able to play or practice in the league until he’s cleared. In the short term, he’s also unable to participate in on-court elements of the pre-draft process, though he can still meet with teams and conduct off-court activities (Twitter link).
While it’s unclear what aspect of Butler’s medicals caught the NBA’s attention, the league’s Fitness to Play panels typically deal with cardiac illnesses or conditions, or issues related to blood clots and other blood disorders. Hopefully this setback is just a temporary one for precautionary reasons and Butler is cleared to get back on the court soon.
Here are a few more draft-related updates:
- Tennessee shooting guard Keon Johnson set a new record at this week’s draft combine with a 48-inch vertical leap, per the league (video link). A projected lottery pick, Johnson is considered one of the most athletic and explosive players in this year’s draft class.
- Johnson is one of 10 players that Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee identifies as possible targets for the Kings with the No. 9 overall pick. Elsewhere in the back half of the lottery, William Guillory of The Athletic names five candidates for the Pelicans at No. 10, while Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News considers the Spurs‘ options at No. 12.
- Jeremy Woo of SI.com (Twitter link) hears that Day’Ron Sharpe of North Carolina has withdrawn from the draft combine, pulling out of team interviews and not getting his measurements taken. Sharpe, ranked 31st overall by ESPN, is still expected to remain in this year’s draft pool, so his motivations for withdrawing from the combine are unclear.
- In the wake of this week’s lottery results, Jonathan Givony of ESPN (Insider link), Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic are among the draft experts who have published new 2021 mock drafts.
It seems Suggs has fallen behind Jalen Green, but Green may be 6-3 not 6-5 so that could switch again. Keon Johnson also may be 6-3 not 6-5. So I heard.
Jalen Green been ahead of Suggs since they entered hs
Then the narrative is, Suggs had his tournament-inspired moment, but that has passed.
The Cavs would like a PG that could cover 3s like Cade, but Green may not be that, pressuring a Sexton trade if drafted.
Devion Mitchell only 6-0?
Mitchell and Butler outplayed Suggs. Mitchell is listed at 6’ 2” and 205 LBs. Probably in sneakers. That’s CP3 size and heavier . He’s built like a football player. Is a real PG in the mold of Chris. Not as good but could be better defender. Excellent 2way player.
Not according to NBA scouts. I think he could be best talent in draft. But after Bron and Luka they all love Cade. Can’t go wrong with Cade. I doubt Pistons or any team has the basketballs to draft Green first. He’s going 3 to Cavs. Rockets are clueless.
48 inch vertical leap, huh? But can he shoot? Everyone is always concerned with these athletic measurements that might look good on screen, but really don’t have that much to do with being a good basketball player.
Athleticism has alot to do with being a good basketball player
Not really, not as much as is made of it anyway. They don’t determine the winner of games based on how high you jump or how fast you run or how tall you are. They determine the winner of games based on how many times the ball goes through the hoop. So putting the ball through the hoop should be the #1 priority for teams. Everything else is interesting, but when it comes down to it, it is really just trivial white noise.
Larry Bird wasn’t exactly the poster boy of athleticism, but… 3 times in a row league MVP.
Jokic ain’t exactly what you might define an athletic big, but he is the MVP…
Doncic is the coming face of the league as the best baller in the world, again not known for his athleticism…
Even your boy Ice Trae is hardly an athletic player, right?
You see, as hiflew says there are more important things that jumping, in hoops is all ’bout talent & skills.
Fundamentals are always better than athleticism!