Power forward Julian Champagnie is withdrawing from the draft and returning to Saint John’s, writes ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. The 6’8 forward had bolstered his stock in the pre-draft process due to his combination of defense, athleticism and shooting, but not as much as he would have liked.
“I enjoyed the process, but I didn’t put myself in the spot I wanted to, partially because of a wrist injury I suffered early on that set me back mentally and physically,” Champagnie said. “…I am not sure exactly where I would have gotten drafted, what part of the second round. Being in that spot in the draft, I felt it wouldn’t hurt me to go back to school.”
We have more news from the draft:
- Aaron Wiggins will remain in the draft, reports ESPN’s Givony. The 6’6″ athletic forward was a standout at the G League Elite Camp and says he’s interviewed with seven NBA teams. “I’ve shown teams things they’ve never seen before,” Wiggins said. “Teams have been surprised by what I showed. I’ve loved the information and feedback I’ve received and didn’t want to wait until the last minute with my decision.”
- Kelly Iko of The Athletic profiles potential top-three pick Jalen Green. Within his story, Iko discusses Green’s path that led him to choose the G League over college, as well as his maturity in accepting guidance from the older members of his G League Ignite team. “It’s a lot of kids out here like, ‘This old dude can’t tell me nothing’ or they won’t try to listen,” teammate Bobby Brown said, referencing Green and his fellow rookies-to-be. “But they were all students of the game, all sponges.”
- EJ Onu of Shawnee State will keep his name in the draft, tweets Givony. The 6’11 center measured into the G League Elite Camp with a 7’8.5″ wingspan and shot 40% from three on 130 attempts. Onu is projected to be a mid-to-late second round pick.
- Miller Kopp has withdrawn his name from the 2021 NBA draft process, reports Jeff Goodman of Stadium. The 6’7 forward, who has played three seasons with Northwestern, is transferring to Indiana University.
- DeVante’ Jones has withdrawn from the pre-draft process and will return to school, reports Givony. Jones, a standout point guard for Coastal Carolina University, will be transferring to Michigan for his senior year.
Jalen Green could be best talent in this draft. But you can’t go wrong with Cade and Mobley. Both are unique for their position and have excellent size. Cavs can’t not F$&$ up this draft lol.
Yes they can, Anthony Bennett ring a bell?
Do you know who’s in This draft.
Basically they could take the 15th best prospect like they did when they took Bennett.
The Cavs owner can ruin anything
Not disagreeing, but the Cavs say nobody wanted to trade for the top pick.
NBA draftroom and Draft.net had Alex Len mocked #1, darn missed on him. Nerlens Noel was a popular #1 too. Bennett was #6 & #10 ranked. Olipdipo at #2 and CJ McCollum#10 were the best. Giannis later, mid-r1.
He said they can. Can’t not is a double negative, so that means they can.
If they end up with Mobley then it could end up bad for Cleveland since he needs to be in the right situation to succeed. If Green and Cade go #1/#2 and Mobley ends up going #3, they will probably push him too hard and screw up his development.
If they’re moving sexton like they seem likely to do, I doubt they go for Mobley anyway. I think they expect Houston to pick him up with a hope of getting green. Then if Houston do pick green they’ll panic and screw it up…. Again.
I don’t see anything wrong with EJ Onu. Skinny of course.
Of course?
Well he could be fat but that is not a good thing for seven foot of it and 22. He looks great on court. I don’t know why he’s an afterthought in the draft, there must be problem beyond the level of competition. The Onu highlight tapes were all just dunking and I don’t get anything from those.
If MIL is going to lose Portis, Onu would be good for their low 30s pick. Not sure they can afford Portis, Forbes and Tucker, all FA inevitable opt-outs.