Due in large part to his obligations with the Australian national team, Josh Giddey hasn’t worked out for any NBA clubs leading up to the draft, tweets James Ham of NBC Sports California. Giddey has been limited to interviews during the pre-draft process. The 6’8″ guard is still viewed as a potential lottery pick, however, ranking 11th on ESPN’s big board.
Here are a few more draft-related notes:
- Kentucky center Isaiah Jackson told reporters today that he has worked out for the Hawks, Nets, Kings, Thunder, Rockets, and Spurs, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic (Twitter link). He also confirmed that he auditioned for New York, Indiana, and Charlotte, as was previously reported.
- Rokas Jokubaitis, one of eight international early entrants who kept his name in the 2021 NBA draft, signed a four-year contract with Barcelona this week, as Alessandro Maggi of Sportando relays. As a BasketNews.com report explains, an NBA team could still draft Jokubaitis and bring him stateside immediately, but would have to pay a $750K buyout to his old team, Zalgiris Kaunas. If he remains in Europe, Barcelona would pay Zalgiris Kaunas a more modest buyout.
- Sam Vecenie of The Athletic takes a look at each team’s biggest need, then considers which prospects each club should target with its first draft pick to address that need.
- Several coaches and executives at various levels (NBA, G League, and college) shared their thoughts on a handful of draft prospects with David Aldridge of The Athletic. Among the topics Aldridge explored: The Scottie Barnes vs. Jonathan Kuminga debate — the two forwards are the best bets to be drafted fifth and sixth overall in some order, and both have fans among NBA executives.
It’ll be very interesting to see how Kuminga & Barnes do in the league, especially in comparison to each other. I definitely feel like Kuminga is a better fit for Orlando both now & long-term tho. He’s a much better scorer & Orlando is a team that definitely could use a big time scorer. Kuminga has potential to be a #1 scoring option when he’s in his prime. Barnes brings a lot to the table but Orlando has a couple of young versatile defensive minded forwards & plenty of table setters. They need a creative 3 level scorer like Kuminga way more
This is true, but ORL may not want to set themselves up to win “too many” games. They have already embraced the tank, whether the word tank was used or not.
Barnes a)has the length the GM likes, b)attaches the team to a larger driving-distance fan base, 3)may take time to find his position which ORL can offer, 4)has lately been on the rise, and 5)comes from a BB factory at FSU while Kuminga’s path is less known. Less certainly, 6)it will be easier to convince Barnes his shot needs fixed (he must know it).
On Kuminga’s side, he looks like a scorer, unlike Barnes. I guess it is assumed a pro staff will fix it. College 94-foot-type players do not not have a good record of success in the NBA.
Orlando embraced tanking this season when they traded their best players but going forward they’re definitely gonna try to win as many games as possible. Next season the primary focus will probably be development but they got 2 top10 picks in this draft to go along with Markelle, RJ, Cole, Chuma, Isaac, Wendell & Bamba. They’re gonna be good as far as young talent, no real need to tank any more. And tbh Barnes is just as NBA ready as Kuminga, they just bring 2 different skillsets & Kuminga is a better fit for Orlando. And as far as the paths they took, Barnes is def more known to the average fan bc the average fan is more likely to watch ACC than the G-League. But to NBA guys Kuminga is more known bc he was coached by NBA guys, played against NBA guys & was in a pro setting in front of NBA scouts all yr
Orlando won’t have any trouble losing at least 55-60 games next year.
Kuminga last year played solid in the G league getting points and rebounds with relative ease. He needs to be more efficient shooting the ball and continue to develop to reach his full potential.
But I like the fact he went to the G League against men as a kid and did alright, that gives me confidence he can come into the league and have a role straight away.
Scottie Barnes on the other hand, was a 5 star recruit, struggled to get the ball in the hoop unless it was a dunk or lay up. He was also poor from the FT line. There is no doubting he has great potential but jumping up to the NBA could be an struggle. He’s going to take time to develop but once ready he could be scary good.
I think Kuminga makes more sense for the Magic and Barnes more sense for the Thunder. Kuminga and Issac sound like an excellent duo together. As does SGA and Barnes, but I’m sure the Thunder don’t really mind out of either prospect.
Kuminga struggled from the ft line as well and has fg% worries amongst the league from what I hear
I wouldn’t be surprised if he slipped to 8th and Orl likes both but takes Barnes at 5 knowing he would NOT slip to 8 and end up w BOTH !
Not a chance he slips that far. He played against men and averaged 16-7 whereas Barnes played boys and struggled his way to 11-5
Too true, too true Russ!!!
Folks forget that Kuminga has done it already at the pro level against men… Barnes didn’t do much at all against kids… I would take Kuminga every day of the week & twice on Sundays before Barnes… as a matter of fact I would take Kuminga no lower than #2-3!
Barnes is raw. Nowhere near where Kuminga is now. Kuminga is a definite all star one day. Scottie may never be one. Or could develop his offense and be a force. I’ve not scouted him. But who ever drafts him better have. Cause I take Kuminga every day. He’s a sure thing, a big three. Who’s shooting can easily improve. Barnes didn’t even start for his college team. So all you internet scouts, I want to see you in a year.
There are several players who didn’t start for their team in college who are having success in the NBA…for example one named Devin Booker
Jackson is someone who can replace Noel. He can also play PF and small ball center. Would love to get him with our second pick. Cause it seems he’s moving up. I wouldn’t mind Bassey with our 32 pick either. He’s a nice change to Mitch. We will need to draft a big.
Really hoping for Jackson to be drafted by OKC with either the 16th or 18th pick assuming they don’t trade the picks