Longtime coach Larry Brown, now serving as an assistant at the University of Memphis, believes Tigers center Jalen Duren has a bright future in the NBA, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Brown talked to Knicks general manager Scott Perry recently about Duren and teammate Josh Minott, who is projected as a second-round pick. Brown says Duren has similar skills as Heat big man Bam Adebayo.
“A lot of people compare him to Bam,’’ Brown said. “I spent time with Cal [Kentucky coach John Calipari] when Bam was there. Bam doesn’t shoot 3s either. Jalen is 3 inches taller than Bam. … I always teased him: I wanted him to be like [former Pistons center] Ben Wallace because he can run with anybody. He really can run. And can move his feet defensively.’’
The Knicks could consider Duren with the 11th pick if they’re not sure about re-signing free agent center Mitchell Robinson. There are concerns that coach Tom Thibodeau may not want to take the time to develop an 18-year-old center prospect, but Brown is convinced the wait will be worth it.
“If someone’s taking him to be starter on a playoff team, I don’t think it’s completely fair,’’ Brown said. “He’s 18. If you’re looking at a kid to develop and really be a factor, he’s the one you got to consider. … He wants to be coached. That’s important, especially with Thibs. He’ll coach him and demand things, and he’ll respond to that.’”
There’s more draft-related news to pass along:
- As a four-year college player, Kansas guard Ochai Agbaji is a rarity among potential lottery picks, notes Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. Agbaji said he’s been studying Desmond Bane, who followed the same path before succeeding with the Grizzlies. “That’s someone that I would say is similar to me game-wise. We’re both athletic, strong and can guard and make plays off the bounce, too,” Agbaji said after working out Friday for the Wizards. “He was a four-year guy, went under the radar and has his feet down in Memphis now. That’s really cool seeing that. He’s one of those guys who I saw his transition into the league.”
- TyTy Washington sat out the end of his workout with the Wizards on Saturday after banging his knee in a collision, tweets Josh Robbins of The Athletic. A team trainer checked Washington and said the knee will be OK. The Kentucky guard has also worked out for the Thunder, Knicks and Cavaliers and has upcoming sessions with the Spurs and Pelicans (Twitter link).
- Duke forward AJ Griffin will work out for the Pacers Monday, tweets James Boyd of The Indianapolis Star. Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis moved his workout with Indiana to Tuesday because of scheduling issues.
Duren is my choice at 11 for the Knicks but I think he’ll go top 10. So I think they take Williams instead
I wonder if Rockets would trade down to get Duran and a next years draft pick. Wood is staying and Duran can develop next year
I think Spurs will take Duren. But I would take him then trade Mitch. In a sign n trade. Noel and Sims can hold down the Center position. Then we can move Noel at TD. I’m very good with Duren and Sims then. Duren can be a top Center in 3-4 yrs. Absolutely agree with LB, he knows talent.
Agbaji is ready to start next yr. Like Dane he can have a big impact on a team. He’s big for his position. And is a2way player. Reminds me of Ray Allen. Like him a lot too.
Final mock draft:
1. Magic – Jabari Smith Jr
2. OKC – Chet Holmgren
3. Rockets – Paolo Banchero
4. Kings – Keegan Murray
5. Pistons – Jaden Ivey
6. Pacers – AJ Griffin
7. Blazers – Dyson Daniels
8. Pelicans – Shaedon Sharpe
9. Spurs – Benedict Mathurin
10. Wizards – Jalen Duren
11. Knicks – Mark Williams
12. OKC – Jeremy Sochan
13. Hornets (traded Jazz) – Ousmane Deing
14. Cavs – Johnny Davis
15. Hornets (traded Jazz) – Tari Eason
16. Hawks (traded Suns) – Ochai Agbaji
17. Rockets – Malakai Branham
18. Bulls – Walker Kessler
19. TWolves – Kennedy Chandler
20. Spurs – EJ Liddell
21. Nuggets – MarJon Beuchamp
22. Grizzlies – Kendall Brown
23. Sixers – Wendell Moore
24. Bucks – Tyty Washington
25. Spurs – Nikola Jovic (stash)
26. Mavs – Jalen Williams
27. Heat – Jake LaRiva
28. Grizzlies – Christian Braun
29. GSW – Andrew Nembhard
30. OKC- Patrick Baldwin Jr
Notable second round picks
32. Magic – Jaden Hardy
50. Pelicans – Jean Montero
51. GSW – Johnny Juzang
59. Portland – Orlando Robinson
60. Pacers – Kenneth Lofton Jr
Winners- Magic, OKC, Pelicans, Hawks, Sixers and Bucks.
Losers-Spurs, Knicks and Rockets
Final ha! Very confident.
You might want to put a guard in the WAS slot.