Dereck Lively’s strong showing during the pre-draft process could make him a top-10 pick, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. The Duke center was considered to be a mid-to-late first-rounder when he declared for the draft, but sources tell Wasserman that he has been impressing teams with his shooting touch during his pro day and workouts.
Lively didn’t have a large role in the Blue Devils’ offense, averaging just 5.2 points and 3.4 field goal attempts per game. However, teams have watched his videos from high school and believe he may have potential as a stretch four. That combined with his shot-blocking ability give him the profile of a modern NBA big man.
The Wizards at No. 8 are considered the highest potential draft spot for Lively, according to Wasserman, who hears that the Mavericks at 10, Magic at 11, Thunder at 12 and Pelicans at 14 are also interested.
There are more draft rumors to pass along, all from Wasserman:
- Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson both have supporters in the Hornets‘ front office, sources tell Wasserman. Today’s planned workout and meeting with owner Michael Jordan could tip the scales on which player is selected at No. 2. Miller has been the presumed pick for several weeks, but Wasserman hasn’t been able to track down how that rumor began. Most scouts that he’s talked to see Henderson as the better player, but Charlotte has to consider who would fit best alongside LaMelo Ball.
- The Rockets‘ choice at No. 4 appears to be coming down to Amen Thompson or Cam Whitmore. Sources tell Wasserman that the team likely views Thompson as the best player available, but its confidence in landing James Harden in free agency could influence whether it wants a play-maker like Thompson or a scorer like Whitmore. The Villanova forward has been impressive during pre-draft workouts and has made the decision more difficult for Houston’s front office, Wasserman adds. Sources tell him that Thompson is still considered the more likely choice because of his fit with Jalen Green.
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper has raised his stock continuously since the draft combine and may go in the top 20, according to Wasserman’s sources. The Marquette guard has worked out for at least 16 teams, displaying defensive skills, a competitive attitude and shooting potential. Several lottery teams are interested, according to Wasserman, but they may consider trading down for him.
- Arkansas’ Anthony Black is considered to be the most likely choice for the Wizards, and sources tell Wasserman that the Jazz are expected to take Black at No. 9 if Washington passes on him.
- Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin appears to have reached lottery status, with rival teams seeing the Raptors as his floor at No. 13. Wasserman notes that Bufkin hasn’t taken part in many workouts, which could indicate that he has received a draft promise.
- Wasserman identifies Lively, Bufkin, Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino and France’s Bilal Coulibaly as players who have probably risen into the lottery, leaving Baylor’s Keyonte George and Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. as the most likely to slide into the 15-20 range.
- Belmont’s Ben Sheppard may be a target for teams looking to trade up into the middle of the first round, Wasserman adds.
- Wasserman hears that the Rockets aren’t expected to keep their pick at No. 20 and appear willing to trade it for a future first-rounder.
- Once Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick is off the board, UConn’s Jordan Hawkins will be the next target for teams in need of shooting help, according to Wasserman, who states that the Magic might consider him at No. 11.
Why do Charlotte have to consider who would fit next to Ball…?
Scoot could be better in his first year and spend more time on the court…
Betting the farm on the often injured LaMelo isn’t a position the Hornets should be in…
Not drafting Scoot could be akin to not drafting Steph Curry…
Scoot is no curry. Not even close!
Hornets get the luxury of choosing the best player and the best fit.
Have no issue with scoot or miller. They often are ranked as equals in talent but play different positions.
The stats would say scoot if inefficient player and lacks height. Has to make up for it with his talent or athletic abilities.
Miller is way better shooter and has height which wooden would say you can’t teach.
Because it is a team sport…which has better chemistry and attitude?
I like scoot attitude.
It also means that ball or scoot is playing second fiddle. Might be an issue there fit wise.
Aso nice to have depth but players don’t always see it that way. Their want super max contracts! Not a fan of handing those out.
Ball being limited by injury ….scoot is good to have but why keep ball?
Maybe hornets should flip ball?
If I get scoot, I’m thinking about flipping ball for other assets. Also wouldn’t be thinking about how to flip other players that seem to be no shows on the roster.
Hornets basically starting over with scoot.
Hornets need more picks as there is problems with this roster.
Picking scoot makes sense but also misses the mark team wise. This team has a bad foundation!
Only good for a 2k rebuild.
In reality miller is the better fit and player for the hornets. Other teams cover scoot as he would be better for them.
You didn’t even know who Steph Curry was at 18, or 19, or thought he would be the player he became when drafted at 22.
Curry grew a lot as a player at Davidson between 18-22 years of age.
Don’t think Scoot will be as prolific of a shooter, but there is a good foundation with Scoot, and I believe in him, his ability, and his work ethic that he will be a solid NBA’er.
Brandon Miller is associated with a murder, and I doubt he can fend off Scoot hometown support to be drafted by Charlotte.
I think Millers’ agent has been chumming the mercenary journalist waters since the NCAA tourney ended.
I am fairly confident Scoot will go #2, and out of shape draft workouts on Millers’ behalf is not the way to move up in the lottery if its close.
There’s always last minute jumps and drops. The trick is to figure out if it’s desperation, manipulation, or revelation.
Pelicans should trade for Henderson, Lively and lewis. Then change their name
Scoot should be the pick. I think he fits well with Melo as Melo shoots a lot of 3s and is big enough to guard wings. Plus if Charlotte is planning on resigning Miles Bridges he plays the same position as Miller & their profiles are similar.
I agree with this too. Trade for Ayton. PG, Henderson SG. Ball SF., Bridges (maybe) PF. Washington. C. Ayton.