Tyty Washington Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Northwest Notes: Gobert, Snyder, Nuggets, Jovic

June 11th, 2022 at 12:59pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

With the Jazz seemingly ready to shake up their roster following yet another underwhelming postseason appearance, All-Star center Rudy Gobert could be made available in a trade. Tony Jones and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic assess the potential fit of Gobert on the Hawks, and what a hypothetical deal could cost Atlanta.

Jones opines that rim-rolling Hawks center Clint Capela has been a great fit with Atlanta. While he may not be at the level of Gobert as an all-around player, he is on a considerably more team-friendly contract. Kirschner notes that Gobert, a four-time All-NBA honoree and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, would be an obvious improvement at the position, and could help a defensively-challenged Hawks club upgrade on that end overall.

The duo discusses their hypothetical framework for a trade package. Multiple deals are posited that include Capela, draft compensation, and either guard Bogdan Bogdanovic or promising young forward De’Andre Hunter. On the Hawks side, Danilo Gallinari and John Collins are also considered as potential alternate trade candidates.

There’s more out of the Northwest Division:

Jazz head coach Quin Snyder kicked off a potential summer of upheaval for Utah when he opted to leave the club he had coached for eight seasons earlier this week. Eric Walden and Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune take a deep dive into Snyder’s departure. Snyder – who oversaw a lot of the team’s development during his tenure, including the design of their practice facility – made a list of pros and cons before ultimately deciding to depart.
After struggling defensively this season, the Nuggets may target players to help shore up their perimeter defense in the draft. Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports identifies seven wing prospects for Denver in the 2022 draft. Mike Singer of the Denver Post also explores five point guard prospects the Nuggets may consider as options behind current reserve point guard Monte Morris, including Kentucky guard TyTy Washington Jr., Overtime Elite guard Jean Montero, and Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard.
6’10” wing prospect Nikola Jovic, currently with KK Mega Basket, could be available for the Nuggets when they make their selection in the 2022 draft with the No. 21 pick. After undergoing a Friday workout with Denver, the 19-year-old Serbian NBA prospect discussed the session with the Nuggets and the impact of Denver’s reigning two-time MVP, Serbian legend Nikola Jokic, per Kyle Fredrickson of the Denver Post. “I showed a little bit of everything,” Jovic said. “A little bit of my shot. A little bit of my passing skills. Guard skills. Low-post skills,” Jovic said. “I see myself as a guy who always knows what the coach wants me to do on the court.” Jovic also spoke about Jokic’s impact in their homeland: “For (Jokic) to be the two-time MVP, all the kids now, everybody wants to play basketball. Everyone is up late to watch him.”

Central Notes: Ibaka, Bucks, Branham, Pacers

June 11th, 2022 at 11:40am CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Despite some chatter out of Europe regarding his future, veteran Bucks big man Serge Ibaka, an unrestricted free agent this summer, intends to remain in the NBA next season, per Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.

Carchia notes that Italian EuroLeague club Virtus Bologna, winners of the 2021 Italian Serie A, would be interested in adding Ibaka, but the team has not made any formal outreach to the 32-year-old. Before joining the NBA for the 2009/10 season, Ibaka played for two Spanish pro clubs: Bàsquet Manresa and EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid.

Last year while with the Clippers and Bucks, Ibaka posted his most modest numbers since his 2009/10 rookie season with the Thunder. For the regular season, the 6’10” power forward/center averaged 6.8 PPG and 4.6 RPG across 16.2 MPG.

Ibaka, a former three-time All-Defensive Team selection and a champion with the Raptors in 2019, played even more minimally in the postseason for Milwaukee. He appeared in only six of the Bucks’ 12 playoff contests this year, averaging 1.5 PPG and 1.7 RPG in just 3.7 MPG when he did play.

There’s more out of the Central Division:

The Bucks may look to the upcoming draft to build out their bench depth for the 2022/23 season. Eric Nehm of The Athletic assesses four point guard prospects who could fit for Milwaukee behind 2022 All-Defensive Second Teamer Jrue Holiday: Kentucky guard TyTy Washington, G League Ignite guard Jaden Hardy, Tennessee freshman Kennedy Chandler, and 6’7″ Arizona prospect Dalen Terry.
An ankle sprain prevented Ohio State guard Malaki Branham from participating in a group workout with the Cavaliers, but the team was nevertheless intrigued by the NBA prospect following a dinner, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (Twitter link). Fedor adds (via Twitter) that Cleveland intends to bring Branham back to its facilities for a healthy workout ahead of the June 23 draft.
Due to a flight delay, three prospects missed their group workout with the Pacers on Friday, tweets Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files. Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan, Iraurgi Saski Baloia shooting guard Pavel Savkov and Urbas Fuenlabrada guard Ziga Samar were not able to participate in a team workout that also included G League Ignite prospect Dyson Daniels, Oklahoma guard Kameron McGusty and Villanova forward Jermaine Samuels. Given that most prospects have fairly busy schedules leading up to the draft, it is unclear whether this triumvirate’s Pacers workout will be rescheduled.

Southeast Draft Notes: Beauchamp, Agbaji, Daniels, Washington, Devoe, Toney

June 9th, 2022 at 9:03pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Projected first round prospects MarJon Beauchamp (G League Ignite) and Ochai Agbaji (Kansas) are among the players visiting the Wizards on Friday, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington tweets. Beauchamp is ranked No. 23 on ESPN’s Best Available list, while Agbaji sits at No. 16. Washington holds the No. 10 selection. Ryan Allen (Delaware), Michael Devoe (Georgia Tech), Brady Manek (North Carolina) and Cole Swider (Syracuse) will also work out.

We have more draft-related notes for the Southeast Division:

Dyson Daniels (G League Ignite) and TyTy Washington (Kentucky) also plan to visit the Wizards in the coming days, Hughes adds in a separate tweet. Daniels is ranked No. 6 by ESPN with Washington at No. 17.
Michael Devoe was among the prospects who visited the Hornets on Thursday, the team tweets. Dominick Barlow (Overtime Elite), Garrison Brooks (Mississippi State), John Butler (Florida State), Mitch Lightfoot (Kansas) and Iverson Molinar (Mississippi State) joined Devoe in Charlotte.
Au’Diese Toney (Arkansas) replaced Wendell Moore (Duke) in the Hawks’ workout on Thursday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic tweets.

Draft Rumors: Magic, Smith, Pacers, Sharpe, Jovic, More

June 6th, 2022 at 1:17pm CST by Luke Adams

Echoing what ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported last month, Jeremy Woo of SI.com says the “general expectation” around the league is that Jabari Smith is the favorite to be picked first overall by the Magic in the 2022 NBA draft. Woo notes that Orlando is doing its due diligence on several prospects at the top of this year’s draft class, but his “gut feeling” is that the team will ultimately land on Smith.

Woo’s latest mock draft for SI.com includes several other interesting tidbits. Here are a few highlights:

Keegan Murray and Jaden Ivey are the two prospects most frequently linked to the Pacers by rival teams, though it’s unclear if either of them will still be available when Indiana picks at No. 6, Woo writes, adding that No. 6 appears to be Murray’s floor.
Shaedon Sharpe earned some buzz at last month’s draft combine, but “some of that excitement has turned to trepidation” since teams left Chicago, according to Woo who suggests that Sharpe’s individual workouts will go a long way toward determining how he’s regarded by lottery teams.
Woo has heard that Serbian wing Nikola Jovic would like to come to the NBA right away, so he won’t necessarily be a draft-and-stash pick.
Some people around the NBA believe the Thunder may look to package their No. 12 pick and a future pick or two to acquire a second top-10 selection, says Woo. Oklahoma City also controls the second overall pick.
Rival teams believe the Knicks will likely target a point guard or a big man at No. 11, per Woo, who believes it’s possible both Mark Williams and Jalen Duren will be available at that spot. TyTy Washington‘s name has also come up in Woo’s conversations as a player to watch at No. 11.Washington worked out on Monday for the Knicks and told reporters, including Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter link) that he also workouts on tap with the Pelicans (No. 8), Spurs (No. 9), Wizards (No. 10), and Cavaliers (No. 14).

Northwest Notes: Snyder, Trail Blazers, Sochan, Washington

June 4th, 2022 at 7:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

Coach Quin Snyder’s differences with the Jazz are about more than money, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said in an appearance on the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast. An ESPN report this week stated that Snyder and the team haven’t been able to reach an agreement on a contract extension, and MacMahon clarified that it’s not because the team is unwilling to make a competitive offer.

“There’s an extension offered that’s still on the table,” MacMahon said. “I don’t have exact terms of it, but it would put him up there with the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. It’s an offer that is reflective of the quality of his work.”

The Jazz are also providing Snyder with the choice of continuing under his current contract, which runs through the end of next season and gives him an option for the 2023/24 season, and working things out year by year. MacMahon adds that his “informed speculation” is that Snyder will leave the team at some point this offseason and will likely take a year off from coaching.

There’s more from the Northwest Division:

The timing of the ESPN story this week could have been a strategy to push negotiations toward a conclusion, speculates Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. He adds that the issues involved likely center around whether the Jazz plan to remain a contender or embark on a rebuilding project. Larsen also believes there are talks about whether Snyder will officially be given a say in front office decisions and how much control management will have over the day-to-day operations of the team.
Although the Trail Blazers aren’t currently for sale, the team could wind up being auctioned off because it is part of the Paul G. Allen Trust, which is being managed by his sister, Jody Allen, tweets Scott Soshnick of Sportico. Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Dodgers co-owner Alan Smolinisky recently submitted a bid of more than $2 billion for the team.
Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan had a pre-draft workout with the Thunder today, tweets Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. Kentucky point TyTy Washington had a session with the Thunder on Friday and will work out for the Hawks on Sunday, according to Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog (Twitter link). OKC owns three first-round picks and may be considering both players at No. 12.

Southeast Notes: Magic, Hornets, “Shadow Heat,” Bam

May 29th, 2022 at 3:11pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

The Magic, owners of the top pick as well as the Nos. 32 and 35 selections in the 2022 draft, interviewed a variety of players at the pre-draft combine, have hosted several prospects for pre-draft workouts, and are expected to host several others as they do their due diligence with an eye towards the future.

Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel lists all the players the Magic are doing their homework on, including Duke guard Trevor Keels, Iowa forward Keegan Murray, Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan, Kentucky guard TyTy Washington Jr., and more.

There’s more out of the Southeast Division:

The Hornets, who possess the Nos. 13 and 15 picks in the upcoming draft, are hosting UT-Arlington forward Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Gonzaga guard Rasir Bolton, LSU forward Tari Eason, North Carolina State guard Terquavion Smith, SMU forward Marcus Weathers, and Connecticut forward Isaiah Whaley for a pre-draft workout today, per Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link).
The Heat‘s young deep-bench players, a.k.a. the “Shadow Heat,” are gearing up for a summer of development, writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Winderman notes that the Miami front office brain trust of Pat Riley, Andy Elisburg, and Adam Simon have made it a habit to add intriguing youngsters near the end of the regular season, letting them work out with the team during the end of the year and the postseason ahead of hopeful Summer League success. The Heat have hit on solid role players this way in the past, and hope to do so again with Haywood Highsmith and two-way players Mychal Mulder and Javonte Smart. That trio has been traveling with the club as it continues its playoff run. “I think that gives you invaluable experience, any time you can be a part of a playoff run,” said Heat reserve center Omer Yurtseven, who underwent a similar late-season development process last year.
Though Heat All-Defensive Team center Bam Adebayo has had a relatively modest offensive output in the team’s Eastern Conference Finals series against the Celtics thus far, the team assesses his production beyond just the box score, writes Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Adebayo is averaging just 13.3 PPG in the series.

Cavaliers Rumors: Sexton, LeVert, Trade Targets, More

May 26th, 2022 at 12:52pm CST by Rory Maher

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently spoke to Michael Scotto about a number of Cavaliers-related topics for the latest edition of the HoopsHype podcast.

Guard Collin Sexton, whose season ended prematurely after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee just 11 games into the season, will be an interesting player to watch this summer. Sexton will be a restricted free agent once Cleveland tenders him a $7,228,449 qualifying offer. As a restricted free agent, the Cavs will have the ability to match any offer sheet for the 23-year-old, and since he’s coming off an injury and not many teams will have cap space to spend on free agents, a reunion seems likely.

When the Cavs were discussing a rookie scale extension with Sexton’s representatives last summer, the two sides floated a contract similar to the one Bogdan Bogdanovic received from Atlanta, which was four years and $72MM (with a player option in the final season), sources tell Fedor. However, he hears that the Cavs value Sexton in the $15-18MM per year range, while Sexton is seeking something closer to $18-22MM annually.

Although Sexton has undoubtedly been productive on the offense end, averaging 24.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG and 4.4 APG on .475/.371/.815 shooting in 2020/21, Fedor notes that there were questions about Sexton’s fit entering ’21/22, and his injury and the team’s success without him didn’t help his case. Given that he’s a 6’1″ shooting guard and a subpar defender, some teams view the former No. 8 pick as more of a sixth man than a starter, which could hurt his leverage in contract negotiations.

Scotto wonders if the Knicks or Wizards might be interested in Sexton, noting that both teams are looking for guards, but neither team has cap space. As Fedor previously reported, he hears that Cleveland has been curious if the Pistons might pursue Sexton, but sources tell Fedor that the Cavaliers don’t believe any team will end up offering him $20MM+ per season.

Here’s more from Scotto and Fedor:

Both the Cavs and Caris LeVert have expressed interest in reaching an extension this summer, and league executives tell Scotto that a shorter deal in the $19-21MM range might make sense for both sides. However, as Fedor observes, LeVert will be on an expiring $18.8MM contract in ’22/23, so if the Cavs don’t like the types of numbers Levert’s agents are throwing out, they could just wait it out and perhaps use him as trade bait next season.
Kevin Love improved his trade stock after a bounce-back, healthy season, and both Scotto and Fedor believe that his $28.9MM contract could be used as a trade chip if the team opts to pursue higher-paid veterans.
Noting Cleveland needs two-way wing scorers and a solid backup point guard for Darius Garland, Fedor hears the Cavs are interested in a number of veterans as potential trade targets: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bojan Bogdanovic, Gordon Hayward, Tobias Harris, Harrison Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Jerami Grant, Aaron Gordon, Andrew Wiggins, and Mike Conley.
Although there’s mutual interest in a reunion with Ricky Rubio, Fedor says money could become an obstacle to a deal being completed. Rubio is likely to miss at least a portion of next season after suffering a second torn ACL in his left knee in December, and using the mid-level exception to sign him would reduce the club’s flexibility while still leaving a hole on the roster until he returns.
Sources tell Fedor that if a deal with Rubio doesn’t come to fruition, the Cavs would be very open to using their full mid-level to sign Grizzlies backup point guard Tyus Jones, assuming Memphis lets him walk in free agency and he’s unable to get more money elsewhere. Other guards Cleveland might look into in free agency are Delon Wright, Goran Dragic, and Raul Neto. If the Cavs pivot to a wing/forward, Kyle Anderson, Jeremy Lamb, and T.J. Warren are possibilities, according to Fedor.
For potential draft candidates with the No. 14 pick, Fedor hears the Cavs are fans of Malaki Branham, Johnny Davis, Bennedict Mathurin, Tari Eason, TyTy Washington, and Jeremy Sochan. Those players range from Nos. 9-18 on ESPN’s big board, so some might not be available at 14.

Draft Notes: Jackson-Davis, Washington, Delph, Williamson

May 19th, 2022 at 10:13pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis tested positive for COVID-19 and did not attend the Draft Combine this week in Chicago, James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star reports.

Jackson-Davis declared for the draft in April while maintaining his college eligibility. He averaged 18.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG and 2.3 BPG last season. Jackson-Davis is currently listed at No. 66 on ESPN’s Best Available list.

We have more draft-related notes:

Kentucky’s TyTy Washington, who is participating at the combine, says he’ll work out for the Spurs and Pelicans, Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com tweets. The point guard is a potential lottery pick — he’s at No. 16 on ESPN’s list. San Antonio owns picks at No. 9, 20 and 25; the Pelicans have the No. 8 pick.
Appalachian State guard Adrian Delph will remain in the draft and has hired an agent, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports tweets. Delph averaged 17.7 PPG and 5.4 RPG while making 39.8% of his 3-point tries last season.
Wake Forest Daivien Williamson has withdrawn from the draft and will return to the Demon Deacons, according to another Rothstein tweet. Williamson averaged 11.8 PPG last season.

Full List Of 2022 NBA Draft Combine Participants

May 10th, 2022 at 8:30pm CST by Luke Adams

The NBA has revealed its list of 76 players who have been invited – and who are expected to attend – next week’s draft combine in Chicago. The combine workouts will take place from May 18-20.

Over the course of the week, players will conduct interviews with NBA teams, participate in five-on-five games, and go through shooting, strength and agility drills.

While several of the prominent names at the top of the draft likely won’t participate in scrimmages, those top prospects are still expected to attend. That group includes Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, and Jaden Ivey.

A handful of standout players from the G League Elite Camp could be invited to participate in the combine as well.

Here’s the full list of 76 names announced by the NBA today, in alphabetical order, per Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link):

Ochai Agbaji, G/F, Kansas (senior)
Patrick Baldwin Jr., F, Milwaukee (freshman)
Paolo Banchero, F, Duke (freshman)
Dominick Barlow, F, Overtime Elite (auto-eligible)
MarJon Beauchamp, G/F, G League Ignite (auto-eligible)
Hugo Besson, G, Australia (born 2001)
Malaki Branham, G/F, Ohio State (freshman)
Christian Braun, G, Kansas (junior)
Kendall Brown, F, Baylor (freshman)
John Butler Jr., F/C, Florida State (freshman)
Julian Champagnie, G/F, St. John’s (junior)
Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee (freshman)
Max Christie, G, Michigan State (freshman)
Kofi Cockburn, C, Illinois (junior)
Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite (auto-eligible)
Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin (sophomore)
JD Davison, G, Alabama (freshman)
Moussa Diabate, F, Michigan (freshman)
Ousmane Dieng, F, Australia (born 2003)
Khalifa Diop, C, Spain (born 2002)
Jalen Duren, C, Memphis (freshman)
Tari Eason, F, LSU (sophomore)
Keon Ellis, G, Alabama (senior)
Michael Foster, F, G League Ignite (auto-eligible)
Collin Gillespie, G, Villanova (super-senior)
AJ Griffin, F, Duke (freshman)
Jaden Hardy, G, G League Ignite (auto-eligible)
Ron Harper Jr., F, Rutgers (senior)
Chet Holmgren, C, Gonzaga (freshman)
Harrison Ingram, F, Stanford (freshman)
Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue (sophomore)
Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana (junior)
Nikola Jovic, F, Serbia (born 2003)
Johnny Juzang, G, UCLA (junior)
Ismael Kamagate, C, France (born 2001)
Trevor Keels, G, Duke (freshman)
Walker Kessler, F/C, Auburn (sophomore)
Christian Koloko, C, Arizona (junior)
Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest (junior)
Justin Lewis, F, Marquette (sophomore)
E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio State (junior)
Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, Arizona (sophomore)
Matthew Mayer, F, Baylor (senior)
Bryce McGowens, G, Nebraska (freshman)
Leonard Miller, F, Canada (born 2003)
Josh Minott, F, Memphis (freshman)
Aminu Mohammed, G/F, Georgetown (freshman)
Iverson Molinar, G, Mississippi State (junior)
Jean Montero, G, Overtime Elite (auto-eligible)
Wendell Moore, F, Duke (junior)
Keegan Murray, F, Iowa (sophomore)
Andrew Nembhard, G, Gonzaga
Scotty Pippen Jr., G, Vanderbilt (junior)
Gabriele Procida, G/F, Italy (born 2002)
Orlando Robinson, F/C, Fresno State (junior)
David Roddy, F, Colorado State (junior)
Ryan Rollins, G, Toledo (sophomore)
Dereon Seabron, G, NC State (sophomore)
Shaedon Sharpe, G, Kentucky (freshman)
Jabari Smith, F, Auburn (freshman)
Terquavion Smith, G, NC State (freshman)
Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor (freshman)
Matteo Spagnolo, G, Italy (born 2003)
Julian Strawther, G/F, Gonzaga (sophomore)
Dalen Terry, G, Arizona (sophomore)
Drew Timme, F, Gonzaga (junior)
Jabari Walker, F, Colorado (sophomore)
TyTy Washington Jr., G, Kentucky (freshman)
Peyton Watson, G/F, UCLA (freshman)
Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame (freshman)
Alondes Williams, G, Wake Forest (super-senior)
Jalen Williams, G, Santa Clara (junior)
Jaylin Williams, F/C, Arkansas (sophomore)
Mark Williams, C, Duke (sophomore)
Trevion Williams, F/C, Purdue (senior)
Fanbo Zeng, F, G League Ignite (auto-eligible)

Kentucky’s TyTy Washington To Enter 2022 NBA Draft

April 6th, 2022 at 1:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Kentucky freshman guard TyTy Washington Jr. will enter the 2022 NBA draft and go pro, he tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Sources tell Wojnarowski that Washington will hire agent Kevin Bradbury of REP1 Sports for his representation, forgoing his remaining NCAA eligibility.

Washington, who started 29 of the 31 games he played for the Wildcats as a freshman, averaged 12.5 PPG, 3.9 APG, and 3.5 RPG in 29.2 minutes per contest with a .451/.350/.750 shooting line. He was named to the SEC’s All-Freshman Team and also made the All-SEC Second Team despite sustaining an ankle injury in January that limited his production the rest of the way.

Currently the No. 14 prospect on ESPN’s big board, Washington looks like a potential lottery pick. In his scouting report on the 6’4″ guard, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony praises Washington’s shooting and passing and notes that his defense – once considered a major weakness – improved over the course of his freshman season.

However, Givony cautions that Washington’s efficiency and production dipped noticeably following his ankle sprain, so teams with late-lottery picks will have to determine how much of that drop-off can be attributed directly to the injury. The 20-year-old also had arguably his worst game of the year in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, scoring just five points on 2-of-10 shooting as the No. 2 Wildcats fell to No. 15 St. Peter’s.

Washington is the second Kentucky underclassman to declare for the 2022 draft, joining teammate Keion Brooks.