RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Afflalo Wants To Play To His Strengths Next Season

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:51:45 EDT

Arron Afflalo is looking forward to playing to his strengths next season.

"I'm kind of getting to the age now where I'm kind of settling into being great at something," Afflalo said. "Whether it's being a high-level defensive player, a high-level shooter, an efficient scorer, doing the things where I'm really playing to my strengths. That's something I'm looking forward to."

With Afflalo often acting as the team’s go-to scorer, the Magic lost 62 games this season.

"It is what it is," Afflalo said. "We had a lot of firsts in terms of role definition, in terms of learning, in terms of the coaching staff. And when you're fully committed to doing better and trying to win it all at some point in time, you have to go through experiences like this. All we can do is try to learn from what happened this year and move forward into next year."

Michael Reinsdorf Believes Mirotic Would Be Lottery Pick In This Year's Draft

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:50:35 EDT

Michael Reinsdorf believes that Nikola Mirotic would be a lottery in this year’s NBA draft.

Mirotic was acquired by the Bulls after he was drafted 23rd overall in 2011.

Reinsdorf is proud of the Bulls’ recent draft record, pointing to the 2011 selection of Jimmy Butler.

“This is a guy who was the 30th pick in the draft that any other team could have had,” Reinsdorf said of Butler. “He played nearly every minute against Miami and LeBron James. If you saw how LeBron James embraced Jimmy Butler after that game, to me, it was the ultimate show of respect and that Jimmy has arrived as a ballplayer.”

Carlisle Has Studied Past Drafts, Places Value On Experienced Prospects

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:49:24 EDT

Rick Carlisle has studied past NBA drafts and is aware of the talent that figures to fall to the Mavericks on June 27.

“You know, if you look at the history of drafts, which I have in the last couple of weeks, and if you look at the last 10 drafts, there’s a history of being multiple guys 13 and below that turn out to be really good, solid, long-term NBA players,” Carlisle said, while standing on the sideline during day 2 of the NBA draft combine. “So, you know, there’s value in this draft. Our job is to find it.”

The Mavericks will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2004, when they selected Devin Harris with a pick acquired from the Washington Wizards.

Carlisle is confident the Mavericks will add a player capable of stepping in right away.

“Well, you want to get a guy with as much experience as possible,” Carlisle confessed. “One of the reasons that (Jae) Crowder was in our rotation most of the year last year and one of the reasons that Bernard James did a good job for us when he played was because those guys had experience and they were older players. I think there’s been a move towards putting a value on maturity and for good reason.”

Otto Porter Patterns Game After Tayshaun Prince

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:26 EDT

Otto Porter patterns his game after Tayshaun Prince.

Porter, a small forward out of Georgetown, measured at 6-8.5 in shoes with a 7-1.5 wingspan at the NBA draft combine.

“Yeah, Tayshaun Prince,” Porter said when asked who his game is modeled after. “Long, lanky and can do a lot of things on the floor. Can defend, rebound, kind of a glue guy.”

Porter averaged 16.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor, in 35.4 minutes per game last season for the Hoyas.

Source: Warriors Believe Purchasing Draft Pick An Option

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:06:03 EDT

The Golden State Warriors believe they can purchase a first or second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, according to a source.

The Warriors' first round pick belongs to the Utah Jazz.

The Warriors acquired an extra first round pick last season from the San Antonio Spurs by taking on the salary of Richard Jefferson. Golden State selected Festus Ezeli with the pick.

Deshaun Thomas Refused To Give Spurs His Cell Number At Draft Combine

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:26:54 EDT

Deshaun Thomas interviewed with the San Antonio Spurs at the NBA draft combine on Thursday.

Among the questions asked of Thomas was his cell phone number and email address.

Thomas declined to give the Spurs his phone number.

“I can’t go around giving it out to everyone,” Thomas said Thursday with a laugh. “Now if they want to draft me, I’d be happy to give it to them.”

Thomas is currently projected as a second-round pick.

Nerlens Noel Targeting Christmas Return From Torn ACL

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:24:05 EDT

Nerlens Noel will not be ready for the NBA season opener and is targeting Christmas as his debut date.

Noel said he is ''ahead of schedule” in his rehab from a torn ACL in his left knee.

''I've started to shoot some free throws the last week with a different type of brace on,'' said Noel, who has yet to start running again. ''I'm 100 percent confident of not just gaining what I had but definitely being stronger, coming back better. During this time that I won't be playing basketball I'll just be working on a lot of things that I needed to polish when I was playing.''

Noel called shooting among his needed areas of improvement.

''I think I'm at a good point, but obviously I can't do too much right now,'' Noel said. ''I'm just doing a lot of form shooting right now. I think when I come back I'll be able to knock down that 15-footer and be able to take my game to another level.''

Sources: Schroeder, Antetokounmpo Given First Round Promises

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:55:26 EDT

Dennis Schroeder and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been given first round promises for the 2013 NBA Draft, according to sources.

Both Schroeder and Antetokounmpo could elect to withdraw from the draft as International prospects.

Schroeder is a 19-year-old, 6-1 point guard out of Germany, while Antetokounmpo is an 18-year-old, 6-9 small forward out of Greece.

Hinkie Looking Forward To Interviewing Top Draft Prospects

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:54 EDT

Sam Hinkie is gearing up to interview top prospects at the NBA draft combine in Chicago.

"It's rare that you get the opportunity to meet some of these players,” Hinkie said. “Some of these players won't come to a particular city to work out or won't come based on your draft position. When you go to Chicago, you get to interview the players and see them up close.

"Even if it's not a target that you can reach now, a player that you think will go too high for Philadelphia's current draft position, I very much want to meet him, I very much want to quiz him, I very much want to try and understand what makes him tick because he will be a trade target in the coming years, he will be a free-agent target in 4 years, he might be a maximum target to recruit on July 1 in 9 years, and this instance now is worth collecting and learning."

The Sixers currently have the 11th pick in the draft, which will be held on June 27.

Cavaliers Appear To Be Targeting Small Forward In Draft

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:40:50 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be looking to upgrade at the small forward position in the upcoming NBA draft.

Otto Porter is considered the top-ranked small forward.

“I’m pretty sure the Cavs are praying right now that Otto Porter is there on the board when they draft,” said ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford. “He is a perfect fit for them. If he’s off the board, I do think there is a question mark there. I think ‘3’ is the position they need the most.

“While we thought three was going to be stronger, we thought Shabazz Muhammad would be a guy that would be a great fit there. I think his play at UCLA has raised major question marks whether that’s the case.”

The Cavaliers will have four of the top 33 picks in the June draft.

Magic, Pelicans Could Draft Trey Burke 1st Overall If They Win Lottery

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:48:37 EDT

Trey Burke is a projected top-5 pick and could become the first player selected depending on who wins the lottery.

According to reporting from Chad Ford, the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans could select Burke with the first overall selection.

Dario Saric Needs Lottery Promise To Remain In Draft

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:46:05 EDT

Dario Saric, a 19-year-old small forward out of Croatia, is currently in the draft, but could withdraw depending on whether he receives a promise.

Draft Express currently projects Saric being selected at No. 23. 

"Dario Saric. He's not staying in the draft if he's not a lottery pick. So if he stays, someone promised him in the lottery."

Stephen Curry's Playoff Performance Helping Seth Curry's Draft Stock

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:40:28 EDT

Seth Curry is projected as a late second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft after a college career in which he attended both Liberty and Duke.

Curry projects to be a player more similar to his father, Dell, rather than his brother, Stephen, who is having an outstanding playoffs.

"His brother is certainly help his stock right now," wrote Chad Ford. "Curry is injured and won't be participating in the drills and athletic testing."

Strength Of 2014 Draft Class Could Help Noel's Case With Magic, Bobcats

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:26:50 EDT

Nerlens Noel was widely considered the consensus best player available in the 2013 NBA Draft, but his status in that position became questionable after tearing his ACL.

Noel is targeting a return of December, but could be out longer depending on how the rehab progresses.

With the 2014 NBA Draft expected to be incredibly strong with Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle and Marcus Smart, amongst others, teams could be more comfortable being patient with Noel.

"I actually think that's helping Noel's case with teams like Orlando and Charlotte," wrote Chad Ford of the scenario of letting Noel rehab slowly to improve their lottery position for 2014. "Going for the double-play."

Andrew Wiggins Commits To Kansas

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:07:40 EDT

Andrew Wiggins has committed to Kansas

Wiggins also considered Florida State, Kentucky and North Carolina.

“I just followed my heart,” Wiggins said to Grant Taylor of the Herald-Dispatch. “Kansas had my heart so that’s where I wanted to go.”

Wiggins, a native of Toronto, is widely thought to be the best high school prospect since LeBron James.

Florida State and Kentucky were considered the favorites to land Wiggins, but his father said that it came down to the Jayhawks and Seminoles.

Wiggins didn't reach a final decision on Kansas until the weekend.

“Obviously, everyone in Jayhawk-land is overwhelmed and excited today,” Bill Self said. “This was a pleasant surprise because we never had an idea which way he was leading. Andrew did this the exact way he said he was going to. He played his cards very close to his vest, as did his mother and father.”

Otto Porter Signs With David Falk

Sat, 11 May 2013 20:02:09 EDT

Otto Porter has signed with NBA player agent David Falk.

Porter, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 16.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor, in 35.4 minutes per game last season for Georgetown.

Falk represents several players who have attended Georgetown, including Roy Hibbert, Greg Monroe and Jeff Green.

Porter is projected as a lottery pick in the upcoming draft.

Jazz Host Myck Kabongo, Nate Wolters For Pre-Draft Workout

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:57:12 EDT

The Utah Jazz worked out point guards Myck Kabongo and Nate Wolters on Saturday in preparation for the NBA draft.

None of the Utah’s point guards from last season — Mo Williams, Jamaal Tinsley or Earl Watson — is under contract for next year.

"Utah does need a point guard, and everybody is aware of that," Kabongo said. "[So] I’m excited to come out here. Obviously the history with John Stockton is here. And a lot of [other] great guards have come through. So it’s a pleasure to be here."

Said Wolters: "My agent and I thought this would be a good fit. ... We’re going to a lot of workouts [but] to get one before the combine is nice — just to have one under my belt."

James Southerland Signs With Agent Mark Bartelstein

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:15:31 EDT

James Southerland has signed with Priority Sports and will be represented by Mark Bartelstein.

Southerland, a 6-foot-8 forward, is currently projected as a potential second-round pick in the June draft.

Southerland helped lead Syracuse to the Final Four this past season, shooting 39.8 percent from behind the three-point line in 34 games.

Nerlens Noel 'Ahead Of Schedule' In Rehab From ACL Surgery

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:56 EDT

Nerlens Noel underwent surgery on his ACL on Feb. 12 in a procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews.

"There is a trust level when the NBA talks to Dr. Andrews," John Calipari said. "Jon Hood had his surgery here [in Kentucky] and it all went well. But we didn't want the NBA to have any questions. He's going to be fine. He's ahead of schedule. When you have a season-ending injury, you want the NBA teams to feel that he's as good as new.''

Trey Burke Rising On Draft Boards, Could Go No. 1

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:20:40 EDT

Trey Burke is projected as going fifth overall in the most recent mock drafts of Jonathan Givony and Chad Ford.

Burke is widely considered the top point guard in the draft class, ahead of C.J. McCollum, Michael Carter-Williams and Dennis Schroeder.

"I think Trey Burke is still rising," wrote Ford. "Could go as high as the No. 1 pick. Lots of scenarios where he is No. 2 or No. 3 off the board. PGs are always coveted and Burke's spectacular season continues to intrigue people."

Nerlens Noel is generally considered the favorite to be the top pick in the draft.

Anthony Bennett Out Four Months With Torn Rotator Cuff

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:40:52 EDT

Anthony Bennett will miss four months due to shoulder surgery.

Bennett tore the rotator cuff in his left shoulder.

Bennett complained of pain in his left shoulder in February, but it wasn't deemed serious.

Bennett's draft status as a probable top-10 pick isn't likely be impacted.

“You always would prefer a guy is healthy, works out for you and can play in summer league," one GM told ESPN. "However, I don't think in this case that it will really matter. We got a good feel for his game. He's one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft. I wouldn't blink taking him in the top five as long as the surgery is successful."

Alex Len Undergoes Ankle Surgery, Will Miss Pre-Draft Workouts

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:36:52 EDT

Alex Len underwent surgery to stabilize a partial stress fracture in his left ankle, his agency Sports International Group announced on Friday.

Len will be sidelined four to six months, and will miss all pre-draft workouts leading up to the June draft. 

“The tough part about Alex’s injury is the timing,” Len’s agent, Michael Lelchitski said in a release. “Everyone who knows Alex knows that he would have been incredible in the pre-draft workout setting. However, Alex is one of the elite prospects with arguably the biggest upside of anyone in the draft. The most important thing is his long-term health.”

Len was projected by many to be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft.

Andre Roberson Left Colorado To Develop Game Quicker For NBA

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:10:41 EDT

Andre Roberson left Colorado a year early so he could develop his game quicker for the NBA, his father said Wednesday.

John Roberson, who played 12 years professionally overseas, shed light on his son’s decision.

“For him, it was just development and where he saw he'd be developing more,” John said from his home in San Antonio. "You look at all the different dynamics. You have what he'd be doing in Colorado versus the NBA. We felt it best for him to forgo his senior year."

John Roberson didn't feel Colorado developed his son to play in the NBA.

"That's the struggle he was fighting," John said. "Was it more about Dre and fulfilling his dream or more about getting wins?

"I think it has to go both ways. If you're going to develop him, develop him. Don't just take the point of view of, 'We need Dre so we can have a Final Four team or a top-10 team.' Now, if you look at it that way, it's selfish as opposed to (Andre) being selfish."

Roberson is currently projected as a second-round pick in this June's draft.

John Taylor Signs With Agent, Declares For Draft

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:08:25 EDT

John Taylor has signed with agent Brian Brundage and will declare himself eligible for the NBA draft.

Taylor, a 6-foot-1 and 175 pound guard, may be a longshot to get drafted.

"He needs to put on 15 to 20 pounds of muscle weight because he has a small body frame that he's had all of his life. We need to beef him up into an NBA body," Brundage said. "I know this isn't an easy task and he's going to get discounted by scouts because of his weight.

"Coming out of Fresno, it's a great place, great school and great program but it's not a D-I school and not well-known, and that's the uphill battle we're prepared to climb."

Taylor drew a few scouts this past season at Fresno State, where he averaged a school-record 27.5 points per game.

"He scores," Fresno Pacific coach Chris Wright said. "I think some people will be interested in him. Not too many players score 28 points per game at any level."

Tim Hardaway Jr. Signs With Agent Mark Bartelstein

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:12:04 EDT

Tim Hardaway Jr. has signed with Priority Sports & Entertainment and will be represented by Mark Bartelstein.

Bartelstein is the father of former Michigan guard Josh Bartelstein, who was a teammate of Hardaway's for the past three seasons.

Josh Bartelstein helped counsel Hardaway, Trey Burke, Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary on their draft decisions.

"I'm in a really special position because of my dad," Josh said. "I've listened to my dad talk on the phone to a ton of guys, telling them to go back to school or telling them to go out.

"I can answer questions for them."

List Of 77 Early Entry Candidates For 2013 NBA Draft

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:18:23 EDT

The 2013 NBA Draft has 77 early entry candidates, with 46 players from United States' colleges and 31 internatinoal players.

Players have the right to withdraw no later than June 17 ahead of the June 27 draft in Brooklyn.

College Players
Steven Adams, Pitt
C.J. Aiken, St. Joseph's
Anthony Bennett, UNLV
Vander Blue, Marquette,
Lorenzo Brown, N.C. State
Reggie Bullock, North Carolina
Trey Burke, Michigan
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia
Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse
Adrien Coleman, Bethune-Cookman
Allen Crabbe, Cal
Deweyne Dedmon, USC
Gorgui Dieng, Louisville
Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State
Archie Goodwin, Kentucky
Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan
Grant Jerrett, Arizona
Christian Kabongo, New Mexico State
Myck Kabongo, Texas
Shane Larkin, Miami
Ricky Ledo, Providence
Alex Len, Maryland
C.J. Leslie, N.C. State
Nurideen Lindsey, Rider
Amath M'Baye, Oklahoma
Ray McCallum, Detroit
Ben McLemore, Kansas
Tony Mitchell, North Texas
Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA
Nerlens Noel, Kentucky
Victor Oladipo, Indiana
Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga
Norvel Pelle, Los Angeles College Prep
Otto Porter Jr., Georgetown
Marshawn Powell, Arkansas
Phil Pressey, Missouri
Andre Robertson, Colorado
Joshua Simmons, Spartanburg Methodist (JC)
Trevis Simpson, UNC-Greensboro
Tony Snell, New Mexico
Tahj Tate, Delaware State
John Taylor, Fresno Pacific
Adonis Thompson, Memphis
Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State
B.J. Young, Arkansas
Cody Zeller, Indiana

International Players
Alejandro Abrines, Barcelona 
Giannis Adetokunbo, Filathlitikos
Francois Affia Ambadiang, Geoplin Slovan
Nemanja Besovic, Partizan
Bogdan Bogdanovic, Partizan
Matias Bortolin, Arkadia,
Linos Chrysikopoulos, PAOK
Laszlo Dobos, Zaragoza
Dorde Drenovac, Biancoblu
Viktor Gaddefors, Oknoplast Bologna
Rudy Gobert, Cholet
Mouhammadou Jaiteh, Boulogne
Livio Jean-Charles, ASVEL
Sergey Karasev, Triumph
Louis Laveyrie, Paris-Levallois
Raul Neto, Lagun Aro GBC
Philipp Neumann, Brose Baskets
Lucas Riva Nogueira, Estudiantes
Alexandre Paranhos, Flamengo
Artem Pustovyi, Khimik
Bogdan Radosavljevic, Bayern Munich
Marko Ramljak, Zadar
Dario Saric, Cibona
Dennis Schroder, New York Phantoms
Strahinja Stojacic, Smederevo
Walter Tavares, Gran Canaria
Daniel Theis, Ratiopharm
Janis Timma, Ventspils
Marko Todorovic, Barcelona
Axel Toupane, Strasbourg
Adin Vrabac, Spars Sarajevo 

Jarnell Stokes Staying At Tennessee For Junior Season

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:58:23 EDT

Jarnell Stokes has decided to stay at Tennessee for his junior season.

Stokes was considered a probable second round pick had he declared.

Stokes projects as an undersized power forward on the NBA level.

Stokes averaged 12.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in his sophomore season.

Ray McCallum Declares For Draft

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:56:04 EDT

Ray McCallum has decided to enter the 2013 NBA Draft. 

McCallum averaged 13.5 points, 4.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in his junior season at Detroit.

McCallum averaged 18.7 points per game as a freshman.

Andre Roberson Delays Announcement On NBA Decision

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:41:59 EDT

Andre Roberson canceled a Friday press conference at which he was scheduled to announce whether he would enter the NBA draft.

The deadline is 10 p.m. Sunday for non-seniors to declare for the draft.

"It's a big decision, an emotional decision," Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. "Especially for Andre, when you want something (professional career) so much and you're also at a place (CU) that is so special to him, you're torn.

"Andre sees the benefits and risks of both, and he's weighing those benefits and risks. At the end of the day, he'll do what's best for him."

Shane Larkin To Enter NBA Draft

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:40:26 EDT

Shane Larkin plans to enter the NBA draft and skip his final two seasons at Miami.

Larkin is considered the third-best point guard in the draft class behind Michigan's Trey Burke and Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams.

Larkin led the Hurricanes to the ACC regular season title and the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

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