RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Andrew Wiggins Impresses With 'Video Game' Like Ability In First Practice With Kansas

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:18:11 EDT

Andrew Wiggins participated in his first practice at Kansas on Monday.

Wiggins arrived in Lawrence on Saturday.

"Wow!" a source close to the Jayhawks' program said. "Like watching a video game. He'd be the No. 1 pick this year."

Alex Len Has Best Shot To Go No. 1 If Cavaliers Pass On Noel

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:16:17 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to make a decision on who to select with the first overall pick.

Nerlens Noel is the favorite and he will meet with the Cavaliers on Thursday.

Alex Len is the most likely alternative option, according to sources. Len would give the Cavaliers size, defensive ability and is less raw as a prospect than Noel.

The Cavaliers are also evaluating Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo and Otto Porter.

Mouhammadou Jaiteh Withdraws From Draft Despite First Round Guarantees

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:41:54 EDT

Before withdrawing from this month’s NBA draft, Mouhammadou Jaiteh received first round guarantees that failed to entice the 18-year-old enough to leave his development in France, agent Herman Manakyan told RealGM on Monday.

Teams were impressed with the sharp growth in Jaiteh, and the 6-foot-11 center worked out for six organizations throughout the draft process. Even with guarantees, Jaiteh made clear he wanted to be drafted into a flourishing situation – for both himself and the team.

“The guarantees were not in attractive situations for us,” Manakyan said.

With a focus on next year’s draft, Jaiteh will now sign with a team in France, where several clubs have been vying to sign him, Manakyan said. No frontrunners have emerged, but playing time and the opportunity to continue his rapid development are key factors.

Dario Saric To Withdraw From 2013 NBA Draft

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:13:49 EDT

Dario Saric will withdraw his name from the 2013 NBA draft, according to agent Marc Cornstein.

Saric has signed his letter of withdrawal from the draft and Cornstein will deliver it to the NBA before the deadline to withdraw on Monday.

Saric was highly regarded as a first round pick.

Recently, Saric became concerned he would not play minutes on his NBA team or would spend all his time in the D-League.

Pistons To Consider Stashing Draft Pick Overseas

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:35:53 EDT

The Detroit Pistons are taking a hard look at international players in the NBA draft, particularly with their two second round picks.

The Pistons are considering stashing at least one of their draft picks overseas for next season.

Alex Len figures to be the first foreign player taken in the draft.

Sergey Karasev To Field NBA Interviews In Russia

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:40:52 EDT

Interest in Sergey Karasev has elevated so much from seven teams between the Nos. 9 and 22 picks in the NBA draft, the Russian prospect will have those organizations fly out to meet him in Europe, league sources told RealGM.

Karasev, 19, remains unlikely to leave Russia for any workouts or interviews, but teams have insisted they come sit down with him in Russia. Even though he’ll speak to teams now, Karasev won’t work out.

When Karasev returned to Russia earlier this month, he had left teams believing they might not get the opportunity to see him before the draft. Still, Karasev hasn’t received a firm first round guarantee yet, a source said.

A 6-foot-7 swingman, Karasev has intrigued with his shooting and playmaking, following an average of 20 points on 49 percent three-point shooting in this season’s European Cup. With the ninth and 26th selections in the first round, the Minnesota Timberwolves have scouted Karasev comprehensively after bringing over Alexey Shved from Russia last offseason, but they don’t appear to be the strongest contenders for Karasev.

Victor Oladipo Declines Invitation To Wizards' Facility

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:59:50 EDT

Victor Oladipo declined the Washington Wizards' invitation to work out at their facility ahead of this month's NBA draft, according to sources.

Oladipo does not expect to begin his NBA career with his hometown Wizards.

Oladipo has given the Wizards the option of watching him work out at DeMatha or another facility in Bowie, where he has been preparing for the draft.

Even so, the Wizards are likely to visit Oladipo early next week.

Suns May Be Targeting Post Player In Draft

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:46:31 EDT

The Phoenix Suns may be targeting a post player in the NBA draft.

Jeff Hornacek recently hired Mark West and Roy Rogers to be part of his staff, suggesting a commitment to developmental work with young post players.

"Having two bigs coaches is kind of interesting in terms of where they might be going in the draft," one league personnel executive said.

Ryan McDonough suggested the Suns will avoid using the fifth and 30th picks on players who occupy similar areas of the floor.

Nerlens Noel Hires Catapano, Miller As Co-Agents

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:46:03 EDT

Nerlens Noel has hired co-agents Frank Catapano and Andy Miller to represent him.

Noel is a candidate for the Cleveland Cavaliers to draft with the first overall pick. Noel has already visited with the Orlando Magic and will meet with the Washington Wizards this weekend.

Noel tore his ACL in February and is unlikely to make his rookie debut until at least December.

Saunders Categorizes Cody Zeller As 'Stretch 4'

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:28:18 EDT

During Cody Zeller's workout for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Flip Saunders let the big man know that he "got his butt kicked" in Indiana's upset loss to Minnesota last season.

Even at seven feet, Zeller is power forward in the NBA -- not a center -- according to Saunders.

“He’s not a center and anyone looking at him as a center is not evaluating,” Saunders said. “He can really shoot the ball. He’ll be a very good ‘stretch 4.’ ”

Zeller believes he would be a terrific fit with the Timberwolves.

“I think I’d fit in well,” Zeller said. “I’d be able to grow behind [Nikola] Pekovic and [Kevin] Love. I know [Ricky] Rubio would be a lot of fun to play with. I love point guards who can run … My quickness, speed, agility as a big guy, that’s what I’ve been doing in the Big Ten and that’s what translates in the NBA.”

C.J. McCollum: Jazz's 'Culture Is Perfect For Me'

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:23:47 EDT

C.J. McCollum worked out for the Utah Jazz on Wednesday and lit up after the workout when he was asked about the possibility of being drafted by the franchise.

"This culture," McCollum said, "is perfect for me."

McCollum compares himself to Stephen Curry and believes he can replicate the success Damian Lillard had this season for the Portland Trail Blazers.

"Everybody has weaknesses in their game, but I feel like my game is very well-rounded. I'm a chameleon," said McCollum, who averaged 21.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his four-year career at Lehigh. "I can come in and contribute in a multitude of ways and I feel like it will show when I step onto the court."

Sources: Dennis Schroeder Has Struggled In Workouts

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:45:14 EDT

Dennis Schroeder has returned to Germany after working out for the Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets.

Sources say Schroeder's workouts haven't gone very well, with him struggling against more physical defense.

"He looked frustrated," one NBA scout said of Schroeder's workout with his team. "His body language wasn't great. He's a very good talent and I wouldn't read too much into the workout, but it didn't really help him."

Nerlens Noel To Meet With Wizards On Saturday

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:41:58 EDT

Nerlens Noel will meet with the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

The Wizards have the third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and will be the second team to meet with Noel.

Noel has already met with the Orlando Magic and will also meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Noel is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee and hopes to return by Christmas.

Len Believes He Has Most Upside Of Any Big Man In Draft

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:12:24 EDT

Alex Len is being considered by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top overall pick. Like Nerlens Noel, Len is currently injured and unable to work out for teams.

Some scouts have compared Len to Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

"I have the biggest upside in this draft among the big guys," he said. "Maybe 10 years from now, I'll be the best player in this draft."

Suns Have Explored Adding Additional First Round Pick

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:44:04 EDT

The Phoenix Suns have investigated the possibility of another first-round pick beyond their No. 5 and No. 30 slots.

“We’ve talked to a few teams about getting in the draft at different ranges,” Ryan McDonough said. “We have good assets to do that. We have to evaluate all of these guys, figure out where they’re going to go. And then if we can get in at a particular range where a guy is undervalued, we’ll try to get in and get him there.”

McDonough worked out six players on Friday, including C.J. Leslie, who could be on the board when it’s time for the Suns to make their second selection.

“Good athlete, very long, can do some nice things attacking from the elbow,” McDonough said. “It (the NBA) is becoming more positionless. For a guy with C.J.’s size and length and athletic ability, to be able to defend some of these really athletic 3s (small forwards) with some size, that would be intriguing to a guy like me.”

Paul Allen Attends Blazer Workout Featuring Cody Zeller

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:37:46 EDT

The Portland Trail Blazers hosted Cody Zeller for a private workout on Friday.

Zeller’s workout was attended by Paul Allen, who typically only shows up for a player the Blazers are considering for their first-round pick.

Zeller figures to go right in the range of the Blazers’ No. 10 selection.

Anthony Bennett Set To Interview With Wizards

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:36:32 EDT

Anthony Bennett is scheduled to interview with the Washington Wizards next week.

If drafted by the Wizards, Bennett would join Nene, Jan Vesely, Trevor Booker and Chris Singleton in a crowded frontcourt.

Bennett can't work out with NBA teams because of surgery to his non-shooting shoulder.

Tony Mitchell Set To Workout For Knicks

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:23:39 EDT

Tony Mitchell will work out for the New York Knicks on Friday.

Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 power forward, averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds this past season for North Texas.

“Best athlete in the draft,’’ one Eastern Conference executive said. “But he’s below average to average skill-wise and his team didn’t win this year.’’

Mitchell will be joined at the workout by Ricardo Ledo, Tahj Tate, Adonis Thomas, Christian Watford and Grant Jerrett.

Shane Larkin Impresses In Workout With Jazz

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:22:06 EDT

Shane Larkin performed well during a pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz on Thursday.

Larkin is listed at 5-feet-11 inches, but compensates with a 44-inch vertical leap.

“Shane’s 44 vertical is unbelievable for a point guard,’’ Jazz head scout Walt Perrin said. “It was eye-popping seeing those kind of numbers from Shane.’’

Perrin minimized Larkin’s diminutive height.

“Does it matter? There’s a couple of other players in the league (that size) still playing. If a guy can play, it doesn’t matter what his size is,’’ Perrin said. “We think he can play. How well he plays on this level is something we have to evaluate.”

Sources: Timberwolves Continue To Target Oladipo

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:31:49 EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in moving up in the June 27 draft to select Victor Oladipo.

Oladipo has thus far declined to work out for the Timberwolves, because his representatives need reason to believe Minnesota can move up to Orlando's spot at No. 2, Washington's spot at No. 3 or Charlotte's spot at No. 4.

Oladipo is projected as a top-six choice by various outlets.

Dario Saric Leaning Toward Withdrawing From Draft

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:30:53 EDT

Dario Saric is leaning toward withdrawing from the 2013 NBA Draft, according to sources.

Saric has until June 17 to make a final decision.

Saric has received interest from the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.

Saric is likely to be a lottery pick.

Wizards Schedule Pre-Draft Workout With Otto Porter

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:37:04 EDT

The Washington Wizards plan to work out Otto Porter Jr. on June 14, his agent David Falk confirmed.

Falk said that Porter will likely work out in a group setting and “in some format where he can show his versatility.”

Per Falk, Porter will only work out for the top three teams in the draft: Cleveland, Orlando and Washington.

Gorgui Dieng To Work Out For Knicks, Nets

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:35:40 EDT

Gorgui Dieng will work out for the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets before the June 27 draft.

Dieng, a 6-foot-11, 230-pound center, anchored the No. 1-ranked defense in the country during his senior year at Louisville.

The Knicks pick at No. 24 while the Nets own the 22nd selection.

Suns Not Concerned About Shabazz Muhammad's Background

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:34:12 EDT

Ryan McDonough has done extensive background research on Shabazz Muhammad.

“He checked out very well,” McDonough said. “I think a lot of the perception of Shabazz is unfair based on the information we’ve gathered.

“I think he’s one of hardest workers in the draft.”

Muhammad worked out for the Suns on Wednesday, and was joined by Victor Oladipo and Ben McLemore.

The Suns have the fifth overall pick in the draft.

“This was a really talented group,” McDonough said. “We had a bunch of guys in the gym who I think will end up in the lottery.”

Sergey Karasev May Have Received First Round Promise

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 02:05:14 EDT

Sergey Karasev is believed to have received a guarantee in the first round as he has returned to Moscow until the NBA Draft later this month.

Karasev is 6-foot-7 with excellent shooting ability and is a skilled playmaker.

Karasev's representatives, Andy Miller and Justin Zanik, began to inform teams on Tuesday that Karasev that he would not be made available for any private workouts.

Karasev is likely to be selected in the Nos. 14 to 24 range of the first round.

Karasev's father, Vasily Karasev, was one of the best European point guards of his generation.

Shane Larkin Believes Bucks Would Be 'Good Fit'

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:06:47 EDT

Shane Larkin might be gone by the time the Milwaukee Bucks select 15th in the NBA Draft, but he would want the organization to pick him if possible.

"I kind of had that same setup down in Miami," Larkin said. "So coming in here and running the pick-and-roll with those guys would be a lot like at Miami. It seems like a good fit to me."

Larkin, 20, has studied the Bucks' personnel and said he would be comfortable playing in a lineup with Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova.

"Actually Larry Sanders was at VCU when coach Shaka (Smart) was recruiting me, so I knew about him," Larkin said. "I played with a stretch 4 (at Miami), so that's like Ersan."

Magic Considering Nine Different Prospects With No. 2 Pick

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:46:12 EDT

The Orlando Magic have the second overall pick and sources say they are considering nine players.

The Magic have the biggest need at point guard, though they could target a veteran such as Eric Bledsoe.

If the Magic trade Arron Afflalo, it could open up a need at shooting guard for a player such as Victor Oladipo or Ben McLemore.

Geoff Petrie Maintaining Key Role Up To Draft

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:25:58 EDT

Until the Sacramento Kings hire a new general manager, Geoff Petrie will maintain a key role in directing the franchise leading up to the NBA draft.

The Kings officially hired Mike Malone on Monday.

"I just told (Petrie) how much I appreciate him sticking around because he knows the draft a lot better than I do," Malone said. "He's been studying these guys ... and he also can offer great insights to the current players on our roster as to what their strengths, weaknesses are and personalities. But I'm still going to keep an open mind and form my opinion on these guys."

Chris Wallace is reportedly a leading candidate to take over as the Kings' GM.

Dwayne Davis To Work Out For Six NBA Teams

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:30:20 EDT

Dwayne Davis, the draft prospect out of Southern Miss, has scheduled workouts for six NBA teams and interests those organizations as a possible second round pick, a source told RealGM.

Davis will work out for the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks and a sixth team that could sign the 6-foot-5 guard if he falls out of this month’s draft.

After averaging 16 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 41.3 percent from three-point range in his senior season at Southern Miss, Davis stood out in the pre-draft’s Portsmouth Invitational, earning workout opportunities despite not participating in the combine.

Davis, 23, grew up as a homeless child, living through foster care and looking after his siblings.

Mavericks Brought Zeke Marshall In For Work Out

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 20:24:32 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks brought in Zeke Marshall, a 7-foot center out of Akron University, for a pre-draft workout on Friday.

Marshall has a series of workouts slated in the coming days, according to a source.

Marshall will work out with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. After Sunday’s workout, Marshall will work out for the Houston Rockets on June 5, the Phoenix Suns on June 6, the Los Angeles Lakers on June 17, the Chicago Bulls on June 18 and the Indiana Pacers on June 22.

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Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:17:02 EDT

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