The NBA invited 19 draft candidates to participate in Wednesday’s media availability at the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan.

The Knicks don’t own a draft pick, so those not from the local market were spared endless questions about playing for Phil Jackson at Madison Square Garden, but that doesn’t mean all questions pertained to the game of basketball. If you’re looking for insight into what type of suit Ben Simmons or Jaylen Brown plan to wear on Thursday night, you’re in the wrong place. 

Domantas Sabonis On His Unique Playing Experience 

Sabonis, 20, has a unique basketball background. Not only he is the son of Lithuanian legend Arvydas Sabonis, but Domantas has both International and American college experience.

He has played with the Lithuanian national team and was on two Spanish teams (Unicaja Malaga and Clinicas Rincon) before playing for Gonzaga for two seasons. 

“I think it helps a bit because I’ve experienced the pro life,” Sabonis told RealGM. “Obviously, it’s different and it will be all new for me, but it’s a little advantage knowing what to expect. 

“Learning from pro athletes -- how they think, how they play. How to take care of your body and stuff like that, which is really important.”

He shot only 14 three-pointers in 1,149 minutes as a sophomore at Gonzaga, but he is confident that he can develop into the type of power forward the NBA prefers in 2016. 

“I play only the four for the national team, but for Gonzaga I had a different role. Our center went down, so I had to fill in his role,” Sabonis said.

“I’ve been working really hard, I have to improve on everything I do and I think I can come in [and play as an NBA four].”

Versatility, Maturity On Denzel Valentine’s Resume

Denzel Valentine had his best season at Michigan State as a senior, averaging 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, 7.5 rebounds and one steal per game for the Spartans. He also improved his three-point shooting percentage from 28.1% as a freshman to 44.4% this past year. As if that weren’t enough, he nearly halved his turnover rate over his career from 29% in Year 1 to 14.8% in Year 4.

“You’ll get someone that is committed and fully developed into a good player,” Valentine said of what he’ll bring to a team. “I’m mature, versatile. I guard one through three and play one through three. I can bring a winning, tough mentality to an NBA team and I think that’s really valued at the next level.” 

Tom Izzo advised Valentine not to change throughout the draft process -- something fellow alum Draymond Green has held onto -- and he’s not letting mock drafts or rumors to ruin his entry into the NBA.

“Everybody has a different mock draft. I guess we’ll just see,” he said when asked where he thinks he might go. “It depends on the player you are after the draft, that’s really what matters. I could get drafted last, I could get drafted first, but you haven’t done anything until you prove it on the court.” 

Jaylen Brown Supremely Confident, Defends His Shooting

Brown stood out as the most composed prospect, while also showing supreme confidence in his game.

“Oh, absolutely,” he said when asked if he felt he is the best wing player in the draft. “I definitely think I’m the best wing player, for sure. It’s not even close, but we’ll see tomorrow.” 

You almost always hear the same two words when a player is asked how he feels the day before he’ll be drafted -- excited or nervous. Brown, without skipping a beat, broke script saying he’s “overly ready.”

Brown’s shot has been criticized, but he looks like a nice fit in today’s NBA as a strong defender capable of playing in small-ball lineups. His defense is strong and may help him get on the court quickly, but that’s not the only place he can defend.

“It’s about getting better, just clearing up misconceptions,” he said when asked about his critics. “I think I can shoot the ball. It’s about confidence and repetition.”

Kris Dunn Relies On Family, Ready To Do Whatever For Whoever 

By now you’ve certainly heard Kris Dunn’s heartbreaking and inspiring origin story. One of the reasons he decided to return to Providence for his redshirt-junior season was his family, including his younger half-sisters.

“I think me and my family were comfortable with the decision,” Dunn told RealGM of passing on the draft last year. “I got my college degree a couple weeks ago, my whole family was proud. I’m just trying to set the standard high for my family, let it be a norm to graduate from college. My sisters are up next to do that. Now I’m sitting in this seat talking to you guys, living my dream.” 

As excited -- there’s that word -- as Dunn is to realize his dream of becoming a professional basketball player, he’s even happier for those that helped him get here. 

“I’m more excited for my family to have the opportunity to be here with me,” he said. ‘They’ve been with me through the ups-and-downs throughout my life. They deserve this moment because they helped me so much. I’m really appreciative of the opportunity.”

Perhaps more than any other player, Dunn has been mentioned in endless rumors leading up to Thursday. He and his agent made the controversial decision to turn down workouts with interested clubs. 

“I definitely hear it, you hear it everyday,” he said of whispers and rumors. “I don’t try to listen to that stuff. On draft night, a lot of things can happen. No one knows exactly what will happen, which makes the night so special.”