April 2018 Basketball Wiretap

LiAngelo Ball, LaMelo Ball Leave Lithuanian Team

Apr 25, 2018 8:17 PM

LiAngelo Ball and LaMelo Ball have ended their tenure in Lithuania playing for BC Vytautas citing injuries.

There are only two games remaining in the season, but head coach Virginijus Seskus said he was shocked at the departure.

"It's just another proof they came here to make a show, not for basketball. It's sad they didn't understand what we gave them. We understand how they helped us, but they don't," Seskus told Lithuanian outlet 15min.let.

LaVar Ball, the brothers' father, told 15min.let that LaMelo would not return to the team next season.

"You really ask me this? Coach ruined everything, and he'll have to pay the price that Melo is not coming back," he said.

LiAngelo Ball will work towards preparing for workouts for the 2018 NBA Draft.

Chris Haynes/ESPN

Tags: LiAngelo Ball, LaMelo Ball, Vytautas Prienu, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, International, NBA Draft General, International Teams

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Andrew Bogut Signs With Sydney Kings

Apr 22, 2018 1:45 PM

Andrew Bogut has signed with the Sydney Kings of Australia's NBL.

The announcement comes just weeks after Bogut told ESPN he felt he still had a number of years left in the NBA.

The Kings finished the 17-18 season in seventh place.

Bogut was waived by the Lakers this season.

ESPN

Tags: Andrew Bogut, Sydney, NBA, International, International Teams

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Rodions Kurucs Declares For 2018 NBA Draft

Apr 21, 2018 2:45 PM

Rodions Kurucs has declared for the 2018 NBA Draft.

Kurucs is a probable first round pick as a 6'10 combo forward.

Kurucs has received little playing time with Barcelona.

Kurucs entered the 2017 NBA draft against the wishes of Barcelona but was forced to withdraw at the deadline despite strong interest in the late first round, as his exorbitant buyout, which reportedly was around €4 million, would have made it difficult for him to have joined the NBA immediately. 

Jonathan Givony/ESPN

Tags: Rodions Kurucs, Barca, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, International, NBA Draft General, NBA Draft Declarations, International Teams

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Luka Doncic Officially Declares For 2018 NBA Draft

Apr 21, 2018 1:41 PM

Luka Doncic has officially declared for the 2018 NBA Draft.

Doncic submitted his paperwork to formally enter his name.

Doncic is a candidate to go first overall in the draft.

Doncic is averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season for Real Madrid.

Shams Charania/Yahoo! Sports

Tags: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, International, NBA Draft General, NBA Draft Declarations, International Teams

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Dzanan Musa Declares For 2018 NBA Draft

Apr 12, 2018 4:57 PM

Dzanan Musa has submitted paperwork to make himself eligible for the 2018 NBA draft.

"I decided to declare for the NBA draft because I think it's a great opportunity to make my dreams come true, and I think I'm ready for it," Musa told ESPN. "It was not a difficult decision, because I have my goal and the goal is to play in the NBA."

Musa plays for KK Cedevita Zagreb.

Musa is the No. 21 prospect in the ESPN Top 100 and is considered a strong first-round pick candidate by NBA teams.

 

Jonathan Givony/ESPN

Tags: Dzanan Musa, Cedevita, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General, NBA Draft Declarations, International Teams

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Luka Doncic Compares His Game To Ben Simmons

Apr 9, 2018 11:03 AM

In a lengthy ESPN The Magazine profile by Mina Kimes, Luka Doncic compares himself to Ben Simmons.

"I think we are, like, similar, you know?" Doncic said. "He can play point guard, he can play forward. He can play a lot of stuff, like LeBron."

Doncic cites LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as his favorite players.

Doncic said he's attempting to avoid the ups and downs of following the predraft analysis and rankings.

"I'm trying ... but I look," he admits. "They'll say: 'Oh, you're so good, you're so good!' Then you play one game bad and you're terrible," he says. "I'm trying to read less."

According to ESPN's Kevin Pelton, Doncic has the highest wins above replacement player (WARP) projection of any European prospect since 2006, when data became available. Doncic's statistical projection is the highest on record, even beating Anthony Davis coming out of Kentucky.

Mina Kimes/ESPN

Tags: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General, International Teams

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Vasilis Charalampopoulos Declares For 2018 NBA Draft

Apr 6, 2018 10:47 AM

Vasilis Charalampopoulos is declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft.

"It has always been a dream to play in the NBA," Charalampopoulos told ESPN. "Entering the draft gives me the opportunity to challenge myself outside of Europe. This decision to enter the draft was not difficult. The difficult part was finding when the right time was for me." 

Charalampopoulos is a 21-year-old 6-foot-9 power forward.

Jonathan Givony/ESPN

Tags: Vasilis Charalambopoulos, Panathinaikos, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, International, NBA Draft General, NBA Draft Declarations, International Teams

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O.J. Mayo Signs Deal With San German Of Puerto Rican League

Apr 4, 2018 3:01 PM

O.J. Mayo has agreed to sign with San German in Puerto Rico.

Mayo will report to the team this month and will be eligible to sign an NBA deal this summer.

Mayo received a two-year suspension from the NBA in 2016 for violating their anti-drug program.

Shams Charania/Yahoo! Sports

Tags: O.J. Mayo, Atleticos de San German, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor, NBA Suspension, International, International Teams

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