Clippers Shoot Down Draft Deal Involving Russian Youngster

The Los Angeles Clippers shot down rumors Monday that they had a deal in place to take Russian teenager Yaroslav Korolev at the #12 spot.

Korolev has just turned 18, has been mentioned in L.A. quite often as many news outlets have reported the Clippers are committed to taking him with their first selection.

"Of course we're not going to commit; we're not going to mention anything," Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

"We commit to everybody in the draft, and whoever we get, we get."

At 17 years of age, Korolev is considered Russia?s top young prospect.

"I probably would have waited another year to put him in the draft initially, but the response was so good from NBA teams [that] they really made the decision for us," Korolev?s agent Marc Fleisher said.