Here are some new NBA draft stories to look at. The draft is less than a week away let’s see what’s being talked about.
Kevin Durant made a case Friday morning that he should be the No.1 pick in the NBA draft, dazzling the Trail Blazers with versatility, passion and athleticism. Blazers coach Nate McMillian said "this guy can play. I mean he can flat out play." He also said "the game seems to come so easy to him. Sometimes God creates you to do certain things, and he was put here to play basketball. He’s going to be a special player."
The Detroit Pistons released the names of the 24 players that have worked out for them. The Pistons said they want to find an athletic, versatlie talent in Thursday draft, a player with a hungry attitude and an ability to step into the rotation immediately. The Pistons have the 15th, 27th, and 57th picks in the draft. Here are the players that did private workouts: Nick Young, Thaddeus Young, Javaris Crittenton, Rodney Stuckey, Morris Almond, Derrick Byars, Marco Belinelli, Marcus Williams, DeVon Hardin, Gabe Pruitt, Trey Johnson, Ramon Sessions, Quinton Hosley, Ali Traore, DaShaun Wood, Darryl Watkins, Mohammed Abukar, Bobby Brown, Brandon Heath, Sammy Mejia, Zabian Dowdell, Stanko Barac, Artem Zabelin, and Jared Jordan.
In Boston there seems to be different views by the three main guys who help lead the Boston Celtics. Coach Doc Rivers wants to draft Jeff Green, GM Danny Ainge wants to draft Yi Jianlian and star player Paul Pierce wants the teams pick to be traded for an established veteran player. Pierce may win this one according to some.
Philadelphia 76ers executive Billy King revealed that he and his staff had a telephone conversation Thursday with Tiago Splitter, the 6’11, 22 year old Brazilian. His existing contract includes a significant buyout clause, so he may not be in the NBA this year. But Philly has many picks in this draft, that they could use one on Splitter and still be fine.
NBA Director od Scouting Marty Blake and most draft experts expect DJ Strawberry to be selected in the second round. DJ said after his workout for the Wizards his style of play is like "Bruce Bowen or Raja Bell, players that are going to bring energy on the defensive end. Now my shot is starting to come along, so I’m going to be able to hit open shots."
A lot of draft experts say 21 year old versatile player Sun Yue is drawing a lot of interest from teams despite needing a lot of work.
As the draft gets closer check back with HoopsVibe.com for more draft updates.
