Category: 2022 NBA Draft

Yannick Nzosa prevented from competing in draft combine by Spanish team

Nzosa was reportedly prevented from participating in the NBA draft combine by Unicaja Malaga.

Yannick Nzosa, a 6-foot-10 center from Unicaja Malaga in Spain, was reportedly prevented from participating in the NBA draft combine by his team, according to Diario Sur.

Nzosa, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was left off the list of prospects set to participate in the combine May 18-20 in Chicago, Illinois. He wanted to leave early to have time to prepare but the team denied his request with their season wrapping up on Saturday.

The 18-year-old then ruled out traveling to Chicago on Sunday after their game because of the short window ahead of the start of the combine. The team also required Nzosa to get insurance to cover potential injuries suffered in the workouts.

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g-3a0a87a40fab63bd7b20e6f115544212.jpg]

Nzosa is considered to be a potential second-round pick this year. He had a bit of an inconsistent season in the Liga ACB and is viewed as a bit of a project player. However, Nzosa has the potential to develop into a solid rim protector given his 7-foot-6 wingspan and athleticism.

He has until June 13 to withdraw from the draft.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=75598,75250,75238]

[listicle id=75532]

Domantas Sabonis to represent Kings at NBA draft lottery

The Kings enter the lottery slotted seventh after finishing with a 30-52 record this season.

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis will represent the organization at the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday in Chicago, Illinois, the team announced.

The Kings enter the lottery slotted seventh after finishing with a 30-52 record this season. They have a 7.5% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and a 32% chance of jumping up into the top four. They own the highest odds of earning the eighth pick (34.1%).

Sacramento currently has just one first-round pick and two selections in the second round, picks No. 37 and 49, respectively. They acquired an additional second-round pick from the Chicago Bulls in a previous trade.

Sacramento will make its 16th straight appearance in the lottery due to having the longest playoff drought in history. The Kings drafted Davion Mitchell with the ninth pick last year and Tyrese Haliburton with the 12th pick in 2020.

The draft lottery is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=75660,42390,39533]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5-b49be1b443aa877b53ad5bab73c3f815.jpg]

[listicle id=75532]

Hall of Famer David Robinson to serve as Spurs’ lottery representative

The Spurs legend will represent the organization at the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday.

Hall of Famer and San Antonio Spurs legend David Robinson will represent the organization at the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday in Chicago, Illinois, the team announced.

The Spurs enter the lottery slotted ninth after finishing this season with a 34-48 record. They have a 4.5% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and a 20.3% of jumping up into the top four. They own the highest odds of earning the ninth pick (50.7%).

San Antonio has two additional first-round selections, picks No. 20 and 25, respectively. They also have the 38th pick in the second round from the Los Angeles Lakers after trading their pick (No. 39) in 2016.

San Antonio is in the lottery for just the sixth time, including each of the last three years. They selected Josh Primo last year with the 12th pick and Devin Vassell in 2019 at No. 11. Coincidentally, the first time the Spurs were ever in the lottery, they took Robinson with the top pick.

The draft lottery is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=75685,73261,48451]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5/01g2z4affyx8fnwr5cc5-b49be1b443aa877b53ad5bab73c3f815.jpg]

[listicle id=75532]

New Mexico State guard Teddy Allen: ‘I look at myself as one of the best’

Rookie Wire recently caught up with Allen to discuss the pre-draft process, what he is looking to showcase to teams and much more.

Fresh off of an incredible senior year with New Mexico State, Teddy Allen is looking to continue that momentum and carry it into the NBA pre-draft process.

Allen was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year after averaging 19.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 34 games with the Aggies. He paced the team in nearly every statistical category, including points, rebounds and steals.

The 6-foot-6 guard also led the conference in scoring, while ranking 29th in the country among all Division I players. Allen finished 13th in the NCAA in free throws made (163) and 33rd in free-throw percentage (87.6).

Behind his play throughout the season, the Aggies captured their fourth WAC regular-season title in the last five seasons and the outright championship in the conference tournament to claim an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

On the biggest stage in the sport, Allen showed out in an upsetting fashion.

Allen erupted for 37 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals to lead the 12th-seeded Aggies to a win over No. 5 seed UConn, their first tournament victory since 1993. He scored 23 points alone in the second half, including each of the Aggies’ last 15.

They would go on to lose in the next round to No. 4 seed Arkansas.

The outing capped off a long collegiate journey for Allen.

He started off by playing one season at West Virginia under head coach Bob Huggins before landing at Western Nebraska Community College. He eventually returned to Division I with Nebraska before transferring to New Mexico State prior to this season.

Allen announced after the season that he would declare for the NBA draft. He has been training in Arizona with other prospects, sometimes as many as three times a day. He has been busy meeting and working out with teams all in hopes of earning his next opportunity in the NBA.

Rookie Wire recently caught up with Allen to discuss the pre-draft process, what he is looking to showcase to teams, his collegiate career and much more.

Please note: This interview was minorly edited in its transcript for clarity

Pacers to host Josh Minott, others for pre-draft workout

Memphis freshman Josh Minott will be among the draft prospects to work out with the Pacers on Friday.

Memphis freshman Josh Minott will be among the draft prospects to work out with the Indiana Pacers on Friday, the team announced. It is their first workout ahead of the draft.

Minott, who does not plan to return to Memphis, was named to the AAC All-Freshman team after averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 33 games. He produced his best game of the season on Jan. 23 with 18 points and nine rebounds in a win against Tulsa.

The 6-foot-8 forward is considered to be a potential first-round pick after a strong season with the Tigers. He has also worked out with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, and will compete in the draft combine May 18-20 in Chicago, Illinois.

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g-3a0a87a40fab63bd7b20e6f115544212.jpg]

In addition to Minott, the Pacers will also work out Utah Valley center Fardaws Aimaq, Michigan center Moussa Diabate, USC guard Boogie Ellis, Saint Joseph’s guard Jordan Hall and Davidson forward Hyunjung Lee on Friday.

Indiana enters the pre-draft process slotted fifth in the first round prior to the draft lottery after finishing with a 25-57 record. They also have the 31st pick from the Houston Rockets and the 60th pick from the Phoenix Suns.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=75084,75699,75680]

[listicle id=75532]

Wes Unseld Jr. to represent Wizards at NBA draft lottery

The Wizards enter the lottery slotted 10th after finishing with a 35-47 record.

Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. will represent the organization on Tuesday at the NBA draft lottery in Chicago, Illinois, the team announced on Thursday.

The Wizards enter the lottery slotted 10th after finishing with a 35-47 record. They have a 3% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and a 13.9% of jumping up into the top four. They own the highest odds of earning the 10th pick (65.9%).

Washington currently has its first-round pick and the 56th pick from the Dallas Mavericks in the trade involving Kristaps Porzingis. They lost their second-round pick after trading it away to the Cleveland Cavaliers in December 2018.

The Wizards were last in the lottery in 2020 when they drafted Deni Avdija from Maccabi Tel Aviv with the ninth pick. They were slotted No. 9 that year and didn’t move up or down. Certainly, the organization will be hoping Unseld can bring some good luck on Tuesday.

The draft lottery is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=48830,75720,75680]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey/01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey-7b436ee25b85ccf5d08f355ab8dcb47c.jpg]

[listicle id=75532]

Damian Lillard to represent Trail Blazers at NBA draft lottery

The Trail Blazers enter the draft lottery slotted sixth after finishing with a 27-55 record.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will represent the organization at the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday in Chicago, Illinois. The team enlisted his son, Damian Lillard Jr., to make the announcement.

The Trail Blazers enter the lottery slotted sixth after finishing with a 27-55 record. They have a 9% chance of landing the No. 1 pick and a 37.2% chance of jumping up in the top four. They have the highest odds of receiving the seventh selection (29.8%).

Portland narrowly missed out on a second lottery pick after acquiring it from the New Orleans Pelicans in the trade involving CJ McCollum. The Trail Blazers needed it to fall between picks No. 5 and 14 but, because the Pelicans made the playoffs, it dropped to 15th and they will not get it.

Coincidentally enough, McCollum was the last player the Trail Blazers drafted in the lottery. They took him with the 10th pick in 2013 out of Lehigh. They were slotted 10th that year and did not move up or down in the lottery.

The Trail Blazers had a down 2021-22 season with Lillard missing most of it due to injury. The team made a few trades in an effort to look ahead and build around Lillard and Anfernee Simons. The organization is hoping Lillard can bring it some luck and obtain a high pick.

The draft lottery is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

[lawrence-related id=75704,75680,75561]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey/01g2mrc5m4zr22ma8fey-7b436ee25b85ccf5d08f355ab8dcb47c.jpg]

[listicle id=75532]

Kris Murray still undecided on draft after declining invite to combine

Murray declined an invitation to compete in the combine but is still undecided on next season.

Iowa forward Kris Murray, the twin brother of potential lottery pick Keegan Murray, is reportedly undecided on staying in the NBA draft or returning to school for a junior season, according to Kennington Lloyd Smith III of Hawk Central.

Murray declined an invitation to compete in the draft combine on May 18-20 in Chicago, Illinois. The decision to skip the event created speculation that Murray would return to the Hawkeyes but that isn’t necessarily the case, according to his father.

Kenyon Murray told Hawk Central that Kris is still in the draft process and would likely take all the way up until the June 1 deadline to make a decision on next season. Kris will continue to train each day with Keegan and participate in workouts.

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g-3a0a87a40fab63bd7b20e6f115544212.jpg]

Teams each year submit a list of the players they would like to see invited to the combine, typically those with the highest odds of getting drafted. Kris impressed during his training with Keegan and will likely earn workout invitations from teams, as a result.

Kris averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 38.7% shooting from 3-point range in 35 games as a sophomore. He is not currently projected to be drafted and hasn’t ruled out playing one more season in college to improve his positioning next year.

Of course, the next few weeks will determine if Kris will stay in the draft or return to Iowa next season. However, it may not be all that surprising to see him play one more year with the Hawkeyes.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=33836,74349,75680]

[listicle id=75532]

All-American Drew Timme to attend pre-draft workout with Hawks

Timme, who was a consensus All-American, averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32 games.

Gonzaga junior Drew Timme will be among the draft prospects to work out with the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, according to Kevin Chouinard of Hawks.com.

Timme, who was a consensus All-American, averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 58.6% shooting from the field in 32 games. He led the WCC in scoring and ranked 20th in the country in shooting among all Division I players.

The 6-foot-10 forward is projected this year to be a mid-to-late second-round pick by most mock drafts. In addition to working out with the Hawks, Timme is also expected to participate in the draft combine May 18-20 in Chicago, Illinois.

[mm-video type=video id=01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g/01g2mjqh1gf9xvjdt51g-3a0a87a40fab63bd7b20e6f115544212.jpg]

In addition to Timme, Atlanta will also work out Wisconsin guard Brad Davison, Wichita State guard Tyson Etienne, Kansas forward David McCormack, Boston guard Javante McCoy and Minnesota guard Payton Willis on Thursday.

Atlanta enters the pre-draft process with the 16th and 44th picks, respectively. They have recently hosted several prospects for workouts ahead of the draft combine, including LSU forward Tari Eason and Villanova guard Collin Gillespie among others.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=75121,74195,75211]

[listicle id=75532]

Jamaree Bouyea explains biggest area of growth at San Francisco

Bouyea recently worked out with the Lakers and will compete in the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago.

NBA draft prospect Jamaree Bouyea explained on Tuesday after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers how his game has grown after playing five seasons at the University of San Francisco.

Bouyea, who was named to the All-WCC first team, averaged 17.3 points, five rebounds, four assists and 1.8 steals. He helped guide the Dons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998 and was the second-leading scorer in the conference.

The 6-foot-2 standout left as the all-time program leader in wins (98) and games played (160). His time with San Francisco helped shape him into the player he is today and believes that he is a more-rounded point guard, as a result.

I think I’ve grown in the point guard position as a whole. I think when I came to USF, I wasn’t so savvy, poised and patient as a guard. I was kinda just an athletic guard running the floor. I think now I can handle the ball, get into pick and rolls and make the right plays and see the right reeds. I’ve picked up on my defense since I’ve been in college and that is one thing I take pride in now.

Bouyea, in what became his final collegiate game, erupted for a career-high 36 points in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in an overtime loss to Murray State. He thought the outing showed more coaches and scouts what can bring to the next level.

He enters the pre-draft process projected by some to be a second-round pick. In addition to working out with the Lakers, Bouyea also visited the Atlanta Hawks and is among the prospects set to compete in the NBA G League Elite Camp May 16-17 in Chicago, Illinois.

With plenty of workouts on the horizon, Bouyea will have the opportunity to showcase his game in front of talent evaluators. He proved to be a great player in college and will be hoping to do the same at the next level.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=48934,73851,72823]

[mm-video type=video id=01g2azp5tfys0m97ax8h playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g2azp5tfys0m97ax8h/01g2azp5tfys0m97ax8h-0452df18384c011e31f8470de050a216.jpg]

[listicle id=75532]