2022 NBA Draft – Page 7 – Syndication Server

Rumor: Thunder showing strong interest in Shaedon Sharpe

Sharpe is reportedly expected to work out with the Thunder soon ahead of the draft on June 23.

Former Kentucky guard Shaedon Sharpe has received plenty of interest from teams ahead of the NBA draft, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly among those included in that group.

Sharpe, the No. 3 recruit in the high school class of 2022, had a brief stop in Lexington with the Wildcats after enrolling at the university in January. He never suited up for head coach John Calipari and ultimately opted to leave for the draft.

The 19-year-old is still projected to be a lottery pick despite not playing last season. He has worked out with 10 teams to this point with a visit to Oklahoma City to come. In fact, the Thunder have been heavily involved in scouting Sharpe, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Sharpe is conducting competitive 3-on-3 workouts for most, but not all of the teams picking in the top 10, with his floor likely being (No. 12) for the Thunder, who will be getting a visit and have studied him more closely than any team in the NBA.

Though there is still much unknown about Sharpe after sitting out last season, teams are still intrigued with his potential. He is highly touted for his athleticism and ability to defend with a 7-foot wingspan and figures to benefit in a situation with development opportunities.

Sharpe reportedly prefers to land with a team like the Thunder, who are still rebuilding and would have minutes available to develop on the court. They have a young nucleus and could benefit by adding a player like Sharpe with plenty of potential and upside.

Oklahoma City enters the draft with three first-round picks and an additional selection early in the second round. The Thunder project to be a team to watch on draft night that could be active so it will be interesting to see how they approach things.

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Georgetown guard Aminu Mohammed: ‘I impact the game in so many ways’

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

Aminu Mohammed produced a strong freshman campaign with the Georgetown Hoyas, and the 20-year-old is aiming to continue that run to the NBA.

Mohammed was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the United States at 14. He then achieved tremendous success at Greenwood Laboratory School in Springfield, Missouri, becoming Gatorade Player of the Year in the state as a sophomore.

He eventually added McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic honors to his resume. He became a five-star recruit and committed to play at Georgetown over the likes of Georgia, Indiana and Kansas State among others.

Mohammed finished with 2,709 points at Greenwood, the most in Springfield history. (Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader)

Mohammed, who was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team, averaged 13.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 31 games. He became just the ninth freshman since 1972 to lead the Hoyas in rebounding, and the first since Otto Porter Jr. in 2012.

Now, Mohammed is preparing to continue his journey to the NBA.

🙏🏿🙏🏿🇳🇬🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/j2jwkHL5Pz

— Aminu Mohammed (@Aminumo2424) June 1, 2022

He enters the draft regarded for his versatility and ability to guard multiple positions with his 6-foot-11 wingspan. He was among the standouts at the draft combine last month, averaging 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block in two scrimmage games.

Mohammed has worked out for several teams ahead of the draft, including the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards among others. He is diligently showcasing himself on and off the court throughout the process in an effort to impress those watching.

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

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

Projected lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe has worked out with Hornets, others

Sharpe estimated that he has worked out with approximately 10 teams to this point, including the Hornets.

Former Kentucky guard Shaedon Sharpe on Friday participated in an individual draft workout with the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced.

Despite not playing at Kentucky, Sharpe is widely projected to be a lottery pick on June 23. He did not participate in the draft combine last month but is an intriguing option for teams given his athleticism and ability to defend with a 7-foot wingspan.

Sharpe, who was born in Canada, averaged 21.4 points, six rebounds and three assists last year at Dream City Christian in Glendale, Arizona. He also helped Canada earn the silver medal in the 2019 FIBA U16 Americas Championship, averaging 13 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

The 19-year-old estimated that he has worked out with approximately 10 teams to this point, including the Hornets, who have picks 13 and 15. He is also reportedly scheduled to meet with the New Orleans Pelicans next week and will likely have other workouts ahead of the draft.

The potential to become a lottery pick likely persuaded Sharpe to leave Kentucky for the draft. There is still much unknown about him but teams are certainly still intrigued with his ability and potential.

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Caleb Houstan modeling his game after multiple NBA All-Stars

Houstan has studied plenty of players over the years but singled out three current stars for helping shape his game.

Michigan freshman Caleb Houstan studied plenty of players over the years to develop on the court but singled out three current stars in particular for helping shape his game.

Houstan, a former five-star recruit from the Montverde Academy, was highly regarded entering college. He possesses the physical tools and ideal skillset to succeed, and it is easy to see how he has done well in the past based on the players he models his game after.

The 6-foot-8 forward, speaking after working out with the Toronto Raptors on Friday, named Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson as the players he watches the most.

I watch a lot of dudes but really the three I watch the most are Khris Middleton, Tatum and Klay. Those are my top guys I like taking things from. I just try to take things from them. I like the way all of them play. Obviously, their games are a little bit different, but (I just take) aspects of their games I can see myself doing down the road.

Houstan averaged 10.1 points, four rebounds and 1.4 assists on 35.5% shooting from 3-point range in 34 games last season. He didn’t quite live up to expectations with the Wolverines but is still considered to be a potential first-round pick this year.

The 19-year-old estimated that he has worked out with more than six teams ahead of the draft thus far. His meeting with the Raptors is the only team in that group that has been made public, but it is rumored that Houstan has received a draft promise from a team.

However it works out for Houstan, it is clear teams are still betting on his potential, which made him such a highly-touted prospect entering the college ranks. He will soon have the opportunity to prove that.

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Hall of Famer Grant Hill wants Magic to draft Paolo Banchero at No. 1

Hill believes the No. 1 pick candidates are each different but personally wants Banchero to end up with the Magic.

Hall of Famer Grant Hill is among those that believe there are three front-runners to be the No. 1 pick, but may be in the minority on which player should be taken by the Orlando Magic.

Of course, Duke forward Paolo Banchero, Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren and Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. are in the conversation to be the first players drafted this year. Of the trio, Holmgren and Smith have the highest odds of being the top pick.

However, Hill wants Orlando to take a fellow Dukie in Banchero.

Hill, speaking with Mackenzie Salmon of USA TODAY Sports, believes each candidate brings something different to the table, but personally wants Banchero to end up with the Magic.

The three top guys have, obviously, separated themselves from the pack and one of those three will be the No. 1 pick. I followed Duke a lot this year and I covered them a lot in March Madness. Paolo has a great combination of size, skill and feel, and you don’t see that a lot in players. He is 6 foot, 10 inches and 250 pounds so that in itself is great size and not everybody has that.

Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren are great players as well. They’re all different in terms of what they do best and how they approach things but they’re all very talented. I think they have great careers in front of them. Since I live in Orlando, and Paolo went to Duke, I’d like to see them take Paolo Banchero but I think they have three really good options and it’ll be interesting to see who they choose.

Banchero, who was a consensus second-team All-American, averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 39 games. He led all true freshmen in the country in scoring and ranked sixth in rebounding and fifth in field-goal percentage (47.8).

He has the size and physicality that should translate well to the next level, along with the work ethic to want to improve. He also has the tools to become an all-around great player and appears to have a bright future ahead in the league.

The conversation surrounding the first pick will only heat up as the draft approaches. The debate will serve as a true sign that the Magic have a tough decision ahead on June 23.

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Shareef O’Neal to work out for Lakers, other teams ahead of draft

O’Neal has upcoming draft workouts scheduled with several teams, including the Lakers.

LSU junior Shareef O’Neal, the son of Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, reportedly has draft workouts scheduled with several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

O’Neal, who transferred from UCLA to LSU ahead of the 2020-21 season, missed much of the past two seasons due to a foot injury. He made his season debut with the Tigers on Jan. 12 and averaged 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14 games.

The 6-foot-10 forward was among the prospects that participated in the NBA G League Elite Camp last month. He measured in with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and produced 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists during his second scrimmage game.

O’Neal is now considered to be eligible for the draft after some confusion at the early entry withdrawal deadline on June 1. He was initially listed among the 112 early entry prospects that opted to withdraw but the situation has now been resolved.

In addition to the Lakers, O’Neal will also visit with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards among others. He is not currently projected to be drafted but will have the opportunity to sign with teams in free agency afterward.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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NBA draft green room: Holmgren, Smith headline prospects to earn invitations

Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. headline the prospects invited to attend the NBA draft from the green room at the Barclays Center.

With less than two weeks to go until the 2022 NBA draft, the league is beginning to extend invitations to prospects to attend the festivities from the green room at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Teams each year vote on players they believe will be drafted early, typically the top 20-25 prospects. Last year, 20 players were invited to the green room and each were selected in the first round. However, Josh Primo was not invited and was the 12th pick by the San Antonio Spurs.

2022 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Projecting every pick after early entry deadline

Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Thursday reported that 11 prospects have been invited to the green room so far with more players to come. Of course, the list is likely a sign of things to come but the final results on draft night could differ.

Here is the list of players invited to the draft green room.

Bennedict Mathurin will visit Pacers for individual workout

Prior to seeing Mathurin on the court, the Pacers will also host a group workout with six other prospects.

Arizona sophomore Bennedict Mathurin on Friday will participate in an individual pre-draft workout with Indiana Pacers, the team announced.

Mathurin, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 37 games last season. His 655 points scored ranked ninth in program history, and he shot 45% from the floor and 36.9% from 3-point range.

He is viewed as an exceptional floor spacer and has the tools to develop into a knockdown shooter at the next level. He will need to improve as a defender but has the size and strength needed to emerge on that end of the floor.

Prior to seeing Mathurin on the court, the Pacers will also host a group workout with six other prospects, including NBA G League guard Dyson Daniels and Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan among others. It is their sixth and seventh workouts of the pre-draft process.

The Pacers were awarded the sixth overall pick in the draft, one position lower than their pre-lottery odds. 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.

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Nuggets to host international prospect Nikola Jovic for draft workout

Jovic will be among the prospects that will work out with the Nuggets on Friday.

Projected first-round pick Nikola Jovic will be among the prospects that will participate in a pre-draft workout with the Denver Nuggets, according to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.

Jovic, who was born in Serbia, is averaging 12 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists with KK Mega Basket in the Adriatic League. He is shooting 41.4% from the field, including 31.5% from 3-point range, in 29 total games this season.

The 6-foot-11 is widely projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. He can space the floor and has also shown promise as a ballhandler and rebounder. He has been on the NBA radar for some time and even received votes as the best international player by GMs.

In addition to Jovic, the Nuggets will also work out San Diego forward Terrell Brown, Alabama guard JD Davison, Arizona center Christian Koloko, Saint Mary’s guard Tommy Kuhse and Houston forward Fabian White Jr. on Friday.

The Nuggets enter the draft with only the 21st overall selection after they traded their second-round pick. They have met with several other prospects projected to be available in their range, including Blake Wesley and Jalen Williams among others.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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Damian Lillard gave tips to AJ Griffin after workout with Trail Blazers

Griffin participated in a workout with the Blazers on Thursday and had the opportunity to chop it up with Lillard afterward.

Duke freshman AJ Griffin participated in a pre-draft workout with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday and had the opportunity to talk with Damian Lillard afterward.

Griffin, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaged 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and one assist on 44.7% shooting from 3-point range last season. He ranked fifth in program history in 3-point percentage and second among freshmen.

The meeting with the Trail Blazers is the only known workout for Griffin at this point of the pre-draft process. He has been linked to Portland and projects to be a good addition next to Lillard, who took some time to give him some tips, via Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian.

Damian Lillard offering instruction to Duke’s AJ Griffin following his Thursday workout with the Trail Blazers. #ripcity pic.twitter.com/ExwlYeAAIw

— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) June 9, 2022

Griffin enters the draft projected to be a lottery pick after emerging as a strong shooter off of the ball with the Blue Devils. Griffin, who won’t turn 19 until August, is also viewed as one of the most physical players in the class boasting a 7-foot-2 wingspan.

The Trail Blazers enter the NBA draft with the seventh pick but are heavily rumored to want to trade it to acquire players that can help them win now. However, they have also been linked to several other prospects in their range, such as Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Duren.

Portland will be among the teams that could be busy on draft night. The organization wants to build a competitive roster around Lillard and figures to be active in trade discussions.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

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