Report: Wizards to sign second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic to 2-year contract

Vukcevic averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds on 43.2% shooting from 3-point range in 30 games with Partizan this season.

Tristan Vukcevic, a 7-foot center with Partizan in Serbia, will reportedly sign a two-year contract with the Washington Wizards, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Vukcevic was drafted with the 42nd pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Wizards. He played with the team in the NBA Summer League, averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and one block in four appearances.

The 21-year-old returned to play with Partizan as a draft-and-stash prospect this year. The Wizards and Partizan agreed to a seven-figure contract buyout this week, clearing the way for Vukcevic to make the jump to the NBA for the remainder of the season.

Vukcevic averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds on 43.2% shooting from 3-point range in 30 games with Partizan. He has spent the past two-plus seasons with the team and helped it claim the ABA League championship last year.

He is viewed as a highly skilled big man and is touted for his ability as a scorer and shooter, with his smooth stroke and ability to work in the post. He impressed at the combine last year and drew interest from several teams drafting in the second round.

Vukcevic will now have the opportunity to get a head start on next year by joining the Wizards for the last month of the season. He will likely once again play with the team in summer league and should have the chance to compete for a rotation spot next year.

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5 players remain unsigned from the 2023 NBA draft class

Of the 58 prospects selected in the NBA draft, five remain unsigned.

The bulk of the offseason transactions across the NBA have been completed as teams and players reached terms on contracts and extensions when free agency opened last month.

Of course, there are still some other moves to make as rosters are finalized ahead of training camp in early October. Teams can carry up to 21 players on rosters during the offseason, including three two-way contracts this year.

The 2023 NBA draft class is mostly signed as well. Of the 58 prospects drafted on June 22, five remain unsigned after the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a pact with Jordan Miller, the 48th pick, on Monday. The five remaining unsigned players were selected in the second round.

Rookie Wire took a look at each player and their contract status.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper takes a lot of pride in guarding multiple positions

Prosper emerged as a versatile defender at Marquette and is looking to showcase that ability at the next level.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper emerged as a versatile defender at Marquette and is now viewed as a first-round prospect in the NBA draft this year, largely because of that ability.

Prosper, who was born in Canada, averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and nearly one steal on 51.2% shooting from the field in 36 games this past season. He recorded four 20-point games, including a career-high 31 points on Nov. 17 in a win over LIU.

The 6-foot-8 forward brings substantial versatility with him to the next level and seems to be a good fit with virtually any team. He boasts a 7-foot, 1-inch wingspan and has tremendous athleticism after dazzling at the draft combine last month.

He explained what he is looking to showcase to teams.

“I just want to show that I can come to a team and bring a spark, especially defensively,” Prosper said Tuesday after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “Help teams defensively with my ability to guard multiple positions and, on offense, just be another wing that can shoot, play in transition and rebound. A guy that brings a lot of energy on the floor that brings the team up.”

Prosper played one season at Clemson as a freshman and then spent the past two years at Marquette. He was able to showcase his versatility more in their system and that resulted in a productive run with the Golden Eagles on both ends of the court.

The 20-year-old recently described his game as electric on the court. He relished the opportunity to impact games on the defensive end and is looking to bring that ability with him to the next level

We switched 1-5 and for a guy like me, I take a lot of pride in switching, especially onto smaller guards and chasing smaller guards off screens. I enjoy that stuff. It pumps me up to guard people. It is very valuable, especially in this league that is becoming positionless. You want to have a guy who can guard multiple positions.

Certainly, Prosper has had a great run ahead of the draft and firmly has himself in a position to hear his name called in the first round on June 22, as a result.

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Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson headline players invited to NBA draft green room

The top prospects are beginning to receive invitations to attend the 2023 NBA draft from the green room at Barclays Center.

With less than two weeks to go until the 2023 NBA draft, the top prospects are receiving invitations to attend the festivities in the green room at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Teams each year vote on the players they believe will be drafted early, typically the top 20-25 prospects. Last year, 24 players were invited to the green room and only one player wasn’t drafted in the first round (Jaden Hardy).

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The first two batches of invitations have been dispatched to prospects with 19 players on the initial lists, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. There will likely be at least one more group invited based on teams’ final rankings and player availability.

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

Last Update: June 13, 5:15 p.m. EDT

Former Wake Forest forward Bobi Klintman to play 2023-24 season in NBL

Former Wake Forest forward Bobi Klintman has signed to play next season with the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League.

Former Wake Forest forward Bobi Klintman has signed a contract to play the 2023-24 season with the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League, the team announced.

Klintman, who was born in Malmo, Sweden, withdrew from the 2023 NBA draft ahead of the 5 p.m. EDT deadline on Monday. He was considered a potential first-round pick after a solid freshman campaign but opted to play abroad for one year in the NBL.

He signed with the Taipans as part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a way to play professionally. Players such LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng and RJ Hampton, have also utilized the program.

The 6-foot-10 Klintman averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range last season. He became the first Wake Forest freshman since Tim Duncan in 1994 to record a double-double in the ACC Tournament (17 points, 11 rebounds).

The decision to play in the NBL was likely made to further develop and improve his draft stock for next year when he could be a lottery pick. The league boasts several former NBA players, which should help prepare Klintman for the next level.

The Taipans have had several notable players in the past, including Torrey Craig, Tony Mitchell and Scottie Wilbekin. The group is coached by Australian Adam Forde and has also signed Taran Armstrong, Bul Kuol, Tahjere McCall and Sam Waardenburg for next season.

They will tip off the 2023-24 season on Sept. 30.

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Bobi Klintman to withdraw from NBA draft, pursue other pro options

Klintman will reportedly withdraw from the 2023 NBA draft and pursue other professional options for next season.

Former Wake Forest forward Bobi Klintman will reportedly withdraw from the 2023 NBA draft and pursue other professional options for the 2023-24 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Klintman, who was born in Malmo, Sweden, averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range last season. He became the first Wake Forest freshman since Tim Duncan in 1994 to record a double-double in the ACC Tournament (17 points, 11 rebounds).

The 6-foot-10 forward was considered a potential first-round pick this year and was even rumored to have received a draft promise from a team. He will instead turn pro and play elsewhere, perhaps in the United States or Australia.

He had until 5 p.m. EDT to withdraw from the draft.

The decision to skip the draft was likely made in order to further develop and improve his stock for next year when he could be a lottery pick. He will now have the opportunity to play against tougher competition in another league, such as the G League or National Basketball League.

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Rumor: Pelicans expected to seriously pursue trading up to draft Scoot Henderson

The Pelicans are reportedly expected to aggressively pursue trading up in the draft to target Scoot Henderson.

Considered a top-three prospect in the NBA draft, Scoot Henderson appears likely to land with either the Charlotte Hornets or Portland Trail Blazers on June 22.

However, another team may have entered the Henderson sweepstakes.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly interested in trading up and acquiring either the second pick from the Hornets or the third pick from the Trail Blazers in order to draft Henderson.

The Pelicans are expected to aggressively pursue a top pick, potentially 2 or 3, in this upcoming NBA draft with their eyes set on Scoot Henderson. Henderson and Alabama’s Brandon Miller are vying to potentially go No. 2 to the Charlotte Hornets in the draft. … Expect the Hornets to further solidify their draft board as this week closes but the Pelicans are among the teams seriously pursuing that No. 2 pick.

Of course, Victor Wembanyama is locked in to become the No. 1 pick by the San Antonio Spurs. After that selection, the Hornets are said to be considering Henderson or Miller and are reportedly leaning toward the former Crimson Tide All-American.

The Pelicans have the 14th pick in the draft this year.

They have several other future selections that could be used in a potential trade, including the Los Angeles Lakers‘ first-round pick in 2024 or 2025 and the Milwaukee Bucks‘ first-round pick in 2025 and 2027. They also have pick swaps with the Bucks in 2024 and 2026.

Henderson was viewed as the consensus No. 2 player in the draft throughout the year after dazzling against Wembanyama and Metropolitans 92 in October. However, Miller emerged as a viable option after a tremendous run with the Crimson Tide.

The 6-foot-2 Henderson averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals on 44.4% shooting from the field this past season with the G League Ignite. He registered 12 20-point games and was one of four players to record at least 20 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds in a game.

He projects to be able to step in and be a franchise-changing point guard and would be a good fit with the Pelicans should they opt to trade up for him. With Wembanyama set to go first to the Spurs, the draft figures to start with the Hornets as they have several options to consider.

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Projected second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic to remain in NBA draft

Vukcevic is viewed as one of the most skilled big men in the draft this year.

Tristan Vukcevic, a 7-foot center who last played with KK Partizan in Serbia, will keep his name in the 2023 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Vukcevic has had a strong showing throughout the pre-draft process and is considered a second-round pick. He produced 21 points during his lone scrimmage game at the combine last month and also registered the seventh-fastest shuttle run (3.16 seconds).

The 20-year-old has reportedly expressed interest in leaving Europe and playing next season in the NBA. He will need to negotiate a contract buyout with his current club in order to facilitate such a move.

Prospects have until 5 p.m. EDT to withdraw from the draft.

Vukcevic, who was born in Italy, averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range in 40 games this past season across EuroLeague and Adriatic League competition. He also previously spent time with Real Madrid in the ACB league in Spain.

The 7-footer is viewed as one of the most skilled big men in the draft this year. He is highly touted for his ability as a scorer and shooter with his smooth stroke and ability to work in the post, traits that will certainly be enticing to teams drafting in the second round.

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Potential first-rounder Ben Sheppard showing competitive spirit in workouts

Sheppard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals last season as a senior at Belmont.

Former Belmont guard Ben Sheppard put himself on the radar with a strong showing at the NBA draft combine last month and is looking to keep that momentum going through his remaining workouts.

Sheppard emerged as one of the top standouts at the combine with a 25-point performance in his second scrimmage game. He recorded the fastest shuttle run (2.94 seconds) and ranked seventh in the three-quarter sprint (3.17 seconds).

He has worked out with at least seven teams in the pre-draft process and is considered a potential first-round pick. He is looking to showcase his overall ability and prove that he belongs among his peers.

“I feel like I’ve flown under the radar for most of my life in basketball, honestly,” Sheppard said recently after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “I always have a chip on my shoulder. I’m a hard worker. I’m super competitive, and I try to let that show in my workouts. It is what I’m here for. I believe that I can play with the best of them so I’m just trying to be myself, not do anything out of the ordinary and just play my game.”

Sheppard, who was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference first team, averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals on 41.5% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked third in the conference in points (603) and 16th in the country in 3-point percentage.

The 6-foot-6 Sheppard can do a little bit of everything and dazzled in the open court. He can make every pass and put on a bit of show at the combine with vision and pinpoint accuracy. He also emerged as a tremendous shooter who can knock it down from virtually everywhere.

With the draft taking place in less than two weeks, Sheppard will soon know where he’ll begin his professional career. It took quite a bit of work to reach this point but the journey is only just beginning for Sheppard.

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Penn State senior Seth Lundy: ‘I’m the most versatile shooter in this draft’

Rookie Wire caught up with Lundy to discuss his college career, training for the draft, his potential role in the NBA and more.

Seth Lundy emerged as a tremendous shooter after four years at Penn State and the 23-year-old is looking to showcase that ability and more at the next level.

Lundy, who was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team,  averaged 14.2 points and 6.3 rebounds on 40% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games. He ranked 37th in the country in 3-point percentage and was second in the Big Ten in 3s per game (2.6).

The 6-foot-6 Lundy finished his college career with 1,282 points to become the 39th player in program history to reach the 1,000-point milestone. He also ranks sixth in career 3s (229), ninth in free-throw percentage (81.4) and 20th in points.

Perhaps most impressively, Lundy improved each year on campus.

He averaged career highs across the board this past season and saw a massive jump in 3-point percentage, up from 34.8% as a junior. Overall, Lundy was the second-leading scorer on a team that picked up its first victory in the NCAA Tournament since 2001.

Lundy registered a 35 1/2-inch max vertical jump at the combine. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Now, Lundy is looking ahead to the next level.

He is projected to be a second-round pick this year given his potential to develop into a 3-and-D player at the next level. He boasts a 6-foot, 10-inch wingspan and is regarded as one of the top shooters in the draft with his ability to knock down shots in a variety of ways.

Lundy was among the prospects that competed in the draft combine last month in Chicago, Illinois. He emerged as one of the standouts after averaging 15 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds on 73% shooting from 3-point range (8-of-11) in two scrimmage games.

He has worked out with 11 teams throughout the pre-draft process and is rising up mock drafts as a result. He has received strong feedback from teams as they believe he has the potential to make an immediate impact on the court.

Rookie Wire caught up with Lundy this week to discuss his career at Penn State, training for the draft, team workouts, his potential role in the NBA and more.

Note: This interview was edited for clarity