Wizards to host Chris Duarte for private pre-draft workout

Duarte was one of only two Division I players last season to average at least 17 points and 1.9 steals on 50% shooting.

Oregon Ducks guard Chris Duarte will conduct a private workout with the Washington Wizards on Thursday, the team announced in a press release on Wednesday.

Duarte was named to the All-Pac 12 first team last season after averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals in 29 games as a senior. He was one of only two Division I players to average at least 17 points and 1.9 steals on 50% shooting from the field.

The Wizards enter the NBA draft with the 15th overall pick, their only draft selection at this point. The team has conducted pre-draft workouts this week but has only met with prospects projected to be second-round picks.

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Duarte is the only player projected to be a first-round pick publicly linked to the Wizards. He is most commonly thought to be a mid-to-late first-round pick and figures to be available when the Wizards are on the clock at 15.

He demonstrated last season at Oregon the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor, something teams covet at the next level. He led the Pac-12 in steals and proved on a nightly basis he can perform at an elite level on defense.

Last week, Duarte said in an interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that he believes he should be a lottery pick given his resume and overall skills on the court.

(I’m) a lottery pick. I don’t care about what anybody says. I’m a lottery pick. They keep talking about my age. My age doesn’t matter. If you’re ready to go; you’re ready to go. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Right now, I’m a lottery pick, and I’m going to prove it.

Duarte has climbed draft boards all season and, because of his strong play last year, has an opportunity to be selected early in the first round. It will certainly be worth watching to see if he gets his wish of getting drafted in the lottery.

The NBA draft is scheduled for Thursday, July 29.

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

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