Post#3594 » by King Ken » Mon May 20, 2019 5:28 am
Rumors I am hearing (Post Combine):
Zion (Pelicans), Ja (Grizzles) Garland (Suns), White (Bulls), Rui (Wolves), Thybulle (Thunder)
Knicks are shopping the pick but for a superstar only. There is a lot of interest in R.J. from Cleveland. They want him at all cost but they simply don't have the value. From people close to the Knicks, R.J. will be the pick, the question is, will he be a Knick. There is a lot of people in the org who love him. There is a growing belief that they can get AD.
Lakers are strongly shopping the #4 pick in search of a superstar or star but they need wings as they want to move LeBron to PF full time but want a wing who can also play in the paint as well. They are strongly looking at Sekou D. and DeAndre Hunter. Workouts will be huge for Hunter as some in the org think he can be a superstar and some see a role player at best. There is also interest in Kevin Porter Jr. and Jarrett Culver. There is a lot in the org that want to full small ball, move Zo to the 2 on defense and bring in Kyrie. If they miss on AD, don't be surprise they go at Beal.
There is a growing belief that the Knicks might pass on Kyrie to keep DSJ and sign a starting level vet PG to play with KD and AD if they land AD in a trade. There is also a growing belief that might not have as much interest this offseason. At the moment, it's hersay because the Knicks hold the cards.
Cavs want R.J. Barrett and are trying to move up to get him but just don't have the assets. They are trying to get a 3rd team but the Knicks seem to have little interest considering the draft quality. They are targeting Kevin Porter Jr. if he is off the board. They also have interest in Culver as well. Once Coach B gets in the process, expect Culver to be the pick but the scouts in their org and front office really likes KPJ.
Suns and Bulls are rumored to made promises for PGs. Bulls want to sign a vet PG as well and develop White like LAC did with SGA. Rumored target is Pat Beverly who is from Chicago.
Atlanta locked into getting Cam Reddish. Haven't shown interest in moving back from #8 but #10 is fully on the market in a trade back situation. San Antonio is rumored to have interest for Rui H. Rui is wanted by the Wolves but the Spurs want him too as do the Hornets. Atlanta really hasn't taken a major interest in anyone outside of Reddish. There was some rumors that Atlanta also likes Hunter, White and Culver which Atlanta seems to have in this tier.
Washington is hiring a new GM but Connolly is rumored to have interest in Sekou D as well as their front office.
Boston has interest in Sekou as well. Boston likes KPJ who could come off the board with CHA or even CLE at 5.
There is not as much love for the centers in this class as the media is saying. Teams really want shooting bigs, wings, and guards. Just saying, don't be surprised when none of these centers go inside of the lottery outside of Goga.
Clarke is in a tough situation. He is seen highly by many teams especially Charlotte. Atlanta likes him too but I don't know who loves him at this time. We still got workouts. He did himself justice in terms of the Shawn Marion comparisons and he is locking into the top 15 for now.
Same for Little. Atlanta has a lot of interest in him as well. Probably #10 pick.
Don't be surprised if Goga goes #9. A number of teams in the lottery like him A LOT! He is the modern big teams are coveting.
There is about 25 guys who can go in the lottery. This is one of the most fluid classes in years and everyone is trying to move back.
Shooting is seen as a premium, this is why some teams are lower on R.J. than others but the Knicks are extremely high on him. They want him from all the people I spoke with. It's all about AD at this point.
The cost for Bradley Beal is sky high. I doubt someone will be able to get him unless Tim Connelly drops the price but he is locked up for at least two more years. All signs point to him wanting to stay. Him and his wife love DC and don't want to live. He does value work/life and city which he has in DC. They love DC. I do expect him to take the job. All signs point to it.
Miami is open to moving back to any team willing to take on their bad salary (two years left) but they want to keep multiple picks, I am told they like the depth of this class. They really want to be players in the 2020 FA class. They want to land AD is what been said.
Cleveland wants to use J.R. Smith contract to help them move up #3 but it seems highly unlikely. The value just isn't there. I think I said this already, can't remember.
The Warriors are looking to move up for the first time in awhile. Unlikely they do. I hear they are targeting centers who can shoot. I also here, there is a chance Boogie may resign if the market isn't great but GSW will have options if they lose KD as they will have their full MLE and are targeting centers who can shoot as well.
There is a lot more chatter than last year. A LOT more chatter. With teams making early promises, I can feel confident that these could be the guys:
1. Zion
2. Ja
3. R.J.
4. Hunter or Sekou
5. Porter Jr. or Culver or Hunter
6. Garland
7. White
8. Reddish
9. Goga
10. Culver or Little
11. Rui
12. Clarke
13. Trade Back
14. KPJ or Sekou or Goga
Almost forgot: A lot of people don't expect Hunter to fall out of the top 5. It seems highly unlikely.