It's Draft Day! - The Latest Draft Rumblings
With the uncertainty that surrounds tonight, many rumors are starting to fly around on what could possibly happen!
With the Draft less than 24 hours away, many NBA GMs and scouts are putting in their last words about whom they may select tonight. Trades are surely being worked out, and draft decisions are being made.
So many things have been rumored to potentially happen, like OKC trading into the top 10 or other late lottery teams trading back for a Bub Carrington or Johnny Furphy. The majority of these rumors are uncertain due to the nature of this Draft. Furthermore, the weakness of the Draft at the top has led to teams like Houston considering auctioning off their pick(s).
That being said let's dive into the latest on the Draft. It is Draft Day!!!
OKC Thunder Trade?
According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, the Thunder will have a plethora of options at #12. Do they stay put and select a youthful, high-upside project like Tidjane Salaun, trade up wagering future assets, targeting a center like Clingan, or trade down, electing to gain assets to give themselves more flexibility to possibly select an older prospect?
Sam Presti will answer these questions tonight, but choosing which one will be the best choice will be difficult. He's been known to trade up, like last year with Cason Wallace, but he's also been known to stick with his pick and select a player. The Thunder's situation is fantastic, so they should be amazing one way or another. Simply put, trust in Sam Presti.
Pacome Dadiet Landing Spot?
After a quick trip to Treviso, Italy, for his mandatory NBA Combine workout, Ratiopharm Ulm's Pacome Dadiet made his way to the US for the few workouts he could complete. By June 16th, Dadiet was fully locked into this year's NBA Draft after listening to the feedback from NBA decision-makers.
Following his strong season in Germany this year, Dadiet should be in a developmental situation on a good roster next year, depending on where he gets drafted. ESPN's Jonathan Givony has largely reported that Dadiet has been connected to the teams at the end of the First and early Second rounds.
Houston Rockets Trade?
Alongside the Memphis Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets have been rumored to trade their pick since the second they landed it through the Draft Lottery. Rafael Stone will have some big decisions to make prior to their pick tonight, with a multitude of stones destined to fall. Jalen Green is up for a hefty extension, but they might want to avoid paying him as they look for a star on the wing like Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram.
Additionally, they could stay put, opting to select a guy like Reed Sheppard, who will bring shooting, defensive intensity, and toughness to a team looking to make their first playoff push in a while.
Wrap-Up
The NBA Draft is finally here, and the anticipation is at an all-time high. With so many rumors swirling and potential trades in the works, tonight promises to be full of surprises. Whether it's the Thunder's next big move, Dadiet's future in the league, or the Rockets' decision on their pick, one thing is certain: the landscape of the NBA will be significantly altered by the night's end. Strap in because Draft Day is here, and it will be a wild ride!