Andy Larsen: Derrick Favors will not dress with back spasms.
Andy Larsen: Derrick Favors will not dress with back sp…
May 25, 2018 | 10:09 pm EDT Update
The Kings are exploring all options with the second pick, said a source familiar with the team’s thinking. The front office sees elite talent in this draft, and multiple players and scenarios are being explored. The Kings have traded down in each of the last two drafts, so that cannot be ruled out.
An ESPN report suggested the Kings had cooled on Doncic and general manager Vlade Divac passed on watching the Slovenian in the EuroLeague Final Four. Divac, however, did attend Real Madrid’s semifinal game and, according to a league source, the Kings had two additional scouts at the semifinal and final.
Doncic is expected to be an option. But so will Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr., Michigan State forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Texas center Mohamed Bamba and Duke forward Marvin Bagley III.
There are some in the NYK front office who love Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. and Duke big man Wendell Carter Jr. Of course, it’s worth noting that this may not be a uniform opinion throughout the front office. But even if it is, it’s unlikely that either player will be available when the Knicks pick.
Also, some in the Knicks front office have Mikail Bridges ranked ahead of Miles Bridges at the moment. Both players could be available at No. 9 and, again, neither has worked out individually for the Knicks yet.
Privately, some members of the front office have been mentioning the same thing regarding the idea of taking a point guard, essentially saying that it wouldn’t make sense to select a PG given the current roster. This would seem to be another sign that the organization is confident in 2017 first-round pick Frank Ntilikina. Again, it’s worth noting that this opinion may not be uniform throughout the Knicks’ front office.
Kevin Love will miss the remainder of Game 6 after suffering a blow to the head in the first quarter and is being evaluated for a concussion.
Love was out of the game with 6:58 left in the first quarter after he banged heads with Jayson Tatum while the Cavs were on defense and neither saw the other coming. Tatum was dazed by the blow, but Love crumpled to the court and held the back of his head.
