Darren Wolfson: Among the dozens of draft prospects coming to town next week for group workouts is the two-time Big Ten POY and ex-#Hawkeyes big Luka Garza. The #Timberwolves hosting/helping organize is genius. Many league execs will be here. Trade chatter galore!
More on Draft Workouts
Derek Culver has worked out for four teams -- the Warriors, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers, and sat before the TV cameras before.
The Pacers will hold their second pre-draft workout in preparation for the 2021 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 30 at St. Vincent Center. The first workout group includes B.J. Boston, Jr. (Kentucky), Matt Coleman III (Texas), E.J. Onu (Shawnee State), Austin Reaves (Oklahoma), Jaden Springer (Tennessee), Moses Wright (Georgia Tech).
Daniel Greenberg: NBA draft prospect Jalen Crutcher posted on his Instagram that he had a workout earlier today for the Chicago Bulls. Crutcher is a guard and averaged 17.6 points and 4.8 assists for Dayton last season.
Jonathan Wasserman: Draft riser Josh Primo is scheduled for workouts with the Pelicans, Hornets, Spurs, Pacers, Thunder, per source. Primo firmly in the first-round picture with potential to receive late-lottery consideration. Draft's youngest prospect.
Tony East: Florida guard Tre Mann after his workout with the Pacers today. "I was a little bit of a Paul George fan when he was here," Mann says of the Pacers. He said he showed off his athleticism and defense in today's workout. pic.twitter.com/UiF87UGD3v
The NBA pre-draft experience for Georgia Tech guard Jose Alvarado has been busy, but also a fulfillment. “Amazing, amazing, amazing blessing,” Alvarado said Tuesday, after he worked out for the Golden State Warriors along with Yellow Jackets teammate Moses Wright. “Just to have all these jerseys on, the workouts I’ve been to, it’s a dream come true.”
Daniel Greenberg. NBA draft prospect Terrence Shannon Jr had a workout earlier today for the Chicago Bulls, per source. Terrence is from Chicago and played last season for Texas Tech where he averaged 12.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
Nick Daschel: Oregon State guard Ethan Thompson has a workout scheduled with Golden State on Wednesday.
Michael Yero: Kameron McGusty announces that he’ll be returning to Miami. As for Isaiah Wong, he remains heavily undecided. He’s having a workout with the Cleveland Cavaliers today.
Tony East: Pacers announce their first draft workout to be conducted Wednesday. LOVE Thor and Mann, both in my top 30. pic.twitter.com/1IDfJAgUwn
Jonathan Wasserman: Auburn's JT Thor is scheduled for consecutive workouts with the Pacers, Hornets and Pelicans, per source. Three late-lottery teams.
After the NBA Draft Combine ended Sunday in Chicago, McBride’s stock is rising after measurements and drills erased some questions about his defense. Teams already knew he could shoot. McBride revealed he has staged private workouts for just two teams — the Knicks and Celtics. He figures to be available at either No. 19 or No. 21 — maybe even at No. 32 if the Knicks keep all their picks. If you haven’t heard, the Knicks could sure use a point guard.
Sources say Kuminga is in the No. 3 mix, with the organization believing that particular draft slot isn’t too high for him. “He’s a big-time prospect,” an NBA executive said. “An incredible talent who shouldn’t be overlooked.” As cleveland.com reported Thursday, the Cavs will also bring Kuminga to Cleveland for a private workout at some point next month.
Darren Wolfson: Rochester native and former Duke forward Matthew Hurt has interviewed at the Combine with the #Mavs, among others. Has workouts coming up with the #Celtics, #Thunder, #Pelicans, #Lakers, #Clippers, #Bucks, and more.
Darren Wolfson: Minneapolis native Jericho Sims had a great showing at the Combine. Next up: his agency’s pro day Monday and a workout with the Chicago #Bulls midweek. pic.twitter.com/GCnyB8TMhq
Chase Hughes: Maryland guard Aaron Wiggins has worked out for the Knicks, Celtics, Cavs and Warriors. As he considers whether to stay in the draft, he's taken advice from Kevin Huerter. From @kevbrown89 nbcsports.com/washington/nba…
Adam Zagoria: Former @GamecockMBB G @AJ Lawson will work out for The Utah Jazz July 2
Adam Zagoria: In addition to the Nets and Knicks next month, @Sandro Mamukelashvili has worked out for the Pistons, the Hornets, the Thunder and the Jazz. He has eight more workouts scheduled in July. “I’m pretty busy, I’ll be all around the place,” he said.
Chris Grenham: Virginia’s Sam Hauser tells me he has worked out for the Celtics.
Chris Grenham: Tennessee’s Yves Pons has worked out for the Celtics, in addition to the Spurs, Hornets and Timberwolves.
Chris Grenham: Iowa's Joe Wieskamp has worked out for the Celtics.
David Morrow: Florida’s Scottie Lewis says his only workout so far has been with the Rockets and that it went really well. Lewis he has met with 10 or 11 teams, including the Bucks, Hornets, Heat Timberwolves and Nuggets.
Joseph Duarte: Former Houston All-American guard Quentin Grimes says he has gone through private workouts with Celtics and Pelicans. #NBADraftCombine
Alex Kennedy: Julian Champagnie of St. John's said he's interviewed with the Blazers, Warriors and Timberwolves among others. He's also worked out with the Celtics. Last year, Champagnie averaged 19.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.0 block.
Zach Braziller: St John’s star Julian Champagnie has added a workout with the Pacers for July 7, per source. #sjubb
According to his agent, Jelani Floyd of Beyond Athlete Management, Tyler Etienne has already worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics and has workouts scheduled with the Golden State Warriors (June 30), Brooklyn Nets (July 2) and the Phoenix Suns (July 6). He is also receiving interest from the Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors.
Justin Grasso: #Alabama guard Josh Primo says he only worked out for the #Bulls but spoke to about 10 other teams. The #Sixers weren't one of them, but he said he believes he'll be speaking to Philly soon.
David Morrow: Bones Hyland says he has worked out with the Knicks, Jazz and Celtics. Says his workout with Boston was one of his best workouts.
Perhaps more of a longshot, Barnes, a 6-foot-9 forward with a still-developing outside shot, will receive consideration at No. 3, sources say. Same with intriguing teenage swingman Jonathan Kuminga, who played for G League Ignite alongside Jalen Green. Kuminga is scheduled to workout for the Cavaliers at some point before July 29.
Chris Grenham: VCU's Bones Hyland is showing out in the first NBA Draft Combine scrimmage of the day, which is a continuation of the last month. He's had a tremendous pre-draft process so far. Was told Hyland was the best player on the floor at his workout with the Celtics last week.
Zach Braziller: St. John’s forward Julian Champagnie has workouts scheduled with the Bulls and Nets for after the NBA Combine this week per source. #sjubb
Zach Braziller: St John’s Julian Champagnie also has a workout with the 76ers on July 6 per source. #sjubb
Kofi Cockburn recently had a workout with the Boston Celtics, and is continuing to improve his stock ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft on July 29th. The former Illini center also told us at WCIA, he’s not coming back for his junior year. “I’m sorry I won’t be coming back,” says Cockburn. “I’m 100% in now.”
James Edwards III: The Pistons are bringing in Toledo’s Spencer Littleson for a pre-draft workout today, per source. Littleson made an NCAA-best 103 3s and shot 47.2 percent from 3 on 7.3 attempts per game, which was second-best % in D1.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have spent parts of the last week conducting pre-draft workouts with a dozen players projected as either late second-round picks or undrafted free agents -- Jordan Hall, Aaron Wiggins, A.J. Lawson, McKinley Wright, Tyson Etienne, Derek Culver, JaQuori McLaughlin, Zaccheus Darko-Kelly and Ansu Sesay, among others.
Darren Wolfson: Former Marquette & Ohio St. guard DJ Carton was in town for a workout with the #Timberwolves earlier this week. Next up is the G League Elite Camp in Chicago starting tomorrow. A good performance there can earn him an invite to the official Draft Combine.
It has been a busy week for Geo Baker. The Rutgers senior guard underwent a workout for the New York Knicks at their G-League facilities in White Plains, New York, on Thursday, a source told NJ Advance Media.
Josh Newman: Sources: Utah Valley big man Fardaws Aimaq will work out for the Knicks tomorrow. First pre-draft workout for Aimaq, who led the nation in rebounding last season.
Jake Weingarten: Nebraska forward Dalano Banton will workout with the Houston Rockets tomorrow afternoon, a source told @stockrisers. With good size and upside, Banton is a sneaky underrated draft prospect.
The Hornets are hosting six players Thursday at Spectrum Center for pre-draft workouts as they try to find the missing pieces that can help them make the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. This past season, Charlotte played its first postseason game since 2015-16, losing to the Indiana Pacers in the playoff’s play-in tournament. Players attending the Hornets’ Thursday workout are Armando Bacot (UNC), Jalen Crutcher (Dayton), Chandler Vaudrin (Winthrop), Yves Pons (Tennessee), Naziah Carter (Washington) and Marcus Carr (Minnesota).
Chris Grenham: The Celtics are hosting a noteworthy group of prospects for today’s pre-draft workout, per sources: Sharife Cooper, Auburn Jordan Hall, Texas A&M Miles McBride, West Virginia Kofi Cockburn, Illinois Nah’Shon Hyland, VCU Balsa Koprivica, Florida State
Darren Wolfson: Minneapolis native Jericho Sims had draft workouts scheduled yesterday and today with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. Next week brings the Combine.
Adam Zagoria: Former @SetonHallMBB star @Mamukelashvili5 has now worked out for Utah, OKC and Charlotte with Detroit up Thursday
Adam Zagoria: Former @GopherMBB G Marcus Carr has worked out for Charlotte and Minnesota
Matt L. Stephens: Former Dayton star Jalen Crutcher will be at the Hornets' pre-draft workout tomorrow in Charlotte. The 6-2 guard was a four-year starter and averaged 17.6 points and 4.8 assists as a senior. #AllyFly
Chris Grenham: Today’s Celtics pre-draft workout will include the following players, per sources: Derrick Alston Jr., Boise State Julian Champagnie, St. John’s AJ Lawson, South Carolina Tyson Etienne, Wichita State LJ Figueroa, Oregon
Adam Zagoria: Former @StJohnsBBall and @OregonMBB wing LJ Figueroa will work out for the Celtics tomorrow, per source
Adam Zagoria: St. John's F @JulianChampagn2 was invited to the NBA Combine and will work out for Boston tomorrow, per source. Has a couple other NBA team workouts scheduled. Will decide by July 7 whether to return to school or not.
Chris Grenham: Texas A&M’s Jordan Hall will work out with the Celtics on Thursday, per source. Hall recently transferred from St. Joseph’s to A&M.
Chris Grenham: Wichita State guard Tyson Etienne will go through a pre-draft workout with the Celtics tomorrow, per source. He’ll visit with the Knicks today.
Keith Smith: The Atlanta Hawks recently held a guard-heavy draft workout, per sources. Atlanta had in: -JaQuori McLaughlin (UC Santa Barbara) -Colbey Ross (Pepperdine) -Ethan Thompson (Oregon State) -Duane Washington Jr. (Ohio State)
Chris Grenham: The Celtics will host another pre-draft workout today, per source. A few of today’s participants: EJ Liddell, Ohio State Troy Baxter Jr., Morgan State MJ Walker, Florida State
Zach Padmore: Per his Instagram story, Nah'Shon "Bones" Hyland had a pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz. One of the best three-point shooters in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Austin Peay swingman Terry Taylor has worked out for Golden State and Sacramento. The 6-foot-6 senior has workouts scheduled with the Grizzlies and Knicks next week and is expected to work out for 10-12 teams ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Darren Wolfson: Ex-Michigan Wolverine and current Florida Gator Colin Castleton was in town earlier this week for a #Timberwolves draft workout. @Eric Fawcett first to note. Castleton next will workout for Grizzlies, Celtics, Bucks. He is maintaining college eligibility.
Darren Wolfson: Former Texas guard Matt Coleman was also among the draft prospects to workout for the #Timberwolves this week. The former 5-star recruit had a solid 4 year run in Austin.
Chris Grenham: Ohio State guard Duane Washington Jr. participated in the Celtics’ pre-draft workout on Thursday, per source. He has received a G League Elite Camp invite, which begins next weekend in Chicago prior to the NBA Draft Combine.
Chris Grenham: Houston’s Quentin Grimes participated in the Celtics pre-draft workout today, per source. Grimes played his freshman year at Kansas before heading to Houston.
Erik Fawcett: Colin Castleton worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves today, one of a number of NBA pre-draft workouts he has scheduled.
Darren Wolfson: Ex-Cristo Rey HS stud & Mpls native Jericho Sims works out tomorrow for GSW, Kings next week, then will play in front of scouts at the Combine. He signed w/ Nate Daniels of @OneLegacySports, who is certified by NCAA. So he maintains college eligibility.
Connor Letourneau: Boise State's Derrick Alston Jr., UCSB's JaQuori McLaughlin, Shawnee State's EJ Onu, Texas' Jericho Sims, SDSU's Jordan Schakel and Colorado's McKinley Wright IV will work out for the Warriors tomorrow. Those are all second-round prospects or potential undrafted free agents.
Chris Grenham: NAIA All-American EJ Onu is among the prospects working out for the Celtics this week, according to a source. At 6’11” with a 7’6” wingspan, Onu led Shawnee State to a National Championship this past season. His athleticism will intrigue NBA front offices.
Chris Grenham: Texas guard Matt Coleman will participate in one of the Celtics’ pre-draft workouts this week, per source.
Wes Goldberg: The Warriors tomorrow will hold predraft workouts with Justin Gorham (Houston), Sam Hauser (Virginia), Dejon Jarreau (Houston), Eugene Omoruyi (Oregon), Jalen Tate (Arkansas) and Terry Taylor (Austin Peay). Mostly fringe second round picks and projected undrafted free agents.
Rob Schaefer: LaMelo Ball confirms Warriors, Timberwolves, Pistons and Hornets as only teams he worked out for in person. No to Bulls (@Ian Begley on the question)
Eric Walden: Texas Tech’s Jahmi’us Ramsey said he has not done a workout specifically for the Jazz. He did a Zoom workout that drew 22 times; not sure if the Jazz were on it. Said other than that, he’s not had any contact with the team.
Ian Begley: Stanford’s Tyrell Terry said he worked out in person for Brooklyn. He says he also worked out for Grizzlies. He’s had Zoom interviews with Knicks and Nets. @Mike Vorkunov reported there had been a possibility of a second Zoom w/NYK & Terry. That hasn’t taken place yet, Terry says.
Eric Walden: Stanford guard Tyrell Terry has done multiple Zoom interviews with the Utah Jazz; said his agent has been in contact: "I know there’s interest there. My camp has been in close contact." No workout with Utah; said he's only done 2 workouts because of COVID restrictions in Indy.
Ok, some real draft scuttle: the Bulls continue to stump the remainder of the NBA with their intentions at No. 4. Although Deni Avdija is a common match with Chicago, there are a number of conflicting rumors circulating around the league, the latest (and most fascinating) item being that the Bulls are interested in Patrick Williams. Per sources, Williams has worked out for Chicago. Beyond that, it’s still unclear what the actual interest level level is there. At this point, it’s worth naming every other player linked to Chicago, which includes Obi Toppin, Tyrese Haliburton, Killian Hayes and, in the event he’s on the board, LaMelo Ball.
Teams are permitted to conduct at their facilities group workouts of up to eight players in the leadup to training camp. Under HIPAA laws, the Knicks did not announce the identities of those who tested positive but sources indicated it was not any players. The staffers were under quarantine and reportedly asymptomatic. According to a source, the Knicks canceled a workout with point guard Killian Hayes last week because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
NBA teams are permitted to schedule 10 visits of up to 4.5 hours with draft-eligible players for in-person evaluations, interviews or medical evaluation. Five of the Heat’s 10 workouts have been confirmed though league sources or the prospects themselves: North Carolina guard Cole Anthony, Vanderbilt wing player Aaron Nesmith and power rotation players Precious Achiuwa (Memphis), Vernon Carey Jr. (Duke) and Zeke Nnaji (Arizona).
Anthony Slater: James Wiseman says he only worked out for the Warriors and Hornets. No Wolves or anyone below #3.
Austin Kent: James Wiseman worked out with and went out to dinner with the Charlotte Hornets, discussing his fit with the organization. CHA holds the No. 3 pick in Wednesday's draft.
Eric Walden: Arizona’s Josh Green confirms he worked out for the Utah Jazz last week. Says he spoke with Joe Ingles around the time of the workout to get a sense of the org. After going out to dinner with front office, he came away impressed with the structure of the organization.
Ian Begley: Arizona's Nico Mannion says he's had a Zoom interview with Brooklyn. No in-person workout for BKN or NYK. Mannion said the Raptors, Lakers and Jazz are among the teams he's had in-person workouts with.
Ian Begley: Arizona’s Zeke Nnaji says he’s worked out in person for the Heat, Jazz, Nuggets and Clippers, among other teams.
LaMelo Ball‘s private workouts with teams last week were strong, according to Givony, who suggests that the Warriors were among the teams impressed by what they saw from Ball. Still, Givony and other draft experts view James Wiseman as Golden State’s most likely pick at No. 2.
Chase Hughes: Likely top-10 pick Onyeka Okongwu (USC) is keeping the teams he's worked out for and interviewed with under wraps. Some prospects have been advised by their agents to do that.
Josh Robbins: Alabama guard Kira Lewis Jr. said on a Zoom call with reporters he worked out individually for the Magic. "Another great workout," Lewis said. "A lot of teaching points they showed me for my game: how to maybe block off a defender going to the rim."
Ben Anderson: Dennis Lindsey indicated the @UtahJazz haven't used all of their predraft workouts yet (they get 10.) Said they were saving some in case they got a late opportunity to workout someone unexpected.
