Jason Anderson: Kai Jones says he had a great workout w…

More on Draft Workouts

Ian Begley: Chris Duarte’s Knicks workout today is solo, per SNY sources. NYK has worked out other prospects in group settings. So Duarte’s solo workout indicates NYK’s level of interest in him. Duarte’s projected to be drafted before NYK’s picks (19 & 21). @Adam Zagoria 1st reported workout.
The Athletic: Quentin Grimes, David Duke and Matt Mitchell will work out for the Jazz today, sources tell @Tony Jones. "Grimes is someone the Jazz like at No. 30. "
On Thursday, the Jazz will hold an important pre-draft workout, league sources tell The Athletic. The participants, according to sources, will include Quentin Grimes, a 6-foot-5 guard out of Houston, David Duke, a 6-5 point guard from Providence, and Matt Mitchell, a 6-6 small forward from San Diego State.
Charles Bassey and Ayo Dosunmu were among players who worked out for the Knicks at their facility on Tuesday, per SNY sources. The workout also included Trey Murphy III, Tre Mann, and Isaiah Jackson, SNY sources confirm.
Tony East: Ziaire Williams, Corey Kispert, and Chris Duarte after their workout with the Pacers today. Enjoyed hearing each of them speak, all three provided thoughtful answers and unique perspectives: pic.twitter.com/H0dhdsTRLO
Projected first-round pick Alperen Sengun recently worked out with the Sacramento Kings and will be visiting the Orlando Magic ahead of the NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Sengun worked out with the Kings over the weekend and posted a photo to his Instagram story from Orlando on Tuesday. He will presumably work out with the Magic on Wednesday after Orlando hosted Jonathan Kuminga privately on Tuesday.
Cunningham, the longtime front runner for the top overall selection, is not planning on conducting any additional visits, sources said, and would be extremely pleased to land in Detroit. Green, the No. 2 prospect in the ESPN 100, is currently only planning on conducting one additional workout, at the training facility of the Houston Rockets, owners of the No. 2 pick.
Michael Singer: Just spoke with MSU's Aaron Henry after he finished up a workout with the #Nuggets. He said he's got an open line of communication w/ Gary Harris, Draymond Green and Steve Smith. "I feel like every Spartan in the NBA knows how to play defense."
Michael Singer: Just spoke with MSU's Aaron Henry after he finished up a workout with the #Nuggets. He said he's got an open line of communication w/ Gary Harris, Draymond Green and Steve Smith. "I feel like every Spartan in the NBA knows how to play defense."
Keon Johnson worked out over the weekend with the Golden State Warriors, one of four teams the former Tennessee Volunteers guard has visited during the pre-draft process. Johnson said he has also worked out with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets. Following his workout with the Warriors, Johnson plans to visit the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs ahead of the draft.
David Borges: Hearing James Bouknight had a great workout with Golden State today. Warriors pick at 7 and 14.
Wes Brown: AJ Lawson worked out for the Raptors. He has the size/athleticism/shooting the Raptors love with potential to improve as well. Could be a fit
Harrison Wind: Nuggets are hosting another pre-draft workout Tuesday: - Aaron Henry (Michigan State) - David Duke (Providence) - Jalen Crutcher (Dayton) - Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) - Ethan Thompson (Oregon State) - Colbey Ross (Pepperdine via Aurora, CO)
Josh Frydman: Former #Illini basketball forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili worked out for the #Bulls last night and today, per source. He has also worked out for the Bucks, Lakers, Grizzlies and Hawks leading up to the draft. @WGNNews
Chris Kirschner: More draft workout participants for the Hawks, I'm told: Jalen Preston, Ohio Ariel Hukporti, Germany Matt Mitchell, San Diego St. DJ Funderburk, NC St. DeJon Jarreau, Houston Herb Jones, Alabama Austin Reaves, Oklahoma
Jason Anderson: I’m told Marcus Burk will work out with the Kings on Wednesday. Burk is a 6-3/195 guard who averaged 21.7 points on 48/41/80 shooting as a senior at IUPUI. Gifted shooter who could get an opportunity with a summer league team even if he goes undrafted.
Ky Carlin: According to a league source, Austin Reaves is working out for the Sixers this week. Reaves was First Team All-Big 12 this season and led the Oklahoma Sooners in points, rebounds, and assists. #Sixers
Matthew Gutierrez: Former Syracuse wing Alan Griffin will work out Monday with the Denver Nuggets ahead of the '21 NBA Draft. Griffin has worked out previously w/ the NY Knicks and LA Lakers. Workouts with the Timberwolves and Raptors also lined up for the 21-year-old wing with 3-and-D potential.
Johnson said he had already worked out with the Kings, Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder. He said he had additional workouts scheduled with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs.
Harrison Wind: Nuggets are holding another pre-draft workout Monday: - Miles McBride (West Virginia) - Josh Primo (Alabama) - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Villanova) - Zaccheus Darko-Kelly (Providence) - Alan Griffin (Syracuse) - Damien Jefferson (Creighton)
Chris Milholen: Source: Jordan Goodwin, 6’3” 200lbs senior guard from Saint Louis, had a pre-draft workout with the Nets Friday morning. Goodwin averaged 14.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.0 steals in 33.1 minutes per game during the 2020-21 season.
Duarte has worked out for the Wizards, Thunder, Spurs and Hornets, in addition to the Warriors. He says he’s got a few more upcoming but wouldn’t reveal the schedule. When asked about meeting the Knicks, he said, “That’s something my agent is dealing with.’’
Chris Milholen: Source: Terry Taylor, 6’5” / 230lbs senior swingman from Austin Peay, has a pre-draft workout with the Nets on 7/22. Taylor — 2x OVC POY — averaged 21.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals during the 2020-21 season.
Jovan Buha: The Lakers’ July 17 draft workout participants, per the team: Miles McBride - West Virginia Ayo Dosunmu - Illinois Sandro Mamukelashvili - Seton Hall Mac McClung - Texas Tech Jaden Springer - Tennessee Balsa Koprivica - Florida State
Collyn Taylor: South Carolina guard AJ Lawson will work out today for the Orlando Magic. He's already worked out for Cleveland, Boston, Utah, Atlanta, Charlotte, Sacramento and San Antonio.
Corey Kispert, a 22-year-old forward from Gonzaga, revealed he was in Sacramento on Wednesday afternoon, posting a photo to his Instagram story that appeared to be taken inside the Kings’ facility at Golden 1 Center.
Rod Boone: Here's the list of players the #Hornets are working out today: Jahvon Blair (Georgetown) Tahj Eaddy (USC) Balsa Koprivica (Florida State) Sterling Manley (UNC) MJ Walker (Florida State)
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ draft preparation continued on Wednesday, as they hosted potential top-5 pick Jonathan Kuminga for a private workout at Cleveland Clinic Courts, sources tell cleveland.com. It’s the second time in the last three weeks Cleveland’s front office, led by general manager Koby Altman, have watched Kuminga in person. The first was at his pro day in Chicago on June 26.
A 6-foot-8 forward with a unique blend of size, length, athleticism and skill, Kuminga once again displayed an improved jumper, shooting better as the workout progressed, according to a source in attendance. That’s one of the major questions surrounding his draft stock, especially after hitting just 38.7% from the field and 24.6% from 3-point range in 13 games with the G League Ignite this past season. Kuminga’s season ended early because of a right knee injury.
Noah Magaro-George: Saint Louis University Senior Jordan Goodwin will have a workout with the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow, his agent @Kev Martin tells me.
Anthony Slater: Big pre-draft week for the Warriors -Yesterday: Bob Myers + staffers in Vegas, watched Josh Giddey go for 14pts/3asts for Australia. -Today: Currently working out Tre Mann, Cameron Thomas + others. -Tomorrow: Working out Davion Mitchell, Moses Moody, Jalen Johnson + others.
Chris Kirschner: Illinois big man Giorgi Bezhanishvili (6-9, 7-2 wingspan) is working out for the Hawks tomorrow. He’s worked out for the Bucks, Lakers and Grizzlies.
Chris Kirschner: More draft prospects working out for the Hawks: Olivier Sarr Feron Hunt Vrenz Bleijenbergh
Fred Katz: Wizards announce the list of prospects they plan to work out tomorrow: Zane Martin, Towson Asbjorn Midtgaard, Grand Canyon Eugene Omoruyi, Oregon Micah Potter, Wisconsin Guilherme Santos, Brazil Jaden Springer, Tennessee
Rod Boone: Today's list of players the #Hornets are conducting pre-draft workouts with: Vrenz Bleijenbergh (Belgium) Feron Hunt (SMU) DJ Stewart (Miss. State) Ethan Thompson (Oregon State) Romeo Weems (DePaul) Marcus Zegarowski (Creighton)
Darren Wolfson: Former Champlin Park HS and Colorado star McKinley Wright workouts this week: #Hawks, #Raptors, #Knicks. Feedback from his workout here in town last Friday was positive.
Ky Carlin: According to a league source, San Diego State guard Matt Mitchell is on the rise with upcoming workouts with the Sixers, Raptors, and Hawks. Mitchell was the POY in the MWC and was named conference tournament MVP. #Sixers
Former University of Wisconsin forward Micah Potter went through a pre-draft workout with the Bucks on Monday. He posted a picture of his practice uniform to his Instagram story at some point before or after the workout.
Rod Boone: Pre-draft workouts resume again for the #Hornets today. Here's who's on the list: Derek Culver (West Virginia) Jimma Gatwech (Prep school) Nikita Mikhailovskii (Russia) Isaiah Miller (UNC-Greensboro) Jamorko Pickett (Georgetown) Olivier Sarr (Kentucky)
Noah Magaro-George: Vrenz Bleijenbergh will have a workout with the San Antonio Spurs on July 23rd, the Belgian point forward tells me. He has worked out for the Kings, Thunder, Grizzlies, and Knicks, and has plans to work out for the Hawks this week.
Nick Friedell: LSU standout Cameron Thomas will work out for the Warriors on Wednesday, according to a league source. The 6’4” guard averaged 23 points a game last season and shot 40.6 percent from the field.
Chris Kirschner: Prospects (so far) I’ve heard Hawks have/will work out: Ayo Dosunmu Daishen Nix Kessler Edwards Cam Thomas Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Josh Christopher Joel Ayayi David Duke Joel Wieskamp Luka Garza Moses Wright Justin Champagnie Sandro Mamukelashvili John Petty JT Thor Carlik Jones
Fred Katz: The Wizards have released the list of prospects who will work out for them tomorrow: Mitchell Ballock, Creighton DJ Carton, Marquette Matt Coleman III, Texas Ryan Daly, St. Joseph’s Mark Vital, Baylor
Harrison Wind: Nuggets are hosting a pre-draft workout this morning at Ball Arena featuring six guard prospects. - Quentin Grimes (Houston) - Josh Christopher (Arizona St.) - Jason Preston (Ohio) - Matt Coleman (Texas) - Jordan Goodwin (St. Louis) - Duane Washington (Ohio St.)
Daniel Greenberg: NBA draft prospect Carlik Jones posted on his Instagram that he had a workout earlier today with the Chicago Bulls. Jones averaged 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last season at Louisville.
Here are notes on how each of their workouts went... Chris Duarte - Duarte had a solo workout with the Wizards and after that had workouts scheduled with the Thunder and Pelicans. Due to it being an individual workout, Duarte said he took a lot of shots and did a lot of running for the Wizards. "They want to see how you think," he said.
Ayo Dosunmu was asked why he would be able to contribute in the NBA sooner than later. He highlighted his versatility. "Being able to guard multiple positions, I think that would be one of the reasons. And then also just being able to take stress off other ball-handlers being able to handle the ball and make reads off pick-and-rolls," he said.
Michael Singer: Nuggets scheduled to hold workouts tomorrow with the following prospects. All guards. Matt Coleman (Texas) Josh Christopher (ASU) Jordan Goodwin (St. Louis) Quentin Grimes (Houston) Jason Preston (Ohio U.) Duane Washington (OSU)
Jim Owczarski: Time stops for no organization - the #NBADraft is just 3 weeks away. #Bucks have worked out Toledo’s Spencer Littleson, per source. Littleson was a 2nd-team All-MAC defense & shot 47% from behind the three-point line last season. He also worked out w/ #Pistons, #Cavs & #Warriors
Jon Krawczynski: Workouts at the mini-combine today in Minneapolis, in front of 25 teams included: McKinley Wright Jalen Crutcher Denzel Mahoney Moses Wright Nikita Mikhailovski Matt Coleman III Colbey Ross Jordan Schakel Matt Mitchell Brandon Rachal MJ Walker
Noah Magaro-George: Austin Peay Senior Terry Taylor had a workout with the San Antonio Spurs this Tuesday, his agents @bjbass2 and @CamBrennick tell me.
Storyline: Draft Workouts
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March 27, 2023 | 9:30 am EDT Update

Joel Embiid: 'I'll be the bad guy, I like being the a--hole anyway'

Joel Embiid: “People always thought that I was crazy when I said this — I really believe that I’m not well-liked. And it’s cool with me, that’s fine. I’ll be the bad guy. I like being the a–hole anyway. I like being the underdog. So that’s fine with me. My thing is, when I leave the game of basketball, I want to make sure that people looked at me as … it’s hard to be the greatest ever because you’ve got to win a bunch of championships and not everyone is lucky to do it because only one team can win and you have to have the right pieces around you … but when I leave the game, I want to make sure that they say: No one was stopping him offensively and defensively, and he was a monster. That’s why I play the game — for the respect. I put in too much work. If you look at the beginning of my career and where I have been taking my game, offensively I’ve become like a guard.”
Do you feel your MVP pursuit — and potential victory — is more organic this season? Joel Embiid: It is coming naturally. Even against the Bulls (on March 22), I could have easily stat-padded if I wanted to, but I don’t care. (Embiid did not play in the second half of the 76ers’ 116-91 win over the Bulls on Wednesday due to what the team termed “calf tightness.” The 76ers led for large margins throughout, and it was believed the score difference played a major role in Embiid not returning to the game. Embiid finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one block in 16 first-half minutes.) Embiid: I could have easily come back in and got a triple-double and make sure that I keep going after the scoring title. Or keep the 30-point streaks going or whatever. But I don’t care. I think mentally I’ve gotten to a different level where it’s all about winning. What matters — it’s just about winning, winning, winning. I’ve been focused on that. We’ve been doing that. Whatever happens, happens. If I win MVP, good. If I don’t, it’s fine with me.
“So for me, I also took that approach where I was like, the last few years, I could have probably had one MVP or whatever, and it didn’t happen. I just said I’m not going to focus on that. I’ve gotten to the point where people are used to me and people are putting the type of expectations on me. The only way I’m going to get that respect is by winning a championship. Whatever gets me to the playoffs healthy, that’s what I’ve got to do. Starting off the season not slowly, but one step at a time, building up to this point where I’m playing up to this point and just dominating offensively and defensively, it’s worked out well for me. “When you worry about the right things, which is winning basketball and doing whatever it takes — whatever happens, happens.”
Your chemistry with James is apparent — the pick-and-roll is the most dynamic in the NBA. How have you guys developed that level together? Joel Embiid: I don’t think we’ve ever had to have a conversation. I think from the beginning, it was natural. I’d like to believe that I’m a f—ing monster. I got a high basketball IQ, and he does too. So when you have two guys that have high basketball IQs, it’s easier to figure things out. From the beginning when James came here, one thing about me is I’ve gone away from posting up a lot. I allow James to have the ball in his hands a lot because I believe he’s the best playmaker in the league, and he’s going to make my job easier. He’s going to make my teammates’ jobs easy. From the beginning, James has given up a lot. I’ve given up a lot. And it’s worked out great for both of us and the whole team too. We understood we have two guys where you take advantage of what they’re good at. When we put it together, we have a flow.
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is pleased to announce it is partnering for the second year in a row with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Andalucia, Spain to host “The Sanctuary”, a performance retreat for players. Through this partnership, the NBPA and a group of its members will visit the region again this summer for a retreat comprised of basketball and cultural activities. The players will stay in Andalucia and hold training sessions at the Training Center Higueron, called “The Embassy”, in Fuengirola, Spain, a brand-new state-of-the-art facility that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. During the retreat, NBPA members will also have the opportunity to engage in activities off of the basketball court, allowing them to explore Andalucia and learn more about the rich culture and history of the region.
39 mins ago via NBPA