With the NBA Draft now just two weeks away, the rumour mill surrounding the annual event is ramping up. Here’s some of the latest buzz to help get you caught up:
Russell ahead of Okafor on team’s big boards
The Skinny: According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Ohio State freshman guard D’Angelo Russell has moved ahead of Jahlil Okafor on many team’s big boards because clubs look at what Stephen Curry and James Harden have done this season and see something similar in Russell’s playmaking and shooting ability.
Analysis: Given how the league has shifted to a perimeter-oriented style of play, seeing something like this makes sense. As the ESPN analyst pointed out, Curry and Harden – this season’s MVP and MVP runner-up – are perfect examples of what the new NBA looks like as they are both guards capable of dominating both from a playmaking and shot-making standpoint.
Russell demonstrated both skills to great effect while at Ohio State this season, making him, in some ways, the safer choice over the plodding low-post skills that Okafor brings to the table.
Knicks looking to buy a second draft pick?
The Skinny: The New York Knicks are actively looking to exchange cash for a late first-round, early second-round pick in the draft, RealGM’s Shams Charania reports.
Analysis: With the rights to the Knicks’ second-round pick in this year’s draft belonging to the Houston Rockets, thanks to a deal involving Marcus Camby in the summer of 2012, New York only has the one pick in this year’s draft. Seeing how the team could use young talent this is a smart move from Phil Jackson and Co. to leverage the team’s fiscal muscle in an attempt to get back into the second round.
Knicks might trade down for Cameron Payne
The Skinny: The Knicks are working out Murray State guard Cameron Payne next week and are looking to potentially trade down in order to draft him, ESPN’s Ian Begley is reporting.
Analysis: Here’s more Knicks for you, as Cameron Payne mania continues. After an outstanding sophomore campaign with the Racers, the six-foot-two, 180-pound point guard has emerged as the surprise story of the draft, quickly shooting up big boards, from relative obscurity to a projected mid-first round selection.
Currently in possession of the No. 4 pick, most mock drafts have the Knicks taking a point guard already in Emmanual Mudiay. However, if they aren’t confident in Mudiay then trading down in order to acquire a decent and more seasoned prospect at the one wouldn’t be a bad idea. All they need is a willing trade partner.
