With the NBA Finals set to start in a matter of days, taking a backseat to the frontpage headlines is the NBA Draft. As teams continue to evaluate talent, more and more rumors are starting to circulate regarding movement in the top ten. Here are some of a few that caught our eye.
1. John Wall will be a Wizard, but will Gilbert?
Perhaps the most predictible pick draft night will be when David Stern announces John Wall is a Washington Wizard. However, the future of the Wizards former franchise player, Gilbert Arenas, is not so certain. While no one is confirming it as fact, many close to the Wizards expect Arenas to either be traded or released prior to training camp.
2. The Wolves Want Evan Turner bad.
Minnesota made some noise in last year’s draft by taking both Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn in the lottery, and this year their eyes are set on Evan Turner. Minnesota currently holds the 4th pick, and are looking to swap with Philly who holds the 2nd overall selection to grab Turner. The Wolves might not be the only team looking to move up however, as New Jersey may also surprise some and swap with Philly and a possible third team.
3. Derrick Favors COULD be the next Dwight Howard.
I know that is saying alot, but Favors has the potential to be THAT good. This time of year, potential gets many young men paid, and sometimes, we look back and say “What were they thinking?” regarding drafting a bum. However, Favors looks to be the real deal, and teams in need of an athletic game changing big man won’t see the Ga. Tech big man last past the four spot overall. If Philly does swap with the Wolves, Doug Collins would be very happy to take Favors.
4. Watch out for Detroit and Golden State.
The Pistons and Warriors both don’t have enough right now to contend in their conferences next year, even with mid-lottery picks. Pistons GM Joe Dumars knows he needs a big man that can make an impact, and while Greg Monroe and/or DeMarcus Cousins could be at 7 overall, some feel Detroit may look in the free agent market for help there, and instead take the best player available at 7. Could we see the Rip Hamilton era end in Motown via the selection of Al-Farooq Aminu?
5. LeBron’s impact on the lottery.
The “Summer of LeBron and Friends” will not have much impact on where James decides to go, as the major players expected to be in the mix don’t own lottery picks(except the Nets). Even still, those thinking James is gonna end up with any of the 14 teams in this years lottery is dreaming. I know the Nets are wishing on a star, and Cavs fans are scared his departure could equal lottery for them next year.
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