NBA Rumors and News: Latest Draft Buzz Around the League

NBA rumors and news don’t stop swirling for the Finals.

As the league inches closer to the draft, the buzz around prospects increases.

Here are the latest rumblings around the 2013 class’s biggest names and most intriguing stories.

 

Nerlens Noel Ahead of Schedule

The Cleveland Cavaliers could select Nerlens Noel with the No. 1 overall pick if they aren’t concerned with his ability to recover from the torn ACL he suffered last season at Kentucky. A recent report from ESPN’s Chad Ford suggests that concern around the injury should subside.

Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon who operated on Noel’s knee, is pleased with where the highly sought-after center is in the rehabilitation process.

“We're really happy with his progress,” he said. “He's several weeks ahead of schedule on his rehab. He's improving on a weekly basis. He has a completely stable knee. The bone plugs are completely healed into the bone. His muscle and weight is returning. He has had no setbacks at all.”

Brazilian LeBron James

Leandro Barbosa beat the odds and found success in the NBA. Attempting to help his fellow Brazilian basketball players do the same, he discovered a player who boasts a James-like frame, Alexandre Paranhos.

Henry Abbott of ESPN passed a long a letter written by Barbosa’s brother, Arthur, who listed Paranhos’ measurables from the prospect’s workout with the Houston Rockets as 6’8”, 241 pounds with a 7’3” wingspan and 9 percent body fat.

Here is a video of Paranhos playing in Brazil:

Michael Carter-Williams over Trey Burke

Burke won the National Player of the Year award, but scouts may not even see him as the best player at his own position in the 2013 draft class.

According to Ford, Carter-Williams’ stock is skyrocketing. He’s already higher on teams’ boards who value analytics.

Carter-Williams isn’t nearly the scorer that Burke is, but he’s five inches taller and a better athlete.

David Daniels is a breaking news writer at Bleacher Report and news editor at Wade-O Radio.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels