NBA Draft 2013: Intriguing Storylines Heading into 2013 Draft
Now that the 2013 NBA draft is just over two days away, the excitement and intrigue surrounding the event is reaching a fever pitch.
With the crop of elite talent at the top of the class possessing more flaws than years past, there is plenty of opportunity for teams to maneuver up and down the big board.
There are also plenty of other potential transactions that could go down in the coming days, so let’s take a look at some of the latest buzz and more interesting storylines surrounding this hyped event.
Sixers Trying to Double Down and Nab Big Man
The Philadelphia 76ers possess the No. 11 pick in the lottery this year but are apparently trying to score another pick in the latter portion of the first round.
According to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, the club believes there is a diamond in the rough to be found back there and has at least two international prospects in mind.
Brazilian phenom Lucas Nogueira and Frenchman Mouhammadou Jaiteh are the two explicitly named in the report, although there a plethora of high-upside, high-risk, high-reward centers projected to come off the board around then.
If the Sixers elect to go with a wing or guard early on, you can be certain that GM Sam Hinkie will be working the phones and looking to trade into the first round for a second time in order to bolster the frontcourt.
After this past season’s Andrew Bynum fiasco, this team simply can’t afford to pass up on acquiring a big body via the draft.
Veteran Stars Could Be Traded During Draft
It would be an extremely quiet draft if at least one big-name veteran weren’t moved in the days leading up to or during the event itself.
According to NBA insider Ric Bucher, there are three marquee stars that could be on the block and are likely candidates to be moved in the next 48 hours.
Luol Deng, Danny Granger and LaMarcus Aldridge form the trio of notable talent that could be sent backing in return for draft picks or other assets around the draft.
Deng was offered up to Cleveland, according to Bucher, but the Cavaliers are overvaluing the top pick and likely want more in return for the rights to select No. 1.
Keep your ear to the ground, as at least one of these players could very well be shipped off in the next few days.
Rockets Offered Chance to Nab First-Rounder, Shed Salary
The Houston Rockets are major players in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes this summer, but need to acquire a bit more cap room in order to offer the superstar center a maximum contract.
It seems that another team has extended an proposal to make that possible, as ESPN’s Marc Stein reported GM Daryl Morey was offered a first-round pick in exchange for forward Thomas Robinson—the young piece Houston acquired at the trade deadline this year.
That would remove the $3.5 million that T-Rob is owed next season from the Rockets’ cap and allow them to draft an international prospect to stash overseas with the pick, which would allow them to avoid paying a guaranteed contract.
Don’t be surprised if this deal gets done soon, as the Rockets will want to have full accommodations made for Howard on July 1, the first day the big man can sign with a new team.
