NBA Draft Rumors: Latest Chatter Ahead of Key Offseason Event
The 2013 NBA Draft lacks star power. So Instead of drawing in viewers through star power, the first major stop on the league's offseason calendar hopes to attract a viewing audience with the unpredictably of the opening round, starting right away with the first overall pick.
Normally, by the final stages of the draft process, it's possible to get a pretty good read on the first handful of picks. That's not the case this time around as rumors continue to fly about different possibilities, including potential trades.
It should make for an interesting night with plenty of activity to discuss. Knowing that, let's take a closer look at some of the latest talk as draft day approaches.
Top Pick Up For Grabs
The Cleveland Cavaliers won the draft lottery for the No. 1 selection. Now, with the draft right around the corner, it appears they still don't have a definite plan for what's going to happen with the pick. That's a perfect example of the uncertainty surrounding the draft as a whole.
Chad Ford of ESPN reports that if the Cavs decide to keep the pick, the battle for No. 1 pick is likely going to come down to a pair of post players in Nerlens Noel of Kentucky and Alex Len of Maryland. He also states a trade remains possible, with talks having occurred with several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder.
So not only is the decision for which player comes off the board first still up in the air, there's also still a chance the Cavaliers move the first pick with less than 36 hours until they are on the clock. It's a situation that will grab headlines regardless of Cleveland's final decision.
Timberwolves Very Active
A team being mentioned in a couple different scenarios is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Given the high level of movement being discussed around the league, they should be able to find a trade partner if they are serious about making a deal.
One option reportedly on the table is dealing the No. 26 pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for MarShon Brooks, according to Ford and colleague Marc Stein. They also say the team is trying to package both of its first-round picks and Derrick Williams with its sights set on taking Victor Oladipo.
While there's no doubt Oladipo would fit in well with the improving Minnesota core, finding a trade partner early enough in the round to get him won't be easy. It could take a couple of moves before the assets are in place to make a deal, but that would be costly.
Other Picks On Trade Black
If the Cavaliers do end up trading the top selection, it could set off a domino effect throughout the rest of the opening round. ESPN's Andy Katz is reporting at least two other teams are looking to move picks, but haven't been able to find trade partners.
The aforementioned Thunder are seeking a move inside the top five by floating two firsts (No. 12 and No. 29) and veteran center Kendrick Perkins. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly trying to move out of the No. 13 slot. The search continues for both teams.
So it sounds like the back end of the lottery could be a busy place, as well. Ultimately, if there's one rebuilding team that believes this class is being underrated, it could emerge from draft night with quite a haul of prospects. Only time will tell.
