Lakers, Pistons, Knicks Among Teams Interested in Luke Kennard

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Duke guard Luke Kennard averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game in 2016-17 for the Blue Devils and has reportedly landed on multiple NBA teams' radar heading into the June 22 draft.

On Thursday, ESPN's Chad Ford said Kennard has moved up fast in recent weeks and that he's worked out for the Lakers, Knicks, Pacers, Heat and Pistons.

"Right now it looks like the Pistons at No. 12 are Kennard's floor," Ford wrote. "But he could go higher. The Knicks, according to a team source, are seriously considering taking him at No. 8. And a Lakers source said he'd be a favorite if the team ends up with a second pick in the Top 10."

A general manager with a late lottery pick said: "There's no way he gets to us. I don't think there's any way he's out of the Top 10. We think he's the best shooter in the draft."

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How important is three-point shooting in today's game?

The top four teams in regular-season makes per game all made the playoffs (Houston, Cleveland, Boston, Golden State). It's the same if you look at three-point percentage (San Antonio, Cleveland, Golden State, Indiana). And of course, the Cavs and Warriors just met in the Finals for the third year in a row.

Kennard drilled 43.8 percent of his 5.4 triples per game last season and is versatile enough to play off the ball or create as a ball-handler. His numbers went up across the board during his sophomore season; so much so that Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman had him going No. 11 to the Charlotte Hornets in his latest mock draft.

Wasserman wrote, "At the least, Kennard would give Charlotte a shot-making specialist, but given his 6'6" size, crafty ways and high skill level, there is a chance he winds up offering more as a scorer and passer."