Double Dribbles
• According to multiple sources, Beal is most likely to go third to the Wizards if the draft order stays as is. If the Bobcats take him at No. 2, you can probably assume there is some sort of deal in the works, said one source.
• Who do the Bobcats take at two if not Beal? One source familiar with their thinking says they’re leaning toward Kansas power forward Thomas Robinson. If that’s the case, Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could drop all the way to No. 5. But the Bobcats could also take him at No. 2, a source said.
• Another scenario has the Bobcats taking North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes (seemingly a real possibility), with Beal going to the Wizards and the Cavs choosing between Kidd-Gilchrist and Robinson. The Cavs have two power forwards already in Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’d pass on Robinson. Most scouts feel as if he’ll be the second-best player to come out of this draft in the long run.
• The Lakers are exploring all kinds of potential deals, having floated every name on the roster this side of Kobe Bryant. They are said to be open to trading Metta World Peace for a late first-rounder, with their eyes on Baylor forward Quincy Miller and Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague.
• The Rockets’ talks with the Kings for the No. 5 pick seem to be serious. No word, exactly, on what the Rockets would offer, but odds are, it somehow involves big man Luis Scola.
• Also, the Raptors are suddenly said to be very open to dealing their No. 8 pick. One rumor has them trading it to the Rockets for point guard Kyle Lowry. Almost every mock draft has the Raptors selecting Syracuse guard Dion Waiters at No. 8, but that “could be a smokescreen,” said a source.
• If Waiters isn’t selected by the Raptors, there’s a chance he could fall out of the lottery (top 14 picks) altogether.
• Washington guard Terrence Ross and Kentucky forward Terrence Jones are both climbing the draft charts after recent workouts, according to sources. The 76ers are said to be particularly enamored with Jones. “Depends on who else is there, of course,” said one person familiar with their thinking.
• Sixers president Rod Thorn said the team isn’t likely to draft strictly for need. “Essentially, you draft for talent and you trade for need,” Thorn told Phillyburbs.com.
• Back to the Lakers. If the Cavs are able to move up and nab Beal at No. 2, there’s talk the Lakers would be willing to make life easy for the Wizards and help them move out of the third spot. It would likely take power forward Pau Gasol. Far-fetched for now, but don’t be surprised if it’s something that’s explored in the right situation.
• Wizards big man Andray Blatche could also be part of that, or another, trade.
• As for front-office talk, word is Cavs assistant GM David Griffin has removed himself from consideration for the Clippers GM job. Former Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe is said to be the frontrunner.
• Expect new Hawks GM Danny Ferry to try to package a player and the No. 23 pick to move up, sources have indictaed.
• Like the Lakers, it appears the Nets and Knicks are looking to move into the late first round. Also, the Bobcats may try to get another pick in the 20s, even if they make the aforementioned trade with the Cavs. The Heat (No. 27) and Warriors (No. 30) are two teams with late picks supposedly open to trading out of the first round.
• The Grizzlies (No. 25) are also open to trading out of the first round.
hes a sg who cant shoot but can take it to the rim
