June 21st

The latest (and best) NBA Draft news, rumours, analysis, prospects performances, and reporting for June 21st.

Jun 21, 2024

News and Rumours

All the news and rumours from the past 24 hours.

Lakers Host Workout

The Los Angeles Lakers hosted a pre-draft workout on Friday with the following prospects: Quinn Slazinksi, Jalen Bridges, RaeQuan Battle, Quincy Olivari, Xavier Johnson, Lance Jones.

Blazers Host Workout

Participants for today’s Blazers predraft workout session: Yongxi Cui (Guangzhou Loong Lions), Quinn Ellis (Trento), Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State), Oso Ighodaro (Marquette), Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Memphis), and Bryson Warren (Sioux Falls).

Risacher Works Out With Hawks

The Hawks conducted a private workout yesterday with Zaccharie Risacher, per Jonathan Givony. Risacher will also visit the Spurs and Wizards before the draft. Buzz continues to build around Atlanta potentially selecting Risacher at number one overall.

Willingham Works Out For Minnesota

Waseca native and former Minnesota State Mankato guard Malik Willingham will be among draft prospects in with the Timberwolves tomorrow for a workout.

Newton Works Out With Sixers

UConn’s Tristen Newton appears to have worked out with the Philadelphia 76ers, after he posted a Sixers training jersey on his Instagram story.

Sheppard Set To Work Out With Rockets

Sheppard will visit the Rockets by the end of the week, team sources said, but up until this point, Houston has encountered some difficulties in scheduling workouts with top prospects.

Assessing The Fit Of Guard Reed Sheppard For The Houston Rockets

Suns Showing Interest In Missi

The Suns are interested in Yves Missi as a potential pick at No. 22 overall, per Evan Sidery. The Baylor big man would provide much-needed athleticism in their frontcourt rotation. Missi has also conducted pre-draft workouts with the Trail Blazers, Heat, Sixers and Pelicans.

Clingan Gaining Momentum With Houston

Donovan Clingan is gaining momentum as the number one prospect for the Houston Rockets — with Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard closely behind — ahead of next week’s draft, league sources tell The Athletic.

Risacher Works Out With Hawks

The Hawks conducted a private workout yesterday with Zaccharie Risacher, per Jonathan Givony. Risacher will also visit the Spurs and Wizards before the draft. Buzz continues to build around Atlanta potentially selecting Risacher at number one overall.

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Expert Analysis

What are the ‘experts’ saying?

Bronny Not Getting Enough Credit

“He did the best he could with what he had. He had a serious setback. He’s not getting enough credit for the fact that he had a cardiac issue that seems to be resolved. He had a cardiac issue at 19 years old. Imagine the extraordinary toll that has taken on his mind. Yet, he still shows up every day. His resiliency and mental strength are off the charts. Plus, he’s LeBron James’ kid. Most kids of famous people fail to carve their own path. Bronny’s not going to fail because he has his head on his shoulders. He’s too young to critique his Xs and Os. He understands the game of basketball and knows how to play with the ball in his hands. He’s a smart kid and a smart basketball player. When you’re not huge, you have to learn how to be great without physical gifts.”

- Anonymous NBA Executive, Sportskeeda

Ware Hype Train Rolls On

“I'll be completely honest, I abandoned my Kel'el Ware's draft stock halfway through his freshman season at Oregon, where he often appeared disengaged and lacked energy. However, a year later, I'm back on the Ware hype train, perhaps even driving it, after his strong season under former NBA head coach Mike Woodson at Indiana.”

- Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board

Prospect Performances

Every notable prospect performance from the last 24 hours.

Unfortunately, there are no active leagues with draft prospects at the moment. With that in mind, this portion of The Inside Scoop will be empty until further notice.

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