Draft Day: Draft BuzzBy: Aran_Smith

Rubio Strong Consideration at 3

The Thunder have their lawyers all over the case looking into the buyout and likelihood that Rubio can play in the NBA next season.

The Thunder seem less likely to take Rubio and keep him considering they already have Westbrook playing PG.

GM Sam Presti looks at the pick as how he can add the most value, and with teams coveting Rubio more than any other player, he would offer the most value. If he can find a team that’s willing to take Harden and sweeten the pot (picks or players), he will try to make that happen.

It’s possible Presti will call the Kings bluff and take Rubio and if Sacramento takes Harden, they will look to deal with them. Otherwise he could have a deal in place with Minnesota to take Harden and get their 28th pick (or some other asset) in return.

Effect of Vince Carter Trade on #11 Pick

The deal brough them Courtney Lee, their 2-guard of the future to team with Devin Harris. So how does it affect their pick at 11? They could take Terrence Williams here, or they could trade down with possibly Chicago and pick up the 16th and 26th picks and add a few prospects to a young nucleus. The Bulls are targeting TWill as well, and know they need to jump Charlotte at 12 to get it done (thanks twitter). They appear willing to give up 16 and 26 to make it happen.

Brandon Jennings Falling

Jennings could fall as low as the 20s as his camp has indicated there is no safety net in place. It appears likely that he will fall out of the top ten, and with Phoenix no longer as a likely option he could slip all the way into the late teens to early 20s. Philadelphia is a possibility at 17 and Atlanta at 19 if he indeed slips.

Knicks Buy 29th Pick

The Knicks have bought the Laker’s pick. We reported earlier in the week the New York was looking to buy a late first round pick and the Lakers looking to unload their pick. Well it happened. The Knicks are targeting a few players including Toney Douglas if he’s available.

Bobcats possibly Trading Down

It’s pretty certain that the Bobcats have a promise in place at 12. However we hear they may be looking at trading down a few spots. This trade might be contingent on whether Terrence Williams is available, in which case they keep the pick and take him. He could go to New Jersey at 11, and they could move down a few spots and add another pick or player.

T-Wolves Like Sam Young

A number of sources have said that there’s a good chance Sam Young finds a spot in the late teens. We’ve had him as a guy that could slip out of the first round based on all of the small forwards in this draft. However, with his readiness to contribute, teams in the mid-first are interested and Minnesota is said to be very high on him and possibly not willing to take the risk he’ll be gone by their 28th pick.