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Former Michigan forward Mitch McGary is projected as a late-first round to mid-second round selection in the June 26 NBA draft.
(Melanie Maxwell | The Ann Arbor News)
ANN ARBOR -- As the NBA draft draws closer -- now sitting just over three weeks away on June 26 -- Mitch McGary's gameplan is being set and defined.
According to McGary's agent, Priority Sports & Entertainment founder Mark Bartelstein, the former Michigan standout is seven-to-10 days away from visiting individual NBA teams and undergoing a physical examination.
"He's progressing, he's coming along," Bartelstein said Monday. "We're just building up to that point where hopefully in the near future he's going to be able to get out there and start visiting teams."
Most draft prospects began visiting interested NBA teams two weeks ago.
McGary has a unique set of circumstances, though. Bartelstein said the 6-foot-10 forward's surgically repaired back is "healthy and being strengthened," and that restraint is being shown as a precaution.
While McGary is back playing basketball, as shown in a YouTube video published last week, he's still not participating in any contact drills.
"He's finishing up his rehab and strengthening himself and doing well with that, but we haven't turned him loose yet," Bartelstein said, later adding, "When you're coming off a surgery like that, what you don't want to do is put yourself out there, in terms of contact and physical play, until you've got your core where it needs to be and get everything strengthened properly. "
It is possible McGary could visit NBA teams and not go through full basketball drills, instead meeting with front office members and coaches for interviews.
Additionally, according to Bartelstein, McGary will undergo a physical examination from one team, then share the results with all interested NBA front offices.
"That's what we'll probably do," Bartelstein said.
In the interview portion of team meetings, McGary will be asked about everything from his health to a failed drug test that earned him a one-year suspension from the NCAA.
"He's a terrific kid and he's going to be hones," said Bartelstein, the father of former Michigan captain Josh Bartelstein. "He'll talk with all the teams and answer all their questions and I don't think that's going to be a problem."
McGary is projected as a late first-round to mid-second round pick in the draft. He averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in two seasons at Michigan.
"He's going to have a long, successful career in the NBA and I don't want to make a short-term mistake that could impact something long-term," Bartelstein said. "We've got to get him completely healthy -- and I wouldn't even use the word 'healthy.' It's just getting his strength back to the proper level before I turn him loose and set him up for visits."
Brendan F. Quinn covers University of Michigan basketball and football. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on Wolverines hoops. He can be contacted at bquinn@mlive.com