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The draft is tomorrow. Try saying that out loud. I'm nauseous at the thought of the 2014 NBA draft being here Thursday and leaving so abruptly. Naturally before the draft there is a ton of bullshit and planted information that needs to weeded through in regards to who teams do and do not like, and media day sort of helps with that.
Here's what we came away knowing:
No Contact From Sixers To Stauskas
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>At NYC NBA Draft availability, Nik Stauskas says no workout or contact with 76ers. <a href="http://t.co/jlhtIt5lnS">pic.twitter.com/jlhtIt5lnS</a></p>— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakemkaplan/statuses/481842354647617537">June 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
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In the case of Stauskas, I think this is Sam Hinkie's twisted way of saying he wants him. If you recall last year, Nerlens Noel had no prior contact with Philadelphia before they traded for him on draft night. The Sixers have brought in tons of talent from top top bottom to workout, most of which went public one way or another. But maybe Philadelphia's interest here is best kept quiet, with teams like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves behind them and in need of help at the two guard. Both of those teams could leap the Sixers (Sacramento has actively been shopping the 8th pick) and take him before the Sixers even have a chance. Keep an eye out for him at 10, if available.
Aussie Love
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Exum said <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sixers?src=hash">#Sixers</a> visit Sunday was 'very good. I had dinner with Brett and we talked about Australian basketball.'</p>— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/statuses/481847358884708352">June 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I've said this over and over again, but if anyone in the NBA knows the most about Dante Exum, it's Brett Brown. The former Australian national team coach from 2009-20012 has been able to get looks at Exum over the past few years, and Chad Ford said on the B.S. Report yesterday that Brown used his connections down under to obtain film of all 36 of his high school games. Sources have also expressed to Liberty Ballers that the Sixers (along with two other teams) sent a "talent evaluator" to watch him for most of this past season at the Australian Institute of Sport. They've done their homework on him, and if Brown truly wants him, he may get him at three.
James Young at 10?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>James Young said his workout with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sixers?src=hash">#Sixers</a> "went well." He gets a sense they could draft him with the 10th pick.</p>— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) <a href="https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/statuses/481845629778264067">June 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I'm thinking James Young is missing one of his five main senses, in this case hopefully hearing. Young is probably a lovely guy who can maybe one day make a very average pro, but I can think of few guys I would like less at ten. Putting a stand still shooter who plays little defense next to Michael Carter-Williams is basically playing with fire, a fire that is really inefficient. Hard pass.
Bring The Payne (To Philly)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Adreian Payne said he worked out for the 76ers the same day as Noah Vonleh. "I got good feedback. I felt like it went good," Payne said.</p>— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakemkaplan/statuses/481864599550304256">June 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
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There are few power forwards in this draft I'd rather pair with Nerlens Noel going into next season then Adreian Payne. Can very easily space the floor with the two of them, and the type of guy you can plug into a starting role immediately. Thaddeus Young's future in Philadelphia is looking dim, and if Vonleh/Randle/Gordon are all off the board at ten (provided they stay put), I have few issues with taking Payne at that spot.
Big day upcoming. Get to bed at a decent hour. You probably won't be able to sleep when things are all said and done tomorrow.