Callback audition for Lillard adds some intrigue
The due diligence continues for the Raptors, who are zeroing on a group of potential picks in Thursday’s NBA draft.
First reported by NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper and confirmed by independent sources, the Raptors had Weber State point guard Damian Lillard in for a second, clandestine workout at the Air Canada Centre on Tuesday.
That may mean everything, it may mean nothing as the rumbles around the draft grow louder.
There is every chance Lillard may be gone by the time Toronto makes its No. 8 selection – there are those who think Portland will snap him up at No. 6 – but he is seen as the best point guard in the draft and with veteran Jose Calderon about to enter the final year of his contract, a succession plan may be in order.
It might take a move up in order for the Raptors to get him but with all the trade talk swirling, anything is possible.
Lillard, according to sources, was the only player on Toronto's short list of draft possibilities to get a callback workout.
Things could go crazy tomorrow if someone makes a trade early. All of the sudden everybody will turn to plan B and scramble.
Posted by: Peter | June 27, 2012 at 02:33 PM
According to multiple sources, the Bobcats are trying to convince teams interested in the second pick to also take back disappointing power forward Tyrus Thomas, who has more than $26 million remaining on his contract. Thomas is coming off the worst season since his rookie year as he averaged just 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds. However, his numbers playing back-up centre (as opposed to his abysmal numbers last year at PF) are actually pretty good. Doug, heard any rumblings on this? And if you were Raps GM, would you swap picks with Charlotte if it meant taking back Thomas but getting Robinson or MKG or Beal? (and yes, I'm fully aware you HATE these kind of questions. It's just that...I'M BORED!)
When asked if teams would be willing to touch Thomas, one Western Conference executive said, "I don't think so."
Blogger's note: None and no; that contract would be an albatross and take them out of being able to do anything else significant for years; and, yes, I do hate those questions
Posted by: LeeZ | June 27, 2012 at 02:53 PM
TOD getting hammered today. Romero seems to need a map to find the plate anymore. This season for them is turning into the Raps last season ( ie what if AB hadn't got injured)..
Posted by: Mike kovacs | June 27, 2012 at 03:31 PM
Lillard is called back to Toronto under cover of darkness for a workout? And Doug Smith doesn't get the scoop?
I'll tell you what this is - it's a "who should we leak the info to who can get it out on an American national level real quick? Well, how about NBA.com!"
Portland must have some interest in Rivers - so the bigwigs in TO send out a smokescreen, and make it look like Lillard is their go because he is obviously better than Rivers. And then Portland freaks and takes Lillard. And then Toronto takes who they want, Rivers. And then they go get Nash. And then they go get Rudy, just for fun.
What do ya think, Doug?
I have to say, this is quite fun this year. I am glued to this blog like never before!
Thanks for all your scribbles Doug!
Blogger's note: Or, Lillard told Scott Howard-Cooper, who is New York.
Posted by: Ren | June 27, 2012 at 03:32 PM
Fake trade proposal: Bargani and the pick for Pau Gasol (posed by Bill Simmons on Facebook). Discuss? :)
Posted by: Paul | June 27, 2012 at 03:35 PM
They just don't make workouts clandestine like they used to.....
Posted by: Mike D. | June 27, 2012 at 03:39 PM
O.K., Doug Smith Blog fans, I'm going to make this official: one (if not more) of the following three names will still be on the board when the 8th pick comes up: Robinson, Barnes and Lillard. I would be thrilled to have either of them, by preference in the order I listed them. And I will personally buy any of my fellow Ottawa D.S. blog fans a beverage of their choice if I am wrong. Doug, care to get in on this action?
Blogger's note: You're not wrong but it's not going to happen in a kabillion years
Posted by: LeeZ | June 27, 2012 at 04:24 PM
I like the Pistons move in trading Gordon, saves them some cash and they pick up a expiring contract on a player they can move or use... and once they amnesty Charlie V, they are in okay position moving forward...Dumars is lucky he has a job, i never have seen a GM with so many assets at one time turn them into literally nothing and then overpay so much for 2 middling players via FA...people complain about BC he has nothing on Dumars...
Posted by: doug | June 27, 2012 at 04:38 PM
Blogger's note: You're not wrong but it's not going to happen in a kabillion years
I don't understand: those seem to be two contradictory statements, no?
Blogger's note: That would be the three in order, ain't gonna happen
Posted by: LeeZ | June 27, 2012 at 06:18 PM
Blogger's note: That would be the three in order, ain't gonna happen
Oh, I get what you mean. Totally concur. I just meant that at least one would be available, MAYBE two, no way three.
Blogger's note: Ah, sorry. Misread
Posted by: LeeZ | June 27, 2012 at 06:28 PM
I hope they don't take Rivers. He just seems like a high volume scorer and not much else. If they Can't get Lillard they should trade down. I think will Barton is going to be a good player. Kendal Marshall would also be a good future point guard prospect.
Posted by: Dan | June 27, 2012 at 07:36 PM
It would be a very boring draft if the consensus top six picks remain... well, the top six picks. I'm with LeeZ that someone will fall, but not necessarily one of the names on that list. I think BC is due for some noise. Come on, BC. Swindle a lottery pick off someone for $3 mil cash considerations. ;)
Posted by: J | June 28, 2012 at 06:02 AM