Draft workouts are in full swing across the league. It’s a key element in being able to humanize the scouting process while taking an up-close and personal look at all kinds of players that can potentially help a team.
In some cases, when an organization is on the fence with their selection, these workouts can be a heavily influencing factor.
The New York Knicks have kept close tabs throughout the past college basketball season on a wealth of players, many of whom they are inviting for private workouts. As we move closer to the June 25 draft, the team is expected to refine the list of players on their draft board.
The cool part is the Knicks draft workouts are held with more than just their No. 4 selection in mind. The workouts are part of the team’s due diligence on what is out there. This is particularly important if the Knicks decide to trade down in the draft, somehow obtain a second round pick, or just to know who they should extend summer league and training camp invitations to.
The big news from this week was Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Willie Cauley-Stein headlining the prospect workout held on Monday. Cauley-Stein, a prospect that should be available for the Knicks at No. 4, took full advantage of the platform to display a surprisingly smooth outside touch.
Don MacLean: When Willie Cauley-Stein gets to workouts people are going to say "wow, I didn't know he could do that:" http://t.co/wJ1h5kNdt6
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 3, 2015
If you followed Kentucky this season, you probably can’t recall that game where Cauley-Stein hit an elbow or baseline jumper. You’re not alone. That was likely a by-product of coach John Calipari’s system: level minutes evenly around, position bigs in the paint, and free up the Harrison twins or Trevor Booker for outside looks.
Of course, I’m sure whoever drafts Cauley-Stein would rather him wreak massive havoc in the paint, given his 7-foot, 240-pound frame. His natural ability flourishes on the defensive end, and with such an outlandishly long and athletic build it’s somewhat whimsical to see others test him at the rim.
The report coming from Russell’s workout was what we had expected: An extremely smooth shooter, savvy passer, crafty with the handle and Damian Lillard-like on-court composure. Despite the reputation as a below-the-rim player, his vertical jump was reported much better than most anticipated.
“I don’t think Emmanuel’s gonna have any problem at all [in the triangle offense]. I don’t think anybody who’s had the success that Phil Jackson has had couldn’t figure that one out.” – SMU Head Coach Larry Brown.
The Knicks expect to have Emmanuel Mudiay individually work out for them prior to the draft, according to SMU coach Larry Brown. The 6-5, 200-pound Mudiay, who is perhaps the dark horse prospect of the draft due to playing in China last season, has been scrupulously scouted by the team. He has the type of size and quickness Knicks President Phil Jackson has historically preferred.
The team has also scheduled workouts with Duke point guard Quinn Cook and Colorado State big man J.J. Avila.
Next: Our Latest NBA Mock Draft
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