With the NBA Draft less than two weeks away, the Washington Wizards are holding predraft workouts to scout prospects. The area continues to buzz over the potential drafting of John Wall with the No. 1 selection, but Monday’s workout invitees — including Luke Harangody and Trevor Booker — project to go later in the draft.
With only six players under contract for the 2010-11 season, Washington’s second and third picks — 30th and 35th overall — will be called upon to contribute early. Booker (Clemson), an energetic player who is great at scoring around the rim, struggled to find his jump shot at Monday’s workout. There is no denying Booker’s athleticism. But his size, or lack thereof, is a major concern for NBA scouts.
“I try not to pay attention to [the mock drafts], but I look at it from time to time,” Booker said. “I mean, most of them they really don’t know what their talking about. So you can’t pay too much attention and I try to stay away from them as much as I can.”
Harangody — a former Big East player of the year and All-American at Notre Dame — shot the ball well, displaying his unique and unconventional jump shot form. Harangody was a scoring machine at Notre Dame, averaging 21.8 points a game in his final three seasons.
Although Harangody had a very successful college career, NBA scouts have their doubts. Many are worried about his athleticism, height and explosiveness, as well as his transition to playing more on the perimeter, compared to playing with his back to the basket as he did with the Irish.
“Going through my college career I’ve had probably one of the most, or the most productive college career with any player in this draft,” Harangody said. “And I still continue to get a lack of respect.”
Other players at Monday’s workout: Marqus Blakely (Vermont), Trevon Hughes (Wisconsin), Marquis Gilstrap (Iowa State) and Jeremy Wise (Bakersfield Jam of the NBDL). Aside from Booker and Harangody, the other players are expected to go undrafted.
