John Wall headlined today’s Wizards predraft workouts as the NBA draft is just a week away. Wall had his own individual workout for the coaching staff, which lasted roughly an hour. Following Wall – the expected No. 1 overall pick – the Wizards conducted workouts with six other potential draft picks in their 30th and 35th slots.
Two participants in the Thursday workouts left college early and declared for the NBA draft. Darington Hobson (New Mexico) and Terrico White (Mississippi) are both tremendous athletes who believe they’re ready for the next level.
Hobson, projected to play small forward, averaged 15. 9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his junior season. He’s a very skilled player, that can do it all on the floor. Unfortunately for Hobson his participation was limited, “I tweaked my foot a little bit yesterday in the Milwaukee workout, a few days rest I’ll be ready to go. I couldn’t jab today or make cuts on it,” Hobson explained.
Hobson and White are projected to be drafted in the early 2nd round. An extremely athletic guard, with great ball-handling and scoring ability, White has seen his draft stock questioned. Many teams are worried about his character, discipline and commitment to the team aspect, not just his individualistic goals. “Any team that picks me in the late 1st round, I’m going to be happy about that,” White responded to his draft status.
Other workout prospects Dexter Pittman (Texas) and Andy Rautins (Syracuse) have questions surrounding their attributes. Although completely different sizes (Rautins 6-4, 195 and Pittman 6-10, 300), both find each other trying to prove thier worth to NBA teams.
Rautins played zone defense during his four years with the Orange. “Trying to prove myself everyday, I’m trying to play defense in that man-to-man atmosphere,” Rautins said.
There’s no doubt he can shoot, his ability to defend and handle the ball will determine if he gets drafted or not.
Pittman has excellent size, toughness and great ability finishing around the rim. His weight and conditioning are worrisome considering he couldn’t manage to average playing more than half a game for a season at Texas (17.9 minutes/game last two seasons). When asked about his playing weight at Texas he said “I came in at 388 and dropped down to 290.” With great NBA size a team might be willing to take a chance on him late in the draft.
Two players expected to go undrafted joined the workout session: Chas McFarland (Wake Forest) and Kenny Palmer (Texas A&M-CC).
— Nabeel Ahmadieh
