Ty Lawson doesn’t think his recent arrest will affect his status in this month’s NBA draft, where the 20-year-old expects to be taken in the first round if he decides not to return to North Carolina.
“It wasn’t as bad as, like, everything portrayed it,” said Lawson following his Monday workout for the Wizards. “I read the headlines — drinking and driving, drunken driving — but I mean, I don’t think it will affect that much because a couple of the GMs that did call, they realize what it was. I blew a .03. I was being responsible, but just not 21.”
The Clinton, Md., native was arrested in Chapel Hill, N.C., early June 6 and charged with driving after consuming alcohol, a noise ordinance violation for the loud music coming from his car and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
“It’s like the first thing off-court I’ve done ever,” said Lawson. “I still was being responsible, just underage, but I feel like it wouldn’t have any effect.”
Lawson’s tryout with the Wizards was the third of five — he’s also been to Indiana and Cleveland, with Denver and either Portland or Sacramento remaining — before June 16, when he must officially decide whether he plans to stay in the draft or return to North Carolina for his junior season.
“If I go, I think it’ll be first round,” said Lawson. “I don’t know if it’ll be top 20, but definitely first round.”
Lawson averaged 12.7 points and 5.2 assists per game in helping the Tar Heels reach the 2008 Final Four. However, his season was marred by ankle injuries, and his workout with the Wizards also ended prematurely as he rolled his left ankle thanks to shoes that didn’t fit correctly.
Monday’s workout also included Indiana forward D.J. White, Clemson forward James Mays, Ohio State forward Othello Hunter, UAB forward Walter Sharpe and Butler guard Mike Green.
