The decision wasn’t easy. Now J.R. Pinnock is trying to prove it was the right one.
Pinnock, who declared for the draft after his junior season and recently signed with an agent, attended a workout with the Wizards on Thursday. Connecticut’s Rashard Anderson and two foreign players, Yotam Halperin (Israel) and Brad Newly (Australia) also worked out for Washington. The NBA draft is June 28.
Pinnock, a guard, led George Washington in scoring (14.5 ppg), rebounding (5.3 rpg) and steals (2.5 spg) last seasob. He was second in assists at 3.1 per game. He has not yet worked out for any other team, but participated in the Orlando pre-draft camp last week.
“It was very tough [to leave GW],” Pinnock said. “I love GW to death; I enjoyed my time here in D.C. Hopefully I’ll get to stay in D.C. but it came down to a decision where I have some needs that I have to provide for and that pretty much won over. D.C. has become a home for the past three years and I would love to be able to put this jersey on and stay here.”
Halperin, a 6-foot-5 point guard, will work out for Phoenix, Indiana and either Seattle or Dallas, he said.
“Not so many Israeli players get the opportunity to play in the NBA,” he said. “I’m one of them and I’m glad I have this opportunity.
“My main goal is to play in the NBA next season and I’m going to do everything I can. If it works I am going to be very happy. If not, I will keep working.”
Note: Wizards center Calvin Booth exercised his player’s option for next season. Booth signed with Washington this past offseason and appeared in 33 games.
