We put more stock into individual workouts than any other team, too. I don't get the decision. Whatever. Okafor here we come!
I believe they don't want the Twolves to draft them and have us and NYK on their sights. I mean if Flip flips and drafts Russell or Porzingiz, both will be available to big markets unless Hinkie goes gonzo and draft another center
That's a HUGE red flag for me. I get not working out for Minny, but not workout out at all. STAY AWAY.
Ok, at first I wasn't sure what to make of the report that Towns won't workout, but I hadn't considered this: What if the Lakers promised him they would draft him if he is available with the 2nd pick? The Lakers aren't the one that ones that need to see him workout if they are truly set on taking a big, they are just drafting whichever of Okafor/Towns that Minnesota doesn't. The Wolves need to make the decision. Towns not working out for them deprives Minny of that information, and if Okafor shows up and does work out for them it just makes it that much more likely that they pass on Towns and take Okafor. This move could...I stress could...be a big step towards getting Towns to LA.
Yeah I'm thinking the same thing, Towns not willing to work out makes Minny's choice that much harder... not the lock it once was.
Although I still prefer Okafor, I've been reading reports that Towns shot over 50% on threes in high school and having the greatest defensive win shares in the past 5 NCAA seasons. The idea of drafting Towns is warming up quickly. Considering where we were pre-lottery, both these guys are jackpots. However, as a Lakers fan, I will miss marveling at Kobe's mastery in footwork, and I feel Okafor's postgame will make up for some of that lost entertainment value. I just love watching him play. That's probably why I prefer Okafor by quite a huge margin.
The problem with that theory is the Lakers put more stock into individual workouts with players than any other team. Mitch learned that from Jerry. That's what intrigued us with Randle; his competitive nature during a workout, his intensity that he brought all to an impromptu workout that Mitch had planned. I love Towns, but this counts against him, IMO.
So Russell then if Okafor goes 1st? To be clear, I don't believe the Lakers promised Towns anything... just that this news affects Minny more than us.
Well. Towns is able to feel blessed if he goes to MN, he's on record saying. Okafor wants no part of MN, wants to be a Laker. Would suck and be embarrassing to MN, but with Towns doing this, if Jahlil feels that strongly, then he has to also say he will not work out for MN, but will work out for Lakers. How could MN pick him then? Maybe privately Towns is of the same mindset, wants no part of MN and wants to be a Laker as well, and he has fired the pre-emptive shot. Jahlil's got to do the same. Feel sorry for either one of them who has to go there and now get all of KG's crap probably even harder for their disrespect.
And to me it's not just a red flag of them trying to hide something. But of the player's mindset and a bad group of people/bad advice he's surrounding himself with. That's a risky investment with very troublesome issues down the road in 1 of a dozen ways. Curious to see what Okafor's people advice him to do with this news. To me this doesn't show the competitive fire and desire for greatness that I want and expect out of a possible future face of the franchise. Can't imagine JC or Randle pulling this. I know 7th and 2nd round is completely different ball game than 1 and 2. But regardless of projections, I don't see them pulling thIs.
Yeah I don't like it. I get not working out for Minny, but why not for us? Randle worked out for us specifically because he wanted to make an impression. If you're Towns and you want us to take you, don't you make this move? I'm actually with @unpossibl1 on this. I think he and his agent believe he's a lock to go Top 2 and if he doesn't work out for Minny, it'll force them to pick Okafor... I can't say I won't be disappointed if we end up with Towns. I really want Okafor... But Towns has a ton of potential and I think landing in LA could help bring that potential to light.
I think only in LA will he realize that potential. We always brought our prized rookies slowly not even Worthy was an outright starter after leading UNC to a title. There are exceptions like Magic and EJ but most rookies are spoon fed from the start.
is there a precedent for the not working out at all scheme? don't like it. I'd even allow not working out against other players. but simply doing nothing?
