NBA Draft 2013: Kansas’ Ben McLemore “Out of Shape” During Workouts
By Bryan Rose
It appears the Orlando Magic may have good reasoning behind the most recent report suggesting that they’re more interested in Indiana product Victor Oladipo than Kansas guard Ben McLemore.
McLemore was nearly a shoe in to be drafted by the Magic after the NBA Draft Combine held in Chicago but McLemore has reportedly unimpressed during multiple workouts, leaving many insiders to suggest that his stock on the big board is slipping.
The one time suggested number two overall pick (and some even had McLemore going first overall) has fallen to the fifth spot in ESPN Insider Chad Ford’s most recent mock draft, being selected by the Phoenix Suns.
The Kansas guard reportedly “struggled to keep up” and was “lacking effort” during two recent workouts in Orlando and Phoenix, which isn’t exactly a good look for a player who has already had his motivation and desire questioned by NBA scouts.
We’ve seen players fall from grace repeatedly during NBA Drafts, so the question begs, is McLemore actually slipping?
With Nerlens Noel most likely going first overall (if not, top three), how far does he fall? If Orlando passes, one could assume the Washington Wizards would as well since their backcourt is well covered with John Wall and Bradley Beal. The Charlotte Bobcats could be a player but they may pass too, which would drop McLemore to fifth. It’s hard to envision the talented guard falling any further though.