Clippers
The Clippers aren’t planning to move on from Kawhi Leonard. At least, that’s what they’re saying.
Asked about the two-time Finals MVP following the draft, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank made it clear the organization’s focus remains on winning with Leonard leading the way.
“Our plan still is to win with Kawhi,” Frank said, via The Athletic.
Frank also believes Leonard will be pleased with the team’s selection of Illinois guard Keaton Wagler at No. 5 overall.
“Kawhi loves size, he loves shooting, he loves skill, he loves IQ, he loves feel,” Frank said. “Those are the types of players that he’s always kind of been attracted to.”
Frank said the Clippers went through an “exhaustive process” before settling on Wagler, citing his versatility, basketball IQ and ability to handle, pass and shoot at a “very, very high level.”
Frank also revealed that point guard Darius Garland offered input during the pre-draft process and believes he’ll be “really, really happy” to welcome Wagler to Los Angeles.
Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg admitted he wasn’t always a Stephen Curry fan.
After being selected by the Warriors with the No. 11 overall pick, Lendeborg recalled rooting for Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Finals.
“I used to hate him,” Lendeborg said of Curry, smiling.
Times have changed.
“Now that I’m actually going to be able to be on the same team with him, play and actually learn so much from him, it means a lot,” Lendeborg said, via ESPN. “He’s a very great guy, genuine person. It’s going to be an honor to be able to watch what he does in person.”
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. also dismissed concerns about Lendeborg entering the league at age 24.
“He’s not 38,” Dunleavy joked.
Dunleavy praised Lendeborg’s versatility.
“He can play everything,” Dunleavy said. “Potentially he can guard one to five.”
Dunleavy also confirmed that the animated conversation caught on ESPN’s draft broadcast involved trade offers for the No. 11 pick after Milwaukee selected one of Golden State’s preferred targets a spot earlier.
Hawks
The Hawks believe they’ve found their point guard of the future.
Atlanta selected Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick after moving on from Trae Young earlier this offseason.
President of basketball operations Onsi Saleh pointed to Flemings’ competitiveness and two-way ability as major reasons for the selection.
“He’s just the ultimate competitor, especially at his position,” Saleh said, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Point-of-attack defender. Really high-level offensive player, super-efficient. The guy can just do a little bit of everything.”
Flemings now steps into one of the league’s more challenging roles, replacing a four-time All-Star, but the Hawks believe his size, athleticism and defensive upside make him an ideal fit for the franchise’s next chapter.
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