Less than a week before the 2017 NBA Draft, set for Thursday, June 22 in Brooklyn, James Blackmon Jr. is pushing through his final pre-draft workouts with NBA teams.
By this point, these guys are tired, unsure of where they are and what day it is. The Marion, Indiana product and 2014 McDonald’s All-American is scheduled for five workouts in five days. And that’s common. Talking with former IU big man Luke Fischer on Thursday, he had just completed three over three days.
That’s the life of a draft hopeful.
Blackmon Jr. is current in Los Angeles to go through a workout for the Lakers, who own picks 2 and 28. He will then return to Indianapolis for a workout with the Pacers on Saturday, Blackmon Jr. told VigilantSports.com.
The Pacers, who will be selecting 18th and 47th overall, have brought in 47 players over eight workouts announced by the team. [Click here for the full list]
Unofficial list of teams Blackmon Jr. has worked out for:
- Dallas Mavericks
- Detroit Pistons
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Houston Rockets
- New York Knicks
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Orlando Magic
- Sacramento Kings
- Washington Wizards
Blackmon Jr. announced his decision not to return to IU for his senior season on May 8 and left his name in the NBA Draft, along with IU teammates OG Anunoby and Thomas Bryant.
This past season in Bloomington, Blackmon Jr. averaged a career-best 17 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He shot 47.7 perecent from the floor and 42.3 percent from range. Teams can always use a shooters, especially with the space and pace of the game today. Become a reliable shooter from distance, and an individual like Blackmon Jr. can earn a roster spot.
5 more workouts in 4 more cities over the next 5 days – 5 more chances for @JBlackmon2 to prove he’s one of the best shooters in this draft pic.twitter.com/Ck7Mo9WeLT
— James Fraschilla (@jamesfraschilla) June 12, 2017
[Photo: @WashWizards]