So much for D’Angelo Russell not wanting to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Ohio State product abruptly cancelled a workout with the team last week, leading to much speculation that he was holding out in hopes of prohibiting Sam Hinkie from drafting him – or even had a promise from the Minnesota Timberwolves or Los Angeles Lakers in the draft’s top-two. But a report several hours later indicated that Russell simply fell ill and would likely meet with the Sixers again in the near future.
And not only did that prove the case, but he supposedly “killed” his workout and “loves Philly.” Here’s Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer on Russell’s Wednesday visit with Hinkie, Brett Brown, and the rest.
“He really loves Philly,” the source said. Russell got an up-close look at what could become his adopted home on Tuesday and Wednesday.
[…]
Russell arrived on Tuesday afternoon and had dinner with general manager Sam Hinkie. Then he spent Wednesday at the Sixers’ practice facility at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The point guard worked out for the team and had a lengthy meeting with coach Brett Brown.
“He said he killed it,” the source said of the workout. “He was talking about how excited he was about Philly.”
Russell has long been considered the Sixers’ most likely selection with the draft’s third pick. The franchise lacks a high-caliber prospect in the backcourt after trading Michael Carter-Williams in February, and the 19-year-old’s blend of shooting touch and playmaking knack is a good fit for Brown’s uptempo system.
Given Joel Embiid’s recent setback in rehabilitation, though, Philadelphia might be more inclined to take a big man like Kristaps Porzingis, especially considering that Hinkie’s overarching draft philosophy aligns with “best player available.” Russell, however, could still fit that description. He’s been our second favorite player in the 2015 class behind Karl-Anthony Towns for months, and has the potential to develop into a perennial All-Star.
Now that rumors of Russell’s displeasure with the Sixers have been dispelled completely, it’s fair to assume he’ll hear his name called third a week from today. But it’s still early; nothing is set in stone at this point, a reality that applies to wheeling-and-dealing Philly more than any other team in the league.
[Via the Philadelphia Inquirer]
