Promises...promises...promises....
I believe there are 4 players who have received draft promises from NBA teams, as they either did not attend or they withdrew from the combine. Additionally, it doesn’t not appear that these players have worked out for any teams, to date. Here are the promises, as I see it:
#5 pick- SF DeAndre Hunter to Cavs: this one has been hush hush, but Hunter withdrew from the combine and has not worked out for any teams. Also, if you’ve been paying close attention, the Cavs have been focusing on late first/early 2nd round prospects and they haven’t worked out any of the top prospects. The Cavs have great respect for UVA coach Tony Bennett and would’ve loved to hire him to be their coach. However, coming off a national title, Bennett wasn’t ready to leave the UVA program and make the jump to the NBA. Make no mistake though, Bennett gave his strongest recommendation of Hunter to the Cavs and that carries great weight with the front office.
#6 pick- Darius Garland to Suns: Most people believe the Lakers at #4 made this promise. However, the Lakers strong preference is to trade their pick for a veteran, like AD of Bradley Beal, who can help them compete right away. The Suns have a dire need for a point guard to start beside Devin Booker. Enter Garland, who is coming off a meniscal tear that cost him most of his freshman season.
#11 pick- Rui Hachimura to T’Wolves: another guy who skipped out on the combine and hasn’t worked out for anyone. There’s have been whispers that he has a firm promise from Minnesota at #11.
Matisse Thybulle to OKC: the Thunder prefer to move the #21 pick and grab a pick at the top of round 2, where they would grab Thybulle, whose selection is motivated by the injuries to Andre Roberson. If the Thunder fail to move down, they’re content to take Thybulle at #21.