NBA Roundup: Clippers Reaffirm Commitment to Kawhi, Warriors Select Lendeborg, Hawks Hand Keys to Flemings
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Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have no intention of moving on from Kawhi Leonard, according to president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. Speaking after the NBA Draft, Frank said the organization’s “plan still is to win with Kawhi.”
Frank expects Leonard to approve of the team’s choice at No. 5 overall, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. “Kawhi loves size, he loves shooting, he loves skill, he loves IQ, he loves feel,” Frank noted, describing the traits that drew the front office to Wagler. He added that the Clippers conducted an “exhaustive process” before settling on the versatile guard, praising Wagler’s ability to handle, pass and shoot “at a very, very high level.”
Point guard Darius Garland also contributed feedback during the pre-draft evaluation and, according to Frank, “will be really, really happy” to welcome Wagler to Los Angeles.
Warriors
Golden State used the No. 11 pick on Yaxel Lendeborg, a 24-year-old forward who once rooted against Stephen Curry. “I used to hate him,” Lendeborg admitted with a smile, recalling his support for Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers during the 2016 Finals. “Now that I’m actually going to be on the same team with him… it means a lot.”
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. brushed off concerns about Lendeborg’s age, joking, “He’s not 38.” Dunleavy highlighted the rookie’s versatility, saying, “He can play everything… potentially he can guard one to five.”
Dunleavy also confirmed that the animated discussion captured on ESPN’s draft broadcast involved trade offers for the 11th pick after Milwaukee selected one of the Warriors’ preferred targets one spot earlier.
Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks believe they have secured their point guard of the future by selecting Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 pick, following the offseason departure of Trae Young. President of basketball operations Onsi Saleh cited Flemings’ competitiveness and two-way impact: “Point-of-attack defender. Really high-level offensive player, super-efficient. The guy can just do a little bit of everything.”
Atlanta expects Flemings’ size, athleticism and defensive upside to help anchor the franchise’s next chapter as he steps into the role once held by the four-time All-Star.
Source: Hoops Wire
