Hello and welcome to the 6 O’Clock News.
As the NBA regular season dies down and the playoff races heat up, we’ll keep you updated every day at 6 O’Clock. What’s happening today?
Here’s the latest news around the league:
Nerlens Noel declares for draft.
According to the University of Kentucky’s Official Athletic Site, Nerlens Noel will forego his sophomore year of college and declare for the NBA Draft. Noel, the likely top pick in the draft, averaged 10.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in 24 games over his freshman year.
“I have loved my time at Kentucky, but I feel that I’m ready to take the next step to the NBA,” Noel said.
“I’ve learned so much here at UK and am thankful for Coach (John) Calipari, the staff and my teammates for all of their support. I especially appreciate the Big Blue Nation and all of the support, prayers and well-wishes I’ve received from them during my rehab and decision-making process. I’ll always be a Wildcat!”
Noel led the country with 4.4 blocks per game and was averaging 2.1 steals per game up until he tore his ACL on February 12th. Despite the injury, Noel’s defensive prowess and star potential make him the probable choice for the NBA’s top selection in June. We have him going #1 in our latest mock draft.
CBSSports.com’s Jeff Goodman reports that Otto Porter Jr. of Georgetown also declared for the draft on Monday. Porter is likely to be a top-5 pick.
Nene contemplated retirement during rough season.
From Michael Lee of the Washington Post: Nene has been afflicted with plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and shoulder soreness throughout the Wizards’ season. As all of his injuries compiled and all of the team’s losses mounted, Nene secretly began to contemplate retirement.
“How tough? Tough enough to think about the end of my career? Yeah, that’s how tough it was,” Nene said. “It was so hard to play the way I did it. I thought to end my career because it’s so painful, my body can’t support. I’m glad I finished the season, but the way I suffer, I hope, never again.” 
Nene, who is only 30-years-old, still has three-years and $39 million left on his current contract. He was acquired by Washington in March of 2012.
This season, Nene is shooting 48% from the field (his lowest percentage of any season in which he’s played more than 35 games) and is averaging just 12.6 points per game (his lowest average since 2006-07). Moreover, he has missed 44 out of a possible 117 games since joining the Wizards.
Nene believes that injuries have nagged him all season because he did not given himself enough time to recover initially after representing Brazil in last summer’s olympics.
For the season, the Wizards are 29-51. However, with Nene, John Wall, and Bradley Beal in the lineup together, the Wizards went a respectable 15-7.
Denver to tender qualifying offer to Timofey Mozgov.
Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reports that the Denver Nuggets will tender Timofey Mozgov to a $3.9 million qualifying offer by the June 30th deadline, making him a restricted free agent.
By tendering Mozgov, the Nuggets will be able to match any offer the 26-year-old Russian receives in free agency.
One source told Haynes,“Mozgov is a priority and it will take a lot [for Denver] not to match.”
While Mozgov rarely finds minutes in George Karl’s rotation, his seven-foot height and strong build make him a viable option off the bench.
“I’m a really good defensive player,” Mozgov said. “In my situation right now, sometimes I don’t get a lot of time to play. So if I get 10 minutes and I got my six fouls, I gotta use it. I don’t want anybody to score. When I start playing 30 minutes, I’ll change it up. But right now, If I play only five minutes, I should use all my fouls.”
Mozgov is currently the third center in the Nuggets’ rotation. Starting center Kosta Koufos and backup JaVale McGee are both already under contract for next season.
