Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self had some interesting things to share this weekend regarding Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Andrew Wiggins.
A former Jayhawk, Wiggins has been at the center of a potential trade between the Cavaliers and the Timberwolves for Kevin Love. There have been reports that the two teams currently have a deal in place , but Wiggins can not be traded right now due to NBA rules that prevent him from being moved the first 30 days after signing his contract.
Self and Wiggins reunited again this weekend as this years number one overall draft pick appeared as a guest at his former coach’s basketball camp. Wiggins didn’t address the media while he was there, but coach Self still took the time to speak with the reporters that were on location. By offering insight on where his former players current state of mind is, one can only assume that Wiggins is ready to embrace his role as a centerpiece for some team in the NBA.
According to The Associated Press report:
“When all this trade stuff started, I talked to Andrew and Andrew told me, “I hope I get traded. And I’m like, ‘No you don’t.’ And he said, “Coach, I do. It’s better for me, knowing my personality and what I need to do, to go somewhere where I’m forced to be something as opposed to going in there where they’re going to be patient with me and I’m going to be a piece.”
Reports have indicated that the Cavaliers will also include last years number one pick in the NBA draft Anthony Bennett, as well as a 2015 future pick in the deal. While there has been no confirmation on a third team being involved, there is also a chance that one will cement themselves into the trade. This entire situation could come to a quick resolution when the weekend of August 23rd is finally here, and it seems that it would provide some much needed relief for the rookie player. For a player that was highly coveted in a draft loaded with talent, a chance to prove himself on a team like Minnesota might very well be the best option for him.
Other news around the league:
Washington Wizards All-Star point guard John Wall says that he wasn’t given a fair shot at making the Team USA roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Ben Standig of CSN Washington reports: Asked if he was given a fair shot to make the final 12-player roster, Wall said, “Nah, I don’t think so, but it’s a part of the game. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to be there and represent my country. I wish them the best of luck and hope they can win gold.” “I’ve been (around) for four years in a row. I think that’s enough time. Everybody had the same fair amount of time as far as being (in Las Vegas) and playing. I think [Team USA] already had kind of in their mind what they wanted to do and what decisions they were going (to make).”
Veteran forward Al Harrington intends on continuing his basketball career even if that means playing overseas. After playing for the Washington Wizards last season, Harrington is now a free agent that feels that he can still play at a professional level. According to Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report, Harrington is set to play in China next season: Source: Al Harrington has signed to play in China next season. Announcement to come Monday. Beyond China, still envisions coaching w/ Wiz. Al Harrington’s Chinese team will be the Fujian SBS Xunxing Sturgeons. One-year deal.
Free agent MarShon Brooks has signed a deal to play for Italy’s Olimpia Milan team next season. The announcement was made by the team over earlier today. Brooks was traded three times last year as he had brief stints with the Celtics, Warriors, and Lakers.: Olimpia Milano officially announced the signing of MarShon Brooks. The American guard leaves the NBA for the first team in his career to join the Italian champions. Brooks has played with Nets, Celtics, Warriors and Lakers in the NBA averaging 12.6 points per game as rookie in 2011-2012.
Esau Howard is a regular contributor to Sheridan Hoops. You can follow him on Twitter.