2015 NBA Draft: D’Angelo Russell Secretly Worked Out for the New York Knicks

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, D’Angelo Russell secretly worked out for the New York Knicks, canceling a workout with the Philadelphia 76ers last week.

"Before D’Angelo Russell canceled a meeting with the Sixers last weekend, raising eyebrows, the Ohio State guard quietly worked out for the Knicks on June 11 in Westchester, The Post has learned.Russell, after the Knicks meeting, didn’t show up for the Sixers workout reportedly because he got sick. But he was back East Wednesday to work out for the forever-rebuilding Philly franchise, which may hold the key to Phil Jackson’s draft fortunes."

With reports of the cancelled workout after holding one with New York, created speculations that he did not want the 76ers to draft him. Although Russell refutes that, stating no matter which team drafts him, they are all in the same losing situation.

"“Most of these teams are in the same situation to pick the top guys because they didn’t win,’’ “So I definitely know they want a guy to come in and help them win games. That’s my main focus. If that’s going to the No. 1 pick or third, fourth, fifth — whatever pick it is — it’s going to a team to help them win.’’"

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Since Russell’s workout cancellation with the 76ers, he finally made it out to Philadelphia this week and “killed it” during the workouts. Which completely squashes any speculations that Russell purposely cancelled his previous workout with Philadelphia in hopes of getting drafted by New York. Which is kind of bummer for Knicks’ fans… kind of wished that was true. Especially since Russell fancies his game to be similar to the MVP and now NBA Champion Stephen Curry.

"“I just try to really model my game after Steph Curry,’’ “He didn’t come into the league playing the way he’s playing now. It took some time. The player that he’s developed to be — I see a great resemblance. His ball-handling is off the charts. His shot selection I can say is kind of similar to mine. But like I said, his work ethic to get him where he’s at I would say is similar to mine also.’’"

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Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5 assist, and 1.6 steals per game in his freshman year with the Ohio State Buckeyes. In most analyst’s recent mock drafts, New York is not projected to draft Russell. Draft Express does have the Knicks drafting Russell but according to ESPN’s Chad Ford’s Big Board, Russell stock has climbed to the second best talent on his board. Most analysts are projecting Russell to be drafted by the 76ers but here’s to hoping some miracle happens for New York.

D’Angelo Russell 2015 NBA Draft Scouting Video – Strengths

D’Angelo Russell 2015 NBA Draft Scouting Video – Weaknesses