Briefing: June 6
Jarrett Culver meets with the Knicks
Good Morning,
Knicks met with Jarrett Culver yesterday. The Texas Tech guard is mocked to be picked in the 4-6 range, but the Knicks continue to do their diligence in examining all of the prospects.
Culver takes pride in his defense: “Nowadays, it's hard to find people who take pride in defense. But I'm one of them. I take pride in defense. Being at Texas Tech taught me a lot, so I feel like on the defensive side I'm elite.” [Ian Begley]
Texas Tech coach Chris Beard: “He’s an all-around player. He was our leading scorer, our leading rebounder, our leading assist guy…he was second in steals. He’s a triple-double kind of guy.” [Mike Vorkunov]
Culver played AAU with Mitchell Robinson with Nike Pro Skills, “What [Mitchell] did this year is what he was doing when I played with him, blocking every shot, being athletic. He’s a great player.” [Chris Iseman]
Watch Culver’s meeting with the media, via MSG Networks.
Kyrie Irving Rumblings
After Stephen A. Smith reported, “I've been told Kyrie Irving has given all indications he's going to Nets…
Ian Begley reports, “In recent days, people around Irving have described the probability of him returning to Boston as a free agent as low. Those around Irving also said recently that he hasn't ruled out teams -- including the Knicks -- as possible destinations.”
Kyrie Irving posted a video on Instagram with the caption, “Home is where the heart lives and stays.” He talks to a crossing guard from his childhood in New Jersey. Some take this as a sign that he wants to play for a team that would be closer to home.
There was also this Kyrie sighting in New York yesterday…
The Draft
R.J. Barrett was at the Finals last night in Oakland. The Duke star will meet with the Knicks early next week.
MUST READ: SNY gives a rundown of a pre-draft workout with the Knicks. Mississippi State's Quindarry Weatherspoon and Aric Holman were in the gym on Monday, and received an on-court message from David Fizdale and a lunch-time conversation with general manager Scott Perry. [Read more]
Join us on Draft Night!
We will be meeting at our favorite place, Slattery’s Midtown Pub in Manhattan, to watch the draft on June 20. 10% of bar sales will go to charity. Come join us!
Remember when…
June 6, 1946: Knicks are born at the first meeting of the Basketball Association of America. Other teams include Boston (Celtics), Philadelphia (Warriors), Providence (Steamrollers), Toronto (Huskies), Washington (Capitols), Chicago (Stags), Cleveland (Rebels), Detroit (Falcons), Pittsburgh (Ironmen) and St. Louis (Bombers). [Vivek Dadhania with more]
Thanks for reading, talk to you tomorrow!