2013 NBA Draft Day Rumors: Hawks Eyeing #13, Adetokunbo Doesn’t Want To Be Stashed

May 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Trey Burke is interviewed during the NBA Draft combine at Harrison Street Athletics Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NBA Draft is still hours away from the first selection, but that definitely doesn’t mean things haven’t started. There are tons of rumors flying around and although we should be very careful about what is fact and what is fiction today, there are some interesting bits of “news”.

Two of the most prominent Atlanta Hawks items could affect the team’s first pick in the draft.

Giannis Adetokunbo

According to Jonathan Giovany, Giannis Adetokunbo has no interested of being stashed. This means that teams like the Hawks–who would definitely want to stash him in Europe for a few years–might no longer be interested in taking him. Some people have predicted Atlanta to take him with the 17th overall pick in the draft, and a few guys from Peachtree Hoops also liked the idea.

Now however, Kris Willis thinks that other players could be a better fit to help the team:

"In my opinion, this negatively affects his draft status and while the Hawks are in rebuilding mode, there are other players in the range of where they are picking that would be in better position to help the club right away."

Hawks Eye #13

Chad Ford of ESPN writes that several teams are interested in trading for the Dallas Mavericks selection at 13:

"A ton of teams are trying to get the Mavs’ 2013 pick. The Cavs have been the most prominent suitor, but the Bucks, Hawks and Nets are also trying to get up there. In virtually every case, the target is Sergey Karasev. The biggest issue for each team is that both the Sixers and Thunder are sending signals they might take Karasev before 13."

This is interesting for the Hawks because there have been rumors that Trey Burke’s draft stock is falling and Danny Ferry could be looking to steal the talented point guard with this selection. However, if the target is not Burke, there are many others players that the Hawks might want to draft up to get especially if the rumors are true about Giannis Adetokunbo.

There is definitely a lot going on today so be sure to keep checking in for more updates. Also, check by Peach Tree Hoops because like I’ve said before, the guys over there do a great job. We will also be doing a live blog during the draft at 7 tonight, so check by for that.