Nuggets host Buffs' George King, other local prospects in first pre-draft workout

 

DENVER — A couple different storylines came out of the Nuggets’ pre-draft workout Monday morning. As usual at these workouts, prospects were interviewed but media was only allowed to see the last five or so minutes of practice.

There were a few familiar faces around the practice court as well. Coach Michael Malone was in attendance, as was general manager Tim Connelly, assistant general manager Arturas Karnisovas, and much of the coaching staff. Jamal Murray and Wilson Chandler, who was joking around with Malone for much of the end of the workout, were also in attendance.

Prospect Interviews

Gian Clavell

Clavell, the 23-year-old, 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard from Colorado State, who is from Puerto Rico, took his interview as a time to show off his confidence. He was composed and strong with the media and made sure that he came across that way.

“I have been working my whole life just to be a basketball player,” Clavell said. “I have been working this whole summer just for these workouts. I am comfortable with myself as you guys know. You have seen my play. I just try to show what kind of a leader I am. I am a leader. Toughness. I can rebound as a guard.”

George King

King, another local prospect out of the University of Colorado, was just taking advantage of an opportunity. He was offered a chance to come and work out even though he will be returning for his senior year of college. King is 23-years-old and a 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing.

“I am going back (to Colorado) but to come out and test the waters now so I know next year,” King said. “Then I can go all-in on it. To kind of have a little experience doing it already I won’t be ‘deer in the headlights’ as much.”

“I know I am an offensively gifted guy so if I focus on defense, I mean I am 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan,” King continued. “If I can defend at a high level then I think I have a great chance to playing at the next level and I am going to continue working on that.”

King also took the chance to describe what he learned from the two workouts he has had so far.

“I learned that I can defend and rebound,”King said. And that if I keep working I have an opportunity,”

“Right here in Denver Colorado and playing in front of the Nuggets staff,” King continued. “And showing what I can do, like I said, it’s a dream, man.”

Jacob Wiley

Wiley, the 6-foot-7, and 220-pound forward from Eastern Washington showed off is the athletic ability and is the highest rated prospect of the six who visited Denver Monday morning. Wiley called Denver his favorite workout of the seven he has had.

“It wasn’t too drill heavy. They let us play,” Wiley said. “And my two teammates when we were playing together. It is always fun when you are playing as a team and cheering each other on.”

Wiley on what he can bring to a team if they draft him:

“My work ethic and my energy. I think those two things translate to whatever level I am playing at. If I play hard and I bring energy I feel like good things happen.”

Eric Mika

Mika, who was probably the best interview of the day, is a 6-foot-10 center from BYU who is 21-years-old and weighs in at 230 pounds. Mika did a good job of describing what he can bring to a team who takes a chance on him.

“I know teams like my motor,” Mika explained. “They like how hard I play, my defense, and my rebounding. It is just a good opportunity for me being able to show a little bit more. Being able to step out and hit some jumpers.”

Mika also had the best quote of the day.

“I like the physical aspect of the game,” Mika explained. “If I get hit it’s great. If I get to hit somebody it is even better. I just don’t want to lose so it comes down to that.”

Nelson Kahlen

Mahler, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Australia, gave a great insight into the upward tick of basketball in Australia but how far away it still is from being a large sport for the county.

“Being in Australia, in some parts, they’re still no televised games, which is pretty crazy,” Kahler explained. “But they get 14,000-15,000 people to a gym which is huge for the population of Australia because people are so spread out but it’s getting bigger and better every year.”

When describing his game and what he needs to work on Kahler was very transparent.

“Playing the four and the five all the way through college, at the next level I know I won’t be able to do that so I am really trying to work on my game and get my shot right,” Kahler said. “I shot the ball pretty well today so it is just a jostle to the three-point line. I have really only been shooting from that line the past week or two. It is just getting to that next level. Working on your handles a little more and adjusting to the position that you will need to be playing at the next level.”

Yante Maten

Maten, the youngest of the prospects at 20-years-old, is a power forward from the University of Georgia. He gave good insight into what he feels he will bring to an NBA team.

“Energy, positivity, a leader. I’d try and be a leader,” Maten said. “I am a caring guy. I love to work hard too.”

Jamal Murray update

Murray, who underwent surgery to repair “core muscle-related injuries” on April 27, was back on the Nuggets’ practice court after Denver wrapped up their first pre-draft workout. The 20-year-old started doing light calisthenics and light dribbling work but eventually worked his way up to shooting mid-range jumpers and even stretching out to three-point distance.

Jamal Murray now getting mid-range shooting in. He's going through damn near a full practice. pic.twitter.com/sbHJJ3klAP

— T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) May 22, 2017

Jamal Murray stretching out to 3 now. He never leaves the court. pic.twitter.com/4Is0CX28dK

— T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) May 22, 2017

Murray was on the court for nearly an hour and even as the last of the media trickled out of the Nuggets’ practice court, Murray was still on the far end of the gym getting up shots. This was just another look into the work ethic and gym rat mentality of Murray as he recovers from surgery.