:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55165159/usa_today_9180458.1496961814.jpg)
Oregon’s big three of Jordan Bell, Dillon Brooks and Tyler Dorsey have seen their NBA Draft stock rise dramatically since the 2017 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. In fact, a number of GM’s are anticipating a Duck explosion in the first round.
Every person who watched Bell and Brooks for the past three years, Dorsey the last two, knew this day was coming. We saw the talent, desire and passion of these young men on a nightly basis. Why did it take everyone else so long to notice?
Regardless of their timing, the Ducks are on the lists of many NBA organizations. Since the NBA Combine concluded on May 14, Oregon’s big three have been asked to work out for a number of teams. GM’s didn’t waste any time with the invitations.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8655775/515349442.jpg)
Here is a list of the teams that Oregon’s big three has worked out for already:
JORDAN BELL
May 15 - Indiana Pacers
May 22 - Toronto Raptors
May 30 - Los Angeles Lakers
May 31 - Sacramento Kings
June 5 - Utah Jazz
June 7 - Philadelphia 76ers
June 19 - Portland Trail Blazers
DILLON BROOKS
May 17 - Indiana Pacers
May 22 - Toronto Raptors
June 5 - Utah Jazz
June 7 - Phoenix Suns
June 9 - Portland Trail Blazers
TYLER DORSEY
May 15 - Indiana Pacers
May 17 - Milwaukee Bucks
May 22 - Toronto Raptors
May 30 - Los Angeles Lakers
June 5 - Washington Wizards
June 7 - Philadelphia 76ers
June 9 - Portland Trail Blazers
So far, this is what we know publicly and that is a handful. There is no doubt the NBA is interested in Oregon. However, how high are they willing to risk their interest? Some predict all three Ducks being selected in the first round. That is saying a ton, considering how lowly rated they were on the mock draft boards. That was sarcasm. The scouts didn’t get the memo from Eugene.
The Portland Trail Blazers invited all three to work out for them before the NBA Draft on June 22 in Brooklyn. Oregon’s professional team has three picks in the first round (15, 20, 26). Are they lining themselves up for a Duck reunion in Rip City?
Bell is flying up the draft board. At the latest moment, he is a first round pick according to NBA scouts. He has worked out for a ton of teams and will work out for plenty more before the draft. The Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks have shown increased interest, while a few remain anonymous.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8655785/DBF1pf5UIAAEopu.jpg)
Canada’s finest is more under the radar with his moves. Brooks has worked out for 10 teams in total, including his visit with the Blazers. He will workout with the Trail Blazers this week. Brooks would mesh well with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum just 110 miles from the setting of his incredible college career.
Chicago would be another nice fit for the 6-foot-6 hybrid. With age and the future of Jimmy Butler in question, a passion-filled, gritty scorer is desired by the Bulls in the Windy City.
The sharpshooter from Pasadena, Calif. has clearly had a busy offseason. Alongside the Blazers, TD is set to work out for the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets and the Orlando Magic in the next two weeks.
The Ducks are in a very unique situation for the NBA’s benefit. When a team asks one of the three to work out for their organization, another Duck is usually not too far away. The former Oregon teammates are so close, it has opened opportunities that might not have been there in other situations. Their bond is real. Always us.
Stay tuned on Instagram @eugene_levys_eyebrows and Twitter @TheQuackFiend