Caleb Swanigan, the 6-foot-9 power forward from Purdue who is testing the NBA Draft waters without an agent, will work out for the Knicks on Wednesday, a source told ZAGSBLOG.
That is the last day underclassmen can work out for NBA teams before the deadline for returning to school with eligibility.
Swanigan, the Big Ten Player of the Year, is currently projected to go at No. 40 to the New Orleans Pelicans by DraftExpress.com. The Knicks pick at Nos. 8, 44 and 58.
Swanigan, who has also worked out for the Nets among other teams, averaged 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season for the Boilermakers.
“I’m considered an undersized guy that can shoot and I can bang with a 5,” Swanigan told the Journal Courier after his Indiana Pacers’ workout. “I believe that helps teams tremendously, if you’ve got a guy that can be a horse but also get on the other side and dribble and be a playmaker, make good decisions with the ball and knock down corner 3s off pick and rolls.”
“He’s a versatile guy that can stretch the floor,” Iowa State guard Monte Morris, who faced Swanigan in the second round of March’s NCAA Midwest Regional in Milwaukee, told the paper. “I’ve seen his body change, so he’s a hard worker.”
By Wednesday night, Swanigan will have to decide whether to remain in the Draft or return to Purdue. He sounds open to both options.
“Any kid that wants to play in the NBA hears something like that, you should take it as an opportunity,” Swanigan told the Journal Courier. “At the same time, guys like (Tim) Duncan, guys like Klay Thompson, Steph (Curry), they spent three years in college. So there’s no rush. It’s more of me feeling sure that team is serious about me and actually has a plan for me.”
The Knicks are also looking to work out N.C. State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., their projected pick at No. 8 via DraftExpress.com, as first reported by ZAGSBLOG.
