Sixers Notebook: Isaiah Miles, Taurean Prince Among Pre-draft Workouts at PCOM

The Sixers on Friday held their second pre-draft workouts, bringing in six prospects to their practice facility (more on the workouts here).

Here is a quick snapshot of the participants and their roads to the 2016 NBA draft. 

Taurean Prince, small forward
Baylor, senior

Pre-draft workout mentality: “(I wanted to show) my versatility, that I can handle the ball in pick-and-roll situations and play defense on different guys. I think I did pretty well with that.”

Memorable “rebounding” quote: “It comes up a lot. I just say that it was a response I would give to a normal friend. So I just took it as such.”

Scheduled workouts: Prince will work out with the Suns on May 24. He has already worked out with the Sixers, Spurs, Hawks, Celtics and Bulls. 

Isaiah Miles, power forward
St. Joe’s, senior

Pre-draft workout mentality: “I think I showed the scouts and the coaches that I can shoot the ball pretty well and I can spread the floor. I think that I showed my conditioning’s pretty good and I think it was a good day.”

Importance of graduating last weekend: “It feels great. Getting a degree, at the end of the day, is the important thing. Your knees aren’t going to be there forever, but your mind is.” 

Scheduled workouts: Miles has worked out with the Sixers, Celtics and Nets. He will work out with the Rockets, Mavericks, Knicks, Bucks, Jazz and Spurs.

Jaron Blossomgame, small forward
Clemson, junior (undecided)

Pre-draft workout mentality: “(I wanted to show) how hard I play, my effort I give. I wanted to show I’m versatile, I can guard multiple positions — twos, threes, fours, my ability to shoot the ball and be able to make plays off the dribble.”

Staying ready: “I’ve been trying to keep my body right and stay healthy for these workouts. It’s like a job interview. It’s probably the first and only time the coach will see you, so you want to make a good, positive impression for them.” 

Scheduled workouts: Blossomgame has worked out with the Sixers, Jazz, Celtics, Cavs and Clippers. He will work out with the Spurs on May 22 and the Suns on May 24. Blossomgame will make his decision at the deadline. 

Winston Shepard, power forward
San Diego State, senior

Pre-draft workout mentality: “(I wanted to show) my versatility. At San Diego State, I played a lot of positions and roles, and I think the Sixers definitely can use that.” 

Influence of San Diego State alum Kawhi Leonard: “I definitely try to pattern my game after him and, more importantly, I try to pattern my work ethic after him. He’s a very hard worker. You can see what he’s taken his game to. If I can do half of that, I think I’ll be fine.” 

Scheduled workouts: The Sixers were his first workout. He will work out with the Warriors, Knicks, Rockets and Pelicans.

Fred VanVleet, point guard
Wichita State, senior

Pre-draft workout mentality: “I’m competitive, I’m going to work extremely hard, and just go out here and show that.”

Advice from former college teammate Cleanthony Early: “He did a bunch of workouts too and the traveling and the grueling process of going week to week, city to city, three cities in a week, things like that, preparing for that mentally and physically.” 

Scheduled workouts: VanVleet has worked out for the Sixers, Lakers, Warriors and Rockets. Next week he will work out for the Timberwolves and Hawks. 

Maodo Lo, point guard
Columbia, senior

Pre-draft workout mentality: “I just wanted to make sure I showed my shooting abilities — shooting off the three, off the dribble. My understanding of the game, showing that I can make plays as a point guard, understand the offense, talk, communicate.”

Influence of international experience in Germany: “It’s unbelievable. Dirk Nowitzki is a Hall of Famer, he’s one of the greatest players to ever play basketball. Just to be around him, you learn a lot. Dennis Schroder is a great up-and-coming talent who’s a really nice guy and has helped me out a lot. We have a good relationship and he gives me a lot of tips.”

Scheduled workouts: Lo has worked out with the Sixers and Timberwolves.