Another batch of quotes from Vlade and other information via Voisin http://www.sacbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ailene-voisin/article25093420.html:
But while Mudiay has worked out in Los Angeles (Lakers), Philadelphia, Minnesota and New York, and is very much in the conversation at No. 6, he declined to interview with Kings officials at the predraft combine in Chicago and thus far has refused their requests to get into the gym.
If he wants Mudiay, he will take Mudiay, who would add size, length and playmaking alongside Darren Collison and accommodate Karl’s preference for a two-point guard backcourt. But Divac is not saying he wants Mudiay. Or that he wants Cauley-Stein or Hezonja or Johnson or Winslow. Or that he won’t attempt to trade up. Or that he won’t consider trading down. The rookie executive, it seems, is a quick study; the good ones can keep secrets.
“Ours is a relatively good position because we’ll get a good player,” he said. “We are receiving a ton of calls about trades, but I am very protective about the pick. I don’t want to give it up unless we can get several good pieces. Then I would think about it.”
Pressed for specifics, the affable Serb offered favorable snippets about all the prospects who might be available at No. 6, but he cited his priorities as follows: adding another playmaker and upgrading the power forward position, preferably with a long, athletic shot blocker and rim protector to complement DeMarcus Cousins.
Additionally, he scoffed at rumors suggesting he would consider trading his All-Star center.
“That is not happening,” Divac said forcefully, “but I would love to do something, a smaller move, before the draft. We have a lot of changes to make. The league is much more up-tempo now, and we need more three-point shooting. If we don’t get that in the draft, we’ll be active in free agency and see about making trades later in the offseason.
“That is not happening,” Divac said forcefully, “but I would love to do something, a smaller move, before the draft. We have a lot of changes to make. The league is much more up-tempo now, and we need more three-point shooting. If we don’t get that in the draft, we’ll be active in free agency and see about making trades later in the offseason.
“We know our coach and the pieces he needs. And I really believe we are going to be a totally different team next season, with different energy. Our goal next year is not only to have a winning season, but a playoff season. This draft is important, but it’s only the beginning.”