Florida's Noah Works Out for Hawks
ATLANTA (AP) - Joakim Noah says he doesn't pay a lot of attention to those who publish NBA mock drafts.
Joakim Noah said, "I heard one of them is like a kid who is 16 years old in his basement."
But Joakim Noah knows enough to realize the NBA draft guessing game begins with the #3 pick, and that's why he was in Atlanta today for a workout with the Hawks.
Greg Oden and Kevin Durant are considered locks to be taken by Portland and Seattle, respectively, with the first two picks next Thursday.
Some draft projections have the Hawks taking one of Joakim Noah's Florida teammates -- center Al Horford -- or Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Junior with the number three pick.
Joakim Noah, a power forward, tried to convince Hawks general manager Billy Knight and coach Mike Woodson that he should be the third pick.
He said, "That's why I'm here. If I didn't think I had a chance I wouldn't be here."
The Hawks also have the number eleven pick, but Joakim Noah hopes he's not around that long.
The draft decision by Knight, who wasn't talking today, could help set the pace for the rest of the first round.
Joakim Noah also has worked out for Boston, Charlotte, Chicago and Minnesota and will work out for Memphis tomorrow. Memphis has the fourth pick.
Joakim Noah (6'11, 232) averaged 12 points and 8.4 rebounds as a junior to help Florida win its second straight national championship.
Woodson said he doesn't consider Joakim Noah to be a "great scorer." Woodson also said the lean Joakim Noah will need to add weight and strength to be a productive inside player in the NBA.
Even so, Woodson said he thinks Joakim Noah could make an immediate impact.
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