Georgia basketball forward Nicolas Claxton has apparently not made a decision regarding his NBA draft future. Claxton posted on his Instagram account, refuting reports about him having made a decision on his NBA draft decision.
“I haven’t made a decision yet I’m still consulting with my family,” Claxton wrote on his Instagram. “I’ll make a decision later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.”
Claxton had a standout sophomore season for the Georgia Bulldogs, as he led the team in points, rebounds, blocks and steals. He also performed very well at the NBA draft scouting combine, likely helping his status as a potential first-round draft pick.
Claxton has until midnight on Wednesday, May 29th to make a decision on if he will return to Georgia or elect to remain in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The sophomore forward has been pretty consistently pegged as a possible late-first draft pick. Some draft experts have stated that he could’ve possibly been a lottery pick had he returned to school and played well for another year. But if he does indeed end up going in the first round of the draft, he will have a guaranteed NBA contract.
The No. 14 player taken in the 2018 NBA Draft — Michael Porter Jr. — signed a rookie contract that could be worth $15.4 million over the course of four years. The No. 30 pick — Omari Spelleman — signed a contract that could reportedly pay as much as $9.29 million over four years.
The departure of Claxton likely puts even more pressure and Georgia’s talented freshman class. The Bulldogs signed the No. 9 overall class for the 2019 recruiting cycle. The top-ranked player is 5-star guard Anthony Edwards, who is the No. 2 overall player in the class.
Georgia coach Tom Crean told reporters earlier on Tuesday that a decision on Claxton would come today.
“He has a great family and support system,” Crean said at SEC meeting in Destin, Fla. “No matter what happens, you support it, and you move forward.”
In Georgia’s first season with Crean as coach, the Bulldogs went 11-21. In addition to bringing in a top class, Georgia brings back a number of contributors from the 2018 team, such as guard Jordan Harris and forward Rashaun Hammonds.
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