John Blackwell has until May 29th to decide whether to stay in the NBA Draft or return to Wisconsin. That decision is coming shortly as the deadline looms, and he's completing all his workouts with NBA scouts and teams. He was spotted at another workout yesterday, this time for the Los Angeles Lakers. He's now had three confirmed workouts: the LA Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Portland Trailblazers. He may have had more, but those are the known ones.
Is this concerning? Is there some chance he stays in the NBA Draft? Not unless he's hearing something others are not. The plan all along was for him to do exactly this, get workouts and then feedback working to propel himself into a first round pick after next season spent at Wisconsin.
John Blackwell participated in the LA Lakers Pro Day and met a Wisconsin legend
The expectation is that Blackwell will participate in as many workouts as possible in the allotted time, learn what he needs to learn, and then return as soon as that well dries up. However, he's enjoying the ride while he can, connecting with another great from his high school and then a former legend from his university, Wisconsin.
John Blackwell took a picture with Michael Finley, who is in the Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame. Blackwell made sure his caption was "On Wisconsin!"
As for what's next for John Blackwell, it's hard to know if he is done with his workouts and visits or if this was the last one. Those are kept pretty closely guarded, and it's not always reported who is at which workouts or Pro Days. In his original decision, Greg Gard wanted this for him as it helps overall as he prepares to become the best basketball player he can. If he ultimately returns to Wisconsin, this process will elevate the Badgers, too.