Furkan Korkmaz seems to be taking a draft-and-stash route, soon, at least according to David Pick. His draft prospects are somewhat questioned as it is not immediately present whether or not he will come to play in the NBA next year.
Korkmaz, who is currently playing in Turkey, has negotiated a buy-out clause with his team so he will be able to play in the NBA next year if he wishes to do so, according to the Vertical.
However, Korkmaz’s decision on joining the league seems to be hinging on his draft stock. According to the Vertical, if the 18-year-old is unable to secure assurances that he will be selected in the lottery (top 14 picks), the big man will withdraw his name from the draft and stay in Turkey for one more year. The final day to do that is June 15th. DraftExpress currently has Korkmaz as 17th in its mock draft.
The other scenario is what Pick is reporting. Korkmaz could declare for the draft regardless of the lack of an assurance and still go back to play in Turkey while an NBA team holds his draft rights.
Obviously, this is a fluid situation and will depend largely on how lottery teams feel about the Turkish big man. He certainly seems to be a talented prospect worth a shot in the first round, but the lack of certainty on his playing situation next year may drop his stock. On the other hand, the negotiated buy-out could raise his stock among lottery teams.
Regardless of how Korkmaz’s draft situation plays out, the most important question surrounding the big man is whether or not the league will allow him to play with a Darth Vader mask.
