Kleiza says he is ready to start NBA career
Linas Kleiza will tell you what made him declare for the NBA Draft.
He will talk about the support his former Missouri coaches have given him and pledge allegiance to the black and gold.
But ask him where he would prefer to play, or what team he enjoyed working out for the most, and the 6-foot-8 forward just says the same five words.
“We’ll just have to see,” Kleiza says. He won’t speculate about his future until after tonight.
By then, he hopes his name would have been called by league commissioner David Stern at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“I’ve been watching the NBA since I was a little kid,” Kleiza said. “It’s always been a dream. I think I’m ready for that pro ball. I want to start a career.”
A mock draft on the Web site NBAdraft.net projected Kleiza as the 42nd pick by the Golden State Warriors.
Last year as a sophomore, Kleiza led the Tigers with 16.1 points per game and 7.6 rebounds.
After Missouri’s season ended March 15, he said he planned to stay with the Tigers for his junior season.
But Kleiza changed his mind April 24, making himself eligible for the draft. Some were critical of the move, saying that his size was an issue. He was considered too big to play small forward in the NBA, yet too small to excel at power forward.
Kleiza would be guaranteed an NBA contract if he is made a first-round pick. There is no such luxury if he is selected in the second round.
He also knows the possibility of playing professionally in Italy or his native Lithuania exists, should he go undrafted.
“I know Europe pretty well,” Kleiza said, laughing.
Kleiza said he will sign with agent Herb Rudoy of Interperformances. Rudoy has advised Kleiza since April. His clients include Zydrunas Ilgauskas, a Cleveland Cavaliers center also from Lithuania.
Kleiza attended pre-draft workouts for 14 NBA teams. His tour ended Saturday when he worked out for the Utah Jazz.
It was his eighth workout in 10 days. Kleiza’s other visits last week included the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns.
Kleiza said shooting has been a main focus for teams. There is also a lot of conditioning in the sessions, which have lasted up to two hours.
Four players work out at a time and are split up for one-on-one and two-on-two drills. Former Syracuse guard Hakim Warrick and New Mexico forward Danny Granger were among Kleiza’s Saturday group.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Kleiza said.
“It’s not an easy thing to do. But I’m about 225 right now; I’m in great shape.”
Denver also looms as a destination because of Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke’s ties with Missouri athletics. Kroenke’s wife, Ann, is Nancy Laurie’s sister.
She and husband Bill Laurie are Columbia residents and major backers of the Missouri athletic department. They donated $25 million to the $75 million Mizzou Arena project.
Kleiza said his former Missouri teammates and coaches are behind him and respect his right to change his mind. Coach Quin Snyder has offered him advice about playing at the next level.
“The coaches have been supportive,” Kleiza said. “What more can you ask for?”
Kleiza said he enjoyed his time in Columbia and will continue to follow Missouri basketball.
“Once you’re a Mizzou Tiger, you’re a Tiger forever,” he said. “I think this team is ready for big things.”