Thursday, June 26, 2003 | 10:03 a.m.
Former UNLV point guard Marcus Banks will supposedly go anywhere from 10th to 16th in today's NBA draft. What is certain, though, is that he will not be in New York for the proceedings.
Even if he were assured of being a lottery, or top-13, pick, he has assured relatives and a select group of friends that he will remain in Las Vegas to celebrate his big day with them.
They will congregate at a sports bar in the north end of the city, and Banks' relatives want the public to know it is an invitation-only affair. They would like to open the doors to everyone, but that would require renting the Thomas & Mack Center.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards, with the 10th overall selection, are the latest team -- with the highest pick -- to supposedly be interested in Banks. A Florida publication threw out that prediction.
Seattle, with the 12th and 14th picks, has shown deep interest. So has Orlando (at No. 15) and Boston (at 16), the latter of which has received the most publicity.
Another source said the Lakers have taken keen interest in Banks. General manager Mitch Kupchak has evaluated Banks during recent workouts in Santa Monica, Calif. But the Lakers don't draft until 24th, so they would have to concoct a deal to get Banks.
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