Former Alabama center Charles Bediako slated to workout for nearly half the NBA ahead of draft night

Former Alabama center Charles Bediako surprised many, including the coaching staff, when he opted to keep his name in the 2023 NBA Draft and turn pro this offseason. While many believed he could benefit from another year of development at the college level, there appears no shortage of franchises ready to take a look at the 7-footer.

According to Global Scouting, Bediako has completed pre-draft workouts with the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors.

He also has workouts scheduled throughout the month of June with the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Across two seasons at Alabama, Charles Bediako averaged just 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds, but shot 65.9 percent from the field. He was named to the SEC All-Defensive team in 2022-23 while averaging 1.8 blocks and 0.6 steals, posting a defensive rating of 89.6.

Bediako arrived at Alabama with high expectations as a four-star recruit in the 2021 class. He ranked No. 36 overall and No. 6 among centers in the On3 Industry Rankings out of IMG Academy by way of Canada.

Projected by some as a second-round pick by some and an undrafted free agent by others, Bediako is slated to workout for nearly half the NBA with 14 different teams taking a look. By casting a wide net the defensive stopper and improving offensive talent increases his chances to catch on with a multi-year or two-way deal this summer.

More on the 2023 NBA Draft for Charles Bediako

The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.

To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.