Agent discusses local top NBA draft prospects

Arn Tellem, native of Philadelphia, graduate of Haverford College, and high-powered sports agent, represents three Philly-bred players in tonight's NBA draft: Tyreke Evans, Gerald Henderson, and Wayne Ellington.

It's also possible that one of Tellem's guys, either Henderson or Ellington, could be the draft choice of the 76ers, who hold the 17th selection.

Memphis' Evans, a former star guard at American Christian Academy, is expected to be gone by the time the Sixers pick.

"I know the Sixers have Gerald and Wayne high on their list," Tellem said. "Tyreke will be long gone. They really have strong interest in Gerald and Wayne, and I know [Gerald and Wayne] would be very happy too."

Most mock drafts have Henderson, a shooting guard from Duke, going anywhere from eighth to 14th, but this draft is unpredictable, with little certainty after the Los Angeles Clippers select Oklahoma's Blake Griffin with the No. 1 pick.

Ellington, a shooting guard from North Carolina, worked out for the Sixers and is expected to be available when they pick.

The 76ers have said they would likely draft a perimeter player.

Tellem is one of the most influential sports agents, representing both basketball and baseball players, including the Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady and the Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol.

"It's very competitive," Tellem said of signing new clients. "There are more agents than there are players out there. It's incredibly competitive, and each time I go through the process I feel incredibly fortunate."

Tellem also said the Philadelphia connection "didn't hurt" his ability to land three top prospects. "All three are friends," Tellem said. "Gerald and Wayne are incredibly close, but as I went through the process I learned they were also friends with Tyreke.

"All three were in our gym in Santa Monica, California, working out - and what was nice to see was all three were supportive and helped each other and pushed each other through all the drills," Tellem said. "They are genuinely pulling for all of them to do well, and Tyreke is really rooting for Wayne and Gerald. They really have a close friendship and are really supportive of one another."

Contact staff writer Kate Fagan at 856-779-3844 or kfagan@phillynews.com.