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| NBA Draft June 23rd, 2011 |
2011 NBA Draft
1.) Cleveland Cavaliers (via Clippers): Kyrie Irving PG, Duke -This isn't the conses pick but it is more then likely going to happen. Irving is a tremendous leader with good but not great athleticism. He is a very good defender, has a high basketball IQ, is fantastic as a dribbler and is an excellent passer. Irving still needs to bulk up and prove he can stay healthy , but he can start for the Cavaliers Day 1 and turn into an All-Star PG.
2.) Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams SF,Arizona
-The Timberwolves seemed to find a nice player when they got Michael Beasley essentially for free next year. But his skills are nothing compared to Williams. Williams shined this year showing he can develop into a big time scorer in the NBA. Williams is 6'8 and has the athleticism to be a great SF in the NBA. While he needs to improve his all around game more, Williams has the tools to be a big time scorer in the NBA. He can also start for Minnesota as an immediate SF player
3.) Utah Jazz (via NJ Nets): Brandon Knight PG, Kentucky
-The Jazz get GM Kevin O'Connor's favorite prospect by drafting Brandon Knight at 3rd overall. Knight is a prolific scorer as a PG, elite speed and quickness, and also a tremendous worker. Knight is the type of player the Jazz love a guy with great character and is the first at practice and last to leave. While he still has to develop to be an all around PG, there is no doubt he will work non stop to be that. Knight will be a tremendous player for the Jazz, and will be the perfect replacement for Deron Williams
4.) Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter C, Kansas
-The Cavs continue to build their new young core with the addition of Enes Kanter. Kanter is a tremendous rebounder and is a physical force up front. Knows how to draw contact in the paint and also how to navigate his way around to get open. He needs to improve his defense in the paint more and really needs to focus on his athleticism. But Kanter has the size and strength to be a great rebounder and inside presence.
5.) Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania
-The Raptors could go with so many different players at this spot. They could take the young shooting PG in Kemba Walker who has shown tremendous leadership skills and is also a winner. Another possibility is addressing the C position which I think they will do. Jonas Valanciunas is an intriguing prospect from Lithuania who although still really needs to work on bulking up and developing an inside game. It is a bit of a reach but the upside of Jonas makes it worth it for the Raptors.
6.) Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely SF, Czech Republic
-The Wizards need to find a new young SF and they will have two interesting choices at the 6th pick. Vesely is a tall, lanky wing who can shoot the ball well and has the intensity and drive you look for in a young player. He still needs to add muscle to his tall frame, and he really needs to work on his defense. If the Wizards want a scorer they will go with Vesely if they want a defensive guy they will take Kawhi Leonard.
7.) Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker PG, UConn
-The Kings could go a few different ways here. If Brandon Knight falls tp them he will be the pick, but if he ends up going at 3 and Walker falls he is another prospect the Kings like. Walker is a talented scorer who has shown to be good in crunch time, and has shown to be a leader and a winner. His outside game needs some work but he gives the Kings another great scorer to pair with Tyreke Evans and marcus Thornton. I wouldn't be surprised if they take Bismack Biyombo who is a tremendous defensive player and reminds scouts of Serge Ibaka.
8.) Detroit Pistons: Kawhi Leonard SF, San Diego State
-With Tayshaun Prince departing in FA, the Pistons are going to need a new SF. Leonard is a hard nose player who plays great defense and is also skilled as a rebounder. There is no question he will develop into an elite defensive player as a SF, but there are big questions about his scoring. Leonard showed he is inconsistent with his shot and that led to low production. He comes with uncertainty because of it but with a good coach and help around him he can improve his shooting to a more reasonable level.
9.) Charlotte Bobcats: Tristian Thompson PF, Texas
-The Bobcats will look to address depth at the PF position and Tristian Thompson can be just that for them. At 6'9 he doesn't have ideal height for a PF, especially since he mainly plays inside the paint. He has shown to be a good rebounder, with nice athleticism. He is like Leonard in that his offensive game remains to be seen and needs to be worked on. Thompson could develop into a nice player for the Bobcats.
10.) Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks SG, Colorado
-In a dream scenario the Bucks would love to get a guy like Kemba Walker, but with him off the board Alec Burks is another nice scoring option. Burk showed tremendous vertical ability to go along with his intriguing size as a SG (6'6). He has a nice shooting stroke but really needs to work on staying consistent with it. He also is only 18 years old and really needs to bulk up if he wants to be a good SG in the NBA. He still gives the Bucks an intriguing prospect and one who can develop into a nice starting SG.
11.) Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris PF, Kansas
-The Warriors continue to make progress building a team, and they continue the coaching search for another year. At 11th overall in a weaker draft, the best thing they can do is take someone like Marcus Morris. Morris is an NBA ready player but he won't make huge improvements in his game from now until he hits his prime. Morris is a low post player who can provide help off the bench as a rookie. If he continues to really work hard and add strength he could develop into a starter. But the ceiling for Morris isn't high.
12.) Utah Jazz: Klay Thompson SG, Washington State
-With their 2nd pick in the Lottery the Jazz will continue to build their back court. Thompson was a great scorer in college and has the shooting stroke and jump shot. He could be a great player off the bench giving the Jazz another source for scoring. Thompson could very well develop into a started as he improves his defense. He does struggle with taller and more athletic defenders but that won''t stop him from being a nice player.
13.) Pheonix Suns: Jimmer Freddete PG, BYU
-The Suns have fallen ever since Amare left them for the Knicks. They are left with Steve Nash and several young intriguing players. They will look to add to their high scoring system in the 2011 draft. Freddete seems to be the perfect fit for the Suns. He is a great scorer who has good athleticism and fits very well in the Suns coaching system. He has drawn comparisons to Steve Nash as a rookie, but that seems unlikely. He is still a solid pick for the Suns and one that gives them a scoring threat off the bench.
14.) Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris PF, Kentucky
-The Houston Raptors would like to get Marcus Morris to give them a nice rebounder and defender. But if they can't get him why not take his brother. Markeiff (Morris) is 6'10 but has shown he can be a good blocker, rebounder and that he has a high motor. He has an underrated 3 point shot for a big man, which just adds another skill the Rockets can use. Markieff still needs to improve his offensive game, and he also needs to work on limiting the turnovers. But he is similar to his brother and gives the Rockets exactly what they need
15.) Indiana Pacers: Jimmer Fredette PG, BYU
-The Pacers need a Guard who can make his own shots and is also a tough, smart player. Fredette fits that role perfectly. A tremendous scorer in college Fredette gives the Pacers a go to guy for shots, and an outlet guy for Darren Collison to pass to. Fredette is a good but not great athlete, and he also is not a good defender. He will likely end up as a SG but may struggle on the defensive side at that position. He still gives the Pacers a shooter which they really needed, and he also will get fans in the seats.
16.) Philadelphia 76ers: Bismack Biyombo PF, Spain
-After trading Samuel Dalembert at the beginning of last year, the 76ers have missed his shot blocking presence ever since. They get the perfect guy to replace him with Biyombo. Biyombo is a great athlete for a big man, and is also a tremendous shot blocker and rebounder. He still is very raw as an offensive player and he needs to work on his strength. He is very talented at may not fall to 16, but if he does I'd have to think the 76ers jump at the chance to get him.
17.) New York Knicks: Josh Selby PG, Kansas
-The Knicks have been interested in Selby for awhile. He is a nice defensive PG but is also very athletic and good at slicing in to the paint. He played poorly as a freshman taking bad shots, and often times looking to be a selfish player. But putting him no the Knicks where he will have more freedom sets him up to do good things. His jump shot and range makes him a good scoring threat, and will give the Knicks a nice scoring Guard to play alongside Melo and Amare. A solid pick for the Knicks that could pay huge dividends in the future.
18.) Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks SG, Providence
-The Wizards will need another scorer to play the SG position. Marshon Brooks can be that type of player. He is very similar to Fredette in that he is a tremendous shooter who has the ball handling skills to find his own shots. He may be a bit of a reach here, but I like the upside of Brooks
19.) Charlotte Bobcats (via NO): Jordan Hamilton SF, Texas
-Jordan Hamilton could be one of those players you look back on at the draft and say, "How was he not a Top 5 pick?". He has the size and intangibles to turn into a very good player in this league, but he has alot of work to do if he wants to get there. His jump shot is smooth but it is a fall away release and is inconsistent. He also really needs to work on his ball handling if he wants to be able to slash inside. It is a high risk high reward pick, but i love the value here for the Bobcats.
20.) Minnesota Timberwolves (via MEM): Davis Bertans SF, Latvia
-The Timberwovles are still a few years away from serious contention, so taking Bertans is a selection that will help them down the road. Bertans is a deadly shooter from outside and he could turn into a Kyle Korver but with better all around game. A solid late pick for the Timberwolves
21.) Portland Trailblazers: Chris Singleton SF, Florida State
-I have Singleton fall a bit because I question his offensive game, and whether or not he could develop it to be an NBA player. But at 21 the Trailblazers have to take the BPA, and that is Singleton. Singleton is a tremendous defender, and could turn into one of the best specialists in the game. He gives the Trailblazers another useful player off the bench.
22.) Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris SF, Tennessee
-The Nuggets showed they can be a very competitive team even without Carmelo Anthony. Assuming they can resign all their FA's in the draft they will just want to add more off the bench players. Tobias Harris has kept a low profile because he has never had dominant play, but he can do everything well. He can play the 3 or 4, and is a very smart player. He is a great pick for the Denver Nuggets.
23.) Houston Rockets (via ORL): Reggie Jackson PG, Boston College
-The Rockets have been pleasantly surprised by Kyle Lowry, and they hope he keeps up the production. But regardless pairing him with a tremendously athletic shooter and perpetrator like Reggie Jackson gives them a duo, that gives them everything they want. Jackson still needs to add strength and learn the PG position, but he will fit in nicely for the Rockets
24.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Hamilton C, Maryland
-The Thunder gave up promising Jeff Green in order to get Kendrick Perkins, who gives them a great rebounder and defensive C. So why take Hamilton, because it allows them to have some insurance if Perkins gets injured or for when he gets in foul trouble. Hamilton has to prove he can stay in shape, but he gives the Thunder more size in the paint.
25.) Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueria C, Brazil
The Celtics really missed having size in the Miami series. The trade that sent Perkins to the Thunder left them with the one thing they could beat Miami with. It is likely this team only has one more good year left in them, but there are no immediate rebounders left. While Lucas is still several years away from being ready for the NBA (he really needs to add muscle) his size and shot blocking skills will give the Celtics something they need in the future.
26.) Dallas Mavericks: Tyler Honeycutt G, UCLA
-Jason Terry has been good in the playoffs and Deshawn Stevenson has played nicely on defense. But with Jason Kidd getting older along with Terry the Mavericks are going to need a new Guard who can handle the ball, and also create shots. Honeycutt is a smart player with a good jump shot, a great passer and also good on defense. He needs to add strength, and learn to take more shots but he would be a perfect fit for the Mavericks.
27.) New Jersey Nets (via LAL) Trey Thompkins PF, Georgia
-The Nets need size up front to give Brook Lopez some help. Thompkins is a long athlete who can shoot inside and outside, and is also a good rebounder. Questions remain about his endurance and conditioning but those are both things that can be worked on. Overall, a nice fit for the Nets
28.) Chicago Bulls (via MIA): Shelvin Mack, PG Butler
-The Bulls really need another scoring Guard to pair with Derrick Rose. Mack was clutch during the NCAA tournament, and has nice range on his shot. Pairing him with Rose gives the Bulls a slasher in a Rose and an outside shooter in Mack, which sets thins up beautifully for the future.
29.) San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic SF, Serbia
-The Spurs are getting older and will soon need to completely rebuild. Whether or not they have a few years left in the tank, they can build for the future with this pick. Mirotic is a talented lengthy player, who has a high basketball IQ and is also a tremendous shooter. He really needs to work on his rebounding and adding strength, but he can learn that by staying a few more years in Serbia, then come join the Spurs in 2 years.
30.) Chicago Bulls: Darius Morris PG, Michigan
-The Bulls need to find someone to backup Rose. While he is young and a great scorer he cant play 48 minutes a game. Darius Morris out of Michigan is a young player who has the size to be a PG in the NBA. He has tremendous court vision when it comes to passing the ball, he can drive to the hole well because of his size, and he is also a good jump shooter. Morris is not a very good 3 point shooter, and his defense is poor but as a backup PG, he would be able to do well in the NBA.
5.) Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania
-The Raptors could go with so many different players at this spot. They could take the young shooting PG in Kemba Walker who has shown tremendous leadership skills and is also a winner. Another possibility is addressing the C position which I think they will do. Jonas Valanciunas is an intriguing prospect from Lithuania who although still really needs to work on bulking up and developing an inside game. It is a bit of a reach but the upside of Jonas makes it worth it for the Raptors.
6.) Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely SF, Czech Republic
-The Wizards need to find a new young SF and they will have two interesting choices at the 6th pick. Vesely is a tall, lanky wing who can shoot the ball well and has the intensity and drive you look for in a young player. He still needs to add muscle to his tall frame, and he really needs to work on his defense. If the Wizards want a scorer they will go with Vesely if they want a defensive guy they will take Kawhi Leonard.
7.) Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker PG, UConn
-The Kings could go a few different ways here. If Brandon Knight falls tp them he will be the pick, but if he ends up going at 3 and Walker falls he is another prospect the Kings like. Walker is a talented scorer who has shown to be good in crunch time, and has shown to be a leader and a winner. His outside game needs some work but he gives the Kings another great scorer to pair with Tyreke Evans and marcus Thornton. I wouldn't be surprised if they take Bismack Biyombo who is a tremendous defensive player and reminds scouts of Serge Ibaka.
8.) Detroit Pistons: Kawhi Leonard SF, San Diego State
-With Tayshaun Prince departing in FA, the Pistons are going to need a new SF. Leonard is a hard nose player who plays great defense and is also skilled as a rebounder. There is no question he will develop into an elite defensive player as a SF, but there are big questions about his scoring. Leonard showed he is inconsistent with his shot and that led to low production. He comes with uncertainty because of it but with a good coach and help around him he can improve his shooting to a more reasonable level.
9.) Charlotte Bobcats: Tristian Thompson PF, Texas
-The Bobcats will look to address depth at the PF position and Tristian Thompson can be just that for them. At 6'9 he doesn't have ideal height for a PF, especially since he mainly plays inside the paint. He has shown to be a good rebounder, with nice athleticism. He is like Leonard in that his offensive game remains to be seen and needs to be worked on. Thompson could develop into a nice player for the Bobcats.
10.) Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks SG, Colorado
-In a dream scenario the Bucks would love to get a guy like Kemba Walker, but with him off the board Alec Burks is another nice scoring option. Burk showed tremendous vertical ability to go along with his intriguing size as a SG (6'6). He has a nice shooting stroke but really needs to work on staying consistent with it. He also is only 18 years old and really needs to bulk up if he wants to be a good SG in the NBA. He still gives the Bucks an intriguing prospect and one who can develop into a nice starting SG.
11.) Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris PF, Kansas
-The Warriors continue to make progress building a team, and they continue the coaching search for another year. At 11th overall in a weaker draft, the best thing they can do is take someone like Marcus Morris. Morris is an NBA ready player but he won't make huge improvements in his game from now until he hits his prime. Morris is a low post player who can provide help off the bench as a rookie. If he continues to really work hard and add strength he could develop into a starter. But the ceiling for Morris isn't high.
12.) Utah Jazz: Klay Thompson SG, Washington State
-With their 2nd pick in the Lottery the Jazz will continue to build their back court. Thompson was a great scorer in college and has the shooting stroke and jump shot. He could be a great player off the bench giving the Jazz another source for scoring. Thompson could very well develop into a started as he improves his defense. He does struggle with taller and more athletic defenders but that won''t stop him from being a nice player.
13.) Pheonix Suns: Jimmer Freddete PG, BYU
-The Suns have fallen ever since Amare left them for the Knicks. They are left with Steve Nash and several young intriguing players. They will look to add to their high scoring system in the 2011 draft. Freddete seems to be the perfect fit for the Suns. He is a great scorer who has good athleticism and fits very well in the Suns coaching system. He has drawn comparisons to Steve Nash as a rookie, but that seems unlikely. He is still a solid pick for the Suns and one that gives them a scoring threat off the bench.
14.) Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris PF, Kentucky
-The Houston Raptors would like to get Marcus Morris to give them a nice rebounder and defender. But if they can't get him why not take his brother. Markeiff (Morris) is 6'10 but has shown he can be a good blocker, rebounder and that he has a high motor. He has an underrated 3 point shot for a big man, which just adds another skill the Rockets can use. Markieff still needs to improve his offensive game, and he also needs to work on limiting the turnovers. But he is similar to his brother and gives the Rockets exactly what they need
15.) Indiana Pacers: Jimmer Fredette PG, BYU
-The Pacers need a Guard who can make his own shots and is also a tough, smart player. Fredette fits that role perfectly. A tremendous scorer in college Fredette gives the Pacers a go to guy for shots, and an outlet guy for Darren Collison to pass to. Fredette is a good but not great athlete, and he also is not a good defender. He will likely end up as a SG but may struggle on the defensive side at that position. He still gives the Pacers a shooter which they really needed, and he also will get fans in the seats.
16.) Philadelphia 76ers: Bismack Biyombo PF, Spain
-After trading Samuel Dalembert at the beginning of last year, the 76ers have missed his shot blocking presence ever since. They get the perfect guy to replace him with Biyombo. Biyombo is a great athlete for a big man, and is also a tremendous shot blocker and rebounder. He still is very raw as an offensive player and he needs to work on his strength. He is very talented at may not fall to 16, but if he does I'd have to think the 76ers jump at the chance to get him.
17.) New York Knicks: Josh Selby PG, Kansas
-The Knicks have been interested in Selby for awhile. He is a nice defensive PG but is also very athletic and good at slicing in to the paint. He played poorly as a freshman taking bad shots, and often times looking to be a selfish player. But putting him no the Knicks where he will have more freedom sets him up to do good things. His jump shot and range makes him a good scoring threat, and will give the Knicks a nice scoring Guard to play alongside Melo and Amare. A solid pick for the Knicks that could pay huge dividends in the future.
18.) Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks SG, Providence
-The Wizards will need another scorer to play the SG position. Marshon Brooks can be that type of player. He is very similar to Fredette in that he is a tremendous shooter who has the ball handling skills to find his own shots. He may be a bit of a reach here, but I like the upside of Brooks
19.) Charlotte Bobcats (via NO): Jordan Hamilton SF, Texas
-Jordan Hamilton could be one of those players you look back on at the draft and say, "How was he not a Top 5 pick?". He has the size and intangibles to turn into a very good player in this league, but he has alot of work to do if he wants to get there. His jump shot is smooth but it is a fall away release and is inconsistent. He also really needs to work on his ball handling if he wants to be able to slash inside. It is a high risk high reward pick, but i love the value here for the Bobcats.
20.) Minnesota Timberwolves (via MEM): Davis Bertans SF, Latvia
-The Timberwovles are still a few years away from serious contention, so taking Bertans is a selection that will help them down the road. Bertans is a deadly shooter from outside and he could turn into a Kyle Korver but with better all around game. A solid late pick for the Timberwolves
21.) Portland Trailblazers: Chris Singleton SF, Florida State
-I have Singleton fall a bit because I question his offensive game, and whether or not he could develop it to be an NBA player. But at 21 the Trailblazers have to take the BPA, and that is Singleton. Singleton is a tremendous defender, and could turn into one of the best specialists in the game. He gives the Trailblazers another useful player off the bench.
22.) Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris SF, Tennessee
-The Nuggets showed they can be a very competitive team even without Carmelo Anthony. Assuming they can resign all their FA's in the draft they will just want to add more off the bench players. Tobias Harris has kept a low profile because he has never had dominant play, but he can do everything well. He can play the 3 or 4, and is a very smart player. He is a great pick for the Denver Nuggets.
23.) Houston Rockets (via ORL): Reggie Jackson PG, Boston College
-The Rockets have been pleasantly surprised by Kyle Lowry, and they hope he keeps up the production. But regardless pairing him with a tremendously athletic shooter and perpetrator like Reggie Jackson gives them a duo, that gives them everything they want. Jackson still needs to add strength and learn the PG position, but he will fit in nicely for the Rockets
24.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Jordan Hamilton C, Maryland
-The Thunder gave up promising Jeff Green in order to get Kendrick Perkins, who gives them a great rebounder and defensive C. So why take Hamilton, because it allows them to have some insurance if Perkins gets injured or for when he gets in foul trouble. Hamilton has to prove he can stay in shape, but he gives the Thunder more size in the paint.
25.) Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueria C, Brazil
The Celtics really missed having size in the Miami series. The trade that sent Perkins to the Thunder left them with the one thing they could beat Miami with. It is likely this team only has one more good year left in them, but there are no immediate rebounders left. While Lucas is still several years away from being ready for the NBA (he really needs to add muscle) his size and shot blocking skills will give the Celtics something they need in the future.
26.) Dallas Mavericks: Tyler Honeycutt G, UCLA
-Jason Terry has been good in the playoffs and Deshawn Stevenson has played nicely on defense. But with Jason Kidd getting older along with Terry the Mavericks are going to need a new Guard who can handle the ball, and also create shots. Honeycutt is a smart player with a good jump shot, a great passer and also good on defense. He needs to add strength, and learn to take more shots but he would be a perfect fit for the Mavericks.
27.) New Jersey Nets (via LAL) Trey Thompkins PF, Georgia
-The Nets need size up front to give Brook Lopez some help. Thompkins is a long athlete who can shoot inside and outside, and is also a good rebounder. Questions remain about his endurance and conditioning but those are both things that can be worked on. Overall, a nice fit for the Nets
28.) Chicago Bulls (via MIA): Shelvin Mack, PG Butler
-The Bulls really need another scoring Guard to pair with Derrick Rose. Mack was clutch during the NCAA tournament, and has nice range on his shot. Pairing him with Rose gives the Bulls a slasher in a Rose and an outside shooter in Mack, which sets thins up beautifully for the future.
29.) San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic SF, Serbia
-The Spurs are getting older and will soon need to completely rebuild. Whether or not they have a few years left in the tank, they can build for the future with this pick. Mirotic is a talented lengthy player, who has a high basketball IQ and is also a tremendous shooter. He really needs to work on his rebounding and adding strength, but he can learn that by staying a few more years in Serbia, then come join the Spurs in 2 years.
30.) Chicago Bulls: Darius Morris PG, Michigan
-The Bulls need to find someone to backup Rose. While he is young and a great scorer he cant play 48 minutes a game. Darius Morris out of Michigan is a young player who has the size to be a PG in the NBA. He has tremendous court vision when it comes to passing the ball, he can drive to the hole well because of his size, and he is also a good jump shooter. Morris is not a very good 3 point shooter, and his defense is poor but as a backup PG, he would be able to do well in the NBA.
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