NBA Draft Room

2013 NBA Draft Preview

2012-02-19T18:44:00.001-08:00

There's a lot of hype about how strong the 2012 NBA draft is shaping up to be but 2013 could be just as strong of a class. The recent addition of Nerlens Noel, who reclassified to the H.S. class of 2012, makes this a much stronger group of prospects. The top 10-12 prospects look like potential All Stars and the top 4-5 have superstar potential.

Nerlens Noel is an elite shot blocker who reminds me of a young Alonzo Morning. He has incredible timing on the defense end and the length and quickness to be a menace on D.

Shabazz Muhammad is a five star prospect with all the tools to be an elite wing player in the NBA. His game is a mix of Kobe and Brandon Roy and he can do a little bit of everything on the court (and do it well).

Isaiah Austin may take some time to develop but he has the physical tools and the type of upside that are hard to find. He'll need to add a lot of weight and strength and might have to wait until 2014 but when he puts it all together, look out! At 7 feet tall with nice mobility and skill level, he could develop into a better version of Tyson Chandler.

It's a long way off but the 2013 NBA draft is already shaping up to be a good one.

NBA Rookies Off To A Fast Start

2012-01-06T09:37:00.001-08:00

Heading into the 2011 NBA Draft there was a lot of talk about how weak the draft class was. I voiced my opinion on Twitter and elsewhere, saying that the 2011 draft class was stronger than most people were giving it credit for. After nearly three weeks of this young NBA season I feel even more strongly that his rookie class is filled with talented players who should have long, successful NBA careers.

Here's a look at some of the rookies who have gotten their careers off to a fast start:

Kyrie Irving - The #1 overall pick has had some ups and downs but is showing flashes of being an all world point guard and every bit worthy of being the first player selected. He is averaging over 14 points, 5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game and has helped his team to a .500 record. He's shooting better than 40% from thee point land and 85% from the line. Most importantly, he has given new hope to the beleaguered Cavs franchise.

Tristan Thompson is another young Cav who is having an immediate impact. His numbers aren't off the charts but he has shown a world of potential as a defender, rebounder and interior scorer. In only 20 minutes a game he is averaging 1.7 blocks and 4.8 rebounds. He is an active and aggressive player who runs the court as well as any big man in the league. With these two rookies the future looks bright in Cleveland.

MarShon Brooks fell to the 25th pick in the draft but has already picked up where he left off in college, scoring in bunches and draining perimeter jumpers. He is averaging better than 14 points a game and hitting about 46 percent of this shots. The Nets got themselves a keeper.

Markieff Morris surprised some people by getting picked ahead of his brother but he is off to a fast start and showing that the Suns made a wise selection. He has really expanded his game over the past few seasons and has started his NBA career with a legit three point shot and deadly mid range jumper. He is rebounding well at about 5.3 rebounds per game and has hit on 46% of his three point shots.

Other rookies who have played well in the early going are: Norris Cole of Miami, Iman Shumpert of New York, Chandler Parsons of Houston and Isaiah Thomas, the last pick in the draft, for Sacramento.

Other rookies who have flashed a lot of promise are: Derrick Williams (Wolves), Enes Kanter (Jazz), Brandon Knight (Pistons), Nikola Vucevic (76ers), Klay Thompson (Warriors) and Kemba Walker (Bobcats).

Overall I have been impressed with the play of the rookies and think there is a lot more talent in this class than it gets credit for.

Isaiah Austin Scouting Report

2012-01-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

2013 NBA Draft Prospect:

Isaiah Austin - Center - HS (Baylor)

Austin is a lanky 7 footer with a world of upside. The future Baylor Bear should be a force in college ball and could be a one and done player.

Pros

Has tremendous height and unbelievable length. A legit 7 feet tall with long arms. Is quick up and down the floor and very agile. Handles the ball well for a 7 footer and has good overall skill level. A former guard who had a major growth spurt and still needs to grow into his body but has kept a lot of the skills of a wing player. Should be able to fill out and become a legit center. Comes from a tall family with his dad being 6,8 and grandfather 6,11.

Austin has a nice looking jump shot with range beyond 18 feet. Has an incredibly high release point making his shot difficult to block. Has a good dribble drive and fairly advanced face up game.

Is a great shot blocker with excellent timing. Has the hops and length to alter a ton of shots and elevates higher than most opponents have ever seen. Is a very good rebounder due to his height but will have to improve his toughness at the college level and beyond. A very willing passer, defender and rebounder who understands the game well.

Cons

Very skinny and could get pushed around early in his NBA career. Will have to work extremely hard to put on weight and add strength. Is built like Tyson Chandler was in High School and could take just as long to develop in the NBA. Not yet a true back to the basket player although he has the potential to become one.

Projection: Top 5 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft

Jabari Parker Scouting Report

2012-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

NBA Draft Prospect:

Jabari Parker - Small Forward - HS

At 6,8 and 220 pounds Parker is a load to handle on the wing. Only 16 years old, Parker could continue to grow and will only improve his game over the next few years leading up to the 2014 draft. The Chicago native has schools from all over the country vying for his commitment.

Pros

Can do a little bit of everything on the basketball court and has a very high skill level on offense. Handles the ball well and can play point forward. Has excellent form on his jumper with a high release point. Is a really consistant outside shooter for a young player. Very good slasher and has great power for a small forward. Good leaper who can play above the rim and is a great dunker.

A very willing passer with a good feel for the game and good court vision. Has potential to be a good defender with his long arms and quick feet. Has great overall length which allows him to block shots, rebound the ball and score in the lane. Very fluid athlete who looks like a natural on the basketball court. Has a good crossover dribble and shake and bake moves on the perimeter. Unlimited upside.

Cons

Needs to add strength, work on his left hand and show a commitment to playing defense.

Projection: Top 3 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft

Mitch McGary Scouting Report

2011-12-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

NBA Draft Prospect Mitch McGary

6,10 - Power Forward - Michigan

Mitch McGary will be joining the Michigan program next year as the highest recruit to sign with the wolverines in many years. Michigan fans are hoping he can help restore the program to national prominence.

Pros

Built like a bull, McGary can have his way in the paint on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Has good mobility and is very quick on the spin move. A back to the basket scorer who draws the double team consistently and knows how to pass out for the open shot.

Has a great handle for a big power forward and can bring the ball up the court if needed. Uses his size well in the paint and can rebound as well as any power forward prospect. Decent shot blocker and help defender.

Cons

Not the quickest runner and might have trouble keeping up with NBA power forwards. Can be beat on the dribble drive and is better suited for playing in the paint. Needs to get into top shape to reach his potential.

Projection: Lottery pick in either the 2013 or 2014 NBA Draft

Cody Zeller Scouting Report

2011-12-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

NBA Draft Prospect Cody Zeller

6,11 - Power Forward - Indiana

Cody Zeller has burst onto the national scene in his freshman season at Indiana, showing a mature game and a ton of talent.

Pros

Very quick and agile player who can outrun most other power forwards. Has good body control and uses his length well to score inside. Very skilled with the ball in his hands and can score in a variety of ways. Shoots the ball well out to 18 feet and has an assortment of back to the basket moves, jump hook, drop step and spin move.

Runs the court very well and catches the ball well. Shows a lot of hustle on the court and plays a complete game. Puts in work on the defensive end and hits the boards hard. Gets a lot of steals and seems to have an advanced understanding of how to play defense.

Cons

Needs to add strength and continue to improve his mid range shooting. Not an elite shot blocker and may end up as more of a stretch four than a true post player.

Projection: Lottery pick in 2013 or 2014

Adonis Thomas Scouting Report

2011-12-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

NBA Draft Prospect Adonis Thomas

6,7 - Small Forward - Memphis

Thomas should be a lottery pick whenever he decides to turn pro. My hope is that all the young Memphis Tigers return for another year to make a run at a national championship.

Pros

At 6,7 and 220 pounds with long arms and good strength Thomas has the perfect small forward body. He is an explosive leaper who can dunk the ball with the best of them. Plays above the rim and elevates effortlessly. Very quick first step and really explodes into the dribble drive.

Has become a very good three point shooter from college range. Developed this area of his game more quickly than I would have expected and now projects as a legit NBA three point shooter. Plays all aspects of the game at a high level and is a complete basketball player. Very smart with the ball and has good court vision and awareness.

A good kid with excellent work ethic and sportsmanship.

Cons

Will have to learn to become more assertive on offense and a more vocal leader but that should come with experience. Needs to improve his ball handling and continue to extend the range on his outside shot.

Projection: Lottery pick in 2012 or top 8 pick in 2013

Shabazz Muhammad Scouting Report

2011-12-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

NBA Draft Prospect Shabazz Muhammad

Shooting Guard - 6,6 - Undeclared

Muhammad is the top recruit in the High School class of 2012 and is an early favorite to be a top 3 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. His body and game are mature beyond his years and he excels at every aspect of the game.

Pros

Has ideal size for the shooting guard position and all the skills to be a great wing player in the NBA. Very strong and well built which allows him to post up smaller defenders. Left handed which player with a good handle. Has a great mid range game and creates his own shot well. Very quick first step and has the strength to score in the lane, even while drawing the foul. Uses ball fakes and head fakes well to get the defense off balance.

Has vastly improved his three point shooting and is now deadly from beyond the arc. Will have to continue to work on this area of his game to develop NBA range but has excellent work ethic and drive to be great. Plays the game the right way and doesn't force the issue. Shares the ball well and plays a team game. Gets back on defense and seems to take pride in shutting his opponent down.

Has a very good head on his shoulders and is a great kid. Humble, hard working and has excellent basketball I.Q.

Cons

Although Muhammad is a very good athlete he does not have elite level explosiveness like a Vince Carter or Dwyane Wade. He's more like Brandon Roy (in his prime) which is still pretty damn good.

Projection: Top 3 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft

Will Barton Scouting Report

2011-12-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Will Barton - Shooting Guard - Memphis

Barton is a sophomore who is playing at an exceptionally high level. He has been scoring the ball efficiently, shooting at a high percentage and getting to the free throw line a lot. At 6,6 he is a great rebounder for a guard and is pulling down better than 7.5 rebounds a game.

Pros

Has nice size for the shooting guard position and scores the ball well. Has an advanced mid range game and excels at scoring in the lane. Has really come on as a three point shooter and is greatly improved over last year. Moves the ball well on offense and doesn't force shots.

Has long arms and great overall length. Gets a lot of steals and is a good shot blocker for a guard. Has a natural feel for the game and really looks comfortable on the court. Barton is having a great sophomore year and should be rising up draft boards.

Con

A little bit thin and light and will need to bulk up to guard in the NBA. Not a pure shooter but is improving his outside shot rapidly. Not a very good free throw shooter and needs to improve from the line, especially since he draws so many fouls.

Projection: a mid first round pick in 2012 or 2013.

Underrated 2013 NBA Draft Prospects

2011-12-16T00:23:00.000-08:00

We all know the big name players, the likely lottery picks and since they get plenty of attention let's take a look at some players that are off the radar.

Jared Berggren - Power Forward - Wisconsin

Who? Exactly. Berggren doesn't get much (or any) attention from the national media or the draftniks but he has a ton of talent and an NBA body. At 6,10 235 pounds he has the size to mix it up in the paint but he stands out with his three point shooting ability and quickness on the dribble drive. He has good explosiveness and can finish well above the rim. Solid defender and rebounder who knows how to play team defense and give help D.

The badgers play a low scoring, slow-it-down type of game which limits his numbers but Berggren is a legit NBA prospect and I think we'll all be hearing more about him in the near future. A possible late first or second rounder in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Nick Johnson - Point Guard - Arizona

Fellow freshman Josiah Turner gets more hype and every one is talking about the great recruiting class coming in next year but Nick Johnson has been quietly having himself a season. Johnson is a powerful and athletic guard who is still learning the point guard position but has a lot of tools to work with. Shoots the ball well from three point range and can explode into the lane for highlight film dunks. He moves the ball well on offense but needs to get better at getting into the lane and setting teammates up for open shots. He might be best served to stay a few years at Arizona but with continued improvement he could be a future first rounder.

go to: 2013 NBA Mock Draft

Thomas Robinson Scouting Report

2011-12-15T12:40:00.001-08:00

Thomas Robinson - Power Forward - Kansas

Robinson is an extremely strong and powerful post presence who could be a lottery pick in June. At 6,8 and 240 he is a bull on the block and a tough matchup for any college power forward.

Pros

Massive muscles and great leaping ability make him a terrific rebounder and interior defender. Gets up high for dunks, rebounds and put-backs and can really score in the paint. Has a good feel for the game and gets into good position on post-ups. Shows a big target and catches the ball well. Has improved a lot over the last two years and looks to have a lot more upside. Has become a good free throw shooter after struggling from the line earlier in this career.

Cons

Has a somewhat limited game at this point and needs to become a better mid range shooter. Needs to do a better job of avoiding foul trouble and staying in the game. Not a great shot blocker and is a bit undersized at PF.

Projection: Top 15 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Rodney Williams Scouting Report

2011-12-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

Rodney Williams - Shooting Guard - Minnesota

Williams is an athletic and versatile forward who does all the dirty work on the court. Not a great shooter or scorer but has elite level athleticism and should improve his outside shot over the years.

Pros

Out of this world athleticism. Can run and jump with the best of them and shows great hustle and determination. Long arms and great hops allow him to grab rebounds and block a ton of shots. Plays a lot in the paint right now but is beginning to expand his game to include some looks from the perimeter.

Runs the court as well as anyone in the country and finishes above the rim. A standout defender who uses his length and quickness to guard just about any position on the court.

Cons

Not a natural scorer and doesn't project as a go to guy on the offensive end. Sometimes gets lost on the court and disappears too often. Needs to work on his ball handling and outside shooting.

Projection: Late first or early second round selection in either 2012 or 2013 draft

Doron Lamb Scouting Report

2011-12-11T17:45:00.001-08:00

6,4 - Shooting Guard - Kentucky
Doron Lamb is a high level shooting guard prospect who has quickly matured into a leader on the young Kentucky team. In his sophomore season he is an elder statsman on a team loaded with talented freshman.

Pros

He has become a lethal three point shooter and has improved his dribble drive tremendously over the past year. Nice looking form on his jump shot and hits at a high rate. Not a high riser or power dunker but can score a bit in the lane and keep defenses honest by taking it off the bounce. Does not project as an elite shooting guard but could be an NBA starter and possibly even an All Star if all goes well.

Cons

Not an exceptional athlete and is a bit smaller than the prototype NBA 2 guard. Will have to get stronger to guard big guards and hold his own at the next level.

Projection: First round pick in the 2012 NBA Mock Draft

top shooting guard prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Intriguing Prospects For The 2013 NBA Draft

2011-12-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

An early look at some intriguing prospects that could be available in the 2013 NBA Draft:

Shabazz Muhammad - Shooting Guard

Ranked as the number one player in High School ball, Muhammad will come to college ball (Kentucky?) next year and is an early favorite to be the #1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

A very well built and athletic two guard who can score from anywhere on the court and is a nightmare to try to guard. Has great elevation on his jumper and is becoming a consistant three point shooter. Has the strength to post up most defenders and a very nice turn-around jumper. A top notch athlete who can explode into the lane and finish above the rim. Solid defender, passer and team player who seems to have a solid head on his shoulders despite all the early fame.

Steven Adams - Center - Pittsburgh

Adams will be bringing his talents and tremendous size to Pittsburgh next year. The 7 foot New Zealander looks to have all the tools to play center in the NBA and could be a one and done player for the Panthers. A very fluid athlete with great strength and a good feel for the game. Has good basketball instincts and the size to control the lane. Solid shot blocker and interior defender who has the brute strength to guard NBA bigs. Might struggle to transition to the American game but if all goes well he could be a lottery pick in the 2013 draft.

Andre Roberson - Small Forward - Colorado

Roberson is a long and wiry athlete with great leaping ability and a nose for the ball. He rebounds at a very high rate and is a very active player. Plays well in the lane and is expanding his game to include a perimeter shot. An unselfish player who does all the little things to help a team win. Great defender and is a dangerous transition player. A possible first rounder in 2013

Canadians Are Taking Over The World - Of Basketball

2011-11-18T22:31:00.001-08:00

It used to be that Steve Nash, Jammal Magloire and Rick Fox were just about all there was when it came to Canadian basketball. A Canadian being good enough to make it to the NBA was almost laughable. But guess who's laughing now eh?

Last year Tristan Thompson was a top five pick and fellow Canadian Cory Joseph was a late first rounder.

Looking ahead we project Myck Kabongo to be a lottery pick whenever he decides to come out and Dwight Powell (Toronto) to be a first rounder in 2013. There's also Kris Joseph of Syracuse (via Montreal) who looks like a possible first rounder, Robert Sacre of Gonzaga (via B.C) who could land in the second round and Kevin Pangos, also of Gonzaga, who has shown good stuff in his freshman season.

Looking farther ahead Andrew Wiggins looks like a lock to be a lottery pick in 2015 or 2016 and might even be a top 3 pick.

Having the Raptors playing in Toronto certainly helps and the rising popularity of the NBA and the game of basketball around the globe is helping to bring more athletes to the sport. It's also good to see the game of basketball returning to the land where it was invented.

I'm sure I'm missing lots of names in the short list above. If you know of more talented up and coming Canadian ballers please add them to the comments section below or @nbadraftroom on twitter. Eh?

Breakout Ballers 2011/12

2011-11-18T10:36:00.001-08:00

Every year a few players come out of nowhere and burst onto the national scene. Some are late bloomers. Some put in a ton of work over the Summer and come back ready to ball and some finally get their opportunity and take advantage of it. Here are a few players stepping up their game:

Hollis Thompson - 6,8 - Small Forward - Georgetown

Thompson is a very efficient player who can score the ball consistently and really light it up from outside. At 6,8 he's a tough matchup for opposing forwards. He's got great length and good quickness and just needs to continue to get stronger. He's off to a fast start in the 2011/12 season and is looking like a potential first round pick in 2013

Tony Mitchell - 6,6 - Guard/Forward - Alabama

Mitchell is an insanely explosive athlete and looks like legit NBA material. He can jump out of the gym and is a chiseled, powerful and nimble player. His strength is taking the ball to the rim but he has added an outside shot and is on his way to becoming a dangerous three point shooter. After carrying a second round grade for much of last season I've now got him going in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft.

Joe Jackson - 6,0 - Point Guard - Memphis

A lightening quick point guard who is really becoming a leader on the court. Jackson has always had the speed and ability but is now beginning to play under control and make good decisions with the ball. He is the engine that runs the talented Memphis team and is an MVP type player. Might not always get the stats but is an extremely valuable player to have on the court. If he stays in school for a few years I think he'll be a first rounder in 2014.

Who else is having a breakout year? Add suggestions to the comments below or @nbadraftroom on twitter.

Giving Up On Renardo Sidney

2011-11-16T18:34:00.001-08:00

I've been a fan of Mississippi State big man Renardo Sidney since I first saw him play about three years ago. The skills that he has at his size are incredible and his upside, in theory, would seem to be unlimited. At one point last year I had him listed as a top ten pick in the 2012 Draft and imagined that if he put it all together and played up to his potential he might even go in the top 5. Boy was I wrong!

After battling weight issues, academic issues, off the court issues (improper benefits) and getting into a well documented fist fight with a teammate I'm ready to give up on the ultra-talented Sidney. He still has the great skill set and a world of potential but the risks far outweigh the likely rewards and I doubt that any NBA team (if there is an NBA next year) will spend a first round pick on such a volatile player.

It's a shame. Rarely, if ever, have I seen a player his size (6,10 and over 300 pounds) move the way he moves. It is truly amazing to watch his quickness and agility (see video below) and the ball skills he has. But at some point all the red flags need to be heeded and the warning signs observed.

So with that said, I hereby forever banish Renardo Sidney from my first round projections. I wish him the best of luck and hope he manages to get things sorted out and put his tremendous talent to good use but as far as my mock draft is concerned, it's time for me to give up on Renardo Sidney.

Top Centers

John Jenkins Scouting Report

2011-11-14T14:39:00.001-08:00

6,4 - Shooting Guard - Vanderbilt

John Jenkins is a feisty shooting guard with a lethal jumper. He can score in bunches and really heat up from outside. He is surrounded by talent on a Vanderbilt team that could make some noise in the 2011/12 season.

Pros

Great outside shooter with a very quick release on his jumper. Has picture-perfect form with great elevation on his J. Can fill it up from outside and carry his team on offense. Has the type of specialized skill that is highly coveted in the NBA.

Quick hands on defense and can be disruptive in the passing lanes. Heady player who rarely forces the issue or takes bad shots. Decent passer and moves the ball well within the offense.

Cons

Not an explosive or powerful athlete and could be overmatched against bigger NBA shooting guards. Not a high flyer or powerful dunker and might be limited to outside shots at the next level. Will struggle to guard NBA wings.

Projects as a late first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Shooting Guards

2013 NBA Mock Draft

John Henson Scouting Report

2011-11-14T12:23:00.001-08:00

6,10 - Power Forward - North Carolina

John Henson is a junior power forward who is really starting to come into his own. He has always been talented but it has taken him a few years to develop the coordination and strength to take advantage of his unique skill set and tremendous length. He is an integral part of UNC's hopes for a national championship this year and is an intriguing prospect for the next level.

Pros

Has great length and uses it well to block shots and guard the rim. An intimidating defender who changes many shots and makes it difficult for opponents to score in the lane. Becoming a solid rebounder as he continues to add strength to his skinny frame. Plays above the rim and has huge wing span.

Becoming a decent back to the basket player and shows a good turn around jumper and drop set move. Also developing his face up game and can knock down mid range jumpers consistently. Runs the floor very well and gets into good position on both ends of the floor.

Has good vision and understanding of the game and plays within the flow of the game. Good passer out of the post and can even handle the ball a bit. Could develop consistent three point range in a few years and become a dangerous offensive player.

Cons

Still very skinny and light despite working hard to add strength and weight. Will likely struggle to hold his own against the more powerful NBA centers and power forwards.

Projects as a top 15 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Power Forwards

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Scouting Report

2011-11-14T10:13:00.001-08:00

6,7 - Small Forward - Kentucky

A do-everything forward who is a true basketball player, not just an athlete. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could get lost in the shuffle on the talented Kentucky team which features two other star forwards in Anthony Davis and Terrence Jones but NBA scouts have already locked in on him. The stats don't tell the whole story for team oriented players like Gilchrist and his value is easy to underestimate.

Pros

Can do a little bit of everything on the floor and really knows how to play the game. Does all the little things well, like playing defense, rebounding, boxing out and making the extra pass. Gets into the passing lanes and is a disruptive force on D.

A very solid athlete with great body control, strength and quickness. Plays under control and rarely makes mistakes. More of a slasher and driver at this point but is developing a consistent outside shot and should only improve his three point shooting over the years.

A glue guy who holds the team together and puts winning first.

Cons

Finding negatives in Gilchrist's game is difficult. He needs to improve his perimeter shooting but has already improved a lot in this area. May take a few years to develop consistent NBA three point range. Doesn't project as an NBA superstar but he knows his role and plays within himself.

Projects as a top 20 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Small Forwards

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Patric Young Scouting Report

2011-11-12T15:19:00.001-08:00

6,9 - Power Forward - Florida

A prototypical power forward who is showing great improvement each season. A powerful and explosive low post player who has all the tools to continue to develop and be a difference maker in the NBA.

Pros

Perfect build for the power forward position with broad shoulders, strong arms and great overall strength. Great leaper who elevates very quickly and plays above the rim. Great dunker and is very good at getting put back and tip in buckets. Coming along as an outside shooter and shows some range out to 15 feet. A decent free throw shooter with good form.

Has the potential to become a very solid rebounder and is a good low block defender. Provides good help defense and seems to be committed to playing the game the right way. Runs the floor very well and shows good hustle. An absolutely great dunker!

Cons

Not a great shot blocker and needs to learn better timing and develop a feel for projecting the rim. Also needs to grab more rebounds, as he has all the tools to be a double digit rebounder. Ideally would be an inch or two taller but makes up for it with great strength and explosiveness.

Projects as a top 12 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Power Forwards

2013 NBA Mock Draft

2 Round 2012 NBA Mock Draft

2011-09-26T15:47:00.001-07:00

We've updated our 2012 NBA Mock Draft.

The addition of Andre Drummond makes an already strong draft class even stronger and it now could go down as one of the best drafts of all time. There could be at least 4 or 5 potential superstars, assuming players like Anthony Davis and James McAdoo enter the draft after just one season in college and there is solid talent well into the second round.

Harrison Barnes remains the projected #1 overall pick, even with the presence of Drummond, who projects at #2. Anthony Davis has the talent to be a #1 pick in most years but projects at #3 in this strong draft class. Forwards James McAdoo and Jared Sullinger round out the top five.

Losers Will Be Winners

If the NBA ever gets it's act together and reaches a deal to play basketball this year there will be a lot of focus on which teams are losing enough to have a shot at a top 3 pick in next year's draft. Landing a player like Barnes, Drummond or Davis would change the fortunes of any franchise and could elevate this year's NBA losers into future title contenders.

Everyone wants to see there team win - but this year losing could be the best recipe for future success.

Andre Drummond Scouting Report

2011-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

6,10 - Center - Connecticut

Drummond is the type of physical specimen that comes along about once a decade. He combines great size, brute strength and explosive athleticism in one package and will likely follow in Dwight Howard's footsteps as the next great NBA big man. During his one year at UConn we can expect to see him dominate the Big East and give the Huskies a shot at another national championship.

Pros

Huge, strong and explosive. Very skilled around the basket and shows true back to the basket post moves. Great leaper and dunker who drawls fouls well and finishes around the rim. Gets up and down the court well for a center and has decent hands and handle for a big man.

Very good shot blocker, especially as a help defender and has learned to use his size well and is getting better at avoiding fouls. Has the potential to be an elite rebounder due to his physical tools but needs to box out more consistently and show better hustle. Can dominate on the defensive end of the floor when he puts his mind to it.

Seems to have a good understanding of the game and usually makes the right play with the ball. Gets into position well and is a more than capable passer.

Cons

Like many young big men he needs to improve his free throw shooting. Sometimes gets out of control with spin moves and tries to do too much with the ball. Needs to show consistent hustle and a better motor. Sometimes floats around the perimeter too much and needs to stay in the lane and become a true center rather than try to be a forward.

Projects as a top 3 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Center Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Shabazz Muhammad Dunks

2011-07-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

Elite shooting guard prospect Shabazz Muhammad has been tearing up Summer leagues and throwing down some nasty dunks.

He currently ranks as the number two pick in the 2013 NBA draft but could move up to number one if Andre Drummond is eligible for the 2012 draft.

Ohio State

2011-07-14T12:07:00.001-07:00

The Ohio State Buckeyes welcome back a group of talented sophomores, some good upper class-men along with a talented freshmen class and could challenge for a national championship in 2011/12. The big win is the return of power forward Jared Sullinger who could have been a top 5 pick in last years NBA draft but chose to bring is talents back to Columbus for a second season. Also returning are shooting guard Williams Buford and small forward DeShaun Thomas.

Once again the Buckeyes have a strong recruiting class which features talent at all positions. Big man Amir Williams could help solidify the interior and allow Sullinger to slide over to his natural power forward position. Point guard Shannon Scott is an explosive scorer and could step in and play big minutes early on for the Buckeyes. The team will have to replace a lot of wing scoring after the graduation of Jon Diebler (drafted in the second round in 2011) and David Lighty and will look to the group of young guards to mature quickly and fill those big shoes.

Coach Thad Mota is a great recruiter and a proven winner. He'll have a young squad this year and it will take his best effort to help them reach their potential. But with a star forward in Sullinger and a lot of talent on the wing the sky is the limit for the Buckeyes. Expect Ohio State to be the best team in the Big Ten and make a serious run at a national championship in March.

2012 Mock Draft

NCAA Top 20

2011-07-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

NBA Draft Room Top 20
Rankings as of 12/28/11

Syracuse
Kentucky
Duke
Ohio State
Connecticut
Baylor
Louisville
North Carolina
Florida
Missouri
Kansas
Indiana
Marquette
Mississippi State
Wisconsin
Georgetown
Alabama
Murray State
Vanderbilt
Saint Louis

on the bubble:

Michigan

Creighton
Pittsburgh

Memphis

Texas A&M
Illinois
Michigan State

Duke Basketball Season Preview 2011/12

2011-07-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Duke lost Kyrie Irving (#1) Nolan Smith (#21) and Kyle Singler (#33) to the NBA Draft but there is still a lot of talent in Durham. Coach K will have his work cut out for him replacing the leadership of Smith and Singler but he has proven over and over again that he can build a winning team and this year should be no exception.

Duke welcomes in star freshman Austin Rivers, a two guard with elite shooting ability and great bloodlines. He should step in and make an impact from day one and could be the leading scorer for the Blue Devils. Joining Rivers in the backcourt will be another freshman in point guard Quin Cook from powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. Cook has a solid all around game and very good quickness with the dribble. He knows how to play the position, has good basketbal IQ and can also hit the open shot.

Veteran shooting guard Andre Dawkins returns and could finally have the chance to be a focal point of the offense. He is a good scorer on the wing with an excellent outside jumper and the ability to get into the lane and finish in traffic. Duke will look to Dawkins to provide leadership and be a stabilizing presence on the court. Also returning is junior combo guard Seth Curry who is an outstanding three point shooter and has done a good job of rounding out the rest of his game. With so much talent at the 1 and 2 positions we could see a lot of three guard lineups for Duke this season.

Duke is loaded at the Plumlee position, I mean the center position with the three 6,10 Plumlee brothers manning the post. Mason and Miles proved last year that they can be a formidable duo in the middle and both could develop into solid NBA players some day. Younger brother Marshall adds depth and while he might not get a lot of burn this season, he could develop into a solid player down the line. Freshmen forwards Michael Gbinije and Alex Murphy provide depth and could step in and have an impact in their first season.

It would seem that this is a rebuilding year for Duke, having lost so much talent to the NBA but when you land 4 and 5 star recruits and return a solid group of veterans the sky is the limit. The players change but coach K remains a constant and that should ensure that the Blue Devils again challenge UNC for the ACC crown. There are a lot of unknowns but if history is any lesson, the 2011/12 season should be another good one for the Blue Devils.

Perry Jones Scouting Report

2011-07-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

6,11 - Power Forward - Baylor

Jones is a unique player who projects as a combo forward at the next level. At 6,11 he has the size of a 4 but he is not a true power player inside and has some nice perimeter skills. He was wise to return to school for his sophomore season as he still has a lot to prove to NBA scouts. It will be interesting to see him line up along side star freshman Quincy Miller for the Bears.

Pros

Very quick athlete with great length, athleticism and outstanding hops. Good ball handler and passer for a 6,11 player and can make plays on the wing. Runs the court very well and finishes strong on the break. Can play above the rim and dunk the ball well. Nice spin move and dribble drive, especially when going against opposing power forwards who struggle to keep up with his speed. Has a very nice mid range game and good jump hook.

Good rebounder who should get even better as he adds strength and grows into his body. Shoots a high percentage from the floor (55%) and tends to take good shots. Decent shot blocker and should put up better numbers in his sophomore year.

Cons

Needs to add weight to become a true power forward, or become a better outside shooter and become a wing player. Gets pushed around inside too easily and will likely never be a true power player due to his slight frame. Turns the ball over way too often and needs to cut down on the bad passes and the over-dribble.

Shot only 20% from three point range and only 66% from the foul line, but has good form on his shot and should improve a lot in his second season at Baylor.

Projection: Top 10 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Power Forward Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Terrence Jones Scouting Report

2011-07-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

6,9 - Small Forward - Kentucky

After a great start to his freshman season Jones hit a wall in February and March, posting lower numbers and seemingly losing some confidence in his shot. But that might be good news for Kentucky fans, as Jones passed on the NBA draft to return for another season at UK. He'll have a chance to improve his perimeter skills but might not have as many touches in the post with star freshman Anthony Davis joining the team and will have to share minutes with Michael Gilchrist as well.

Pros

Jones is a very versatile athlete who has the height and strength to play in the post and rebound the ball but also has small forward skills and can play on the wing. A natural scorer who can really fill it up once he gets going. Has a nice mid-range game and can score in the low post as well.

Good shot blocker (1.9/game) and active defender. Very solid rebounder on both ends of the floor. Explosive athlete with a very quick first step. Very difficult for traditional power forwards to guard due to his quickness and agility. Good competitor on the boards and attacks the glass well. Seems to really understand the game and make good decisions with the ball, although he does need to cut down on the turnovers.

Cons

A bit of a tweener who doesn't seem to have a natural position. A bit undersized as a power forward and doesn't have the handle (yet) of a small forward. Shoots the ball flat-footed, although he is becoming an accurate college three point shooter. Doesn't project as a great NBA 3 point shooter and really needs to improve his free throw shooting (64%).

Doesn't always hustle back on defense and needs to dedicate himself to that area of the game. Sometimes gets carried away trying to do too much, either dribbling or making the fancy pass. Has showed a lack of maturity in his second season and needs to show a better attitude to be considered a top prospect.

Projection: Top 15 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Small Forward Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

The NBA Lockout Was Just A Bad Dream - Summer League Is Here

2011-07-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and realized that the NBA Lockout was just a bad dream, a nightmare. To make sure I turned on SportsCenter and sure enough, there was Kyrie Irving throwing alley-ops to Tristan Thompson, as the young Cavs continued their unbeaten streak in Summer League play.

#2 pick Derrick Williams was scoring in bunches for the Timberwolves with some highlight reel dunks. He was 0 for 3 from three point range but showed good form on his jumper and the other-worldly athletic ability that made him a top pick in the draft. Ricky Rubio was struggling to adjust to the pace of the NBA game and looks unable to hit an outside shot. Still, he ran the team well enough to still be considered a long term option at point.

Jimmer Fredette is drawing big crowds and showing signs of being a lethal three point threat but the Kings are struggling on defense and have yet to win a game.

The surprise of the Summer League so far has to be Nikola Vucevic of Philly. Averaging a double double and looking like he should have been a top 10 pick. The 76ers look to have found their answer at center.

So wake up NBA fans! That whole lockout thing was just a bad dream..... or am I dreaming right now?

Kentucky Basketball Season Preview 2011/12

2011-07-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Anthony Davis
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Marquis Teague.
Terrence Jones

Renardo Sidney Scouting Report

2011-07-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

6,10 - Center - Mississippi State

Also read: Giving Up On Renardo Sidney

Sidney is an enigma. Hugely talented (and huge) but off the court issues have limited his ability to stay eligible. He has a rare set of skills for a center and the hope is that he matures to a point where he can put those skills to use on the basketball court. It will take a brave GM to call his name on draft day but in the end his talent could win out, making him a possible first round pick.

Pros

Outstanding ball skills for a big man. Great touch on his jumper with range out to college three. Excellent dribble drive and shows surprising quickness for a player who weights nearly 300 pounds. Has nice post moves and really knows how to put the ball in the bucket. Also a very good free throw shooter (70%) with a chance to get even better.

Has a natural feel for the game and sees the court well. Good passer who knows when to kick it out and avoid double teams. Has a nice spin move and is nimble on his feet. Quick hands on defense lead to a lot of steals. Uses his size well on the glass and can be a game changer on both the offensive and defensive boards.

Has a very high upside if he is able to mature and dedicate himself to the game.

Cons

Fouls way too much and needs to move his feet better on defense. Not a great shot blocker and needs to work on his timing and jumping ability. Battles weight issues and will really have to dedicate himself to reach his lofty potential. Likes to make highlight reel passes which often lead to turnovers. Needs to be more disciplined in that area.

Throws too many punches and accepts too many improper benefits (hence the suspensions) but every young player deserves a second chance.

Overall poor attitude on and off the court will hurt him on draft day.

Projection: Top 40 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Center Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Two Round 2013 NBA Mock Draft

2011-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our two round 2013 NBA Mock Draft is now up. Check it out here.

There is a question about whether Andre Drummond will test his NBA eligibility and enter the 2012 draft instead of playing in college. That would alter the landscape of both drafts and could make the 2012 draft one of the strongest in history.

But for now, we'll wait to see what collective bargaining agreement and eligibility rules the NBA comes up with before making that change. Since Drummond is playing a fifth year of H.S. ball and has reached the 19 year age limit for the NBA he could be eligible.

If Drummond does end up in the 2012 draft then shooting guard Shabazz Muhammad would project as the first pick in 2013.

We'll be updating our mock drafts often and writing scouting reports on the prospects so stay tuned.

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Jeremy Lamb Scouting Report

2011-07-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

6,5 - Shooting Guard - Connecticut

Lamb came on strong in the second half of his freshman season at UConn and helped lead the team to a national championship. He has continued his strong play during the summer for the USA U19 team and is a possible preseason candidate for player of the year heading into his sophomore year.

Pros

A very long and quick 2 guard who can really score the basketball. Has very long arms and good jumping ability. Great mid-range game and can get into the lane and finish with floaters or take it to the rim. Good three point shooter (37%) and will continue to improve his constancy from outside. Rebounds the ball well, using his length and leaping ability and gets into good position.

Very active hands on defense and moves his feet well. Has a quiet but intense demeanor on the court and great focus. Will have to take on more of a leadership role this year but should be up for that task.

Cons

Needs to learn to demand the ball and be a more assertive offensive player. Very thin and can get pushed around in the post. Will have to add a lot of strength to guard NBA 2's in the post. Needs some work on his ball-handling.

Projection: Top ten pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Shooting Guard Prospects

Intriguing Prospects For The 2014 NBA Draft

2011-07-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's been about two weeks since the 2011 NBA draft but it's already time to start thinking ahead to ~~2012~~... forget that, let's jump to 2014.

A lot will change between now and the 2014 NBA draft but there are a few players on the horizon that appear to be elite level prospects and deserving of some (way, way) early attention.

First is power forward Julius Randle, a lefty from Dallas Texas. He is a 6,9 player with very good build, muscle and agility. He has a sensational handle for a big fellow and can break defenders down off the dribble and make moves into the lane. His game reminds me of a young Chris Webber but with a better handle. He seems to love the game and should continue to improve in all areas through the rest of his amateur career. He is an early favorite to be the first pick in the 2014 Draft.

Nerlens Noel is the best shot blocking prospect to come along in years. He can erase shots around the rim like a young Dwight Howard, although he is built more like a 6,10 Tyson Chandler. He has great timing on defense and his ability to protect the rim is truly game changing. His offensive skills are a work in progress and will never be the strongest part of his game but his defensive abilities are rare. He needs to add a lot of weight and strength but that should come. He projects as a possible top five pick in 2014.

Jabari Parker from Chicago is an elite level small forward prospect who reminds me of a young Carmelo Anthony. He is a very skilled offensive player who, at 6,7 has a strong body and a powerful game. His versatility allows him to create matchup problems, with defenders either too slow to keep up or too small to guard him in the post. He has a nice feel for the game and passes the ball well. Could be a top 5 or 10 pick in a few years.

photo by KK Zagreb

Finally, Euro sensation Mario Hezonja of Croatia is an extremely talented 2 guard prospect. At 16 years old he already stands 6,6 and has a well developed game. He has excellent quickness and can score in the lane or drain deep jumpers. Good explosiveness and can throw down some nasty dunks. Excellent dribble and ability to use his size to protect the ball and see over defenders. Maybe the next big thing out of Europe since Nutella and Ricky Rubio.

Here's an early look at the 2014 NBA Draft

Tyler Zeller Scouting Report

2011-07-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

6,11 - Center - North Carolina

Zeller didn't come to UNC as an elite prospect and for a while it looked like the NBA might not be in his future but he has improved each season, has grained strength and agility and now looks like a potential first round pick.

Pros

Very fast up and down the court and hustles hard. Great in transition and dunks the ball fluidly and easily on the fast break. Hard worker inside who gets a lot of rebounds with pure hustle and proper positioning. Has some good back to the basket moves and is a capable scorer. Fierce dunker with great hops and long arms.

Late bloomer who looks to have a lot of upside left. Very good agility and mobility for a big and puts a lot of pressure on opposing centers with the way he gets up and down the floor. Developing a nice mid range jump shot and is a very good free throw shooter (76%).

Cons

Needs to cut down on turnovers and make better passes and decisions with the ball. Will have to continue to add strength to bang with NBA centers. Not a great shot blocker despite his jumping ability and needs to get better timing on defense. Can get pushed out of position too easily.

Projection: Top 25 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Center Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Josh Smith (UCLA) Scouting Report

2011-07-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

6,10 - Center - UCLA

Josh Smith is an enormous player (6,10 - 305) who provides a unique physical presence in the lane. In his sophomore season for the Bruins he hopes to prove that he is more than just a space-eater and rebounder.

(Update) Smith is struggling this year and his draft stock is falling

Pros

Impossible to move off the low block and can get any position he wants in the paint. Solid rebounder who boxes out well and snatches the ball well with his huge hands (bigger than Kawhi Leonards hands?). His size is also an advantage when it comes to guarding the low block and he is tough to get around or to back down.

Actually has a fairly soft touch and uses the glass well to score from in close. Looks capable of becoming a decent mid range shooter but has yet to show much offense outside the paint. Plays with good aggressiveness and gets a good number of steals. Know his limits and plays his role.

Cons

Needs to get in playing shape and does not (yet) look ready to run in the NBA. Not a very good shot blocker and is a below the basket type of player. A bit foul prone and needs to make better decisions on defense. Needs to cut down on turnovers and become a better free throw shooter (61% last season).

Projection: Second round pick in 2012

Top Center Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Marquis Teague Scouting Report

2011-07-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

6,2 - Point Guard - Kentucky

Coach Cal has a knack for finding great point guards and Marquis Teague looks ready to continue that tradition. He'll step right in as the starter on the young Wildcat team and he'll have plenty of good scorers to pass to (Lamb, Davis, Jones, Gilchrist). Wildcat fans have come to expect instant success from their young guards so there will be some pressure on Teague to perform at a high level but he has the skills and mental make up to handle the pressure.

Pros

A true point guard who puts the team first. Very heady player who knows the game inside and out (his older brother Jeff plays in the NBA) and makes good decisions on the floor. Very quick with the ball and is a blur in the open court and finds teammates well. Pesky defender who plays the passing lanes well and uses his quickness to pressure the ball well.

Good scorer in the lane and has a great first step to get by defenders. Nasty crossover, step-back moves and hesitation dribble. Nice looking outside shot and has a chance to be dangerous from three point range which will help keep defenders honest. Gets good elevation on his jumper, has a high release point and is difficult to block. Nice mid-range and step back jumper. Has good explosiveness and can rise up for dunks or hang in the air long enough to find a teammate.

Cons

Not a John Wall type of athlete and has only average strength. Good form on his jumper but needs to hit at a more consistant rate from outside.

Projection: Top 15 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Point Guard Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

The Redemption Of Evan Turner

2011-07-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Evan Turner was at the top of the world two years ago, garnering national attention and widely considered the best basketball player in the NCAA. He went on to be the #2 pick in the 2010 NBA draft, going to Philly as a potential franchise saving player.

But things didn't work out like that, at least not yet. Turner struggled during his rookie season as he attempted to make the switch from point guard to off guard and find his rhythm with a new team. There was talk that he and Andre Iguodala could not be on the court together and talk that he and Jrue Holiday couldn't coexist either.

Now Evan Turner is a year wiser, a year more comfortable in the system and should see a bump in minutes in his second season. For the time being Iguodala is still on the team but there have been persistant rumors of a trade. When/if the NBA lockout ends there very well could be a major move made which would clear the way for Evan Turner to make his mark on the team.

So often players make their biggest jump from their first to second seasons and I would expect that Evan Turner follows this trend. He is too good of a basketball player not to and my guess is that this year he will find his comfort zone in the NBA. He might not be a franchise savior but he'll be a darn good player. Now we just need the damn lockout to end so we can get back to thinking about Summer League, training camp and the regular NBA season.

Myck Kabongo Scouting Report

2011-07-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

6,2 Point Guard - Texas

Kabongo continues the long line of great point guards at the university of Texas (and is another Canadian to boot!). He is an absolute speed demon and is really fun to watch in the open floor. It will be a rebuilding year for Texas but high level programs tend to rebuild very quickly and Kabongo will be a big help. Whatever connection coach Rick Barnes has to the Toronto area is sure paying off big.

Pros

Kabongo has blazing speed with the ball and puts a ton of pressure on the defense by pushing the rock. Loves to find teammates and is a pass first type who is also very good at scoring in the lane. Great handle and control of the ball. Nearly impossible to trap and knows when to pass out of pressure. Explosive to the rim and has a remarkable first step.

Agressive on defense and gets a lot of steals. Really seems to know the game well and gets in good position, offers good help defense and is great at starting the break after a rebound.

Knows his strengths and plays within himself. Tends to make the right play and will take it to the rim rather than settle for outside jumpers (see below). Draws a lot of fouls, as most players don't have the speed to keep up with him. Great competitor who can will his team to victory.

Cons

Does not have a good jump shot at this point in his career but has the tools to make that a better part of his game. Will have to add a lot of strength to guard NBA point guards in the post.

Projection: Top 15 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Point Guard Prospects 2012

2013 NBA Mock Draft

The Best Basketball Team In America!

2011-07-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Harrison Barnes
John Henson
James McAdoo
Tyler Zeller
Kendall Marshall

go to: 2012 NBA Mock Draft

Austin Rivers Scouting Report

2011-07-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

6,4 - Shooting Guard - Duke

Austin Rivers is a 2 guard with a lot of bounce and energy on the court. He comes from good basketball bloodlines and knows the game inside out. It would be nice to see him hang around for a few years at Duke but that might be wishful thinking.

Pros

Deadly accurate three point shooter with a high release on his jumper. A good all around scorer who has enough quickness to get by the defender, enough hops to get to the rim and a very good mid range game. Won't be confused with Kobe Bryant anytime soon but is a good dunker who has excellent jumping ability and length.

Thanks to his great understanding of the game he makes all the right plays and rarely gets carried away with bad passes or rushed shots. Understands the flow of the offense and gets his shots in rhythm. Also gets good position on defense and anticipates well.

Cons

Although he is a good athlete he lacks elite quickness and explosiveness. If this was a track meet he might not finish first but as a basketball player he has all the tools to succeed at the next level. A quicker release on his jumper would help and that is something he will likely develop over the next few years.

Projection: Top 15 pick in 2012 or top 10 pick in 2013

Shooting Guard Prospects 2012

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Kendall Marshall Scouting Report

2011-07-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

6,3 - Point Guard - North Carolina

Kendall Marshall is the engine that makes Carolina run. He is not the most talented player on the team but he might be the most important. When he stepped in mid season of his freshman year things started to click and they might click all the way to national championship this year.

Pros

Marshall plays with great pace, knowing when to push the ball and when to set up the offense. He has ideal height for the position at 6,3 allowing him to see over defenders. He has X-Ray court vision and seems to see the play before it happens and is a great passer. Can get into the lane with the bounce and usually looks to find a teammate rather than get his own.

Shows a nice stroke from three point range and is a capable outside shooter. Very heady defender who uses position well and has a knack for reading the play. His size helps him a lot on the defensive end. Great competitor who performs in the clutch.

Cons

Not an explosive athlete or blazing fast but can hold his own. Is really lacking an outside shot and has a lot of work to do on that aspect of his game.

Projection: Top 20 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Point Guard Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Bradley Beal Scouting Report

2011-07-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

6,4 - Shooting Guard - Florida

Bradley Beal might be as underrated as any player in college ball and could be the first shooting guard off the board in June of 2012. He has a polished and refined game that reminds of a young Ray Allen and a jump shot that does the same. Enjoy him while you have him Florida!

Pros

Picture perfect jump shot with great accuracy. Rises up with a smooth quick release and can get his own shot off the dribble. A very quick and explosive athlete who is not a power dunker but has good hops and can score in the lane. A natural scorer who is also a willing passer but would rather drain a three or explode to the rim.

Plays a similar game as Marshon Brooks but is already at that level and looks to have a lot more upside to reach.

Cons

A bit slight of frame and will have to add strength (I feel like I write that for all the young players). Needs to continue to learn the game and improve his court vision and decision making.

Projection: Top ten pick in the 2012 NBA Mock Draft

Top Shooting Guard Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Quincy Miller Scouting Report

2011-07-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

6,9 - Small Forward - Baylor

Quincy Miller hasn't gotten the attention that some of the other top recruits have gotten since he missed most of last season with a knee injury but he looks to be fully recovered and will surely be in the spotlight this season for a loaded Baylor squad.

Pros

A very versatile player who, at 6,9 can handle and shoot the ball very well. An excellent scorer with a soft touch on his jump shot and good decision making with the ball. Handles the ball exceptionally well for a 6,9 player and can break defenders down with nasty crossover and behind the back dribbles. Great at taking the ball to the rim and getting defenders in the air with pump fakes and ball fakes.

Long arms and good timing make him a good shot blocker and decent rebounder. Explosive dunker who loves to posterize helpless defenders.

Cons

Doesn't currently have the strength to match up inside against NBA post players but should be able to put on some weight and gain strength. Sometimes falls in love with making highlight film plays instead of the smart play and settles too often for deep threes. Past knee injury will be something to keep an eye on.

Top Small Forward Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Jared Sullinger Scouting Report

2011-07-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

6,9 - Power Forward - Ohio State

Sullinger came out of the gates fast in his freshman campaign and was an early candidate for NCAA player of the year. Most of us thought he would enter the draft but, like many other star players, he decided to return to school rather than face the chance of an NBA lockout.

Pros

An absolute bull on the low block (6,9 - 280 pounds) who gets position well and bullies his way to the rim. Has great hands and a soft touch around the basket and is a true low post scoring threat. Very capable of hitting outside jumpers and has nice form on his shot.

A great rebounder who out muscles and out works opponents. Uses his strength well to defend the lane and clean the glass. A leader on the floor, even as a freshman, and a team first player.

Cons

Not a great shot blocker (20 total blocks freshmen year) and not a high jumper. Needs to work hard to get into top shape. A below the rim player who might struggle against the bigger, faster, stronger NBA players. Is already close to his ceiling as a player.

Top Power Forward Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Nothing But Noise From Illinois

2011-06-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

Demetri McCamey and Jereme Richmond entered the 2011 draft process with high hopes. McCamey, a senior, had run the point for the Fighting Illini for 4 years and at times looked like a star in the making. I had him listed in the first round of my mock draft until this past season.

Jereme Richmond entered the draft after just one season at Illinois in which the 6,8 forward had a few strong games but never fully found his footing. I had him projected as a second round selection based on his future potential but that future now looks very uncertain.

So what happened?

The whispers in NBA draft circles questioned McCamey's attitude and commitment to the game. He was rumored to be out of shape and lacking the mental make up to excel at the next level. Jereme Richmond was also rumored to have attitude problems and this might have kept NBA teams from taking a chance on the talented young forward.

Both players will get a chance to show their skills, either in Europe or the NBDL and could have a chance to make it to the NBA. But for now, what looked like a whole lot of talent and potential turned out to be nothing but noise.

James McAdoo Scouting Report

2011-06-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

6,9 - Power Forward - North Carolina

Freshman James McAdoo joins a very deep and talented North Carolina team but should find an immediate spot in the rotation. A terrific offensive talent, McAdoo can score in the paint or float around the perimeter and nail jumpers. His shooting ability sets him apart from many other power forward prospects and he could be a one and done player for UNC.

Pros

A very quick and explosive athlete, McAdoo has legit power forward size but can also play outside the paint. A very good shooter who can consistently hit jumpers out to college three. Very quick up and down the court and is a hustle player. Solid rebounder and becoming a good interior defender and weak side shot blocker. Explosive leaper and dunker who will be part of a lot of highlights for the Tar Heels. Excellent at taking his man off the dribble.

Cons

Not a true back to the basket power forward and not a bruiser inside. Will likely develop better back to the basket moves over the years but for now he uses his quickness and versatility, rather than brute strength. A bit of a tweener between a wing and a post player.

Top Power Forward Prospects

Anthony Davis Scouting Report

2011-06-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

6,10 - Power Forward - Kentucky

Very few players at any level have the versatility of Anthony Davis. He burst onto the national scene in 2010 after growing 7 inches in one year and now stands 6,10 and is the number one ranked freshmen this season. A former guard, Davis can do it all on the basketball court. Most years a player of his caliber would be ranked #1 but with the talent in this draft Davis will have to fight for that #1 Davis will delight Kentucky fans in his one season there and looks certain to be a top 3 pick in June.

Pros

At 6,10 Davis handles like a guard (really). So often we throw that phrase around but this time it's really true. But Davis isn't a soft, perimeter floating big man, he is the complete package. He can score from anywhere on the floor and uses his length well to score in the paint. A very fluid and agile athlete, Davis excels at running the floor and is extremely difficult for traditional power forwards to keep up with. He is developing a nice outside shot and is almost unstoppable in the mid-range game.

On defense Davis has great timing as a shot blocker and is committed to protecting the rim. He has a chance to be the best shot blocker in the NCAA's and could lead the NBA in blocks some day. He can guard multiple positions and is disruptive in the passing lanes. He also has all the intangibles you look for in an elite level prospect including maturity, leadership, good teamplay and sportsmanship. Davis is an excellent passer and at 6,10 can play the point forward position and initiate the offense.

Cons

Like most young players Davis needs to add weight and strength. He seems to have a frame that can add a lot of muscle but it will take hard work. All signs point to Davis doing this work, adding strength and becoming a superstar power forward.

Projects as a top 3 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Top Power Forward Prospects

2013 NBA Mock Draft

Harrison Barnes Scouting Report

2011-06-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

6,8 - Small Forward - North Carolina

North Carolina sophomore Harrison Barnes is the projected #1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Barnes would have been the first overall pick had he come out in 2011 and might have been a top three pick straight out of high school, if that was still allowed by the NBA.

Barnes is an elite level prospect who could be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James when all is said and done. That's a big statement but I believe this kid is the next great basketball player of our generation. Whichever team ends up with the first pick in 2012 will have a superstar to add to their roster. A humble, well spoken and personable superstar at that.

Pros

Barnes is the complete package. He has ideal size for an NBA wing at 6,8 with a strong body and awesome agility. He plays above the rim and can hang in the air with ease. A powerful dunker with an explosive first step into the lane.

What separates Harrison Barnes from the other great athletes is his outstanding shooting ability. His jumper is a thing of beauty and he hits at a very accurate rate. His range is well beyond the NBA three and (like most of his game) he makes it look effortless. His shooting ability forces defenders to play out on him which allows him to drive to the basket and make plays for teammates. He is a willing passer and team first player who doesn't come with any of the baggage that many star players have. Simply put, this kid is special!

On the defensive end Barnes gives good effort and is dangerous in the passing lanes, with his long arms and quick hands. Very good shot blocker for a small forward and can be a real defensive stopper when he puts his mind to it.

Cons

Nobodies perfect...... but I haven't found any flaws yet with Harrison Barnes. I'll let you know if I do.

Player Comparison = A 6,8 Michael Jordan

Projected Draft Position = #1 Overall Pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

Warriors Roster Preview 2011/12

2011-06-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

Assuming there is a 2011/12 NBA season the Golden State Warriors will have a young and exciting roster, ready to challenge for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. In fact, new head coach Mark Jackson all but guaranteed that the Warriors would be in the playoffs this year. So what's all the excitement about:

Projected Depth Chart:

PG - Stephon Curry - Charles Jenkins
SG - Monta Ellis - Klay Thompson
SF - Dorell Wright - Reggie Williams
PF - David Lee - Jeremy Tyler
C - Ekpe Udoh - Andris Biedrins

The Warriors have a ton of young talent and while it remains to be seen how they come together with a new coach and with the persistant rumors of Monta Ellis being traded, there is a world of potential. 2011 first round pick Klay Thompson should be really fun to watch and has a lot of upside as a scorer and three point specialist.

The guard play gets a lot of the attention but young big men David Lee and Ekpe Udoh form a promising front-court as well. Udoh is entering his second season after being the #6 overall pick last year. He was injured for part of last season but showed flashes of being an elite shot blocker and excellent rebounder. He is not much of an offensive threat but with Curry, Ellis and now Klay Thompson shooting the ball that shouldn't be an issue.

Dorell Wright had a break out season last year and looks poised for another good campaign, provided there's no lockout. The three headed monster at the guard position should be able to score with any team in the league and if they can tighten up their defense that guarantee of making the playoffs might just be fulfilled.

76ers Roster Preview 2011/12

2011-06-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

The 2011 NBA Draft has come and gone but some things remain the same. Andre Iguodala is still a 76er.... at least for now.

The 76ers got their man in the draft, Nikola Vucevic of USC. A 6,11 center Vucevic bangs inside and rebounds the ball which is exactly what the team needed. He also has a very nice touch from mid range and could eventually become a scoring option in the post.

Last years first round pick, #2 overall, Evan Turner had a rough rookie season. At times he showed flashes of being the former NCAA player of the year but much of the time he looked lost on the court and seemed to be moving in slow motion while the game passed him by. Things should be different this year and I expect Turner to regain his confidence, find his rhythm and be an integral part of the 76ers during the 2011/12 season.

The best chance of that happening is if the Sixers trade Andre Iguodala and free up those minutes and shots for Turner. It was clear from watching last season that the two players didn't coexist very well on the court.

It looks like a lot of the potential deals that we heard about over the last weeks are off the table or on the back-burner but a deal still could happen in the off season. The best case scenario, in my opinion, would be to get an expiring contract and a decent draft pick in 2012. We'll see how it plays out with A.I. but either way I would expect Evan Turner to return to form in his Sophomore campaign.

The other young players on the roster, Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes and Lou Williams should continue to improve, mature and come together as a team. I'm a bit of homer, being from the Philly area, but I think this team could make some noise in 2011/12.

So Many Questions About Jimmer - So Few Good Answers

2011-06-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Following the story of Jimmer Fredette has been fascinating. Rarely have we seen a college basketball player, much less one from the Mountain West Conference, receive so much media attention.

But now that Jimmer is a member of the Sacramento Kings and all the speculation about his draft status is answered, there are a whole host of other questions still needing answers:

Question: Can Jimmer Fredette guard NBA point guards?
Answer: Unlikely

Question: Can Jimmer Fredette get his shot off against NBA guards?
Answer: Rarely

Question: Will Jimmer Fredette sell tons of jerseys?
Answer: Certainly

Question: Do jersey sales win basketball games?
Answer: Not that I'm aware of

Question: Can Jimmer run the point?
Answer: possibly..not really sure

Question: Will Jimmer Fredette be a bust?

Answer: All signs point to yes

Question: Do I hate Jimmer?
Answer: Not at all. I wish him the best, want to see him draining threes for days.... but I just don't see it.

The fans in Utah might be upset about not landing the Jimmer on draft night but they shouldn't be. Selling jerseys is one thing (one thing Jimmer will do well) but winning basketball games is what it's all about. Alec Burks can do that. Jimmer? Unlikely.

2011 NBA Mock Draft

2011-06-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

Actual Draft Results Here

Here is the final 2011 Mock Draft by NBAdraftRoom:

2010 Mock Draft
2009 Mock Draft

2011 Draft Winners

2011-06-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

The draft is over. Which teams came away with the best picks?

Cleveland Cavs -

Kyrie Irving was a no-brainer at #1 but the Cavs surprised many people by picking Tristan Thompson #4 overall. I think it's a great pick. Thompson is an elite rebounder and very good shot blocker. He runs the floor well and will look very good getting up and down the floor next to Irving. Cleveland still has a long way to go to get back to winning basketball games but these two are a good start. Getting a high pick in 2012 would be huge as well.

New Jersey Nets -

The Nets got a great scorer in Marshon Brooks to team with point guard Deron Williams. Their backcourt could be set for years to come. Second round pick Bojan Bogdanovic is another good scorer but he'll have one more year in Europe before coming over. Jordan Williams is a great rebounder and solid interior defender who should stick around on a team in need of front court help.

Detroit Pistons -

Having point guard Brandon Knight fall to the #8 spot was a blessing for the Pistons. Knight has a higher ceiling than Irving and could be one of the best players in this draft. He has all the skills to run an NBA club and is a great outside shooter as well. Kyle Singler is a very heady and solid player who will surprise you with his athleticism and skill set. He should be a productive player in Detroit. Vernon Macklin is solid, if unspectacular, and could stick in the league thanks to his rebounding and defense.

Houston Rocket -

Marcus Morris could have been a top 10 pick but fell to Houston at #14. He'll be a solid scorer in the league and could surprise people with his all around game. Bet he plays with a chip on his shoulder after falling a bit on draft day. Later in the first round Houston maneuvered to get Donatas Motiejunas, a 7 footer from Europe. There's a chance Motiejunas is a bust but if things work out right he could be very, very good. He has a ridiculously high skill level for a 7 footer and reminds me a little of Dirk Nowitzki. I'm not sold on second round pick Chandler Parsons though.

Milwaukee Bucks -

The Bucks traded out of the lottery but still came away with a very good young prospect in Tobias Harris. He is very young but is a hard worker and could be a steal in this draft. Jon Leuer in the second round is a good pick. He could be a solid role player in the league.

Live Blogging The NBA Draft

2011-06-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

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Latest: (pacific time)

Follow @NBAdraftRoom on Twitter for second round.

7:22 Jimmy Butler to Chicago!
7:14 Norris Cole to Minnesota!
7:07 Jujuan Johnson to Boston!
7:03 Jordan Hamilton to the World Champion Dallas Mavericks!
7:00 Brooks adds a much needed scoring punch to the Celtics
6:58 Marshon Brooks to Boston! Or trade? NJ?
6:55 I'm not sold on Reggie Jackson but sounds like a lot of teams like him. We'll see.
6:53 Reggie Jackson to OKC Thunder!
6:51 Sounds like a trade - Motiejunas to Houston
6:50 Rockets (or wolves) will have to wait on Mirotic
6:49 Nikola Mirotic to the Houston Rockets (to bulls)
6:45 When does Jordan Hamilton come off the board? Plus, it's just about college senior time. Singler, Cole, Butler, etc
6:43 Faried is a great rebounder. Does he stay in Denver or move to Portland now?
6:42 Kenneth Faried to Denver!
6:37 Surprise pick. Thought Smith would be a second rounder but he could work in well in portland.
6:35 Nolan Smith to Portland!
6:30 Trade coming? Minnesota has too many forwards.
6:30 Donatas Motiejunas to the T-Wolves!
6:27 Pacers get George Hill for Kawhi Leonard. Now it makes sense.
6:26 Harris is very young and could develop into a very good NBA player in a few years. Good pick!
6:23 Tobias Harris to Milwaukee!
6:20 Similar to Vesely
6:18 Chris Singleton to the Wizards!
6:17 Who do the Wizards add here?
6:12 Motiejunas still falling

6:12 Iman Shumpert to New York!
6:09 Sixers get a real center! Vucevic should hold down the post in Philly for the next decade and could surprise and become an all star. Must say, I'm surprised to see Motiejunas fall like this.
6:07 Nikola Vucevic to the 76ers!
6:05 Motiejunas would look good in that Sixers jersey!
6:04 Philly on the clock! Let's go hometeam!
6:02 Hustle player who should be a good pro. But where does he fit in with the Pacers? They have Granger, George and Hansbrough.
6:01 Kawhi Leonard to Pacers!
5:58 Does this mean that Patrick Patterson will be traded?
5:56 Pretty amazing story to see the twins drafted back to back. Surprised Marcus lasted this long. He can really play on the offensive end. Kind of a Glenn Robinson type.
5:54 Marcus Morris to the Houston Rockets!
5:49 Markieff goes ahead of Marcus. Can't say I'm surprised. Markeiff reminds me of David Lee and should fit in very well with the Suns.
5:48 Markieff Morris to Phoenix!
5:48 Still hyped up on seeing Tristan Thompson go #4!
5:43 Burks is like Larry Hughes. If it all goes right he could be very good but will he put it all together?
5:41 Alec Burks to the Jazz!
5:36 Warriors love to score the basketball, add another great shooter to team with Curry and maybe Monta. Defense anyone?
5:35 Klay Thompson to the Warriors!
5:34 Hearing Klay Thompson to warriors ??
5:32 It's gonna be fun in Sactown. Can't imagine Fredette and Cousins hanging out but on the court it could be good.
5:29 Jimmer Fredette to Sacramento Kings!
5:28 Kings taking Jimmer?
5:25 Winning tradition coming to Charlotte. Kemba is a fierce competitor and should team well with Biyombo and the young cats. If only they can add Harrison Barnes next year.

5:23 Kemba Walker to Charlotte Bobcats!
5:19 There are some question marks about how his game transitions to the NBA but if it all goes right he could be special. Could have a higher ceiling than Kyrie Irving.
5:17 Brandon Knight to Detroit!
5:15 DETROIT on the clock!
5:12 Finally get a little defense in Charlotte!
5:11 Bismack Biyombo to Bobcats
5:11Bobcats on the clock. Knight or Leonard? So many ways this could go. Biyombo?
5:08 Vesely on the receiving end of John Wall passes, man!
5:07 Jan Vesely To Washington!
5:03 A great pick again. Jonas might have to wait overseas for one year but could be setting Toronto up for a very good future.
5:02 Jonas Valanciunas to Toronto!
4:59 Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson on the same team! Cavs fans should be fired up!
4:59 I've been hyping Thompson for months. This kid hustles, plays D, gets up and down the court and blocks shots with the best of them. A GREAT offensive rebounder.
4:56 Tristan Thompson to Cavs!
4:52 Kanter is another player that could end up as the best player in the draft. An absolute beast. Could be the best rebounder to enter the league since Kevin Love. And nice offensive game and jumper.
4:50 Enes Kanter to Utah!
4:47 Minnesota might have a superstar on their hands. Could be the best player in the draft and better than Blake Griffin. Highlight dunks will be coming from the land of the lakes.
4:45 Derrick Williams To T-Wolves!
4:43 Timberwolves pick coming....

4:39 Kyrie Irving to Cleveland Cavs! Congrats Cleveland, you've got a great piece to build around.
4:38 Cavs milking it
4:35 Cavs on the clock
4:34 David Stern is live. Here we go
4:28 Anybody feel a draft? Let the drafting and trading begin!
4:20 David Stern currently prepping infront of the mirror. With the #1 pick in the......
4:17 Kemba Walker to Bobcats at 9?
4:09 Calm before the storm
4:04 Talk of Biyombo at #5
4:00 Half an hour till the draft! The Basketball world is buzzing!

Draft Results:

Cleveland - Kyrie Irving - Duke
Minnesota - Derrick Williams - Arizona
Utah - Enes Kanter - Turkey
Cleveland - Tristan Thompson
Toronto - Jonas Valanciunas
Washington - Jan Vesely
Charlotte - Bismack Biyombo
Detroit - Brandon Knight
Charlotte - Kemba Walker
Sacramento - Jimmer Fredette
Oakland baby! - Klay Thompson
Utah - Alec Burks
Phoenix - Markieff Morris
Houston - Marcus Morris
Indiana - Kawhi Leonard
ill-a-delphia - Nikola Vucevic
New York - Iman Shumpert
Wizards - Chris Singleton
Milwaukee - Tobias Harris
Houston - Donatas Motiejunas
Portland - Nolan Smith
Denver - Kenneth Faried
Chicago - Nikola Mirotic
Oklahoma City - Reggie Jackson
Nets - Marshon Brooks
Dallas - Jordan Hamilton
Boston - Jujuan Johnson
Miami - Norris Cole
San Antonia - Cory Joseph
Chicago - Jimmy Butler

Follow @NBAdraftRoom on Twitter for the second round!

3 Very BIG Busts

2011-06-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

We all hope for the best for Kyrie Irving, the likely number one pick, but there is a long history of busts in the NBA draft. The three players shown above were all picked number one overall but each of them failed. Oden due to injuries and the other two... who can say?

I doubt that any one of the top three picks in the 2011 draft will go bust but there's a chance. We'll know for sure in just 10 short years ;)

How To Be Wrong - NBA Draft Version

2011-06-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Seth Godin wrote a piece called How To Be Wrong in his book Tribes. In it he writes:

"The secret of being wrong isn't to avoid being wrong!

The secret is being willing to be wrong.

The secret is realizing that wrong isn't fatal.

The only thing that makes people and organizations great is their willingness to be not great along the way. The desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of success."

I think this is a great lesson for young basketball players as they work to become college or NBA stars. It's also a great lesson for NBA General Managers, scouts, coaches, media analysts and those of us who do mock drafts.

Whatever you do in life, whether it's draining threes, acing math tests or working a 9 to 5, it's ok to fail along the way. Just give it your best shot and don't give up.

Tonight, when the trades start happening and players come off the board or start slipping, most of the mock drafts can be thrown out the window. A few will call things right and receive lavish praise. But only because they were willing to be wrong.

The Good Old College Try - Seniors In The NBA Draft

2011-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

As usual the top of the NBA draft is dominated by underclassmen and international players while the upperclassmen are slated to be drafted outside the lottery. Jimmer Fredette will likely be the first senior taken and that could be as low as 12 or 13.

The only other seniors likely to be drafted in the first round are Marshon Brooks of Providence, Kenneth Faried of Morehead State and possibly Kyle Singler of Duke, Jujuan Johnson of Purdue and Jimmy Butler of Marquette.

At the top of the second round (maybe late first) will be a few more seniors like Nolan Smith, Norris Cole, Jon Leuer, Chandler Parsons, Justin Harper and the venerable Rick Jackson.

All of these players had long successful college careers. Some, like Jimmer and Kyle Singler were big time college stars but it remains to be seen if any of these veteran players will find success at the next level.

In this day and age the most talented players leave school after one year, sometimes two years. Coming into the NBA Draft as a senior is now a sign of weakness. The days of Tim Duncan are over.

Forget The Mocks - Here Are The Top Players

2011-06-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

The draft is in less than 24 hours and soon we'll see which mock drafts were right and which were wrong. But it's really about how the players perform over the next ten years, not how high or low they were drafted.

Here is my list of top prospects for the 2011 Draft. I don't think they'll get drafted in this order. I think ten years from now this will look better than the actual draft.

Top Prospects 2011

Derrick Williams
Enes Kanter
Kyrie Irving
Tristan Thompson
Donatas Motiejunas
Brandon Knight
Jan Vesely
Jonas Valanciunas
Markieff Morris
Tobias Harris
Marcus Morris
Tyler Honeycutt
Kawhi Leonard
Bismack Biyombo
Alec Burks
Klay Thompson
Cory Joseph
Iman Shumpert
Kemba Walker
Jimmer Fredette

Past #1 Picks

2011-06-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Kyrie Irving Derrick Williams Enes Kanter

Could Tobias Harris Be The Next Barkley?

2011-06-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing a little bit of Charles Barkley in Tobias Harris. Check this video. See what I mean?

International Flavor In The 2011 NBA Draft

2011-06-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

A look at the 7 international players projected to go in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft.

From left to right: Jonas Valanciunas, Nikola Vucevic, Donatas Motiejunas, Tristan Thompson, Enes Kanter, Bismack Biyombo, Jan Vesely

The second round could see a few more international players get drafted such as Davis Bertans (above), Cory Joseph, Nikola Mirotic, Bojan Bogdanovic and Xavi Rabaseda.

This Draft May Be Weak But It's Far From Boring

2011-06-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

A lot of talk is going on about this draft being weak. Only two real players, only 9 decent prospects and in hindsight, maybe that will prove to be right. But there's another side to the story.

This is one of the most fascinating drafts since 2003.

Cleveland has the number 1 and number 4 picks and has a chance to rebuild their depleted roster and could also make some moves to position for the strong 2012 draft.

The projected number one pick has only 11 games of NCAA experience and only 303 minutes of action. Kyrie Irving looks like a potential all star but he has a lot to prove. Cleveland could pass on Irving and take the sure thing in Derrick Williams at #1. This draft is deep in point guards and the Cavs could get Knight, Walker, Fredette either at #4 or lower with a trade down.

Turkish center Enes Kanter could be the best player in this draft but he is a complete enigma. He has played 11 fewer college games than Irving - zero minutes of action. He looked great at the Nike Hoops Summit where he dominated the likes of Jared Sullinger and Terrence Jones but his lack of big game experience is troubling. Still he is a beastly rebounder and could be a perennial all star.

Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas is a top 5 talent who might fall out of the top ten due to his contract situation. It is rumored that the Cavs are interested in him and could trade down in order to draft him later in the lottery.

Donatas Motiejunas is a talented 7 footer who would be a steal if he slips out of the top 10. With Dirk winning his first championship I think Motiejunas will be strongly considered as a top 6 pick.

As if the name Bismack Biyombo isn't intriguing enough, the young C/PF from the Congo posted a triple double at the Nike Hoops Summit and could be a lottery pick. He has a rare shot blocking ability that is highly coveted in the NBA.

A pair of twins, Marcus and Markieff Morris will likely both be lottery picks. Too bad they wouldn't play on the same team.

Everyone will be watching to see where college sensation Jimmer Fredette ends up. Even if he's a bust in the NBA he'll still sell a lot of tickets and jerseys.

Another college superstar, Kemba Walker will be a popular pick but there are questions about how his game translates to the NBA. He could go anywhere from top 5 to top 15, depending on how the rest of the chips fall.

With the 2012 NBA draft likely featuring a number of potential superstars we could see teams trading away picks in this draft in hopes of landing Harrison Barnes (right) or Anthony Davis next year.

And just to add a little more flavor to this draft the pending NBA lock out is looming over all of this and will likely affect some of the trade decisions.

Should be fun on Thursday!

Rising/Falling NBA Draft Prospects

2011-06-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

A quick look at which prospects are rising or falling in the days heading up to the draft:

Rising

Iman Shumpert

Klay Thompson

Marshon Brooks

Tristan Thompson

Chris Singleton

Nikola Vucevic

Falling

Jonas Valanciunas
Alec Burks
Tyler Honeycutt
Nolan Smith
Travis Leslie
Demetri McCamey

Live Coverage Of The 2011 NBA Draft

2011-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Visit NBA Draft Room on Thursday for live coverage of the NBA draft.

Analysis of all the picks and trades - and maybe a little trash talk as well.

The Young Exciting Timberwolves!

2011-06-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

I never imagined I'd be saying this but I can't wait to see the Minnesota Timberwolves play next season (if there is a next season). Here's what all the excitement is about:

Potential 2011/12 Roster:

PG - Ricky Rubio/Jonny Flynn

SG - Wayne Ellington/ 20th pick?

SF - Wes Johnson/Martell Webster/Anthony Randolph

PF - Michael Beasley/ Derrick Williams

C - Kevin Love

The Wolves hold the 20th pick in the draft and could sure up the shooting guard position with a player like Marshon Brooks, Klay Thompson or Jordan Hamilton.

Looks like a really exciting young group of players. It might not translate to a ton of wins next season (which could be a good thing since the 2012 NBA Draft will be stacked full of talent) but it should be fun to watch. Imagine Rubio throwing ally-oops to Derrick Williams and Wes Johnson while Kevin Love pulls down 15 boards a game. Good stuff!

And the fans that have suffered through some horrendous seasons can finally get excited about their franchise.

Draft Thoughts

2011-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Some random thoughts and observations about the 2011 NBA Draft:

The draft is less than a week away! Can't wait for all the excitement next Thursday.

Could Marshon Brooks be a lottery pick? He's moving up my mock draft and could keep heading higher over the next week. His tremendous scoring ability makes him a valuable asset.

On the flip-side, Alec Burks is falling out of the lottery and could be a bit disappointed on draft day.

Nikola Vucevic in the mid first round? It could happen. Vucevic is one of just a few real big men in this draft. The 76ers seem set on drafting an inside player and with Markieff Morris possibly gone by 16, Vucevic could be their guy.

Readers of this blog know that I'm high on Cory Joseph and Jordan Williams. I think both players are underrated and could be first rounders. Can't wait to see how the chips fall next week.

I've been hot and cold on Kemba Walker. My sense is that his game doesn't translate very well to the NBA. He is more of a scoring guard than a true point guard and at 6 feet tall he could struggle to get his shot off against the length and size of NBA guards. He is not a very good shooter from outside but he does play with a ton of heart and passion.

Will be interesting to see who gets drafted first: Josh Selby or Cory Joseph. Thoughts?

5 Most Underrated NBA Prospects

2011-06-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Around this time of year all the mock drafts and "experts" start to form a concesnus about where players will be drafted. Meanwhile, behind closed doors, NBA GMs and scouts are making their own lists, disregarding the opinions of the many, trying to find the one player who will help their team the most.

Here, in no particular order are the five players that I feel are underrated by the mock drafts. I think these five players will be drafted higher than most people (outside of NBA front offices) think.

Tristan Thompson

Most mock drafts have him going somewhere between the 12 and 16 picks in the draft. I think he is a sure-fire top 10 pick and might even crack the top 5. He is a legit NBA power forward who is just scratching the surface of his potential. There are very few players who hustle as hard as Thompson and combined with his size and athleticism that makes him very hard to stop. He is one of the best offensive rebounders to come into the league in a long time. Also a very good shot blocker and weak side defender.

Donatas Motiejunas

This 7 foot foreigner is as skilled a big man as you'll find. He can handle the ball, face up and shoot threes and make all the passes. With Dirk Nowitzki showing his worth and competing for an NBA championship it could entice a team in the top half of the lottery to take Montiejunas in hopes of finding the next Dirk. It could be well worth it, even if he takes a few years to develop. Some NBA fans are stilled weary of their team drafting the next Darko but Motiejunas is much more like Bargnani or Dirk and should develop into an All Star in a few years.

Jajuan Johnson

At 6,10 but very skinny Johnson might have trouble holding is own on the low block in the NBA but his quickness and high skill level should more than offset his slight frame. He is a very quick leaper, a good all around athlete and has developed into a dangerous mid-range jump shooter. Johnson is a veteren player who has a lot of experience and good maturity. He should continue to develop his offensive game and could become a threat from three point range, a stretch four, along the lines of a Robert Horry type player. Some mocks have him dropping to the second round. I think he could surprise and might even slip into the top 20.

Jordan Williams

Williams is not as tall as some had hoped but he still has legit size for the power forward position. Williams is a great rebounder and is still very young and just learning to take advantage of his size and strength. He has become a quicker and more fluid athlete over the past year and should continue to work on his conditioning and quickness in the pros. Players who can rebound and defend on the low block are very valuable in the NBA and I think Williams could be a first rounder.

Jon Diebler

Diebler is not in most mock drafts and there's a good chance he goes un-drafted but he could still find a spot on an NBA roster. Great shooters are hard to find and even though he lacks athleticism he has good size and should be able to hold his own physically. I don't expect Diebler to come in and set the league on fire but he could become a nice three point specialist off the bench.

2011 Mock Draft

Best NBA Team For Jimmer Fredette

2011-06-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Jimmer Fredette will likely be drafted in the second half of the lottery to mid first round, somewhere between the #8 and #15 picks in the NBA draft. After an amazing college career there are a number of questions about how his game will translate to the NBA and it might take the right team and the right system for him to be effective.

One team that is often mentioned in the Jimmer sweepstakes is the Utah Jazz. Jimmer played at BYU and so the good people of Utah are very familiar with his name and game and would come out in droves to see him play. The Jazz have the #3 and #12 picks in the lottery and if they go big with their first pick they could draft Jimmer at #12. The Jazz already have some solid pieces in the front court with Paul Milsap, Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson and could use an elite three-point shooter to spread the defense and take some pressure off of their bigs. Playing next to Devon Harris would allow Jimmer to play his more natural position of shooting guard while he learns and develops his point guard skills.

The Phoenix Suns hold the #13 pick in the draft and could be looking to add a young prospect to groom behind Steve Nash. This would be a good situation for Jimmer, allowing him to play some shooting guard while learning the point guard position from one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. The Suns traded for Arron Brooks this past season and he projects as the eventual replacement for Nash but if Jimmer shows the versatility to play the 1 and 2 positions they could coexist in Phoenix.

The Houston Rockets traded away Brooks to Phoenix and now have a hole to fill at the point guard position. Kyle Lowry is a serviceable player but lacks an outside shot and is not a dynamic player. The Rockets have done a good job of bringing in young talent to the front court, now they need to address the back court and find a game changing guard. With the #14 pick Jimmer might be the perfect fit.

The Indiana Pacers have a handful of talented wing players in Paul George, Danny Granger and Brandon Rush so drafting an undersized shooting guard might not seem like it makes a lot of sense but Jimmer feels like a natural fit for the Pacers. With Collison running the point, Jimmer would be free to float on the perimeter and run off screens. He would be an instant fan favorite in Indiana and would sell tickets and jerseys while helping the team improve in the win column. Indiana has a history of drafting big name college stars - they drafting Tyler Hansbrough two years ago and if Jimmer is still on the board at #15 I doubt the Pacers would pass on him.

Jimmer is coming into the league with a ton of hype and will generate a lot of buzz for whichever franchise drafts him but he also comes in with a lot of question marks. Can he play point guard? Is he the next Fred Hoiberg or JJ Redick? Can he defend against NBA guards?

It's going to be really fun on draft night seeing who wins the Jimmer sweepstakes and it will be fun watching him step onto the court next season to try to answer those questions and prove the doubters wrong.

NBA Draft Prospect - Klay Thompson

2011-06-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

6,6 - Shooting Guard - Washington State

Junior shooting guard who projects as a mid to late first rounder. Thompson is a versatile wing who is becoming a good catch and shoot player with range to NBA three. Has had some minor off the court issues but seems to have his head on straight and ready to put past mistakes behind him.

Pros

Good height and strength for a shooting guard which helps him score in the lane and get his shot off. Has really improved his outside shooting and has good form on his jumper. Has a quick release and is tough to block. Surprisingly quick first step and can get into the lane with the dribble and finish at the rim. Is used to being the go to guy and plays with a lot of confidence. Very good free throw shooter.

Cons

Average athleticism and jumping ability. Turns the ball over too much (averaged 3.4 T0s a game the past two seasons). Needs to become more consistant with his outside shot.

Possible Teams:

Bulls, Celtics, Spurs, Nets

Top Shooting Guard Prospects

NBA Draft Prospect - Tyler Honeycutt

2011-05-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

6,8 - SF - UCLA

Honeycutt is a versatile small forward/shooting guard who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He's jumping to the pros after two seasons for the Bruins and projects as a mid to late first round pick.

Pros

His versatility should make him a very valuable role player in the NBA. He can defend, rebound, start the break with a strong pass or lead the break himself with his excellent handle and court vision. He is a very long athlete with long arms and good hops. Has good anticipation on defense and uses his long arms well to pressure the ball-handler and make passing difficult.

Very good at floating around the perimeter looking for an open J. Has great form on his jumper and looks like he could develop into a very dangerous NBA three point shooter. Good passer who understands the game and makes the right plays with the ball.

Cons

Skinny and needs to add strength. Doesn't have elite foot speed to stay with some of the quicker NBA wings. Very versatile but doesn't stand out in any one area.

Possible Teams: 76ers (if they trade A.I.) Knicks, Wizards

Top Small Forwards

NBA Draft Prospect - Jimmer Fredette

2011-05-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

6,2 - Point Guard/Shooting Guard - BYU

Big name player who will certainly create a buzz when he steps on the court for his first NBA game. The question is: Is he more Steve Nash or JJ Reddick?

It will be interesting to see if he can transition to the point guard position full time or will he have to play the role of undersized scoring guard?

Pros

Elite three point shooter with range out to the parking lot. Fearless shooter who is used to having the ball in his hands in the clutch. Surprisingly quick and crafty with the ball and can get into the lane and to the rim. Draws fouls well and rarely misses a free throw. Will sell tickets.

Cons

There are a lot of questions about how his game will translate to the NBA. He is not a great athlete and will be overmatched athletically on most nights. May be a defensive liability but is a very heady player and should be able to compensate somewhat for his lack of agility. Not a natural passer and could have a tough transition to the point guard spot.

Possible Teams: Jazz, Pacers, Rockets

Top Point Guards

Kevin McHale To Coach Houston Rockets

2011-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kevin McHale who has just been hired as the new head coach of the Houston Rockets. And congrats to the Rockets for getting another quality coach.

The Rockets have a mix of young talent and aging stars. Yao Ming is a constant question mark and may never regain dominant form. Kevin Martin is beginning to slow and is on the downside of his career, although he is still a very effective offensive player. Youngsters Patrick Patterson, Chase Budinger, Terrence Williams, Jordan Hill, Courtney Lee and Hasheem Thabeet make up a promising group, brimming with potential but lacking experienced.

It will be interesting to see how the Rockets reshape their roster this off season and what starting lineup McHale puts on the floor to begin the 2011/12 season. They could be in the market for a young point guard in this years draft. With the 23rd pick they could be looking at Darrius Morris, Josh Selby or Cory Joseph. All three players are likely to be available at #23.

NBA Draft Prospect - Kawhi Leonard

2011-05-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

SF - 6,7 - San Diego State

Leonard is coming into the draft after two good years at SDSU. He is a complete basketball player who does a lot of little things to help his team win. Projects as a mid first rounder, although some mocks have him as high as the top 7 or 8 picks.

Pros

Versatile player with very good strength and athleticism. Solid defender and rebounder who plays with a good motor and doesn't take plays off. Puts a lot of pressure on the ball and is committed to defense and winning. Can post up smaller defenders on offense and use his strength to get to the rim. Developing a nice mid range game and has a knack for creating space for his own shot and is also good at finding the open man. Well built with long arms and huge hands.

Cons

Projects as more of small forward type but lacks a great outside shot. This area of his game could come along quickly but for now he is more of a slasher who scores close to the lane. Not the most fluid athlete but gets good elevation and can play above the rim.

Top Small Forwards

NBA Draft Prospect - Marshon Brooks

2011-05-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Shooting Guard - 6,5 - Providence

High scoring 2 guard who can really fill it up with great range and accuracy on his jumper. Scored 52 points in one game this year (see video below) and will likely have some big scoring nights in the pros. Will benefit if he gets to play with a solid post player to free him up on the perimeter. Projected as a late first rounder and could jump up the draft boards with good workouts.

Pros

Brooks has a polished offensive game and is deadly accurate from three point land. A top notch scorer who can take over a game with his jumper. Despite shooting a lot he has good shot selection and doesn't force the action.

He measured very well at the combine with very long arms to go with his 6,5 frame. He'll add strength over the next few years and should be able to defend NBA two guards well. His long arms and good reflexes are disruptive on defense.

Cons

Lacks top level athleticism but has plenty of wiggle to get free for jumpers and create space in the lane.

Top Shooting Guards

NBA Draft Prospect - Jordan Hamilton

2011-05-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

6,8 - SG/SF - Texas

Hamilton is a versatile wing player with a somewhat unorthodox but very effective outside shot. After two seasons of ballin' for the Longhorns he is now taking his game to the NBA. He projects as a mid first round pick and could be rising up draft boards, possibly even slipping into the back end of the lottery.

Pros

Has great size on the wing. Measured very well at the combine and is a legit 6,8 with good strength and muscle. Very accurate from beyond the three point line and has a good feel for the mid range game. His jump shot is not exactly textbook but he makes a high percentage of his shots and shoots the ball with a ton of confidence.

Good athlete who likes to attack the rim and knows how to use his body to shield off the defender and draw fouls. Powerful dunker with good hops, although he is not the most fluid athlete and is unlikely to be mistaken for Vince Carter anytime soon. Despite his skills as a scorer he plays within the offense and shares the ball well. More of a catch and shoot player at this point but shows an increasing ability to shake free and get his own shot. Runs the court very well and is always ready to shoot the ball.

Cons

Can sometimes fall in love with the three point shot and needs to keep defenders honest by taking it to the rim more. Has good ability as a defender and rebounder but needs to commit to these aspects of the game.

Top Small Forwards

Why Derrick Williams Should Go #1 To Cleveland

2011-05-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

It is widely assumed that the Cleveland Cavaliers will select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the number one pick in next months draft. Irving is an elite level prospect and will likely be a perennial all star but is he the right pick at #1?

The other option for the Cavs is to select power forward Derrick Williams of Arizona. Williams is an all world athlete who is just as explosive as Blake Griffin but might even be a better all around basketball player. Williams looks like a sure thing while Irving comes in with a history of injury (toe injury caused him to miss much of last season) and lackluster measurements at the draft combine, including over 10% body fat. I don't think that Irving is a likely bust and he could end up being the best player in this draft but he is a more risky pick for the Cavs.

Of course the Cavs also hold the #4 pick in the draft and if they pick Williams at #1 they could cross their fingers and hope that point guard Brandon Knight falls to them at #4. Another option at #4 would be Kemba Walker but I don't think he warrants a top 5 pick. Enes Kanter would be another option and if paired with Williams would give the Cavs one of the best young front courts in the league. It would also free up JJ Hickson as trade bait.

Cleveland holds the second pick in the second round and there should be a handful of good point guard prospects available such as Nolan Smith of Duke, Demetri McCamey of Illinois, Shelvin Mack of Butler and possibly Darrius Morris of Michigan or Cory Joseph of Texas. Non of those second round point guard prospects will be as good as Kyrie Irving (obviously) but having Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter manning the front court could make it worth it to wait until the second round to draft a PG.

2011 NBA Mock Draft

The 76ers NBA Draft Dilemma

2011-05-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia 76ers hold the 16th pick in the June 23 draft and will be looking to add another piece to a promising young team. Last year the team drafted Evan Turner with the second pick in the draft. It was a tough year for the young guard but he still holds a world of promise and could be a breakout player in year two. At point guard the Sixers are set with young Jrue Holiday who is blossoming into a star.

What the Sixers need is a quality big man, either a power forward or a center to groom behind Elton Brand and to add depth to the front line. The problem is that the best players available with the 16th pick will likely be either small forwards or guards. The quality big men such as Markieff and Marcus Morris of Kansas and the trio of Europeans are projected to go in the top 12 to 14 picks of the draft.

So what should the Sixers do? Take the best player available, like Tyler Honeycutt who could replace Andre Iguodala who is likely to be traded, or should they reach for a power forward like Kenneth Faried (left) or Jordan Williams? We'll see how it all shakes out on draft day. Maybe one of the higher rated players will fall. Maybe there's a draft day trade of Iguodala that lands the Sixers in the top ten or maybe they trade down. If they stay put at 16 the brains behind the draft will have a dilemma on their hands. Best player available or draft a position of need?

2011 Mock Draft

NBA Draft Prospect - Cory Joseph

2011-05-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

PG - 6,3 - Texas

Joseph didn't put up big numbers in his one season at Texas but he has a lot of traits that could make him a successful lead guard in the NBA. He is long armed, athletic and plays with good passion and intensity. Joseph is my sleeper pick for the 2011 draft and he even reminds me a bit of a young Russell Westbrook.

Pros

Very good size for the point guard position, with long arms and quick hands. Tenacious defender who pressures the ball well and is disruptive in the passing lanes. Can do a little bit of everything, rebound, defend, run the offense and hit jumpers. He is not a great shooter at this point but has a good looking shot which should improve over the years. Still learning to run the offense but shows all the signs of being a true point guard (despite some experts seeing him as a tweener). Has a nice first step, a good handle and can get into the lane. Good leaper and very quick up and down the floor.

Cons

Needs to develop more confidence in his shot and keep working on that aspect of his game. A bit too skinny and needs to add weight and strength to compete at the next level.

Top Point Guards

NBA Draft Prospect - Tristan Thompson

2011-05-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

PF - 6,9 - Texas

After one season for the Longhorns Thompson is bringing his consider skills to the NBA. He doesn't receive the same amount of hype and press that some of the other top prospects do but he is very much an elite prospect and is just scratching the surface of his potential. It will be interested to see where he goes on draft day. My guess is that he doesn't last very long and could even be a top 7 pick.

Pros

Thompson does everything a power forward should do. He rebounds well, defends, blocks shots and runs the court very well. He is one of the best offensive rebounders to come through college ball in the past few years and is starting to come along with the rest of his offensive game. On defense he is a very good shot blocker who plays great help defense and protects the lane well. He is a solid defensive rebounder and starts the break well with good outlet passes. One of his best traits is his hard work and hustle which really shows in how well he runs the floor. On most possessions he beats his man down the court and puts a ton of pressure on opposing power forwards. Very young and has huge upside.

Cons

Offense is still a work in progress for Thompson and his free throw shooting is woeful. He has decent form on his shot and I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a 70% free throw shooter in a few years. The same goes for his mid range jumper which is not falling yet but shows potential for improvement.

Top Power Forwards

NBA Draft Prospect - Brandon Knight

2011-05-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

PG - 6,3 - Kentucky

Brandon Knight is entering the NBA after one very successful season at Kentucky. He is a natural point guard and floor general with ideal size, speed and vision for the position. He is also a gifted shooter with good confidence in his shot.

Pros

Knight has a high ceiling and good upside due to his youth, natural talent, basketball IQ and athletic ability. He may not be John Wall fast but he pushes the ball very well and always has his head up looking to make a play. Excellent three point shooter who hits clutch shots. Can get into the lane and finish with floaters and a nice mid range fall away shot or set up teammates for easy buckets. Plays well under pressure and is used to playing in prime time. Good rebounder for a point guard. Seems to have his head on straight, be a good leader and teammate.

Cons

A bit lite and needs to add some muscle but that will come with age. Not an elite athlete but still has good quickness and decent explosiveness.

Top Point Guards

NBA Draft Prospect - Alec Burks

2011-05-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

SG - 6,6 - Colorado

Burks is a very long and thin shooting guard with a good handle, good penetrating skills and a knack for scoring. He has an improving three point shot but still has work to do in that area. He is coming to the NBA after just two seasons of college ball and may take some time to adjust to the size and pace of the pro game.

Pros

Burks has great size for the 2 guard position and uses that size well. He can score in the lane and has an effective mid range game. He is young and looks to have a lot more upside to reach and has a high ceiling. Very good free throw shooter and knows how to draw fouls. Good passer and usually plays within the offense and makes good decisions with the ball. Can get is own shot.

Cons

Burks is not an elite athlete and he may have trouble staying in front of quicker guards on defense. Not a high flyer or great dunker but uses his length well. Needs to improve his outside shooting. Shot less than 30% from college three point range last season but looks to have good from on his shot and should improve in this area. Will have to add muscle and weight to his 193 pound frame.

Top Shooting Guards

NBA Draft Prospect - Derrick Williams

2011-05-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

PF - 6,8 - Arizona

Derrick Williams is an other-worldly athlete who has recently developed into a very skilled basketball player as well. After just two seasons at Arizona he has become an elite prospect and could be the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Pros

With Williams it all comes back to his explosiveness, raw power and agility. He can jump out of the gym with great body control and ability to finish. He is quick getting up and down the floor and should be a highlight reel type player at the next level. His offensive game has expanded to include a very impressive jump shot and quickly improving post moves. He can back down his man and make plays in the lane with his good strength and quickness. Good rebounder and improving defender.

Cons

There's not a lot not to like. He could be taller... or a better three point shooter but the reality is that Derrick Williams should be a star in the NBA.

Top Power Forwards

NBA Draft Prospect - Enes Kanter

2011-05-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

6,10 - Center

Kanter is a Turkish born big man who played High School ball in the US but was ruled ineligible to play at Kentucky due to prior compensation received. He burst onto the national scene with a dominant performance at the Nike Hoops Summit in Portland last spring (see video below). After sitting out for the past year and not having been seen against NCAA competition there are some questions about his NBA readiness but those questions won't stop him from becoming a top 5 pick in the 2011 draft.

Pros

Kanter is an elite rebounder who uses his strength and size well to shield off opponents and grab boards. He projects as an NBA center/power forward who should solidify the interior defense and rebounding for whichever team drafts him. On the offensive end he has a very nice back to the basket game and can overpower defenders with his strength, size and agility. His mid range game is very solid for a young player (only 19 years old) and he looks capable of stretching his jumper out to about 18 feet or beyond. Overall, Kanter possess a rare combination of size and skill and should be a top three pick in the draft. At such as young age he should have many years of improvement before he reaches his lofty potential.

Cons

Kanter will no longer be able to rely on his size/strength advantage once he gets to the NBA and will have to continue to refine his technique and skills. He is a solid defender but doesn't project as an elite shot blocker and is not a high-flyer.

Top Center Prospects

NBA Prospect Kyrie Irving

2011-05-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

6,2 - Point Guard - Duke

Kyrie Irving is an elite level point guard prospect and the likely #1 overall pick to the Cleveland Cavs. After a rough freshman season at Duke, which included a toe injury which kept him on the bench for much of the season, Irving is set to bring his electrifying, but inexperienced game to the NBA.

Pros

Irving is a complete point guard with a pass-first mentality and a deadly jumper to keep defenses honest. He has very good but not elite speed and athleticism with a good handle and penetrating skills. He gets into the lane and is able to get his own shot off. Very nice fadeaway from mid range and becoming a highly accurate three point shooter. His basketball IQ is very good and he seems to be a true leader on the court. Pushes the ball well on the fast break and makes good decisions. Makes teammates better with his penetrating and passing skills.

Cons

His history of injury and limited experience are concerns which could keep him from being the top pick in the draft. Having played only one partial season in the NCAA and still getting himself back into playing shape are obstacles for him to overcome. At the combine he was measured at 10% body fat so he has a ways to go before he is back in top shape.

Top Point Guards 2011

Rising Prospects - 2011 NBA Draft

2011-05-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

One of the things I look for in evaluating players is how quickly they are improving. Some players have been good since High School and have sort of leveled off. Other players have all the physical tools but are just now, or through their college careers, making big strides and improving rapidly.

One player that fits this mold is Markieff Morris of Kansas. His twin brother Marcus gets more hype but if you look at the rate at which Markieff's game has been improving, especially at the offensive end, it is easy to imagine him as a lottery pick and becoming a successful NBA power forward. Markieff has long been considered a very good defender and rebounder but the knock on him was that he was lacking an offensive game. His jump shot seemed nonexistent for the early part of his college career but this past year he began to show off a very smooth outside stroke with range to about the college three. He might never be an elite shooter but the pace at which he is improving his game makes me think he'll be a solid pro and could be a steal if he drops out of the lottery.

Arizona forward Derrick Williams is another player who has improved his game tremendously and looks poised to continue this trend. He already gets a ton of hype and may even be the first overall selection in the draft and I think that would be warranted. Two years ago he was an athlete with questionable basketball skills. Now he is quickly becoming a complete forward with a vastly improved jump shot, good moves in the paint and is developing a very good feel for the game. He reminds me of Blake Griffin but with a better perimeter game. If I was making decisions for the Cavs I don't think I would pass on Williams even though power forward is not their greatest need.

What other players are improving their games rapidly? Feel free to comment below.

2011 NBA Draft Sleepers

2011-05-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

We've all heard that this is a weak draft and that by the second round most of the talent will be gone. But every year there are a few sleepers; players who fly under the radar but end up not only making an NBA roster but outplaying the higher drafted players.

Here, in no particular order, are three second round to undrafted prospects who might surprise fans and GMs alike and end up having an impact in the league.

1) Jereme Richmond - 6,7 - SF - Illinois

Richmond entered the draft after just one season of college ball and there are some questions about his maturity and decision making. But had he stayed in school he might have become an NCAA star and blossomed into a first round pick. As it stands now he will likely be available in the second round and will have to pay is dues on an NBA bench before getting a chance to show his stuff.

At 6,7 he is a bit of a tweener and is still developing his face-up and perimeter game but the potential is there. He has a very good skill level and excellent athleticism and basketball IQ. What might separate him from the crowd is his passion and competitiveness. His fiery play can sometimes get him into trouble and he needs to stay under control but that passion has a chance to help him develop into a successful NBA player. For a likely second round pick he could be a pleasant surprise for whichever team drafts him.

2) Ravern Johnson - 6,7 - G - Mississippi State

A very tall guard with an excellent outside shot, Johnson has all the makings of a successful NBA player who could surprise at the next level. He's at his best floating around the perimeter and looking for a catch and shoot opportunity but he has also expanded his game to include a good handle and decent playmaking abilities. He needs to add strength to defend at the next level and will likely never become a great defender due to his skinny frame and average foot speed. He'll make his living as a three point specialist and should give some NBA team some decent firepower off the bench.

3) Matt Howard - 6,8 - F - Butler

Howard has become a well known name among NCAA tournament fans but NBA scouts and draftniks don't seem to give him any credit. He projects as an undersized power forward and carries that dreaded tweener label but his versatility and developing perimeter game could give him a chance to make an NBA roster.

Howard is the type of player any coach would want on his team. He makes clutch plays, hustles, plays solid defense and is a good leader and teammate. His NBA draft stock seems to be almost nonexistent but I think he could be a sleeper and end up making an NBA roster as a second round pick or an un-drafted free agent.

Every year there are a few players who fall through the cracks on draft day but end up having successful NBA careers. I think Richmond, Johnson and Howard could be three sleepers from the 2011 draft.

Cavs Back In Business, Land #1 And #4 Picks

2011-05-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Although the Timberwolves had the best odds, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA lottery, jumping up to #1, using the Clippers ping pong ball which they obtained in a trade.

The Timberwolves will pick #2 while the Jazz move up to #3.

Cleveland will also have their own first round pick, #4 overall, giving them a chance to rebuild their organization after the departure of LeGone James.

It is hard to imagine the Cavs passing on Kyrie Irving at #1 but anything is possible. If they go with Williams they could land a PG in Brandon Knight at #4. If they go with Irving #1 look for them to take a big man, maybe Enes Kanter or Donatas Motiejunas at #4. It's been a tough year for the franchise but now the excitement is back!

The Jazz, picking #3 and #12, also have two lottery picks thanks to the trade with the Nets. They should be able to reload their franchise in a big way. They've had success picking a point guard at #3 and I wouldn't be surprised to see them take Brandon Knight. Another sleeper pick is Motiejunas, a talented seven footer from Lithuania.

The updated mock draft is now live!

The 2012 NBA Draft Will Be Loaded

2011-04-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

With the recent announcements of some key talent returning to college basketball it's time to start getting excited about a potentially loaded 2012 NBA draft. With a possible NBA lock out after this season there has been added incentive for the top college players to consider staying in school for at least one more year.

We're still waiting to hear from some top prospects but as it stands now the 2012 draft will be stacked with talent. The recent announcement from Harrison Barnes that he will be returning to North Carolina for his Sophomore season is icing on the cake for an already talented crop of prospects. Other star players returning to school include Jared Sullinger, John Henson, Perry Jones, Patric Young and Tyler Zeller, among others.

Add in a very strong upcoming Freshmen class, headlined by Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers and James McAdoo and the 2012 draft could be the draft of the decade. It might not match the 2003 draft which featured LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh but it could get close. Barnes and Davis have a chance to become legit NBA superstars and players such as Perry Jones, Jared Sullinger and James McAdoo could develop into perennial all stars. And the talent in the 2012 draft could go well into the second round.

In fact, the 2012 NBA draft could be so strong that we could see teams trading away picks this year to load up for next year. The 2011 draft has some decent talent, especially in the top 5 but expect GM's to begin positioning for 2012.

Draft Prospect: Jimmer Fredette

2011-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

6,2
Combo Guard
BYU

Jimmer Fredette has been a great college player but how will his skills transfer to the pro game? There is no doubt that Jimmer can shoot the ball but his lack of shooting guard size and less than elite athleticism will hinder his pro game. If he can learn to distribute the ball and become a true point guard the sky is the limit but as a shooting guard his effectiveness will be limited.

Upside = Stephen Curry/Steve Nash
Likely = Ben Gordan/ Kirk Hinrich
Downside = JJ Redick

It's Tournament Time!

2011-03-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

March Madness is almost here and just like in past years we will see plenty of Cinderellas and upsets and there will be a few standout players who will rise up the draft boards. Remember the play of Tyrus Thomas at LSU a few years ago? His tournament heroics vaulted him to the number 4 overall pick in the 2006 draft.

So who might the standout players be in 2011?

If UCLA is able to get past a tough Michigan State team I think they could make a deep run and make players like Tyler Honeycutt and Joshua Smith into household names. Honeycutt can be streaky and the Bruins will need a hot streak from the small forward if they want to advance. Joshua Smith seems to be coming into his own later in the season and is an imposing presence inside. If he can stay out of foul trouble he can do big things.

Vanderbilt has no less than three pro prospects in John Jenkins, Jeffrey Taylor, and Festus Ezeli (left). They play Richmond in the round of 64 and potentially Louisville in the round of 32. After that Kansas looms large but if the three players mentioned above can perform at a high level, anything is possible. Very few people know the names John Jenkins and Festus Ezeli. By next week they might.

Finally, Tristan Thompson of Texas could be the next Freshman sensation to burst onto the national scene with a big tournament. Texas has a tough road and a young team but a ton of talent to make a run.

The NCAA Tournament is nearly impossible to predict and just has hard to ignore. It's finally that time of year again, when stars are born and legends are made. Good luck to all. Let's play some ball!

Harrison Barnes Stepping Up For UNC

2011-03-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Star Freshman Harrison Barnes struggled mightily in the first half of this year and the player, long considered a top draft prospect, began to fall down the mock draft boards. Now the young forward has found his footing, adjusted to the pace of the college game and is once again a top five prospect heading into the 2011 draft.

At 6,8 Barnes has the handle and body control of a point guard and can use his size and athleticism to get his shot off against any defense. He may not have the explosiveness of a Vince Carter but he is a far better outside shooter and is explosive enough to get into the lane and finish. His ball handling ability lets him shake free for jumpers and make one on one moves to the rim. But the thing that separates him from most other prospects is his accuracy from outside. Rarely do we see a player as young as Barnes showcase such a fluid, accurate and confident outside shot.

On defense Barnes shows good effort, gets in good position and uses his length, strength and athleticism well. He is a decent rebounder and solid all around team player. In fact, it is refreshing to see a player as talented as Barnes also be a good teammate and show a down to earth and humble demeanor.

On the flip side of this, the only knock against Barnes is that he lacks the killer instinct that makes great players great. As a freshman on a talented North Carolina team he sometimes defers to the upper class-men but as the most talented player on the roster he should demand the ball more often.

The bottom line is that Barnes looks ready to contribute right away at the NBA level and shows the promise to blossom into a superstar small forward in the league.

Tristan Thompson - NBA Draft Stock Rising

2011-03-08T10:43:00.001-08:00

Texas Freshman Tristan Thompson is playing at a very high level and showing the potential to become a star power forward at the next level. Many of the NBA mock drafts and the so called 'experts' list Thompson outside of the lottery but his stock is rising up my 2011 mock draft, all the way to the top five!

I don't expect that my blog will influence all the others but I do think that other draftniks will see what they've been missing and soon they'll be moving Thompson higher.

Thompson has a great combination of size, quickness, and an advanced knowledge of the game. He seems to always know where to be on the court and once he gets the ball in his hands he's tough to stop. His one weakness is at the foul line, where he hits only about 50%. He has good enough form on his shot to improve drastically and possibly become a 70% in a few years.

Thompson is slightly less explosive than Derrick Favors, the #3 pick of 2010, but Thompson has better skills and better basketball IQ. He also plays with a lot of intensity and hustle. Power forwards with his size and skill combination are very valuable at the next level and I think Thompson's true value will be recognized soon.

Also rising up the draft board is Harrison Barnes who was off to a slow start but has come on strong and is showing flashes of greatness.

Terrence Jones is still in the top five but is slipping. He is still playing at a high level but looks like a tweener, not quite a power forward or a small forward.

Other players who are rising are John Jenkins, John Henson and Jujuan Johnson.