[providencefriars1Participant]

Its just an odd order of players. Derrick Williams at 7 was probably the most questionnable pick.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog?name=ncbexperts&id=6693035

One of the few guarantees in the NBA draft is that different people evaluate talent differently. So while there are already a few different takes on identifying the top talents in this year’s draft class, here’s my final top 30 based on my own observations. I suspect you’ll see more than a few variations from the other lists you’ve seen so far.

 

 

1. Kyrie Irving, Duke
Best case, he’s Chris Paul. Worst case? A bigger Brevin Knight. Go back and look at Chad Ford’s top 100 from December and you’ll see Mason Plumlee was a lottery pick. Now Plumlee is back in school despite a weak draft class. One big reason, to me, is that Irving made him that much better when he was healthy.

2. Enes Kanter, Kentucky
A legit face-up 4 man who can bang and dominate down low. Kanter will be rusty early, but he is physical and tough and could end up being an All-Star.

 

 

3. Jan Vesely, Partizan Belgrade
The most ready European prospect, Vesely is a face-up 4 who should become a 3 quite easily. He needs to be a better shooter, but runs like a deer and has good hands. His size gives him versatility as well.

 

 

4. Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania
He just turned 19 years old, lacks consistency and won’t come over here for another year, but he is huge, athletic and young. Additionally, there may be a shortened season in the NBA anyway due to the threat of a lockout, so it might be a good time to stock up for the future rather than the present. Valanciunas probably has the highest ceiling of the Euros.

 

 

5. Klay Thompson, Washington State
Thompson may be the only legit NBA shooting guard in the draft. He has the best shooting release in the college game with deep, deep range, but he must get tougher. Teams have to like that he keeps getting better. He shot just shy of 40 percent from 3, while taking some bad shots and having to carry a dysfunctional team.

 

 

6. Chris Singleton, Florida State
Singleton has the perfect skill set for a lockdown defender guarding a 3 in the pros. Not a star, not a great ball handler, but a competitor who guards three positions, can shoot the corner 3 and came back from a foot injury to play in the Tourney, even though his draft stock was high. Translation: He loves to play.

 

 

7. Derrick Williams, Arizona
He’s a great finisher and a good open shooter who is in between positions. He says he is a 3, scouts think he is a smallish 4, but his shooting and finishing ability separates him. He could be a taller Charles Barkley or a smaller Blake Griffin. My concern is if he can still get to the line at the next level. He scored 33 percent of his points from the stripe last year, so it’s a big part of his game.

 

 

8. Brandon Knight, Kentucky
Knight is a scoring point guard out of the Chauncey Billups mould. Very talented midrange jump shooter who is not afraid to take and make the big shot. He struggles with great athletes who can pressure him out of his game and he needs to go work on his left hand. Zero baggage, very bright and young, Knight can also play off the ball.

 

 

9. Tristan Thompson, Texas
Only 6-foot-7, but very long, Thompson is a tremendous talent on defense who needs a ton of work on his jumper. He cannot make a free throw, but he can handle the ball and is very young. Great attitude and will compete at the 4 and the 5.

 

 

10. Jimmer Fredette, BYU
A big-time shooter/scorer who is a scoring point guard. Deep range is a trademark and he has the complete set of finishing tools needed to play in the league. Needs to play alongside more athletic penetrating wings, but should be able to start with the right team in the NBA.

 

 

11. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State He has huge hands and is a great rebounder/competitor, but his jumper needs work. Leonard is a dynamic scorer inside 15 feet and has some Latrell Sprewell to his game (without the off-the-court baggage), but he needs a lot of work on the perimeter in order to be higher on the board.

 

 

12. Tobias Harris, Tennessee
Big and skilled with a professional-style game, Harris should continue to climb draft boards as scouts see his body has developed quite well in his one college season. Harris is a little soft and not terribly comfortable in the low post on offense. Still, he does have some skill down there to score at the low block.

 

 

13. Bismack Biyombo, Congo (Fuenlabrada-Spain)
A highly athletic big man who is the Ben Wallace of this draft. His terrible individual workout in Italy proved that he has no offensive game. Per one NBA scout, "He should fire his agent, but we still really like him." Although plenty of GMs seem to be sold on Biyombo, his lack of any sort of offensive game makes me think of Mouhamed Saer Sene.

 

 

14. Kemba Walker, UConn
Walker has a tremendous first step as a scoring combo guard. Unreal motor and toughness, with the ability to be a good defender. Walker is not a true point and will be best suited to come off the bench and energize a team like Jason Terry or Bobby Jackson (in his prime).

 

 

15. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
Obviously a tremendous rebounder and athlete who can defend his position. In a draft with so many unknowns, Faried will be in the league 10 years, most of it as a starting power forward.

 

 

16. Marcus Morris, Kansas
He may have some separation anxiety being away from his twin brother for the first time, but Morris is a good, solid player. He doesn’t have a real set position though, as he thinks he is a 3. I believe he is an undersized 4.

 

 

17. Alec Burks, Colorado
A late bloomer who grew his senior year in high school. Tremendous athlete who can score in the open floor and has an improving jump shooter. The problem is that he has no position, is not yet a good enough shooter and may even spend some time in the D-League where he will have to establish that he is a pro 2.

 

 

18. Justin Harper, Richmond
He’s a legit NBA 3 in terms of size, skill and length, and also has something NBA scouts love — basketball DNA. His dad was a great player at Canisus. Justin can play some finesse 4 as well, but is not a good man-to-man defender because his college team ran a lot of match-up zone.

 

 

19. Norris Cole, Cleveland State
Probably the best point guard in the draft. Cole did it all Cleveland State this year, and his ability to score while running a team separates him. He’s stepping up in level of play, but his high ball screen game is a perfect fit for the league.

 

 

20. Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania (Benneton)
He’s a legit 7-footer who can score at the low block. He’s not a rebounder out of his zone and will struggle to defend NBA quickness if he matches up with a better athlete or is coming off a ball screen. Still, he has a ton of high-level experience and should stick as a likely starter or the first big off the bench.

 

 

21. Kyle Singler, Duke
Not a great athlete, but tough, skilled and will make a team better. Singler is the Tyler Hansbrough of this draft. You will get a ton out of him in a stretch with back-to-back games or other contests when some players will take off. He’s a solid pick for a team not in need of an upside player and could have a similar career to fellow Duke alum Shane Battier.

 

 

22. Charles Jenkins, Hofstra
A scoring point guard from Hofstra who is bigger and may be a better NBA back-up/combo guard than Kemba Walker based on his size, shooting and strength. On the other hand, he does not have great point guard skills and is smallish to play the 2.

 

 

23. Nikola Mirotic, Montenegro (Real Madrid – Spain)
Huge shooting wing with big time experience in the Spanish ACB league. Contract issues dropped his stock, but at just 20 years old, he can pass, shoot and move on the offensive end of the floor. Like, Valanciunas, he might have more value this year with the possibility of a lockout.

 

 

24. Jordan Hamilton, Texas
He’s a scoring 3 who rebounds well and has a deceptive first step a la Paul Pierce. He can score at the block and out to 3-point line, through he mostly goes right. Can become very selfish and would be better served to be on a good team with veterans in order to clean up some bad habits.

 

 

25. Trey Thompkins, Georgia
Thompkins is enormous and has some game from the high post as well. He never truly dominated in college but also never played with great guards. He’s put on some weight in the past and a lockout is not a good thing for guys who "blow up," but he has toughness, skill and good hands, which make him a tough call.

 

 

26. Reggie Jackson, Boston College
A scoring guard who is learning to be a point guard. If he lands with a team on which he is not asked to create or run a team, he should be a very solid pick.

 

 

27. Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA
Has a very high ceiling as an NBA 3 man, but is more Austin Daye than Tayshaun Prince. Best served to play on a team that runs rather than a halfcourt team. He must work on his body though.

 

 

28. Chandler Parsons, Florida
Like Honeycutt, he will disappear in a heartbeat, as he did in Florida’s Elite Eight loss to Butler, but plays as close to a European type of game as anyone in college hoops. He makes others better, but needs to get stronger.

 

 

29. Markieff Morris, Kansas
A solid rebounder and scorer, but a bit small to play the 4. He should adjust well to coming off the bench in the league, as he has done that in college as well. That is actually a plus. Markieff seems to have more quality basketball in him and he is just scratching the surface of his potential. But like his brother, he could have some separation anxiety.

 

 

30. Marshon Brooks, Providence
Brooks is a stud scoring wing who is long and athletic. He has a Kobe-light type of game — though he has no position and plays no defense. Still, off the bench he can give you points. Has a reputation as stats guys, not a team guy.

[MagikKnickParticipant]

 Gottlieb always has an odd big board, hes never 100% but he somewhat knows what hes talking about..

In ’09 he had Holiday ranked as the #1 (or 2?) PG in the draft, and we all laughed at him, atleast I did…and Holiday seemed to turn out OK.

But besides DWill at 7, its not all that bad..

[MagikKnickParticipant]

 Gottlieb always has an odd big board, hes never 100% but he somewhat knows what hes talking about..

In ’09 he had Holiday ranked as the #1 (or 2?) PG in the draft, and we all laughed at him, atleast I did…and Holiday seemed to turn out OK.

But besides DWill at 7, its not all that bad..

[David HussleSoftParticipant]

I completely agree with his assesment of Klay Thompson I think he so underrated I think he is a real steal in this draft.

I just disagree with Kanter being ranked that high his offensive skills may be polished but I hear he is a liability of defense.

[David HussleSoftParticipant]

I completely agree with his assesment of Klay Thompson I think he so underrated I think he is a real steal in this draft.

I just disagree with Kanter being ranked that high his offensive skills may be polished but I hear he is a liability of defense.

[PootyTangParticipant]

I accept most of his arguments even if i don’t necessarily agree, but 30 is wayyy too low for Brooks.  Even if those knocks on him are true, guys who can score that easily and fluidly are always a commodity in todays NBA, even if they are selfish and don’t play D.  Monta Ellis anyone? 

[PootyTangParticipant]

I accept most of his arguments even if i don’t necessarily agree, but 30 is wayyy too low for Brooks.  Even if those knocks on him are true, guys who can score that easily and fluidly are always a commodity in todays NBA, even if they are selfish and don’t play D.  Monta Ellis anyone? 

[PrecociousNeophyteParticipant]

 He is in love with Chris Singleton.

[PrecociousNeophyteParticipant]

 He is in love with Chris Singleton.

[TimbosliceParticipant]

It seems like gottlieb does things differently on purpose so he can say I told ya so when he gets it right,

[TimbosliceParticipant]

It seems like gottlieb does things differently on purpose so he can say I told ya so when he gets it right,

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

What kind of season would Kyle Singler needed to have had  in order for people to realize he isn’t a particularly good NBA prospect?

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

What kind of season would Kyle Singler needed to have had  in order for people to realize he isn’t a particularly good NBA prospect?

[Johnny Chill]

He isnt a good prospect, like Gottlieb said "he’s not athletic" but he will still find his way onto a roster, because he is a winner. Duke always produces winners, great team players, great citizens. He might not even average 10 point a game in his career but he will be in the NBA for 5+ years.

The addition of Irving, Singler, and Smith will give Duke 16 Blue Devils in the NBA. Not bad for a college that has a lot of unathletic players and doesnt produce too many All-Stars.

[Johnny Chill]

He isnt a good prospect, like Gottlieb said "he’s not athletic" but he will still find his way onto a roster, because he is a winner. Duke always produces winners, great team players, great citizens. He might not even average 10 point a game in his career but he will be in the NBA for 5+ years.

The addition of Irving, Singler, and Smith will give Duke 16 Blue Devils in the NBA. Not bad for a college that has a lot of unathletic players and doesnt produce too many All-Stars.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

Trajan Langdon was a winner. Mateen Cleaves was a winner. Khalid El-Amin was a winner…

The whole great teammate thing must have ignored the existence of Christian Laettner and Josh McRoberts. The great citizen must be ignoring the whole Jay Williams going against his contract and the advice of the motorcycle dealer when he decided to ruin his career trying to do stunts on a bike. How about Chris Duhon’s party schedule? Where does that work itself out in the teammate and citizen category when he has missed practices and meetings?

You can typecast Dukies if you want, but that is as dumb as saying because when UCLA was running off Final Four bids their players turned into good pros that means that now that they have been middling that Malcolm Lee and Tyler Honeycutt will also be good pros. Kyle Singler -absent of your Duke loving- is nowhere near the 21st best NBA prospect in the draft. He has shown no ability to play the 3, and is undersized at his best spot the 4.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

Trajan Langdon was a winner. Mateen Cleaves was a winner. Khalid El-Amin was a winner…

The whole great teammate thing must have ignored the existence of Christian Laettner and Josh McRoberts. The great citizen must be ignoring the whole Jay Williams going against his contract and the advice of the motorcycle dealer when he decided to ruin his career trying to do stunts on a bike. How about Chris Duhon’s party schedule? Where does that work itself out in the teammate and citizen category when he has missed practices and meetings?

You can typecast Dukies if you want, but that is as dumb as saying because when UCLA was running off Final Four bids their players turned into good pros that means that now that they have been middling that Malcolm Lee and Tyler Honeycutt will also be good pros. Kyle Singler -absent of your Duke loving- is nowhere near the 21st best NBA prospect in the draft. He has shown no ability to play the 3, and is undersized at his best spot the 4.

[Johnny Chill]

He was drafted in the 1st round, played in the NBA for a couple of years, then he had a great career in Russia and made a lot of money. Nothing wrong with that.

The point is: Singler isn’t athletic, but he’s going to be in the NBA and have a career in basketball. Duke put’s players in the league.

[Johnny Chill]

He was drafted in the 1st round, played in the NBA for a couple of years, then he had a great career in Russia and made a lot of money. Nothing wrong with that.

The point is: Singler isn’t athletic, but he’s going to be in the NBA and have a career in basketball. Duke put’s players in the league.

[JNixonParticipant]

Kyle Singler isn’t a very good prospect to me either. He doesn’t really have a skill that stands out as an NBA prospect. He would be big for a SF, but as BTPH said he doesn’t really play great as a SF. He’s an undersized PF in an oversized SF’s body. He also is a bad defender against athletic players, and that doesn’t bode well considering the NBA’s most athletic position is the SF spot, which is the position he’ll likely defend most.

[JNixonParticipant]

Kyle Singler isn’t a very good prospect to me either. He doesn’t really have a skill that stands out as an NBA prospect. He would be big for a SF, but as BTPH said he doesn’t really play great as a SF. He’s an undersized PF in an oversized SF’s body. He also is a bad defender against athletic players, and that doesn’t bode well considering the NBA’s most athletic position is the SF spot, which is the position he’ll likely defend most.

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