[the27guyParticipant]

I get a little tired of people acting like scouting reports are PERFECT. In reality, every year NBA teams make mistakes. Guys like Hasheem Thabeet go #2 in he draft. It just happens. 

But what annoys me is when people on these boards say something that is different than what the masses think and they are ridiculed for saying it. Businesses that succeed have to think differently, and people who just trust the experts aren’t very interesting. People get scared of getting negs so they don’t write what they think. Write what you think. Who cares if someone give me a neg. You can all give me negs. Do it. Go ahead. I don’t care.

So, I pose the question, who do you think will be the top 5 picks in the 2011 draft? If you have some predictions that are not what the experts think, then PLEASE share them. If you think that Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams are the only people in his draft that can be stars, than please go write on another thread, because I’ve heard that story already, I’m tired of it, and I think it’s wrong. I think Irving will be an average point guard who can’t handle the rigors of the NBA.

Before I say who my top 5 are, I’m going to share an experience. I was at the Jazz draft party in 2006 (which is held at the ESA), and the jazz were about to draft 2 straight second round picks. They announced the first, Dee Brown, and before they announced the second, everyone in the crowd yelled who they thought the Jazz should select. I yelled at the top of my lungs, "take Mike Gansey!!!" I was so sure that guy would be Jeff Hornacek. Then Kevin OConner said, we’re selecting Paul Millsap. I said, "you’re an idiot OConner!" Well, thankfully, OConner knows a little more about basketball than I do. The guy next to my Father and me turned to me and said, "we just drafted a heck of a player. He’ll make the team, and you’ll be glad we took that guy. If I’d have been drafting, I would have taken him with their first pick (#14 overall)" Obviously, that guy was right. And Millsap is probably one of the best 5-8 guys out of that class. But what’s cool is that guy predicted that Millsap would be great… even though 30 NBA teams let him slip in the 1st round… a round that started with the likes of Bargnani, Sheldon Williams, and Adam Morrison…

…Now that I’ve totally discredited myself…

 

My top 5-

1. Derrick Williams– I know… I know. Everyone thinks he has a chance to be good. I think he has a chance to be a perennial all star. He has the will and the talent to be a star small forward on a winning team. His combination of athleticism, strength, and scoring ability give him the chance to be great. 

2. Brandon Knight– His toughness and savvy showed in the tournament. I think he’s very mature for his age, and that will show during his NBA career. 

3. Bismack Biyombo– He might be a bust. But his athleticism and size is rare. You don’t often see guys his size attack offensive players at the rim the way he does. Granted, we haven’t seen a lot of him, but from what I’ve watched, he’s like a goalie in soccer. His job is to protect the rim. He knows that and does it. I think he’ll start at center and be a defensive anchor for a team while being a junk yard clean up guy on offense. I also absolutely believe e’ll lead the legue in block multiple times.

4. The Jimmer– 30 foot range is 30 foot range, whether it be in college or the NBA. More importantly though, as I’ve previously mentioned, he’s not just a shooter… he’s a scorer. Teams game planned for him specifically before games for weeks in advance, and COULD NOT STOP HIM. Plus, he seems like a tough kid. He’s deceptively quick. He’s got good change of pace. I think he’ll be a good 3rd of 4th best player on a quality playoff team.

5. Kawhi Leonard– In a draft like this, he’s a very safe pick. Trust me. He’s tough. He’s had real things to deal with in his life. He’s a man. His motor is crazy. He doesn’t stop. He’ll be that guy who scores 12-14 points per game without a go-to move, and will lock down the other teams best swing man in a way that will make him an all-defensive team candidate for years.

[TheFactionCoalition.comParticipant]

I wonder if Leonard could be like Doug Christie was to the Kings during their "glory days" in that he could mean a lot more to his team than any other team. One of those guys the crowd loves, and the team pays a little more than any other team would because he means something to them. Christie was nothing spectacular but he really gelled on the Kings and was exactly the type of player they needed. He really struggled after he left, and def had his best years in Sac. 

[the27guyParticipant]

 I think he could be like Christie a little bit. Christie was an ace defender and an important team first guy to that Kings team. Obviously Leonard plays the game very different but i get what you mean.

[scliddiardParticipant]

the27guy: I actually like your analysis, even though there are several stretches.  I think the only way Williams will be a star is if he can be the 3  you think he can be, if not he will be a Milsap type player, an undersized 4, (which isn’t bad but).

I really like Biyombo, but we haven’t seen much of him, I did like what I saw though and I love his attitude and drive. He’s a high risk, high rewards / big bust type pick.

Jimmer again is a stretch, but I’m a Jimmer fan and think he has more game than people give him credit for, he isn’t just a shooter like you said, he has good handles and his stop and go, change of direction, hesitation moves make him very difficult to stop.  Just been watching Barera, he not your elite athlete but he’s tough and right now he’s been eating the Lakers up.  If given the chance Jimmer can be alot better than Barera.  If Jimmer shows he can be a distributor and solid defender, he could be awsome.

Leonard is my darkhorse pick, he could be really good, long, athletic, good defender, shoots OK and should get better at shooting. Has a good motor and fights to win.

 

[omphalosParticipant]

My dark horse pick for best career is Alec Burks, depending on where he ends up. If he goes to either Cleveland or Charlotte he’s going to be given a more or less free reign and dominate.

[r377Participant]

While his stock has dropped i still feel he will be a good late lotto pick

[the27guyParticipant]

 Scilliard, I agree with nearly everything you said. Williams definitly has that tweener build, but like an Antawn Jamison, I think he’ll be able to defend both forward spots for a long time until he gets too old and can’t handle the speed of the little guys as well.

I also agree on Leonard. I’d take him over TJones any day. Not as much crazy offensive upside, but way more defensive upside with a better mind, motor, attitude, readiness, etc. I don’t agree with what you said about his shot though. He’s really bad right now, but his rebounding skills will get him 5-6 points a game cleaning up other peoples garbage.

Omphalos, I think you could be right about Burks if he goes to Charlotte of Cleveland. Kind of like Derozan’s situation, if he has free reign, he’s going to get shots and he’ going to score a lot… but I’m not sure that will make him a great player.

[jazz270Participant]

I think you’re on to something here. I like all those guys to do well in the NBA.

And though I have questions about Kanter, I get the feeling he could be very good if his health holds out….His knees, in particular. I love his offensive skills, he’s a great shooter with long range, and loves to bang as well. If he checks out, he could be a real surprise.

I’m a Jazz fan too, who’d a thunk….And I’d love to have Jimmer on the team, long range shooting is something the Jazz have not had much of with the exception of Korver, who was only a spot up shooter and couldn’t create his shots. Jimmer has a knack for doing so, with his crazy crossover and hesitation moves. I look for him to be much better than a lot of people think. Serious starter good on a good team, and he’ll work on his defense to get it up to snuff. He’s an extremely hard worker and very intelligent, and a better athlete than given credit for. He’ll surprise a lot of people at the combine.

I wasn’t that high on Leonard until I started watching some vids on him. His motor never quits, he’s deceptively athletic and very, very fast. I think he could be a very nice SF for the Jazz, teamed with good shooters like Hayward and Jimmer or Harris. I see him as a Gerald Wallace type player, if he could ever get his jump shot going, he’d be an all star. I think he’s as tough as nails, and will do very well in the NBA.

I really like Biyombo to do well, and much better than expected on the offensive side of things. He’s incredibly talented, you can tell by how fast he’s learned things. Get him with a good bigman coach, and watch out.

I like Knight and Williams as well, but that’s a little more mainstream.

I really like Vesely, while he’s not a great offensive player, he’s an exceptional defensive player and a potential lockdown defender with his speed and hops and grit.

[the27guyParticipant]

 Jazz270, Stellar. Just stellar. I like it. Kanter is a complete unknown to me right now, but maybe. I love your Gerald Wallace comparison for Leonard, and I agree he might be AK’s replacement. It’s crazy wxciting with two lotto picks. We could end up with Jimmer and Biyombo, or Leonard and Knight, or Williams and Burks….  

[canesboy6Participant]

If we are going by Absolute Ceiling

1. Kyrie Irving- I hate duke so I usually act like he isnt that good but he has shown more than ample evidence that he is really good, and he has good size to build upon as well. He could be a perennial All Star at the deepest position in the NBA. I dont quite see a superstar, but I wouldnt consider Deron Williams a superstar even though he is an amazing player.

2. Jan Vesely- Take the time to actually watch his highlight. He shatters the Euro Steryotype. He is long, athletic, NASTY and phyiscal. A gritty guy with alot of physical tools, productive experience at a professional level more competitive than d-1 with grown men, and he is a good off the ball player, which teams love, especially ones with good on ball players.

3. Brandon Knight- Finally gettin the credit he deserves. Isn’t a perfect floor general yet, but is very young and not as far off as you’d think. Has some Russell Westbrook in him. Already very good, very young, and crazy athletic with elite size and tools to build. IMO he is the Safest pick in the draft, he will be a good Starter no matter what. He is better than Jrue Holiday, but similar.

4. Derrick Williams- Im not sure what to think with him. On Paper and in film, you have big question marks. What position will he play? Guys similar to him have rarely been dominant. But when you watch him play, he was the best in the country last year, by a longshot. Yes, Better than Kemba, and Jimmer, and bigger and younger too. So you wonder, is he more of a college guy, or a straight up beast that you just find a place for? Very good, but has more question marks than your typical elite prospect.

5. Jeremy Tyler- Is a great candidate to never reach his potential, but good lord is the kid talented. Truthfully, if you were to draft guys for physical attributes, he would be number 1 or 2 with Biyombo (but we know how old he really is). He is just freaky, a legit 6’11 in shoes and maybe still growing a tiny bit. Has a checkered past to say the least, but on the plus side you can say he has 2 years pro experience and has traveled extensively. It wouldnt shock me one bit if he never reaches his peak, but I think people are forgetting that hands down he is the most intriguing athlete in the class, and was the number 1 player in the class before going overseas 2 years ago. I hope my Heat find a way to get him, stash him, and let him be their center of the future when he grows up.

[CodySLCParticipant]

Kanter will be gone by the third pick. We need to try and get Brandon Knight at 6. 12 will really be a toss up. Also since this draft is"weak" so maybe we could trade up and get Irving?

[canesboy6Participant]

Here is my big board as of right now, factoring a combination of ceiling, floor, and readyness to contribute

1. Kyrie Irving

2. Derrick Williams

3. Brandon Knight

4. Enes Kanter

5. Jan Vesely

6. Donatas Motiejunas

7. Bismack Biyombo

8. Kemba Walker

9. Kawhi Leonard

10. Marcus Morris

11. Chris Singleton

12. Jonas Valunicias

13. Tristian Thompson

14. Travis Leslie

15. Jeremy Tyler

16. Terrance Jones

17. Jimmer Fredette

18. Markief Morris

19. Tobias Harris

20. Darius Morris

21. Klay Thompson

22. Kenneth Farried

23. Marshon Brooks

24. Jordan Hamilton

25.  Jajuan Johnson

26. Cory Joseph

27. Nolan Smith

28. Josh Selby

29. Trey Thompkins

30. Malcolm Lee

[omphalosParticipant]

No Burks in your top 30 canesboy6?

Also, I agree that with the right coaching Tyler could be amazing. Does anyone else think Cousins’ issues this season have hurt Tyler’s draft stock given how similar they are? I hope he ends up in Boston.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 1. Derrick Williams

2. Kyrie Irving

3. Jan Vesely

4. Bismark Biyombo

5. Jonas Valanciunas

[VarnishkisParticipant]

I believe the top 5 at this moment ready for NBA is:

1. Derrick Williams

2. Brandon Knight

3. Kyrie Irving

4. Donatas Motiejunas

5. Kemba Walker

Whether they will be a Top 5 it is a different story.

No Kanter? The guy has lost 1 year of competition basketball at the most crucial age of developing as a basketball player… He will have to work as twice as hard to compensate the year out of basketball…

No Vesely? I have watched this guy whole Euroleague season this and previous year. Althought he has made improvements but he is still too weak for PF and too slow for SF thats on defensive side. On offence he is completelly with ackward shot, scoring (dunking) only on fast breaks…

[mwalling2117Participant]

1. Derrick Williams: I believe that he will play the 4 position, just be a be a bit undersized. He reminds me of Jamison or even an Elton Brand type player. I would also consider Williams the safest player in this draft.
2. Jan Vessley: Vessley doesn’t play “European” at all. Even though he is a bit small (thin) for the 4 position, I believe his physical playing style will help him overcome that. He also will add some size to his frame. I think Vessley is the only guy in this draft with “superstar” potential, but I also believe there is a bust possiblity with him. The closest comparison is probably what everyone thought Tyrus Thomas would be when he was a rookie.
3. Kemba Walker: I know he’s short, I know he is a two guard in a point guards’ body, but you can’t teach leadership and toughness. And throught the tournament he show an amplitude of both. Despite his shortcommings , no pun intended, in this week draft I believe he can be an effective starting point guard on a championship level type team. Think Rod Strickland in a Derek Fisher type role.
4. Kyrie Irving: There is no denying that the man has talent, but it worries me that Duke looked worse in the tournament when he cam back. I know people will say that he only looked worse because of his extended absense, but the team looked worse, not him. When I picture Kyrie all I ever see is a point guard who puts up all-star #’s but plays for crappy teams every year. Mike Conley like style with a Baron Davis like career
5. Kenneth Faried: Double-double machine. Has a chance to be the best rebounder in the NBA. He wont ever be the leading scorer on an NBA team, but he will always be the most efficient rebounder on his NBA team. I see him as a mix between Paul Millsap and Ben Wallace and will end up being an important role player on a championship level team.

(I don’t understand everyone infatuation with Brandon Knight, he strikes me as the next Stephon Marbury except that Marbury could score at will, and he will struggle in the NBA.)

[JoeWolf1]

 When all is said and done these are the players I think will have the best careers and why.  This really is in no order, these are just my top 5 long term predictions in this class.

1. Kyrie Irving – He may not be Derrick Rose, or even John Wall, but he’s a hell of a player with all the right tools to succeed at the next level.  He produced at a high level right away coming into college and although there will be lots of turnovers and questionable decisions next year, like all rookie pg’s, I feel he’ll adjust into a very nice pro player.

2. Jan Vesley – The thing I like about Vesley is that he’s tough and has a great motor.  He’s got a nice skill set, is close to 7 feet tall.  He could stand to work on his shooting, but even right now his length, athleticism and pro experience will allow him to come right into the league and get time in a team’s rotation.

3. Tristan Thompson – Thompson has an amazing frame, good athleticism, long arms and possess the ability to be a great NBA defender.  His wide shoulders will allow him to put on muscle without getting pudgy and I think he could easily play at 250 and maintain a low body fat percentage.  I think Thompson, after a couple years, will be a double double guy in the NBA for many years to come.

4. Derrick Williams – Williams has the size, skill, athleticism, and smarts to be a very good player, I feel he is one of the most NBA ready of this class and in my opinion is a favorite for ROY.  I feel he will have a long productive career.   

5. Jordan Hamilton –  I’ve watched a lot of Hamilton of the past two seasons and I think he will not have a lot of trouble adapting to the NBA.  He’s a tall wing scorer and can play both the 2 and 3.  He’s got a nice outside shot, but can get to the bucket too, there are some questions as what his role will be in the next level, but I personally feel his scoring ability will make him a consistant 2nd option for many years.

Barely out

6. Enes Kanter – I don’t feel Enes will have a lot of growing pains on the offensive end, but I feel he’s very much a work in progress on the defensive end.  His potential will get him drafted I think as high as 2 and no lower than 5, and I do think he’ll have a nice career, but I feel his defense will always be a knock on him. 

[JustForThoughtParticipant]

 1. branden knight

2. derrick williams

3. alec burks

4. kyrie irving

5. tristan thompson

6. enes kanter

7. Jeremy tyler

8. donata montiejunas

9. bismark biyombo

10. kawhi leonard

10. 

[scliddiardParticipant]

Has anyone heard how the workouts at Kentucky  went? This draft is so unpredictable that I’m really interested to see and hear how the players do in their workouts.  TJones needs to show he can play the 3, the pt guards need to show leadership and that they can be distributors not just scorers.

[Author]

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