NBA Draft 2011: 30 Future NBA Players' Current Draft Status
College basketball is a great place for future NBA players to showcase their talents in front of the whole country. With the one-and-done rule, it seems that every year there are more and more freshman jumping to the NBA to make the mad money.
So where do these young talents rank up with the tried-and-true veterans of the college game?
It's no secret that the NBA Draft is a crap shoot (both to get picks and who you pick). More and more teams are drafting on potential instead of proven talent and it doesn't always pay off. So who will go where in the 2011 NBA Draft come June? Here's the first indication of where some big names could end up being drafted.
Draft Stock: Up; Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
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Jones was one of the higher-ranked freshman coming into this season. His size is almost unmatched amongst the freshman class. For his size, Jones is very quick and athletic. He is an amazing rebounder and a great shot blocker, plus he has a decent shot from long range for someone his size. The only real knocks on Jones are his work ethic and consistency. He is a very streaky player and will become invisible at times due to his passiveness. His talent is almost unmatched and his potential is enormous, so he’ll probably end up being a top three pick.
Draft Stock: Down; Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
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Putting a down next to Harrison Barnes may be blasphemy in some people’s books, but his play so far this season hasn’t lived up to the hype. However, this down isn’t too dramatic. I’m just dropping him down from the consensus No. 1 pick in the draft to a top-three pick. He has shown flashes of brilliance in this still very young season, but there have been better players out there.
That being said, Barnes still brings one of the best overall games I’ve ever seen. He’s played almost every position already this season and seems comfortable in all of them. He dribbles well, shoots great, rebounds well and is seemingly the best on-ball defender for the Tar Heels. His game is reminiscent of an early Kobe Bryant; he just needs to fill out his figure to be a complete threat.
Draft Stock: Up; Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
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Irving is arguably the best freshman point guard in the country. He’s stepped in and immediately made a huge impact in the Duke system. The fact that he’s shown so much poise in such a historic program under pressure proves his mettle. He’s going to be a great pickup for whoever gets him in the draft this season. He’s easily one of the fastest players in the country and can finish with the best of them. His court vision is absolutely ridiculous, feeding balls through holes that haven’t even opened up yet. Irving is most like a Chris Paul-type player. He scores just as well as he does anything else and he can shut down people with his defense. Irving is another youngster that we can expect huge things from in the future.
Up; Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
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Sullinger has already proven his worth for the Buckeyes. His power in the post hasn’t been contained and he looks like he might be the best freshman in the country this season. He’s even managed to trim down about 20 pounds while keeping all of his power. His size needs no translation as he is the perfect power forward for the NBA. He even has a pretty good jump shot for a guy his size. Because the NBA has such a potential-based draft, Sullinger will go in the top five easily, but we may even see him go higher than that. A star in the making, Sullinger should see plenty of success once he starts making money.
Down; Josh Selby, PG, Kansas
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Josh Selby is only down on this list because of his ineligibility. He can easily play as well as anyone in the country, but the fact that he won’t be in the game for another month or so means that he is missing time to show off his talents at the next level. This shouldn’t affect his draft status much, maybe a spot or two, because he is such a gifted athlete. His ability to control his body while finishing, as well as creating his own shot, is amazing. He’ll still be a top-10 pick, but it will be interesting to see how he plays coming back after a long break.
Up; Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
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It’s very difficult to pick the best freshman in Kentucky’s stellar class, but so far it has been Jones. His athletic ability has been devastating to other teams and he’s just been able to outwork many of the people guarding him so far this year. His size is one of the most impressive things about him. He’s 6’8” but sports a 7’2” wingspan, making him incredibly long. He can pass extremely well and scores from just about anywhere. He’s a lot like Bill Russell (though obviously not as well proven). Expect to see Jones come off the board in the top 10 if he keeps playing like he is now.
Up; Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut
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So far this season, no one has been better than Kemba Walker. He is leading Division I in points per game and his leadership ability has been integral in the great start for the Huskies. He led all scorers against the Michigan State Spartans and completed the upset with big baskets down the stretch.
Currently residing around the No. 20 spot, Walker has a ridiculous upside. He’s fast, he’s a great defender, he passes well and he’s amazingly explosive. If he keeps improving the way he is currently, I expect he’ll move up to a lottery pick by the end of the year. In terms of how he’ll play in the pros, I think he could be a surprise All-Star selection eventually. His uncanny ability to score amongst more powerful and bigger opponents is exactly what he’ll need in the NBA. His most similar comparison is Steve Francis: an explosive playmaker that can raise an entire team if he can mature and compose himself.
Up; Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
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Trey Thompkins is a very unique player. Listed at 6’9”, 245 lbs, he is a powerful inside presence. He is very skilled around the basket, showing good footwork and good finishing ability. The thing that makes him special is his ability to score from outside as well. He’s a surprisingly good ball handler and he has NBA three-point range in his arsenal. He’s not a great athlete, however, and that may give him a disadvantage in the NBA. Watch for Thompkins as a sleeper on the draft board. He may keep moving up.
Down; Elias Harris, SF, Gonzaga
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The only reason for the downgrade on Harris is because of his injury. Originally it was thought he might have torn his Achilles tendon, but it’s just a foot injury that has already healed. The fact that he is returning is good for him. He’s projected to be a mid-to-late first rounder. His body is perfect for NBA play and he’s a great rebounder down in the post. He just needs to work on his durability and creating his own shot a bit more. Harris is more of a pure athlete than a basketball player so, if he can improve his skill, he could move back up a bit.
Up; Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
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Burks stormed onto the scene last season as an unheralded freshman starting for the Buffaloes. His ability to penetrate the defense proved difficult for many defenses, but he managed to stay under the radar due to the lack of exposure on a bad team. His game is well suited towards the NBA. He excels in the one-on-one game, which could be a huge advantage for a team needing a shooting guard. Burks can also finish extremely well. He’ll probably end up going right outside of the lottery in the mid-first round, but a good season could potentially put him in a lottery team’s lineup.
Down; Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
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Singler is everyone’s pick for the NCAA Player of the Year. However, his particular skill set may not actually translate very well to the NBA. The biggest thing that Kyle Singler has going for him is his basketball IQ. No one coming out of Durham is dumb, but Singler has a great grasp on the game and how it should be played. His ability to handle the ball is better than most players his size and he has a decent jump shot. The real question in Singler’s game is his physicality and athleticism. He’s not the best athlete in college by any means and, if playing the small forward in the pros, he’ll have to match up against LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, who will probably be able to push him around. Regardless, he is easily a first-round pick, especially if he wins the Player of the Year Award.
Up; Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State
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Singleton is a great big man and he has an unconventional skill set for his position. He’s 6’9” but plays a wing-forward position due to his skills. He’s an able dribbler for his size and he has a pretty jump shot that includes three-point range. He’s also very dangerous in transition as he gets up and down the floor very well. He has failed to produce the first couple of years at Florida State, so, if he can show up this year, his draft stock may continue to rise. But he’s basically being graded on potential at this point.
Up; Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas
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Morris’ stock has slowly been rising throughout the entire offseason. With no Cole Aldrich to take up most of the paint, Morris has been the guy in Lawrence. His rebounding ability is what makes him outstanding down in the post. He ably grabs anything near him and if it is on the offensive side of the ball, most likely it will go back into the hoop. Morris is still rising and he could be drafted in the mid-first round if he declares this season.
Up; Quincy Acy, F, Baylor
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Quincy Acy is already set on having his breakout year this season. His rebounding ability and efficiency in the post is a dangerous weapon that has him creeping up the draft boards. The NBA is an athlete’s league. Acy fits the stereotype of a typical 3-4 hybrid. His athletic build is very similar to that of Josh Smith. He has the ability to step out and take an outside shot or two, but he is much more comfortable taking advantage of his athletic prowess down around the boards. He is currently sitting around the end of the first round and beginning of the second round but he should move up the big board by the time the draft comes around. His athletic ability can make him a solid starter on a team with no better options at the three or four spot.
Up; Demetri McCamey, PG, Illinois
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McCamey is one of the better point guards bound for the NBA. The Illinois guard took a while to polish his skills while in college and didn’t turn many heads while he was thinking of going into the draft last season. So he came back on a mission to prove he could play at an NBA level. McCamey’s control of the game is second to none. He uses his ability to pass the ball around and lead his team on the floor to keep the games low scoring. The only thing he really needs to improve upon is his shot selection. Sometimes he chooses the wrong option on what to do. He fluctuates between being too unselfish and too selfish. Although not the best athlete in the world, if his decision-making improves, he can be a solid starting point guard much like Mike Bibby.
Up; JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
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Johnson may have benefited from Robbie Hummel’s injury. He’s become one of two main threats on the Boilermakers team and he’s started to impress the NBA scouts. Although a bit weak to play the power forward position in the NBA, JaJuan Johnson’s height and athleticism make him an excellent post defender. He can jump with the best and he’s also a very talented shot blocker. His offensive game still needs some work and, at times, he seems lost on the court. He should end up being a solid big man in the mold of Tyson Chandler or Emeka Okafor.
Down; John Shurna, SF, Northwestern
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John Shurna should make a decent NBA prospect. Much like former Butler player Gordon Hayward, Shurna is a lanky three with a good shot and the ability to get to the basket. Although he may not be the best athlete in college basketball, he makes up for it with the fundamentals. Shurna has an arsenal of well-crafted moves that can either separate him from opponents or help him maneuver past opponents. Shurna will most likely end up being drafted in the late-first round or early-second round. In the NBA, he will probably be a solid bench player, but he lacks the explosiveness to contribute much more than 20 minutes a game. His game may translate to a poor man’s Brent Barry in the NBA.
Up; Nolan Smith, SG, Duke
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Nolan Smith has to be considered one of the top 10 college players in the country. Many people believe that his game might not be compatible with the pro systems currently in place. However, his pros heavily outweigh his cons. He’s best at creating plays and opening space for others, but he also has a good jump shot and an awesome first step to the basket. Like all Duke players, Smith has a great IQ and could be a great addition to any team. His role would most likely fill a Matt Barnes-type spot, a solid defender and shooter coming off of the bench. If last season was any indication, this season should raise his draft stock and he may be looking at a late-first round to early-second round draft spot.
Down; Kalin Lucas, PG, Michigan State
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Kalin Lucas is regarded as one of the best point guards in the country. He’s super quick, explosive and athletic. Plus, he’s a marvelous perimeter defender. However, the NBA is a very potential-based league. Many times, the upperclassmen are undervalued because they’ve supposedly already reached their maximum potential. I have no doubt that Lucas will be a good NBA point guard, but he needs a good season to get drafted higher than the second round.
Down; Corey Fisher, PG, Villanova
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Fisher has been around for a long time in Philadelphia. He has great control of the team and is a veteran leader on the floor. His ability to slash to the basket is extraordinary. However, much like Kalin Lucas, his spectacular playmaking ability has lost its luster for many scouts due to his exposure in the national limelight. For now his draft status stays at down, but expect it to rise by the end of the season. He’s a legitimate target for teams needing a point guard.
Up; Brad Wanamaker, PG, Pittsburgh
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Wanamaker has become one of the most solid players in college basketball since the beginning of last season. He’s been one of the constants in Pittsburgh and his game is the reason. Wanamaker is one of the most level-headed players in the game. He can score from outside as well as penetrating towards the basket. He sees the floor extremely well and can make a pass on a dime. Wanamaker is especially good at defense as well. His size may end up being a small problem in the NBA.
He’s good at everything but not great at anything, which may be the reason he’s not on many big boards at the moment. Look for him by the end of the season, though. He should be able to improve his draft status eventually.
Up; Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
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Klay Thompson is definitely the most unrecognized player in college basketball. Thompson is one of the premier shooters in the country and he is great getting to the basket as well. His basketball IQ is off the charts and he’s awesome at finding the right pass on offense. He isn’t the highest-ranked prospect, but if he puts up another good year, his stock should rise some more. Thompson isn’t the most athletic guy in the country but he makes up for it by playing fundamental basketball. He’s a lot like Reggie Miller. He’s not going to shock and awe you by blowing by you, but he can make almost any shot you give him. Klay Thompson is most likely a second-round pick.
Down; Jacob Pullen, PG, Kansas State
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Jacob Pullen hasn’t played up to his ability this season. He’s been named a preseason All-American, but the lack of another guard like Denis Clemente has hurt his ability to work off the ball. He’s been handling the ball at the point this season and it hasn’t been working very well. He’ll end up playing the point in the NBA as well, so this is basically a tryout season for scouts. If he doesn’t turn his play around soon, his stock may drop more.
Down; Jimmer Fredette, PG, Brigham Young
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As I’ve said before, Fredette is the best pure scorer in the country. He may not be the fastest, strongest or most athletic, but the kid can flat out score. However, that’s not what makes a great NBA player. The things that Fredette lacks are more essential for a point guard in the NBA than in the college game. He’ll probably get drafted in the second round due to pure name recognition and the fact that he’s so good at getting the ball in the basket, but his career at the next level may be a bit limited. The most I can see him achieving is a Robert Horry-esque role. He could come in and hit a big shot every couple of games, but he won’t be a consistent starter. So enjoy his lights-out performances out in Utah, they might not be around much longer.
Down; Malcolm Delaney, PG, Virginia Tech
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Malcolm Delaney has been the leader in Blacksburg since he got there and has developed into one of the biggest scoring threats in college basketball. To compete in the pros, however, more than just scoring is needed. Delaney’s offensive prowess is not at all in question. He can pretty much do anything necessary to score, especially if that includes driving to the basket. However, his decisions when on the ball seem to come under scrutiny at times. Delaney will often make some bad decisions when trying to score. He also shows some lapses on the defensive end at times, giving up on plays long before they are over. Delaney is another player that may end up taking his talents overseas, but if he lands a job in the NBA, he may just impress enough to keep it.
Down; Isaiah Thomas, PG, Washington
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Thomas’ NBA status may be limited by the way he plays the game. Although only 5’8”, he plays a more of a scoring-guard role for the Huskies. He doesn’t control the point and his specialties are more centered on being the top scorer rather than distributing the ball. A game like that is much more suited to someone six-to-eight inches taller in the NBA, so his size is definitely his biggest concern. His speed is a huge selling point, as small point guards have found their niche before with that particular skill set. If he gets drafted, he may find a spot as a backup point guard who can bring a change of pace to the game, much like his predecessor Nate Robinson has done with Boston. He’ll be a late-second rounder at best.
Down; Jeremy Hazell, SG, Seton Hall
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The biggest knock on Jeremy Hazell was the fact that he needed tons of shots to put up any substantial points. However, this season Hazell has shown that he can score without putting up all of those shots. That was until he broke his wrist. Although the momentary injury should be a setback to his draft status, it shouldn’t hurt too badly. Hazell proved in his first three games that he could be a dominant force without being the only player getting significant touches. Before injuring himself, he was shooting a blazing 53 percent from the field and even hotter from behind the line, boasting a 64.7 three-point percentage. Hazell’s ability to score is his biggest asset. Much like Richard Hamilton, he could be a great shooting guard in the NBA. If he gets drafted, he would probably be a solid bench player to step in for a moment, but his lack of overall game may cause Hazell to seek employment across the pond.
Down; LaceDarius Dunn, SG, Baylor
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Dunn really performed well in his return to the court on Monday. However, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s decreased his rank in many people’s books. He is a killer shooter but he is somewhat one-dimensional. He has a decent ability to get to the rim, but it seems that he would be much happier just taking a contested shot instead of using a shot fake to drive past the player. He’s not as explosive as some of the other guards in the draft and recently character issues have come into question. Not many teams are going to want to take a risk on Dunn. Expect him to go somewhere in the second round, but he might go undrafted.
Down; Randy Culpepper, PG, UTEP
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Culpepper is a really fun player to watch, but the way he plays can’t really be applied in the NBA. He’s a small high-flyer that has a taste for flair but lacks a true depth of talent. Culpepper can shoot pretty well and does a good job of creating shots. However, for a point guard, he turns the ball over way too much and he doesn’t play on the ball enough. He would rather work off the ball to get open. That kind of play typically stays with the twos and threes in the NBA and not a point man. He’s also too small to be anything other than a point guard. We’ll see if he can improve his stock this year, but Culpepper might be headed overseas.
Down; Kevin Anderson, PG, Richmond
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Anderson is another relatively undersized point guard who is a very proficient scorer. He can put up plenty of points, but he isn’t great at slowing or controlling the tempo of the game effectively. If he is going to play well in the NBA, he needs to work on his court vision and decision-making. He puts up too many contested shots when he could dish the ball off and reset. Sometimes it feels like he is forcing the ball. Players in the NBA need to be more than one-dimensional which isn’t something that Anderson is great at. He may go in the second round, but he might not just as easily.
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