Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Kemba Walker to Toronto Heating Up?

There is some interesting news coming out of Toronto that could the direction the Raptors go in the draft.  Leandro Barbosa is considering playing in Brazil for a big contract next season, so if he departs the Raptors will need to replace his scoring.

Kemba Walker would seemingly be the perfect guy for the team then (if he wasn’t already).  He may not be a natural shooting guard, but if Barbosa leaves the Raptors could play Walker and Jose Calderon on the floor at the same time.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 24 Most Effective Scorers

Defense would then become a question for the Raptors.  Would they be able to run more and compensate on offense if they were to rely on a 6’1” shooting guard?

NBA rosters are filled with taller two-guards these days, so on paper it seems 50/50 that Walker could start at SG for Toronto.  In the long-run it’s worth the gamble.  Draft Walker now, figure out where he plays later.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: NBA Draft 2011: 10 Non-Lottery Players to Keep an Eye On

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Would Kenneth Faried Fit in with the Denver Nuggets?

Kenneth Faried was among the players to workout for the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, and by all accounts it was a successful day.

Faried is the best rebounding prospect in the draft, so it’s no surprise that he would fit in anywhere, even if the Nuggets would benefit most from a guard on June 23^rd.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 24 Most Effective Scorers

Faried seems destined to be a team-player wherever he winds up, because of his rebounding skills and unrefined offensive play.  Luckily for Faired, he’s not content with his offensive skill set and is looking to improve according the Denver Post’s Benjamin Hochman.

Faried also went on to say that despite his shortcomings he has some intangibles the Nuggets liked:

"(The Nuggets) really seem to like my style of play, my hustle, my don't-quit attitude. It's a good feeling to have when coaches and GMs believe in you, and you know they'll put you in the game but you won't give up and you can guard at any position."

Faried will likely be able to immediately contribute in the NBA.  He’ll get on offense down the road, but in the meantime his defense will make him an impact player.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: NBA Draft 2011: 10 Non-Lottery Players to Keep an Eye On

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Would Jimmer Fredette Fit in with the Sacramento Kings?

Jimmer Fredette rolled into the Sacramento area for a workout yesterday, and he was pleased with the results.  This is despite Jimmer-Mania being in full-force. 

A large contingent of Jimmer-fans were allowed to watch the guard workout, while autograph fans were on-hand outside of the arena.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 24 Most Effective Scorers

But while the pageantry was noticeable, Fredette continues to keep working on his game to try and show teams he is defensively-capable at the NBA level.  Jimmer spoke with News10 in Sacramento and had this to say about his workout:

"The main thing I wanted to show is that I can play defense at this level, so I came in to compete really hard," Fredette said.

He admits that his defensive ability remains the top question he faces every day.

"I hear it all the time," he said. "It's something I have to overcome and it is my job to go in there and prove (critics) wrong and show them I can play defense within a system and be a good player in this league."

The defense questions won’t stop until after the draft, but Jimmer continues to know that is the area he needs to work on, and he’s smart enough to make sure he improves upon it.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: NBA Draft 2011: 10 Non-Lottery Players to Keep an Eye On

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Is Darius Morris Worthy of a First-Round Draft Pick?

Michigan point guard Darius Morris gained notoriety during his team’ run in the NCAA tournament, but is a first-round pick?

 Some mocks have him going at the very end of the first-round, but even Morris, himself, doesn’t sound entirely confident.  Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press caught up with Morris, who had this to say about his recent workout with the Nets:

“It went all right. This whole process is a grind and this is one of the things you’ve got to do. They gave me the opportunity to come out here and showcase my talent and I thought it went well.”

That doesn’t exactly instill confidence into the minds of scouts.  If just the workout schedules are a “grind” than what does that say about Morris during a full 82-game season?

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 24 Most Effective Scorers

Morris will have to make sure his play on the court speaks louder than his words.  At this point, pencil him in as an early second-rounder.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: NBA Draft 2011: 10 Non-Lottery Players to Keep an Eye On

NBA Draft 2011: Is Bismack Biyombo Overrated?

There’s always a certain amount of risk involved with selecting International players in the NBA Draft.  The Congo’s Bismack Biyombo is the perfect example of this.

Biyombo shined at the Nike Hoops Summit earlier this spring, but he’s still an unproven player. Playing in Spain this past season, Biyombo was fairly proficient on defense, but quite streak offensively.

He ended his club season on a low note.  Biyombo was consistently scoring in single-digits, while only pulling down 3 rebounds in the out of his last six games. Blocks were not an issue however.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 24 Most Effective Scorers

ESPN’s David Thorpe has shed some light on the Biyombo situation, comparing him to the Miami Heat’s Joel Anthony.  While Anthony is serviceable, he’s not someone who would be a top-10 pick.  Biyombo is currently seen as a lottery-pick, so if the comparison to Anthony pans out, teams are overrating Bismack in this year’s draft.

He should be a serviceable defensive player in the NBA, but teams looking for more production early in the draft may have to pass in favor of a more established player.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: NBA Draft 2011: 10 Non-Lottery Players to Keep an Eye On

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Nikola Vecevic Continues to Move up Draft Boards

USC’s Nikola Vucevic continues to climb up draft boards, this time impressing the Philadelphia 76ers.  While rumors of a Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodala trade, and the potential sale of the Sixers swirl, the team’s need for a big man in the draft haven’t died down.

Philly.com reported that Vucevic confirmed these needs by stating:

“They say they need size and presence inside,” Vucevic said. “They say they have interest in me so I was just coming here and trying to show what I can do and help this team. We had a good meeting, twice. So it’s been good.”

 Two good meetings?  That’s a pretty rousing compliment to a guy who was projected to be a second-rounder before the draft combine.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

Vucevic is showing scouts that his is much better than originally expected, and his size has been a huge asset for him as he works out for scouts.

As a Celtics fan, I’ll be disappointed if/when Vucevic is off the board before the team selects.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

NBA Draft 2011: European Draft Prospect Update: Jan Vesely

While Donatas Motiejunas’ team was bounced from their Euroleague playoffs, Jan Vesely of Partizan in the Serbian League is only one game away from a championship.

Vesely has been a big part of the team’s success.  He’s posted similar number to Motiejunas, but it’s a more effective game Vesely is playing right now.  He’s scored in double figures in both games (13,10), while averaging 4.5 rebounds.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

Vesely is considered the best of the European players in this year’s draft (not including Enes Kanter), and he’s keeping that momentum going with sensational team play.

While the Washington Wizards were busy working out Kawhi Leonard, Vesely should still be on their radar with the No. 6 pick.  Vesely has the potential to equal the early-career success of Andrei Kirilenko, so expect him to be a solid bet as a top-10 pick.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

NBA Draft 2011: European Draft Prospect Update: Donatas Motiejunas

The Euroleague season came and went for Donatas Motiejunas with little excitement.  The projected lottery pick’s Benetton TV was swept 3-0 by Montepaschi in the Italian league semifinals, leaving Motiejunas to focus exclusively on the draft.

The big man produced a moderate stat line, going 3-8 from the floor, 2-3 from downtown, while collecting 3 rebounds, and a steal. 

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

Motiejunas did not impress during the semifinals and could find himself slipping in the draft.  He’s not as skilled as some of the other Euros who are available, so a he’ll have to find a way to get back in the good graces of scouts.

Still, he’s worth a flier, but only by a better NBA team, one picking in the mid to late teens.  Motiejunas projects as a less-talented Andrea Bargnani, but that’s still a decent player.  It will just take time with him.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Jordan Hamilton’s Stock Slipping in NBA Draft?

While Kawhi Leonard solid showing in Washington for his workout, Jordan Hamilton of Texas did not fare so well, according Mitchell Lee of the Washington Post.

“I just got real light-headed, real dizzy when we were doing shooting drills and stuff like that,” said Hamilton, who declared for the June 23 draft after his sophomore season at Texas. “Then when we were doing transition, it was kind of hard for me at first, but I kind of just fought through it and just continued to keep playing.”

Hamilton will need to show that this was an isolated incident if he doesn’t want his draft stock to take a hit.  It’s hard to imagine that it will, since Hamilton is capable of scoring in the NBA.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

Barring a similar incident working out for another team, Hamilton’s stock should remain unaffected.  He’s slated to go anywhere from No. 13 to No. 20.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Kawhi Leonard Looking Like a Good Match for Washington?

Kawhi Leonard worked out for the Washington Wizards yesterday, and he reportedly looked very strong, according to Mitchell Lee of the Washington Post.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

Leonard has already been heralded for his rebounding and defense, but his stock should be rising (or holding strong), since his offense was notably strong yesterday.

Some of the more intriguing matchups on the auxiliary court at Verizon Center pitted Hamilton, a projected mid to late first-round pick, against Leonard, who in two college seasons carved a reputation as a dogged rebounder and defender also able to score close to the basket as well with a mid-range jumper and the occasional three-pointer.

Leonard is a very realistic option for the Wizards at No. 6, since the team needs a wing player.  It won’t hurt his stock, that Leonard can also contribute on the glass and make the Wizards a better defensive team.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

Elsa/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: How Would Ellis for Iguodala Shakeup the Draft for Golden State?

The rumored blockbuster deal of Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodala deals, between Golden State and the Philadelphia 76ers, could have some impact on the directions the Warriors go in this year’s draft.

If the Warriors are able to complete the deal, expect them to look in the direction of a scorer in the draft.  While Iguodala is plenty capable of putting up points, he’s not the scorer Monta Ellis is. 

Golden State would also have a opening in the backcourt, though Iggy can play the 2, so a guy like Washington State Klay Thompson would make sense for them.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

They could, however, try and have Iguodala increase his scoring production—he did average 19.9 one year, and then look for a small forward like Kawhi Leonard.

If the deal does happen, Thompson would be the guy on Golden State’s radar, furthering his meteoric rise up the draft boards.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Jimmer Fredetter Versus Kemba Walker in Utah

Kemba Walker may have cancelled his head-to-head matchup with Jimmer Fredette in Sacramento, but he’s going to workout against the BYU guard today for the Jazz.

No reason was given for why Walker pulled out in Sacramento, but it’s possible the reason was that Walker didn’t want to compete against Jimmer for the No. 7 Kings.  The Jazz, at No. 3, make more sense though.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

While Walker may think he has nothing to gain against matching up with Fredette, it’s a smart decision to show his willingness to participate, because he still needs to endear himself to the teams drafting him.

Brandon Knight of Kentucky will also be on hand, so he’s the wild card in the equation.  Knight is projected above Walker in many drafts, so if Walker competes one-on-one with Knight, he can boost his stock.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

NBA Draft 2011: Is Enes Kanter the Best Fit for the Cavaliers at No. 4?

Enes Kanter worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday, but wasn’t available for media interviews, so how exactly his workout went, from his perspective, is a bit of a mystery.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

It’s safe to assume that Kanter is still a top-seven pick regardless of how his workout went, but Bob Finnan of the News-Herald reported, via Kanter’s agent Max Ergul, that Head Coach Byron Scott was excited:

"Judging by the huge grin on his face, Coach Byron Scott seemed very satisfied," Ergul said. "We exchanged some complimentary words."

Based off of that statement, one could assume Kanter is a lock to go in the top-four.  Cleveland could use a complementary big to go alongside presumed No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving, so adding that to Byron Scott’s apparent feelings, Kanter seems locked in a No. 4 if he slides past Minnesota and Utah.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Is Trey Thompkins the Perfect Fit for the 76ers?

Trey Thompkins was in the Philly area for a workout with the Sixers the other day, and it looks like there was more to his workout, than just a standard visit.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

CSN Philly’s Joe McIntyre reported that Thompkins is already good friends with a number of players on the 76ers roster, so add in the fact that they need a big man, and Thompkins could be a spectacular fit for the team.

Thompkins said he is friends with a number of Sixers already – Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, Craig Brackins, Marreese Speights and Evan Turner – so he thinks if Philadelphia were to take him in this year’s draft, he’d be a perfect fit off the court, just as much as on it.

Thompkins has worked out for teams all over the draft board, including Charlotte at No. 9 and Chicago at No. 30, so it’s still widely unknown where he will land, but if he’s already a fit in Philly, the Sixers would look at that as a big a plus over some of the other power forwards who should be available at No. 16.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Will Alec Burks Should Injury Hurt Him in the Draft?

Alec Burks was a victim of bad timing the other day, while working out for the Charlotte Bobcats.  Burks went down with a shoulder injury that was being reported as a potential dislocated shoulder.

ESPN’s Chad Ford came to the rescue and said it was not dislocated, however, and that Burks was set to resume working out as early as today in Detroit.

Must Read: NBA Draft 2011: The 12 Best Perimeter Defenders

Burks is one of the most NBA-ready shooting guards in the draft, so it’s a relief for teams like Milwaukee and Detroit, who are predictably looking at off-guards to draft.

It’s a relief for Burks too, who should make an immediate splash in the NBA.  He’s a scorer and terrific rebounder for his size (6’6”), so as long as medical reports properly clear him to resume workouts, his stock should not be affected.

Check Out More NBA Draft Coverage: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What If Cleveland Takes Derrick Williams No. 1?