NBA Draft 2011: Kenneth Faried and 5 Players Who Will Be Underdrafted
With the NBA Finals finally concluded, our focus shifts to the NBA draft on June 23.
There is a lot of hype surrounding players like Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams, but all fans know that the draft's most memorable moments are players getting picked too early or too late.
Every year, teams miss out on top talent that slips farther down the board than they should.
Much like the NFL draft, there are players that are often underdrafted and misevaluated that often perform like a top pick.
This year's NBA draft is no exception, and players like Kenneth Faried and Jon Leuer could be underdrafted, despite their amazing talent.
Let's take a look at three other players who will be underdrafted, along with Faried and Leuer, in the 2011 NBA draft.
1. PG Andrew Goudelock: College of Charleston
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Andrew Goudelock is a dynamic scorer from either the point guard or shooting guard position.
His scoring ability reminds scouts a former small-school star in Stephen Curry.
Goudelock is a lights-out shooter who has incredible range.
His fluid motion and ability to shoot off the dribble at a quick pace allowed him to succeed throughout much of his college career.
In the 2010-2011 season, Goudelock shot an impressive 40 percent from three-point range and averaged 23.7 points.
Goudelock is also an above-average passer and find the open man if his shot isn't available. He's a very unselfish player and will do whatever it takes for his team to win the game.
Scouts are unimpressed with Goudelock's explosiveness though and are knocking down his draft stock because of it.
He is projected to be drafted late in the second round, but Goudelock has the offensive talent to be considered in the early second round. If hones his defensive skills too, Goudelock could have an impressive NBA career.
2. SG Travis Leslie: Georgia
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Travis Leslie did not have the explosive junior season that NBA scouts expected out of him.
Regardless, Leslie is still one of the most athletic and explosive prospects in the entire draft.
He has an amazing game above the rim and reminds me of a Shannon Brown-type player.
He has great speed on both ends of the floor and is a very active defender. Even though Leslie is 6'4", he can play much bigger.
However, Leslie struggles from the outside and will need to develop consistency from three-point range if he would like to be a serious NBA player.
Scouts are projecting Leslie in the late second round, but he is arguably the best athlete in the entire draft.
His athletic ability alone will give him a realistic shot at a solid NBA career. With time on an NBA team, he'll be able to add some bulk and develop his shooting stroke.
Look for Leslie to turn some heads in next year's NBA season.
3. PF/C Keith Benson: Oakland
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Perhaps one of the most decorated players in the NBA draft is Keith Benson.
He was a two-time Summit League Player of the Year and also the conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2011.
He even holds the Summit League career record for blocks with 371.
In summary, Benson is just a force in the paint. He can shoot the short to mid-range jump shot and he is relentless on the boards.
Scouts are worried about Benson being able to handle the physical play of the NBA. His game is more finesse than power, and he'll have to transition more to a power skill set at the next level.
But Benson possess excellent ability in all facets of the low post game and should be able to transition smoothly.
Scouts still have him being drafted in the second round, but Benson has the talent to be a late first-round selection.
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4. PF Jon Leuer: Wisconsin
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Wisconsin basketball is all about the fundamentals and half-court offense.
So it is not surprise that Jon Leuer has one of the best post games of all the draft prospects.
He has had four years at Wisconsin to polish his game, and he has emerged as a very reliable post player.
In his senior season, Leuer averaged 18.3 points per game and 7.2 rebounds.
At his size, Leuer clearly is more of a finesse player in the post and will have to rely on pull up jump shots outside and different moves down low to gain the advantage over the stronger forwards in the league.
That will be the one question from scouts. Can Leuer handle the physical nature of the NBA?
I think his finesse game will shine and once he gets acclimated to a NBA strength program, he'll begin to bulk up.
Leuer is projected as a late first-round selection, but he should be in the lottery with his very refined post game and jump shot.
5. PF Kenneth Faried: Morehead State
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Kenneth Faried is the best rebounder in NCAA history. He holds the modern-day rebound record of 1,673 in his career.
He is absolutely relentless on the boards and is just an overall nightmare for anyone on offense.
He will hustle for every loose ball and will give 110 percent on every play. And that speaks volumes to NBA scouts.
Faried will remind a lot of NBA fans of Dennis Rodman has he hustles to pull in every board.
However, scouts are concerned that his offensive game is still raw and unpolished. He is only comfortable driving to his right side and will have some limited offensive moves.
But Faried's pure aggression and passion on defense should make him a mid first-round pick. But his offensive questions will cause teams to underdraft him toward the end of the first round.
In my opinion, Faried is the best defensive player in the NBA draft and will play at a higher level than his selection would suggest.
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