2011 NBA Draft Results: Grading the Washington Wizards' Draft Picks

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The Washington Wizards entered the 2011 NBA draft with three of the first 34 picks and looked to add depth, youth, and versatility to their already talented roster.

Pre-draft rumors had the Wizards jumping up to get either Derrick Williams or Enes Kanter, while others had them stocking up on picks in next year's draft. Though no deals were made, the Wizards had plenty of prospects to choose from out of a generally weak talent pool.

Washington needed to find a player to help John Wall on offense, fit into Flip Saunders' defensive approach, and bring a solid work ethic to the young Wizards.

When all was said and done, the Wizards selected Lithuanian forward Jan Vesely with the sixth overall pick, Florida State forward Chris Singleton with the 18th pick, and with the 34th pick. Let's see how this year's crop of picks grade for the Wizards.

Jan Vesely, Lithuania, 1st Round, Sixth Overall Pick

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The Wizards were looking to improve their front court with this pick, and did just that with Jan Vesely. Known as a high-flying, hustle player, Vesely's size and style of play are ideal for the pace John Wall sets on fast breaks and on offense.

While he is not a household name, and will come to the NBA with the same concern surrounding most international players, Vesely has a solid foundation of skills to contribute right away and grow into a mor complete player.

Washington had to make up its mind between Vesely and Kawhi Leonard, who had been rumored to be a favorite prospect of the Wizards. It came down to the overall package, and while Leonard is an excellent rebounder and sound defender, the Wizards needed offense and hustle.

If Vesely can successfully transition his game to the NBA, he could be an exciting wing for Washington. However, he needs to improve as a rebounder and develop consistency on offense instead of relying on putbacks, fast break dunks.

Grade: B

Chris Singleton, Florida State, 1st Round, 18th Overall Pick

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Flip Saunders has always been a defensive-minded head coach, but he hasn't been able to fully implement that mentality since arriving in Washington. Last year's draft brought the Wizards Trevor Booker and Hamady N'Diaye, with Booker averaging 1.4 blocks and one steal per 36 minutes and N'Diaye averaging 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes.

Chris Singleton is a defense first type player with a solid offensive game that should become part of the growing rotation of forwards the Wizards have. Since the Wizards are thin at small forward, Singleton should see a good amount of minutes as a rookie similar to Booker's last season. He averaged 1.5 blocks and 2.1 steals over the last two years at Florida State, proving his defensive presence.

With the ability to guard multiple positions, Singleton should find a role very early in his career. If he can improve his offensive output to match his defensive efforts, he could be a steal with the 18th pick.

Grade: A

Shelvin Mack, Butler, 2nd Round, 34th Overall Pick

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Even though the Wizards may have to deal with the departure of Nick Young this offseason, Shelvin Mack doesn't instantly make up for that. Jordan Crawford is likely to assume the starting shooting guard spot next to John Wall at point guard, with Mack getting spot minutes at both guard positions. Mack's versatility and experience are his best assets beyond talent.

Mack was saddled with the task of filling the scoring void left at Butler with Gordon Hayward in the NBA, and he responded remarkably well.

He averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Bulldogs last season, proving his scoring ability and flashing his range. Mack isn't a passing point guard, nor does he have ideal size for a shooting guard and will have to thrive as a versatile player off the bench.

The pick makes sense because of the perceived need to Young's exit will create, but Mack will have a lot to prove at the next level, both as a shooter and passer.

Grade: B

Washington Wizards Draft Summary

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The Wizards were able to pick the best players available and players that best fit their needs in the first round. Vesely should start early on and Singleton will likely be a regular rotation player. Mack is likely a depth pick, since he can contribute at either guard spot.

A lot remains to be seen in terms of the final look of this roster given the rumors of Andray Blatche possibly being traded. 

Jon Barry named the Wizards the draft winners during ESPN's broadcast, but it doesn't mean much when none of the three picks have played a single minute in the NBA. All things considered, the Wizards had a solid draft and didn't make any Kwame Brown-like miscalculations. 

Overall Draft Grade: B+