2011 NBA Draft Preview: 10 Players That Are Ready to Contribute Right Away
When it comes to the NBA Draft, it is difficult not to talk about a player's "potential." Analysts everywhere fall in love with a prospect's talent, size, wingspan, leaping capability and a number of other physical attributes. Typically, the more potential a player has, the higher in the draft that player will be taken.
However, sometimes it takes a number of years for a player to realize his potential. Even the most talented players can take a number of years to develop, meaning they won't be paying immediate dividends to their respective ends.
So who are some of the players ready to contribute right away upon entering the NBA? Here are 10 guys that are likely to make an impact as soon as the 2011 season gets underway (assuming there will be a season to be played).
Charles Jenkins, Hofstra
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Don't let the school fool you: This kid can flat-out play.
Jenkins spent four years at little-known Hofstra, but improved each year and finished this past season averaging 22.6 points and 4.8 assists per game.
He is a physical, tough player with an NBA-ready body. Not only is he an elite defender, he also can really get after it defensively. Jenkins averaged over 1.5 steals per game all four years at Hofstra, and has the ability to defend both guard positions.
Although Jenkins doesn't have a ton of big-game experience, he is one of the best pure scorers in the draft, has great range and can run the offense when needed.
Kyle Singler, Duke
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Singler possesses a rare combination of intangibles and big-game experience, and can play a variety of roles on whichever team drafts him next month.
A four-year player at Duke, Singler was an excellent scorer and rebounder for the Blue Devils. At 6'8", 230 pounds, he has very good size for the small forward position, but is an above-average passer and playmaker.
Although he struggled from the perimeter this past season, Singler showed over the course of his career that he has the ability to knock down shots from downtown as well.
Singler's game isn't flashy and he won't blow anyone away with his athleticism, but he is a very intelligent and versatile player.
Klay Thompson, Washington State
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Thompson is an absolute sniper from beyond-the-arc and would be the sharpshooter that many NBA teams currently lack.
He has the kind of range that makes him a threat to score as soon as he steps on the court. This past season, Thompson shot almost 40 percent from three, and shot over 41 percent during his freshman season at Washington State.
He still has a lot to work on, including his ability to handle the ball, but his shooting ability will help him contribute right away.
Shelvin Mack, Butler
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Mack is another player with a good amount of big-game experience, having reached the NCAA championship game in each of the past two years.
But experience isn't the only thing Mack brings to the table.
He combines great strength with very good quickness, giving him the ability to penetrate the lane and find the open man. He is also a solid shooter from downtown, and has shown throughout his career that he has ice in his veins.
Mack doesn't seem to have a natural position at the next level, but is the type of player that will make a positive contribution no matter where he plays.
Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
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Yes, Faried has a lot of work to do on the offensive end of the floor. He doesn't too many post moves, and also struggles when forced to shoot mid-range jumpers.
Still, he is an absolute monster on the glass. Faried averaged 14.5 rebounds per game this past season at Morehead State, which led the the country. At 6'8", he doesn't possess ideal size, but makes up for it with great technique and the ability to attack the ball off the rim.
With his ability to defend, rebound and block shots, Faried has the potential to become one of the league's best defensive players right away. Every team could use a player like Faried.
Chris Singleton, Florida State
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Much like Faried, Singleton has made his name on the defensive end of the floor.
A 6'9" forward, Singleton was widely regarded as the best defender in the country while he was at Florida State. He is quick enough to stay with guard, but is also long and athletic enough to guard opposing forwards. He also has an amazing nose for the ball, averaging over 2 steals per game in each of his last two seasons as a Seminole.
Singleton can also fill it up offensively, but needs to work on becoming a more consistent offensive player. Still, he has the ability to lock down almost any player he is asked to guard. Players like that are hard to find.
Marcus Morris, Kansas
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Marcus is a more polished player compared to his twin brother Markieff, and he has the ability to step in and contribute right away in the NBA.
Marcus has the ability to score in a number of ways which makes him a tough matchup for any opponent. He is an excellent finisher around the rim, but can also step out and knock down mid-range shots. In his past two seasons at Kansas, he shot 57 percent from the field and averaged over 17 points per game during his junior campaign.
He is also a very capable rebounder, although at 6'9", he will be a bit undersized at the power forward position. Nevertheless, he has a very NBA-ready offensive game and has the ability to contribute right away.
Nolan Smith, Duke
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Smith, another four-year player, has continually exceeded expectations and has put himself in position to succeed in the NBA right off the bat.
Smith improved each season at Duke, and averaged 20.6 points and 5.1 assists per game in his senior season.
He has the ability to play both guard positions and also is a very good defender. Smith continues to improve his outside shot, but is also quick enough to get to the basket.
With his skills and experience, Smith continues to see his draft stock rise, and for good reason.
Kemba Walker, Connecticut
9 of 10
This past March, Walker took the nation by storm, leading his Huskies to not only a Big East championship but also a national championship as well.
Walker is one of the quickest players in the draft and has the ability to get to the rim whenever he chooses. He also has improved his jump shot, making him almost unstoppable to shut down. He is an improving passer as well as a very good defender.
Walker also showed tremendous leadership skills while leading the young Huskies to a championship. He is as tough mentally as he is physically, and will look to take over the NBA just like he did the NCAA.
Derrick Williams, Arizona
10 of 10
Williams has shown he has the ability to do it all on the basketball court.
He is an ultra-athletic power forward who plays hard around the rim. He is quick but can also throw down some ferocious dunks when he's in the paint.
Williams also showed he can hit from distance, shooting over 56 percent from three this past season.
While players such as Enes Kanter and Kyrie Irving will likely need time to adjust to playing in the NBA, Williams has all of the tools to succeed as soon as he steps on a NBA court for the first time. He is the most complete player in the draft, and is the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
