NBA Draft 2011: Power Ranking Late Lottery Targets to Help the 2011-12 Warriors
With only a .8 percent chance of winning the lottery, the Golden State Warriors, which are currently slated to select 11, are a safe bet to be picking in the back part of the 2011 NBA draft lottery.
With just eight, possibly nine, players under contract for next year, the Warriors really need to get someone who can make an impact. That, and because they finished 12th in the Western Conference and can use all the help they can get.
This draft is said to be fairly weak, but I think there is some value late in this year's lottery.
With a new coach coming in signaling the end of anything to do with Don Nelson, this new player will be the face of a new start, hopefully a winning one.
With some big names dropping out of the draft (Terrence Jones must have sensed that the Warriors were looking to take him and decided to stay in school, and I can’t say I blame him) it appears that European players will be this year's trend with the higher picks, as I think most, if not all, of the big European names will be gone by the time the Warriors pick.
Pending a little lottery luck, here are the rankings of the players the Warriors are most likely to be targeting on June 23rd.
9. Marcus Morris, PF 6'9" Kansas
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It's hard to get excited about landing either of the Morris twins, but if they were to take one of them, Marcus is the one to get.
He would provide a consistent scoring threat off of the bench, coming in to play small or power forward.
He has the ability to play inside and out and would help spread the floor, as he can hit the three-ball every now and then.
My concern with him is his ability to defend, especially if he is paired with David Lee and...well anyone else on this team that isn't Ekpe Udoh.
The Warriors could do a lot worse than taking Morris at 11, but I think they could do better too.
8. Jordan Hamilton, SF 6'7" Texas
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Hamilton’s versatile would be a welcomed addition to the Golden State Warriors bench.
He can do a little bit of everything, including knocking down the outside shot. He would provide a great scoring punch off of the bench.
His ability to handle to ball would also help lead the fast break, allowing Ellis and Curry to explode off the wing.
My only concern is that he is too offensive minded, leaving the Warriors with yet another player who could become a defensive liability.
7. Jimmer Fredette, SG 6'2" BYU
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Do the Warriors need Jimmer? No.
Would it be fun to watch him in this offense? You bet.
I’d have no problem if they picked Jimmer, just based on entertainment value alone.
We’ve all heard of his strengths and weaknesses, and his transition to the pro game has been debated to nauseam, but if Jimmer would enter the Warriors system, his chances of excelling at the pro level would be greatly enhanced.
It wouldn’t be the smartest pick, but it sure would be fun to watch.
6. Tristan Thompson, PF 6'8" Texas
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A big, athletic forward with a long wingspan is something that every team would be looking at.
Although he sounds an awful lot like Ekpe Udoh, and adding him might hinder Udoh's development, you (especially the Warriors) can never overlook athletic big men.
He has a strong motor, and at only 19 and 235 lbs, he may develop into a monster power forward.
A high-energy big man to come in, develop and learn from David Lee while contributing off of the bench would be something to look at with pick No. 11.
5. Alec Burks, SG 6'6" Colorado
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Hear me out. If the Warriors ever thought about trading Mona Ellis, doesn't Burks look like he could be a suitable replacement in a few years?
The knock on him is that he can't shoot the ball, but with Curry as his backcourt mate, that can be overlooked.
Even if Ellis and Curry both stay, I think Burks is a fine choice because he can handle the ball, relieving that duty from either Curry or Ellis, whichever comes off the floor.
Being 6'6" and once he bulks up, the Warriors could get away with Burks at the point while playing Curry and Ellis on the wings, and they would be able to handle things defensively.
He would be an ideal first guard off of the bench, being able to play both guard positions, giving the Warriors flexibility off of the bench.
Plus, how nice would it be to get another ball handler on the floor to drive and dish it to Stephen Curry and Dorell Wright posted at the three-point line?
4. Kenneth Faried, PF 6'8" Morehead State
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We all saw him play great against Louisville, and if there is one thing you can say about this kid, it is that he plays well when it's time to bring it.
He can rebound as well as anyone in this year's draft class, and he does everything the Warriors are looking for: Rebounds, hustles, and has a great work ethic.
His weaker offensive game may actually turn into a bonus for the Warriors. As long as he brings high energy on the defensive end, he could quickly turn into a Warriors fan favorite.
Some have even said that he is Dennis Rodman-esque without the attitude. If that's the case, where do we sign?
3. Donatas Motiejunas, PF 7'0" Lithuania
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Of all the premier European players on the top of the draft board, Donatas seems to be the only one that is likely to be available at 11.
Going as high as fourth overall in some mock drafts, there is a chance he could be available to the Warriors.
He sounds like he is a good scorer and passer, which would a great fit in the high post, stretching the floor and isolating David Lee in the post.
He can also run the floor well, which is a big plus, but the concern with him is that he is very raw and is "paper thin."
It may take years for him to be able to contribute, although if the Warriors want to be patient and feel like they can add someone in free agency, then that patience may pay off with this kid in a few years.
2. Bismack Biyombo, PF 6'9" Congo
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Six months ago if you were to ask me about Bismack Biyombo, I would have said it was the name of an exotic appetizer.
Now Bismack Biyombo is an upcoming lottery pick in the NBA draft!
He is an athletic freak with a 7'7" wingspan and looks like he will be able to contribute on defense immediately.
He sounds like he is going to develop into one of the game's top defenders, and if he is there at 11, the Warriors drafting on that potential alone seems to be worth the gamble.
When's the last time you heard the phrase: "Yeah, that guy on the Warriors, he might make one of the All-NBA defensive teams"? Take this guy and we may hear that someday.
The problem with him is that he is extremely raw on offense, and that he doesn't fully understand how to play basketball yet.
Well, what better team to go to than the Warriors, and let him run all over the floor using his strengths and not having to play in a restrictive system?
Problem with the way Biyombo is that he has shot up the draft board, and it wouldn't surprise me if he went as high as the third pick now.
1. Kawhi Leonard SF 6'7" San Diego State
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All things considered (draft position, need, likelihood of being available), I think Leonard is the most likely candidate to get picked if the Warriors select at 11.
His athleticism, energy and ability to play defense is something the Warriors need.
He hasn’t fully developed his offensive game, but the Warriors really don’t need anyone else that will come in and start jacking up shots.
He will be able to run the floor with the team, and the energy he will be able to bring to the floor each game could be something that the rest of the team feeds off of.
Adding a defender like Leonard, with his work ethic and rebounding ability, would be a welcome addition.
ESPN’s Chad Ford reported from the Las Vegas pre-draft camp that Leonard “was shooting lights out.” And they said his shot was the thing he needed to work on.
Looks like his work ethic is spot on.
