2011 NBA Draft Preview: 10 Players That Will Need Time to Develop
This year's NBA Draft is a draft that most experts consider to be low on both talent and depth compared to other drafts in recent years. A number of high-profile players, such as Perry Jones and Jared Sullinger, chose to return to school instead of declaring for the draft, making this year's draft even more wide open
A number of rookies will be able to contribute right away while others will inevitably struggle at first, needing time to adjust to the league and work on their game. The question then becomes: who has the ability to step in right away and who is going to need time to develop, perhaps not making an impact to their respective team for a few years down the line.
Let's take a look at 10 players who are going to need time to develop upon entering the NBA.
Travis Leslie, Georgia
1 of 10
Perhaps the best athlete in the draft, Leslie can really put on a show with his leaping ability.
At 6'3", 205, Leslie projects to be a shooting guard at the next level, but really needs to improve his jump shot. At this point, he doesn't have much range and really struggled from distance during his junior year at Georgia.
As of now, while flashy, Leslie is a bit to inconsistent to contribute right away.
Lucas Nogueira, Brazil
2 of 10
At 6'11", Nogueira also possesses a 9'3" reach, 7'6" wingspan and incredible athleticism.
But at this point, he needs to add some serious strength, as he is not ready to bang bodies in the paint and guard opposing forwards and centers. His offensive repertoire is fairly limited as well, so it will probably be a while before he maximizes his potential.
But if and when he does, look out.
Alec Burks, Colorado
3 of 10
By now it has been well-documented what Burks can and can't do: he is an excellent slasher who can get to the rim with ease, but he struggles when forced to shoot jump shots.
Burks may never be a lethal three-point shooter, but at this point he also struggles to knock down shots inside-the-arc, as well.
It's just hard for me to imagine a NBA team giving heavy minutes to a guy who can't stretch the floor at the shooting guard position, especially as a rookie. He will still find ways to score, but won't reach the next level until he adds a jump shot.
Darius Morris, Michigan
4 of 10
Morris, a 6'4" point guard, has excellent size for his position and also has a good amount of athleticism.
He improved dramatically this past season at Michigan, although it remains to be seen if he is ready for the jump from college to the pros. He could have been a top-10 pick had a returned to school for one more year of seasoning, but decided to declare this year instead,
Morris is another player who needs to work on his shot in order to keep opposing defenses honest, especially since he doesn't have explosiveness and quickness to routinely get to the basket.
Davis Bertans, Latvia
5 of 10
Bertans is a 6'10" small forward who can really shoot the lights out and has some serious range. He can also put the ball on the deck and create his own shot, as well.
But Bertans is nowhere where he needs to be physically, and won't be ready to contribute until he adds a great deal of strength. He could also benefit by adding some low-post moves.
JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
6 of 10
Johnson is a beast defensively and is one of the better shot-blockers in the draft. He is an above-average athlete who can get out and run and finish around the rim.
He has a decent jump shot, but will probably be asked to play more in the post when he arrives in the NBA. His post moves are limited, and he will also need to add some strength in order to bang bodies down low.
His upside is very good, however.
Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young
7 of 10
The man can shoot. We all know that.
But the fact of the matter is that Fredette is going to find out that things won't be so easy for him in the NBA.
He is undersized, doesn't have elite quickness, struggles defensively and won't be able to get his shot off compared to the way he did during his days at BYU. When left open, he will continue to be a sharpshooter, but in reality, how often will that be?
There is still potential here, but he will simply need time to adjust to the playing style of the league.
Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
8 of 10
Leonard is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft, as many people either love him or hate him.
He has a good amount of physical tools, is a tenacious rebounder and has a good motor, but how far can those attributes take him?
At just 6'7", he doesn't seem to have a natural position at the next level. He isn't quick enough to excel on the wing, and he also is a very streaky shooter. He has improved his shooting ability since the season ended, but will it really be enough.
Leonard will need some time to figure out how to adjust to the NBA and whatever position his new team asks him to play. He will never be a superstar, but could be a solid player for a long time.
Tristan Thompson, Texas
9 of 10
Thompson probably could have used another year in school, but instead decided to declare for the draft. It wasn't a bad move, however, as he will almost certainly be a lottery pick.
Thompson is a promising yet raw prospect.
He is a very athletic forward who crashes the board and is a very good shot blocker. He still needs work on the offensive end of the floor, both on his jumper as well as his post moves.
Enes Kanter, Turkey
10 of 10
This one is fairly simple: although Kanter has the tools to become the best player in this draft, he hasn't played hasn't played organized basketball for about a year after he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA.
His talents aren't really a question; however, his rust probably is.
