NBA Draft 2011: Enes Kanter and the Top 10 International Prospects

Let's be honest—this year's draft class leaves a lot to be desired.

Even before some of the biggest names like Jared Sullinger and Harrison Barnes inexplicably pulled out of the draft, there was talk that this could be one of the weakest drafts in recent memory.

Take the case of former Connecticut point guard Kemba Walker.

In the middle of last year, he was considered a fringe first round pick.

Then, after his stellar play in the Big East Tournament, he looked like a fringe lottery pick.

Now after his play during the NCAA Tournament and the recent defections of other stud players, Walker is being talked about as a top-five pick.

Sure, Walker did a lot to help his own cause. But just as important is the fact that most of those that were considered to be better prospects than him have since pulled out, further weakening the draft pool.

One of the ways that this draft will be helped is through international players. For the first time ever, we could have nearly half of the draft lottery comprised of foreign-born players.

Here is a list of the top 10 international prospects in this year's draft.

10. Jeremy Tyler

Jeremy Tyler is not your typical international player in that, like Brandon Jennings before him, he is an American-born player that chose to play overseas instead of college.

What is really interesting about Tyler is that he skipped his senior year of high school as well.

Tyler is an athletic big man that, given the recent weakness of this draft, could find himself as a late first round pick.

International big men are going to help this draft, and Tyler is no exception. He is 6'11", 250lbs and has a frame that should support more weight.

Personally, I see him as a more athletic Greg Monroe.

9. Bojan Bogdanovic

Bogdanovic is an interesting case because he also doesn't fit with the mold as a typical import. While he is foreign born (Bosnia and Herzegovina), he is not a big man.

Instead, Bogdanovic is a slasher that can score in a number of different ways. At 6'7" and 220 lbs, he is a solid fit as a shooting guard.

The challenge for him is shot creativity, and being able to score against more physical players at the next level. He also should struggle at first on defense against quicker players.

Bogdanovic is a polished Euro player, having honed his skills in a number of leagues since he was 16. Now 22, he should be able to step in and help immediately if he adapts to the physical play.

8. Lucas Nogueira

Freak. As in freakishly athletic. As in freakishly long. As in freakishly intriguing.

Nogueira is a Brazilian import that boasts a 7'6" wingspan.

He has wowed scouts with his rebounding ability and, obviously, his shot blocking presence.

The key for Nogueira is going to be putting weight on his frame. Right now he is just under seven-feet tall, yet only weighs 220 lbs.

While his athleticism will make up for a lot of this, he is still a project that is at least a couple years away from helping a team.

That being said, he should go in the first round.

7. Davis Bertans

With this year's success of the Dallas Mavericks and the continued dominance of Dirk Nowitzki, teams again will be trying to bring in the next big man with a sweet stroke.

While Bertans is likely a long way from being in Dirk's league, he definitely fits the bill with his shot.

The Latvian born 6'10" small forward will intrigue scouts with his offensive repertoire and length.

However, right now he looks like an Austin Daye clone, meaning that he needs to add strength fast before he can compete at the next level.

Expect a late first-round selection, and then some time in the D-League or, more likely, a prolonged stay in Europe.

6. Nikola Mirotic

Mirotic is an interesting case in that he has essentially come out of nowhere.

He also is the player least likely to be drafted since his Euro team, Real Madrid, is not likely to let him go without a fight.

Mirotic is also a pretty good defender, capable of picking your pocket or blocking your shot.

Offensively, he is somewhat raw, but he plays with a swagger.

If he gets drafted, he could spearhead a new breed of defensive minded foreign players.

5. Donatas Motiejunas

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 08: Donatas Motiejunas of Lithuania walks off after losing the U19 Basketball World Championships match between the United States and Lithuania at North Shore Events Centre on July 8, 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by

Donatas Motiejunas has a lot going for him.

He can shoot, he has a huge wingspan and should be a lottery pick.

However, he needs to bulk up in a major way, learn to rebound in traffic, and develop his offensive post game.

This kid has some serious potential, however, and some team is going to be very lucky to have him.

4. Bismack Biyombo

No name has been hotter over the last month than Bismack Biyombo.

With a wingspan that is reported as being 7'6" and a very athletic and surprisingly strong body, Biyombo could develop into the next Ben Wallace.

Like Wallace, he needs to develop an offensive game. He is extremely raw and could benefit from more time playing overseas.

That being said, Biyombo already is built to play in the league, and should be a lottery pick.

3. Jan Vesely

Jan Vesely may be the most exciting player in this year's draft. Not just the most exciting international player, but the most exciting player overall.

Vesely plays with a mean streak that has had some people thinking Blake Griffin. Like Griffin, Vesely is also known for thunderous dunks.

If you haven't already, take a look at some of his highlight reels online. This kid is nasty!

That being said, he still needs to bulk up and develop his offensive game. But the sky is the limit for this kid and he is sure to be an immediate fan favorite.

2. Jonas Valanciunas

For most casual NBA fans, Jonas Valanciunas is a relative newcomer.

But for those who know the international game, he has been a big deal for a few years.

Most scouts point to his epic matchups with fellow prospect Enes Kanter, citing his athleticism and length as reasons that he should be a beast at the next level.

Valanciunas needs to still add some bulk and develop his game from 10 feet out, but with time he should be a very good pro.

Valanciunas is a lock for the top half of the lottery.

1. Enes Kanter

Of all the international players in this year's draft, Enes Kanter is the one player that most people have heard of.

Kanter differs from most of his fellow prospects in that he is not an elite athlete. He is, however, a legitimate big man with an NBA body, strong post game, and the ability to rebound in traffic.

Kanter is a flat out beast that is going to man the post of an NBA team for the next decade.

Kanter is a no doubt lock for the first or second pick of this year's draft.