2011 NBA Draft Lottery Rumors: Latest Buzz from the Web
When the final draft order was determined after the 2011 NBA draft lottery, it didn't take long for the rumors to start flying.
There are a ton of different scenarios staring the inaugural picks of the draft squarely in the face. The selection of players is going to be highly variable depending upon what happens with the second pick in the June 23 event.
There's going to be a ton of buzz lighting up the NBA over the next month, and it's going to be exciting to see which may become a reality.
Cleveland Cavaliers Taking Kyrie Irving First Overall
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Here's an interesting little nugget from Cleveland Cavaliers GM Chris Grant in a recent podcast with Colin Cowherd from his ESPN radio show.
When talking about some of the top talents in this draft, Grant may have accidentally expressed some insight into his thinking about the top overall selection. He mentioned both Jan Vesely and Jonas Valanciunas as on the team's radar, but neither would be a logical fit with the first pick.
However, both are expected to be available when the team drafts fourth overall. So it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense for Cleveland to pair one of those guys with Derrick Williams because J.J. Hickson is already a staple down low.
Oh, and did I mention that Irving turned down LeBron's marketing pitch to try and recruit him into LRMR, James' sports marketing group?
Enes Kanter Selected Second Overall
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Should the Wolves decide to keep the pick and attempt to make an impact landing, Chad Ford writes that Bismack Biyombo, Enes Kanter and Derrick Williams will be in a three-way race to be the pick.
Williams makes absolutely no sense. I'm usually in favor of drafting top talent regardless of need, but the product of Arizona is only comfortable at two positions: small forward and power forward.The Wolves already have Michael Beasley, Wes Johnson & Kevin Love.
Biyombo would be an incredibly big stretch as the No. 2 overall selection in an already watered down class, and I'm sure even David Kahn can at least extract that much.
Minnesota Timberwolves Trading Second Overall Pick
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ESPN Draft Insider Chad Ford wrote in his latest mock draft that he's hearing that the T-Wolves have already made clear that they'll listen to any offers a team might have on their second overall selection.
Well, that might be the first smart thing I've ever heard David Kahn say. So of course he'd back it up by making suggestive comments that the lottery was fixed, but so goes life in the NBA as decision-maker in Minnesota.
If they do decide to move down in the draft, it would be to the team's benefit. They still need all the help that they can get, and multiple picks might be better than drafting Enes Kanter.
Jimmer Fredette Barely a Lottery Pick
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Remember when the country couldn't stop talking about Jimmer? Multiple front offices thought he was the best scorer in the NCAA and couldn't wait to have an opportunity to draft this kid.
Now, he's barely a lottery pick. There's a lot that Fredette can't do; he doesn't have the explosive athleticism of some lesser talents and his ceiling may not be as high as others drafted in front of him. But there's one thing that he can do with conviction: shoot the basketball
However, Adam Morrison could also shoot lights out in college, and he's no longer on an NBA roster despite having two championship rings. Phoenix would be an excellent fit for Fredette, who could just spot up and feed off of dimes from Steve Nash regularly.
Kemba Walker Heading to Canada?
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Kemba Walker would be an excellent face to pair with DeMar DeRozan in the Raptors backcourt as the team attempts to rise from the ashes of misery.
There's little doubt that Walker will be available when the Raps select in the No. 5 spot, but will they be bold enough to make the move? Raptors Republic, an ESPN TrueHoop affiliate, believes that it's time.
It's time to turn the page on the Jose Calderon era, because everyone is sick of the same song and dance that has been the Canadian franchise since Vince Carter left.
Kemba would serve to send a lightning rod of energy into a franchise that has been dormant for far too long.
Wizards Might Trade Up for Derrick Williams
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There was some pre-lottery speculation that if the Wizards netted the top overall pick they'd make Enes Kanter the selection. But according to Sam Amick, that's simply not true.
The Wizards reportedly have Derrick Williams atop their big board, and since they were dealt the sixth pick of the draft, it only seems logical that they inquire about moving up to No. 2.
Williams would be such a great young talent alongside John Wall, Jordan Crawford and JaVale McGee. The move would simultaneously allow them to trade Andray Blatche, who is receiving a lucrative deal.
Jan Vesely in Play for Cleveland's No. 4 Pick
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With the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, the Cavs are going to have to take a player that they can pair with likely top pick Kyrie Irving.
In order to do that, they'll likely be looking into the European pool, according to Sam Amico. Because of the looming lockout, teams may be more inclined toward selecting international players who can stay with their current teams while the labor issues are negotiated.
Amico says that Jan Vesely could very well be in play, especially if Enes Kanter goes off the board to Minnesota at No. 2 overall.
Kyrie Irving Not Participating in Draft Combine
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Although Irving was originally scheduled to be among the participants in the NBA draft combine that kicked off on Thursday, he pulled his name out of the field earlier today.
According to the report, this was a decision that was made by both Irving and his agent. So the Duke product must feel really confident about his chances of going first overall, since even Blake Griffin and John Wall both participated during their draft years.
Indiana Pacers Making Push for No. 2 Overall Pick
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According to a tweet from Sam Amico, the Indiana Pacers are making a big effort to acquire the second overall pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He mentions that Danny Granger, Ricky Rubio and Michael Beasley are the names being discussed in a potential swap, so this is a rumor that should be followed closely to see if anything comes to fruition.
Phoenix Suns Might Trade No. 13 Pick
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There's a legitimate possibility that the Phoenix Suns are looking to move the No. 13 pick at the back end of the lottery in June's upcoming NBA draft.
Although many mock drafts have Jimmer Fredette sliding into the Suns' backcourt alongside Steve Nash, perhaps the Suns feel that they're unable to improve their roster in a meaningful way with the middle-of-the-pack selection.
With the NBA Draft approaching, NBA Mock Draft season is here. Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated mock drafts, along with the latest NBA Draft news, analysis, rumors and predictions.
