NBA Draft 2011: Jimmer Fredette and the 12 Worst Defenders in the Draft
When NBA scouts analyze talent among college or international players, defense is often overlooked if a player has a strong offensive game.
There aren’t too many Chris Singleton’s in this year’s draft field, so teams will hope they can teach their top draft picks to become adequate defensive players.
Jimmer Fredette’s name has consistently popped up as a player whose defense may cause him to slip in the draft.
While the following 12 players have shown they can score, their defense may be a cause for concern at the next level.
12. Kawhi Leonard, SF
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Kawhi Leonard made a name for himself this season as he led the San Diego State Aztecs on a miracle run.
His offensive talents were firmly on display all year.
However, Leonard needs to improve his defense for his stock to rise. He takes too many chances defensively, which allows opponents to either blow past him or draw fouls.
11. Nolan Smith, SG
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Nolan Smith has flown under the radar since all the attention has been paid to his teammate, and likely No. 1 overall pick, Kyrie Irving.
Smith projects as a solid bench player who can shoot the ball well from the outside.
However, he may never amount to more than that unless he improves his defense. Scouts wonder if he can keep up with more athletic shooting guards.
10. Trey Thompkins, PF
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Trey Thompkins was a solid post player for the Georgia Bulldogs last season, but his glaring lack of athleticism will hurt him on the defensive end in the NBA.
Luckily for him, his other skills have so far masked his defensive shortcomings.
Later in the first round appears to be a likely destination for Thompkins.
9. Davis Bertans, PF
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Davis Bertans of Latvia has garnered attention as a sharp-shooting forward that can be a vital asset off a team’s bench.
However, his defense suffers due to his frame. He’s only 211 pounds despite his 6’10” height.
Bertans appears to be a player that a team will take a gamble on in hopes that he can be a great talent in several years.
8. Darius Morris, PG
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Darius Morris is oversized for a point guard, which may wind up benefiting his defense.
However, he’ll have to work hard at his defensive game to prove he is worthy of a mid-first round pick.
He might be a fit for the New York Knicks at No. 17, in which playing defense isn’t exactly a priority in Mike D’Antoni’s system.
7. Tobias Harris, PF
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Tobias Harris is listed as a power forward, but at 6’8”, he will likely be viewed as a small forward.
As a result, his lack of speed on the defensive end may be a problem.
If he can shed some baby fat and increase his explosiveness, he has the other tools to be a solid NBA player.
6. Nikola Mirotic, PF
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Nikola Mirotic has slipped to the beginning of the second round due to lack of a defensive game.
He has very little athleticism and jumping ability. Mirotic has the size, but lacks the toughness as of now to be a productive big man.
For a player with such a strong offensive game, his defense may be his downfall.
5. Jan Vesely, PF
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Jan Vesely has been classified as a tweener—he has the size of a power forward and the outside game of a good small forward.
However, this label can also work against him. He lacks the speed to cover athletic small forwards and does not possess the size to shut down NBA big men.
He’ll have to build up his frame, since he already has the height of a power forward.
4. Jordan Hamilton, SG
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Jordan Hamilton plays a position that relies on speed, but he is lacking in this department.
The 6’7” shooting guard must improve his quickness to keep up with some of the best athletes in the game that play that position.
Hamilton is a hard worker, so he should be able to improve defensively.
3. Donatas Motiejunas, C
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Donatas Motiejunas has a dazzling offensive game that looks like it will translate well to the NBA.
Like Vesely, he lacks the strength to compete on a regular basis with the NBA’s elite, despite his 7’0” frame.
With improved defense, teams that pass him up may regret their decision.
2. Alec Burks, SG
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Alec Burks has been called one of the top outside shooters in the draft, though he has struggled with consistency.
However, not much has been said about his defense.
Burks need to add some strength to his frame if he wants to compete with the league’s top guards.
1. Jimmer Fredette, PG
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Jimmer Fredette is one of the top offensive prospects in this year’s draft.
His lack of lateral speed and athleticism has been the talk of the predraft. While he can score with just about anyone, will his mediocre defensive skills prevent him from being a top pick?
Already, Fredette has slipped down the draft boards—going from a possible top-five pick to now a mid-to-late first round pick.
If he works hard at his defense and continues his prolific scoring, he may wind up being a steal of this year’s draft.
