2011 NBA Draft: Prediction for the Top 10 Selections
The NBA draft is creeping up on us.
On June 23 college athletes throughout the nation will be clinging to their seats, hoping to get that special call to the stage (or phone call).
Although there doesn't seem to be a LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Blake Griffin in this year's class, teams are still excited to attempt to capture some talent to aid their future squads.
Here is my prediction for the first 10 selections of the 2011 NBA draft.
10. Alec Burks- Milwaukee Bucks
1 of 10
Alec Burks is one of the top overall shooting guard prospects for this year's draft and had an outstanding sophomore season with Colorado, scoring 20.1 points per game. He is a strong athlete that's good on the boards and has great ability with an open court. Burks struggles a bit with his outside shot, but he's still better than current SG Michael Redd.
Burks will be a nice asset to the Bucks and should make Brandon Jennings look even better.
9. Tristan Thompson- Charlotte Bobcats
2 of 10
The 6'9" forward from Texas is entering the draft after just one college season.
Thompson has extremely long legs and is an extraordinary shot blocker, averaging 2.4 a game, but his transition from college opponents to professional may affect his scoring ability.
The Bobcats will be getting raw talent and a dedicated hard worker when they select Tristan Thompson.
8. Kawhi Leonard- Detriot Pistons
3 of 10
There is one word to describe Kawhi Leonard:
Athlete.
Leonard has huge hands that help him control the ball; he's also good at distributing to his teammates. His game-play intensity goes a long way and it can drive him to be a 40-plus minute player. He does an excellent job crashing the boards. Leonard averaged a double-double his sophomore season, and I expect him to do so in the NBA. He still needs work on his jump shot, but he's working hard on it and has shown improvement.
7. Kemba Walker- Sacramento Kings
4 of 10
The Kings are in need of some leadership.
And they'll find it when they draft Connecticut's Bob Cousy Award winner (best point guard) Kemba Walker.
Walker lead his Huskies to a National Championship victory in April, fearlessly accepting the role as the team's captain, star, No. 1 scorer, and closer. He's small, which is a big question mark heading into the NBA, but it shouldn't stop him from being a force on the offensive end with his tremendous speed.
Kemba should be a nice addition to the Kings' young DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans.
6. Jan Vesely- Washington Wizards
5 of 10
The 6'11" European is an athletic small forward/power forward player and the Wizards are excited to have this versatility.
Vesely has a track record of starting off the season slow and heating up throughout the year. He isn't the strongest guy out there and will need to hit the weights.
5. Toronto Raptors- Jonas Valanciunas
6 of 10
Jonas Valanciunas is another 6'11" European prospect and I believe that the Raptors will be ready to gamble on this one.
Toronto is in need of some good luck, and Valanciunas may be their four leaf clover. The Lithuanian didn't have high numbers and needs to add some weight to his physique, but he's got great potential and the Raptors are hoping its unlocked sooner than later.
4. Enes Kanter- Cleveland Cavaliers
7 of 10
According to ESPN.com, Enes Kanter was ruled permanently ineligible for receiving more than $33,000 in impermissible benefits while playing for the Turkish club team Fenerbahce two years ago. The Kentucky freshman, who scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in just 23 minutes against the USA team in the Hoop Summit of 2010, enters the draft with many, many questions—but nothing important enough for the Cavaliers to pass up on.
Kanter is 6'11", 240 pounds and has a size 16 shoe.
3. Brandon Knight- Utah Jazz
8 of 10
The Utah Jazz will pick Brandon Knight to replace Deron Williams at PG.
Knight has overwhelming speed and at 6'3" he will excel at his position. He may need some time to acclimate with the pace of the NBA, but he's a clutch shooter and is smart with the ball.
Knight lives in the gym and has the mindset that there is always room for improvement. Critics say that he needs to work on his passing skills, and I believe that he will be determined to succeed at doing so. Knight is an athletic force and will make a lot of Jazz fans happy in years to come.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Derrick Williams
9 of 10
Derrick Williams blossomed in the NCAA tournament as he dominated his way to the Elite Eight, including a convincing performance against No. 1 seeded Duke.
Williams has great size for his position (small forward) and has been continuing to add muscle. He is a tough athlete that pounded his way in for 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in 2010-11.
Darko Milicic, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Wesley Johnson and Derrick Williams seems like a solid lineup.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kyrie Irving
10 of 10
I honestly believe that the Cavaliers could decide to select Williams with this first overall pick, but Irving seems to be more applicable for a Cleveland team that is in need of a franchise point guard, especially with late-aquision Baron Davis closing in on 33 years of age.
Irving missed most of the 2010-11 season due to injury, but came back in the NCAA tournament with an immediate impact, scoring 53 points in 72 minutes of playing time.
Kyrie Irving is already being compared to Hornets' star Chris Paul due to his superior play-making ability. In other words, be ready to hear the name "Irving" a lot in 2011 and beyond.
