NBA Draft 2011: Jon Leuer and the Draft's Top X-Factors
An aspect of every NBA Draft that is often overlooked is the potential for certain players to be X-factors for their teams.
This year's edition of the draft has no shortage of potential X-factors.
In fact, there may be more of those types of players in this draft than in any previous draft.
Each team is searching not only for bona-fide starters, but guys who will be that X-factor, similar to Dallas guard J.J. Barea.
Follow along as we list the draft's top X-factors.
Jon Leuer
1 of 5
Having played in Bo Ryan's grind-it-out system for four years, Jon Leuer understands the finer points of fundamental basketball.
For a player of his size, he has excellent footwork and a lethal jump shot that extends to the three-point line.
His rebounding ability and defense are two aspects of his game that often go unnoticed.
Leuer will be a steal for the team that selects him somewhere in the second round.
He won't ever be a starter in the league due to his lack of athleticism, but he has all the tools to be a very important role player coming off the bench.
Jimmy Butler
2 of 5
Jimmy Butler has been through the grind of the Big East for the past four seasons and came away with terrific numbers during his last two seasons at Marquette.
Butler is a lengthy small forward who can handle the ball as well as knock down jump shots from seemingly anywhere.
When he's on, that is.
Butler has been criticized for his inconsistent shooting and lackluster performances during his college career.
However, when he is hot, he is really hot.
His tremendous athleticism often helps him on the defensive end of the court, where he isn't a terrific player.
Look for Butler to be selected in the mid to late second round.
David Lighty
3 of 5
Lighty was a four-year player at Ohio State, which is rare for most Buckeye basketball players.
During his time in Columbus, he was a role player who understood exactly what his job was: to shoot the ball and to play great defense.
Lighty did each of those things very well during his college career.
Because of the fact that he knew he was a role player, he will translate well to the next level, where he will be a role player for whoever selects him.
Lighty will most likely go in the late second round.
Any team who is looking for a player who will knock down shots, not make mistakes and play great defense should go with Lighty.
Ben Hansbrough
4 of 5
The reigning Big East Player of the Year deserves to be on this list.
Many critics have doubted his ability to play in the NBA.
But when you were awarded the POY award in the conference that pumps out the most NBA players, then you have the ability to play at the next level.
Hansbrough is an extremely driven and motivated player, very similar to his older brother and former national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough.
Hansbrough has excellent ball handling skills as well as a lethal three-point shot.
He also has a knack for driving the lane and getting to the foul line.
Any team that selects him will never doubt his work ethic and love for the game.
Nolan Smith
5 of 5
When you were the starting point guard on a national championship winning Duke team under the best coach in the world, you are certainly a good player.
That is the case for Nolan Smith.
Smith guided the Blue Devils to the 2009-10 national title and will go down as one of the best players of all time in Duke history.
He has a high basketball IQ and is fundamentally sound.
However, he is not a great athlete and struggles going one on one.
He lacks speed and explosiveness, which might be his demise in the NBA.
Despite those weaknesses, he is a great passer and ball handler. He seems to get the ball to the open man every time down the floor.
Smith is still a safe pick in the mid second round
