NBA Draft 2011: Tristan Thompson and the 10 Best Shot Blockers in the Draft
There is nothing as compelling or motivating as blocking a shot, especially if you want to demolish the other team's morale and momentum.
Anticipating that cautious scoring opportunity can really help daunt the opponent, as well as keep the score on your side.
Shot blockers are an important asset to each team in the NBA. Not only do they make big-time plays, they make for good money too; a great block can be "posterized" just like a great dunk.
Every time needs at least one play-making shot blocker. And come the NBA draft, many will get its chance to select one.
There are quite a few to choose from in 2011—
Chris Singleton—Florida State
1 of 10
Singleton is a small forward with the size fit for his position in the NBA. He has a massive upper body and owns the strength to move defenders easily.
He makes a huge impact defensively and has all the right attributes to make him a lockdown defender; his ability to predict and pursue into the passing lanes combined with his dexterous shotblocking capabilities make him a huge threat.
The 6'9" forward averaged 1.5 blocks per game in 2010-11. He had foot surgery in February, but this shouldn't hold him back from being a defensive force in the NBA.
Trey Thompkins—Georgia
2 of 10
These long arms were meant to block shots.
The 6'10" junior out of Georgia has plenty of skills to succeed at the next level.
Thompkins is a large fella with an ability to knock down shots, excel in transition and create shots off of the dribble.
He has rare quickness for a big-man and utilizes it to make nice plays in the paint. He has soft hands and is good rebounder.
Although Thompkins is known more for his offensive ability, he can definitely make his presence felt on defense. His size alone gives him the opportunity to block shots, and he averaged almost two a game in 2010-11.
Tyler Honeycutt—UCLA
3 of 10
An awing block can taste so sweet.
Sweet like honey.
Tyler Honeycutt is a 6'8" versatile athlete; he changes between the guard and forward positions. Despite only weighing around 200 pounds, he does an excellent job crashing the boards with his large wingspan.
He has a feel for the rim as he tends to score inside, although his work ethic will drive him to become a mid-range scorer as well.
Honeycutt is an accomplished defender and his awareness rises him among the best in the draft.
Don't be deceived by his size. He averaged 2.1 blocks a game his sophomore season and will not be afraid to rip the ball out of opponents' hands.
Willie Reed—St. Louis
4 of 10
Willie Reed is an underrated power forward whose athleticism is among the best.
Reed's strong legs allow him to get off the ground very quickly—perfect for a surprise block-attack. He never takes a play off and his actions prove it.
Reed sees the floor well and is at his best when above the rim; he lacks any sort of consistency or confidence in his jumpshot. His quickness helps him attack the basket and contain good control.
Defensively, Reed is a game-changer.
He has the ability to block and alter many shots with his nice size and strength. Reed does a great job waiting for the opponent's shot before he uses his quick-launching legs to seize the ball.
He's good for a few steals here and there and does a great job using his large hands on the ball for deflections.
Rick Jackson—Syracuse
5 of 10
Jackson lives in the paint.
He scores most of his points when he's rooted underneath the rim or on second chance opportunities—and he got a lot of second chances as the Big East's leading rebounder.
Jackson is basketball smart and has high awareness on defense. He uses his speedy feet and long, powerful arms to block shots at a high rate (2.5 blocks per game).
And the 6'9" New York native doesn't plan on stopping there.
Kenneth Faried—Morehead State
6 of 10
Remember when No. 13 seed Morehead State knocked off No. 4 seed Louisville in the 2011 NCAA tournament?
Kenneth Faried does, too.
Faried is a fun player to watch that brings a lot of energy to the game. He consistently plays with aggression and finesse, sacrificing his body time and time again.
His complete athleticism and overall explosiveness make up for his lack of size at the forward position, and his huge hands led the nation in rebounding at 13.3 per game.
Faried is a great shot blocker (2.3 bpg) with the instincts fit for the NBA level. There is never a dull moment with him, as he stays active—he led the Ohio Valley Conference in steals at 2.3 per game.
Faried will be an outstanding role player at the next level and will provide sparks for whoever decides to select him come draft day.
Keith Benson—Oakland
7 of 10
The 6'11" phenom out of Oakland is looking to continue doing what he did in college.
Block shots.
Keith Benson was second in the NCAA in blocks at 3.6 per game behind Northwestern State's William Mosley (4.9). The big-man had seven blocks in a game twice in 2010-11, while having six three times.
Benson continued to grow, learn, and get better throughout his five years at Oakland. His statistics and knowledge increased every season—something NBA scouts love to see.
He's an excellent athlete and possesses a 7'2" wingspan.
Even with his large size, Benson tends to run well on the open floor and has great mid-range. His teammates utilized him off the glass and completed quite a few ally-oops.
Benson is a class-act and any coach would love to have this guy on his team. He gives 100 percent and always plays with intensity.
JaJuan Johnson—Purdue
8 of 10
JaJuan Johnson is an athletic forward from Purdue who flourishes in the open floor.
His 7-foot wingspan and terrific length both combine to aid him as a defensive powerhouse, averaging 2.3 blocks per game.
During his two-game stay in the 2011 NCAA tournament, Johnson averaged 20.5 points, 15.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.
Solid.
Johnson will enter the draft with a degree and is very mature off the court. He is a top prospect and, according to MyNBADraft.com, he's predicted to be selected by the Nets.
Bismack Biyombo—Congo
9 of 10
Isn't Bismack Biyombo just a fun name to say?
Well, get used to saying it, because you sure will be hearing it a lot.
Biyombo is a big-time shot blocker with extraordinary length (7'7" wingspan) and athleticism for a center. At 6'9", he'll probably be switched to the forward position, but his stature is very intimidating.
He's got one of the best reflexes and timing in the draft, especially on blocked shots. He averaged 2.3 blocks a game on just an average of 17 minutes of playing time.
Biyombo has thick, fast legs and brings high energy to the defense, as well as rebounding the ball with power.
His offensive game is very raw and needs improvement to succeed at the NBA level, but that's what practice is for.
And practice makes perfect.
Tristan Thompson—Texas
10 of 10
Texas' Tristan Thompson is the best shot blocker coming into the 2011 NBA draft.
His tremendous wingspan adds to his already-impressive build. Thompson is only 19 years old and has been working on adding body mass and definition.
Due to his young age, he has plenty of time to continue this without disrupting his unbelievable explosiveness.
Thompson can play both ends of the ball well. He battles his way and creates early position, getting many easy looks in transition in result of his aptitude to run the floor.
His soft hands makes his teammates better, catching tough passes and distributing the ball well. Thompson also utilizes his hands by grabbing a lot of rebounds, especially on offense for second chance points.
Thompson is a high-energy athlete whose length gives opponents trouble. He recovers very quickly on defense, producing more opportunities for momentum-swinging shot blocks.
The young Canadian averaged 2.4 blocks per game his freshman year in Texas. He blocked 11 shots in two games during the NCAA tournament.
Posterize me, Captain!
