NBA Draft 2011: The Cleveland Cavaliers and the 10 Teams Likely to Strike Gold
The offseason is the time of eternal hope for all of the teams in the NBA. The NBA draft is a big reason for many teams' optimism as they hope to find a star amongst the 2011 draft class.
As the NBA draft approaches and teams conduct their final player evaluations, the excitement in the NBA community is undeniable. Here is a list of 10 teams that have the potential of finding exactly what they need during the 2011 NBA Draft.
10. Portland Trailblazers
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Despite the fact that the PortlandTrailblazers are without a GM, they are poised to get a difference maker in the 2011 NBA Draft. Portland has some of the best scouts in the NBA and has produced solid draft picks over the past few seasons.
There are rumors that the Trailblazers are talking about moving into the top 10 in an attempt to draft Kemba Walker, but even if they stay put, there should be good value at the 21st pick. At their current spot, the Blazers could select a defensive-minded power forward to back up LaMarcus Aldridge and give them some much-needed rebounding.
Portland wants to improve upon last season and this draft will give a good indication of the team’s future plans.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
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With two top-20 picks including the second overall, Minnesota is a team to watch on draft night. There is speculation that the Timberwolves are shopping their first pick in an attempt to get a veteran scorer to team up with Kevin Love.
The Timberwolves have talent, and with the infusion of Ricky Rubio they should win more games than last season. In 2011 it is going to come down to the ability of Minnesota’s role players to step up and make enough significant contributions to get the Timberwolves to the playoffs.
8. Golden State Warriors
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With Jerry West and Marc Jackson now on board with the Warriors, Golden State is looking to make the playoffs this upcoming season. For that to happen, the Warriors need to toughen up on defense and play a less selfish style of basketball.
Many NBA executives believe that this will lead to the departure of guard Monta Ellis. If he is not in the Warriors future plans, he will likely be traded before the draft for more picks or for a player they feel can get them over the hump.
If the Warriors stay put at the 11th pick the Warriors will probably take the best big man available or draft a shooting guard to replace Ellis.
7. Charlotte Bobcats
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Although the Bobcats have had sub-par drafts in recent years, Michael Jordan and company are looking to change that in 2011.
The Bobcats currently have two picks in the top 20 and could use the picks to fill numerous holes in their front line. Look for Charlotte to go after defensive-minded big men and scoring threats from the wing with their two selections. With a good draft this year the Bobcats could make a run at the playoffs in 2011.
6. Washington Wizards
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The Wizards definitely struck gold in last year’s draft selecting point guard John Wall with the first overall pick. Washington will hope to build on the momentum at the 2011 draft with picks six and 18.
John Wall had a fabulous rookie campaign but with Nick Young likely headed to free agency, Wall needs perimeter scorers to dish the ball to. Expect the Wizards to draft a small forward and a shooting guard with their two first round picks.
5. New York Knicks
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Despite GM Donnie Walsh’s less-than-certain future with the Knicks, they are poised to improve on last year’s turnaround performance. In 2011 Chauncey Billups will be the starting point guard in New York but after that nothing is certain.
Walsh has passed on skilled point guards in previous drafts but I think that is going to change this year. New York is looking at guards Josh Selby and Jimmer Fredette to take the reins of the Knicks offense for upcoming seasons.
4. Houston Rockets
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After barely missing the playoffs in 2010 the Rockets will draft players that they feel can make an immediate difference for them. Houston needs help at center and small forward, positions that used to be filled by the injured Yao Ming and the departed Shane Battier.
At 14 and 23, the Rockets should have plenty of options at each position. With new head coach Kevin McKale, Houston is going to have a new look and should once again contend for the playoffs.
3. San Antonio Spurs
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The San Antonio Spurs have made a living at finding hidden gems at the end of the first round of the NBA draft. Despite an aging front line, the Spurs have no glaring weaknesses after an outstanding 2010 campaign.
San Antonio could go in a number of directions at the 29th pick, but I would not be surprised if the Spurs drafted a young international player with the highest ceiling. The Spurs are one of a few teams in the NBA that can afford to have a player stay in Europe for a few extra years to further develop.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
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At the NBA draft lottery the Cavaliers had the best luck anyone could ask for, earning two selections in the top four picks. There is speculation that Cleveland may move the fourth pick but it is almost certain that they will draft Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick.
After that, the Cavs will likely try to get a big man to run pick-and-rolls with Irving for years to come. For Cleveland to rebound from their first season without LeBron James, the Cavs cannot miss with their first two picks.
1. Utah Jazz
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The Utah Jazz are the other team with two picks in the lottery and could leave the draft with two future stars. At the third pick, the Jazz will probably take whoever they feel is the best point guard on the board who can lead their team for years to come.
After that, they will likely draft a wing player who can come off the bench and offer consistent defense. Utah is accustomed to making the playoffs, and with a strong draft this year they could be back there in 2011.
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