NBA Draft 2011: The Latest Buzz and Rumors for Every Lottery Pick
Now that the NBA Finals are over, the entire league turns their attention to what most of the other teams' fans were already looking forward to: the NBA draft.
While the league starts to gear up for the draft, we enter a very strange period of time in which not much has changed as far as the players are concerned, but the teams are beginning to play chess games with one another.
If team A loves a point guard from Connecticut but they know that the team that is drafting behind them is looking for a power forward, they may put out a story that they really like said power forward.
This type of thing happened in football a few years ago when the Lions put out a story that they were thinking about drafting Kellen Winslow. The Browns, who were drafting behind them, traded Detroit an additional pick to move up and select Winslow, and Detroit was able to get the player they really wanted, Roy Williams, one pick later.
Teams right now are trying to do whatever is possible to solidify their rosters, and nothing is off limits.
For this article, I will go through every lottery pick and discuss the current buzz that is being generated, and discern what seems likely and what seems like smoke.
14. Houston Rockets
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It seems like the end of an era of sorts in Houston. Yao Ming missed yet another year, and to say that people are pessimistic about his return to All-Star form is a bit of an understatement.
As of now, Houston has to plan on Ming not returning.
That doesn't necessarily mean that the cupboard is bare, though.
Houston has done a good job of developing players, and have made moves to solidify their roster. They have a very talented power forward in Luis Scola, and one of the most dynamic scorers in the game in Kevin Martin.
While they may have the most undersized center in the game in Chuck Hayes and last year's pick Patrick Patterson was up and down, Kyle Lowry had his moments and Jordan Hill may become a valuable weapon.
Potential Draft Targets
Houston has two main holes in their lineup, small forward and center. They could always improve at point guard, but only if they fall in love with the pick.
The name that keeps coming up when discussing Houston is Bismack Biyombo. He is long, freakishly athletic and could be an immediate help at center on the defensive end.
I have heard rumors that Biyombo might pull a Rickey Rubio if he doesn't like the team that drafts him, and Houston likely won't want to wait for his services. He also could be picked up earlier, although his star has cooled of late. If the draft were held last month, he probably would have gone top five.
Other names to look at are Jordan Hamilton, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Singleton and Donatas Motiejunas.
Personally, I think Hamilton looks like a good fit.
13. Phoenix Suns
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Just like the Rockets, the Suns are at a bit of a crossroads. They have an iconic star that is in the twilight of his career.
But unlike the Rockets, the future seems less bright for the Suns. The rest of their starting lineup is comprised of other players that are a bit long in the tooth. They were a team that decided to win now, but then didn't.
There have been rumors for over a year now that Phoenix could potentially move Steve Nash for the star guard to have one final shot at winning a title.
However, most people shoot those rumors down as Nash is the main draw in Phoenix, and if they moved him they would certainly feel it in attendance.
It seems that if they could get a decent package of young players and/or picks, they should consider it. That being said, not a lot of teams are likely to be willing to part with such a package for a point guard that only has a few years left in the tank.
Potential Draft Targets
Phoenix could use depth just about everywhere. However, they seem to be somewhat happy with their center rotation.
If they are serious about rebooting this franchise, they could consider another big draw type of player in Jimmer Fredette.
Fredette would represent a Nash-type of point guard that plays the game at a cerebral level and makes up for a lack of strength with pure ability.
Fredette, however, will likely not last past Utah at 12.
Other players that could fit Phoenix include Jordan Hamilton, Kawhi Leonard, Alec Burks or even Marcus Morris.
My thinking is that Phoenix is going to want immediate help, especially if they are going to keep Nash. Burks or Leonard could potentially start right away for this team, allowing them to slowly transition away from the grey beards into a younger team.
12. Utah Jazz
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Utah is an intriguing team for a number of reasons.
They were embattled in controversy and upheaval last year, dealing away their All-Star point guard Deron Williams, and losing their iconic coach Jerry Sloan within weeks of each other. They had already parted ways with Carlos Boozer, and appeared to be building around Al Jefferson.
The Jazz have a lot of talent on their roster, but have made some questionable personnel moves. Choosing Raja Bell over Wesley Matthews? I'm still scratching my head over that one.
At the end of the day, this is a team that is loaded up front, but has question marks on the wings. Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Darrick Favors and Memo Okur represent one of the deepest post rotations in the game and it is a mix of youth and experience.
Is Devin Harris really the answer at point guard? Will C.J. Miles be worth keeping around? Can Gordon Hayward produce at this level?
Potential Draft Targets
Since Utah has two lottery picks, I will discuss each at their specific order. Obviously their biggest need may be addressed earlier, leaving this pick to address a lesser need or to add depth based on the talent of the players left.
The obvious choice here is Fredette. He is the local star, and arguably the most popular person in Utah today. Given the rough year the fans had to endure in Utah, this would be a pick that would soothe some wounds from a public relations standpoint.
That being said, the Jazz are playing this one really cool. They appear unlikely to cave to public pressure to draft Fredette, especially if they draft a point guard with their earlier pick.
However, Fredette could actually help this team, especially if they aren't sold on Harris. He has shown the ability to distribute, and could stretch the floor for the bigs with his unworldly range.
Some other targets could include Burks, Leonard, Marshon Brooks, Singleton or maybe even Klay Thompson if they don't mind reaching a bit.
Personally, I think they grab Fredette here.
11. Golden State Warriors
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The Warriors have been a tough team to figure out for me. Their roster seems to be a bit oddly proportioned, and this has resulted in uneven play for the last few years.
They have a lot of talent with guys like Steph Curry, Monte Ellis, David Lee and Andris Biedrins.
They seem to be set up front with Lee, Biedrins, and last year's lottery pick Ekpe Udoh and small forward Dorell Wright was a revelation last year.
So where exactly is the hole in this team?
The biggest problem in my eyes is the fact that Curry and Ellis are very much the same type of player, and one probably needs to be moved in order for the team to take a step forward.
Word has it that there have been a handful of teams interested in dealing for Ellis, not the least of which being Chicago, and this could open up this team's roster a bit.
Potential Draft Targets
It's funny that the first few teams targeted here have similar needs. Therefore, the names that are kicked around are similar.
If the Warriors deal Ellis, they should look for size at the two guard. They will need a scorer more than a shooter, and they will need a slasher more than a distributor. However, they will need a more physical player that can play solid defense and keep opposing teams from targeting Curry on that side of the ball.
Kawhi Leonard would be the ideal pick if he can slide to them. He is big, quick, and can get to the hoop.
Sure, he didn't look amazing in the NCAA tournament, but teams keyed on him and took away his ability to operate. In Oakland, he can be a nice secondary option on offense.
Burks is also a possibility here, as is Hamilton, but if Leonard slips he would fit them the best.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
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The Bucks took a major step backwards last year. After a playoff run the year before, they regressed and ended up back in the lottery.
They are built strong up front with a very good big man in Andrew Bogut. They still have a talented point guard in Brandon Jennings, but there are rumblings that they are growing impatient with him. He was a lot like the team itself last year, somewhat regressing in his own right.
They also got disappointing contributions from Corey Maggette and John Salmons last year, and they don't know exactly what they have at the forward spots either. Carlos Delfino was a surprise last year, but he probably isn't the answer going forward.
Potential Draft Targets
Milwaukee has some options here. If a good shooting guard or small forward falls to them, they can make a move in that direction and then try to deal Maggette or Salmons. With a new CBA, that seems unlikely however, which could force them to look in another direction.
Could Milwaukee take a chance on one of the top international players such as Motiejunas or Jan Vesely if they are still on the board?
Both need work, but both could fill a need as well. Motiejunas projects as a power forward, and Vesely is more of a three.
Personally, I think Vesely would be just what Milwaukee needs. He is electric, can dunk with authority, and is not afraid to mix it up a bit.
9. Charlotte Bobcats
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The most recognizable person associated with this franchise continues to be owner Michael Jordan.
Their best player is probably small forward Stephen Jackson, and despite some turbulence, D.J. Augustin appears to be their point guard of the future.
The front court, however, is a mess. Kwame Brown? Tyrus Thomas? Boris Diaw? This is a roster of question marks, not answers.
Potential Draft Targets
The good news is that with a lot of holes comes a lot of potential fits. Charlotte could literally go in any direction they choose.
Since they have a number of draft picks over the next couple years, they can be slow and methodical. This lends itself perfectly to grabbing a project player here such as Biyombo, Motiejunas or Jonas Valanciunas if he slips to them.
What they don't need is a quick fix swing man like Leonard, Burks or Singleton. They need to take their time here and build right.
Biyombo would be intriguing as he would immediately shore up the soft front court. Paired with Thomas, this could be an incredibly athletic team that can get out into a fast tempo type of game.
This team is still fighting the college powerhouses for customers, and they will need exciting players to do so. Biyombo fits that bill.
8. Detroit Pistons
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Of all the teams in this lottery, few will be undergoing as many changes as the Pistons.
They just brought in a new owner, they just fired their coach and they will likely be parting ways with holdovers from their glory days in Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.
This team has to decide what kind of team they want to be. Are they going to get back to their roots of hard nosed defense and effort, or are they going to shift to a more finesse team with players such as Charlie Villanueva leading the way?
I think team president Joe Dumars realizes that he made a mistake by trying to turn this team into what the league is heading towards in finesse players that score and refuse to play defense.
Potential Draft Targets
Detroit has plenty of holes to fill. They will probably be starting a new small forward, shooting guard, center and potentially point guard.
They have to decide if they will keep Rodney Stuckey, and what role will he play.
The player that best fits the needs of Detroit is Kemba Walker. Walker provides leadership, passion, scoring and facillitation. He could step in immediately and play point guard, allowing Stuckey to shift to his more natural shooting guard position.
The key for Detroit will be Sacramento at 7. If the Kings grab Walker, Detroit will have to shift gears in a hurry.
Other targets could include Marcus Morris, Biyombo, Valanciunas or Enes Kanter if he slips.
Personally, I have thought it would be Walker all along and I am sticking to that pick.
7. Sacramento Kings
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Sacramento is another team in disarray, but for quite a different reason. They may not be in Sacramento for very long as team owners the Maloof brothers are angling for a new arena and could find themselves in a different locale.
As far as the team personnel is concerned, they have question marks here as well. Tyreke Evans is a scorer, but probably not a point guard. DeMarcus Cousins was a beast at times last year, but he also is a huge question mark in terms of his maturity. He could be a loose cannon going forward.
Potential Draft Targets
This all comes down to whether or not they like Walker. There have been rumors that they are concerned about his size and potential combo guard status. Would he really pair well with Evans?
Walker could be just what this underachieving and immature team needs.
Then again, they could opt to take a chance on a international player like Valanciunas, Motiejunas or even Biyombo. Would they again draft a big man high in the draft?
A dark horse name to consider is Vesely. His athleticism and excitement factor could electrify Arco Arena.
If I were Sacramento, however, I would take Walker.
6. Washington Wizards
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The Washington Wizards need something. Actually, they need a lot of somethings.
The problem is figuring out what direction to go in. They have an electric playmaker at point guard in John Wall. So do they opt for a high paced up-tempo game and grab someone that fits that mold?
Or do they instead opt to build up their front court and turn the page on Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee?
Potential Draft Targets
At this point in the draft, the most talented players that play a position of need for Washington are probably international players.
Enes Kanter could potentially slip to them here, or they could grab up Vesely, Valanciunas or reach for Biyombo.
They don't need a shooting guard, and small forward would be a reach here aside from Vesely.
For that reason, Vesely makes a lot of sense here. He can fit into an up-tempo game, or he can stretch the defense. He also will bring excitement with his thundering dunks and fearlessness.
That being said, don't discount the potential for them to grab Valanciunas.
This will be a very interesting pick here.
5. Toronto Raptors
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Toronto has been a rudderless franchise for a few years now, and things don't appear to be improving.
They have a very good big man in Andrea Bargnani and Ed Davis showed flashes of his vast potential last year. Their point guard situation could probably use some help, but their biggest need is probably at small forward.
That being said, unless they like Vesely, they probably will have to address that spot through free agency.
Potential Draft Targets
Brandon Knight likely falls to them here, and if he does they will have to take him. Knight is a very talented combo guard, which would allow Toronto some flexibility.
Either they could start him at point guard and bring Calderon off the bench, or they could move him over to shooting guard and move DeRozan to small forward.
Knight can shoot the lights out, is quick and can distribute.
He also is the best player on the board here, and Toronto can't pass up talent.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
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The highlight of the summer was undeniably the fact that the Cavs won the lottery.
But a close second is LeBron James being denied his championship with the Heatles.
This is a team that is clinging to their owner's bravado and flat out need to turn this team around.
Winning the lottery is a nice start.
But now the real work begins.
Potential Draft Targets
Cleveland has two of the top four picks, and they also have a ton of holes to fill.
There are two schools of thought with the Cavs. One school has the Cavs grabbing Kyrie Irving number one and then depending on what Utah and Minnesota do, grabbing the best available talent at No. 4.
The other school of thought is to fill either the small forward hole with Derrick Williams at number one or the center hole with Enes Kanter, and then grabbing up Brandon Knight with the fourth pick to kill two birds with one stone in a sense.
Both ideas have merit. But Kanter at 1 is just too much of a gamble. He has basically played one game in the last two years, and that was an All-Star game.
The smart money has Cleveland going with the first line of thought, and targetting the best available player at four. This could turn out to be Kanter anyway. But more than likely they will be looking at Vesely or Valanciunas here.
3. Utah Jazz
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Potential Draft Targets
Since Utah has a later lottery pick, they have a little bit of room to manuever.
Also, since the best player on the board here could either be Kanter, Williams or Irving, they will have some options.
One thing going for Utah is that they have such depth up front. Unless they are thinking about dealing Al Jefferson, they probably won't need a center or power forward here.
And if Cleveland and Minnesota opt for Irving and Kanter, they could have a great consolation prize here in Williams.
The really intriguing part about this hinges on trades. The recent rumors swirling are that Cleveland is trying to acquire another lottery pick, potentially working a trade with Detroit for the eighth pick, and then packaging picks to move up again.
That being said, if Cleveland grabs Irving and Minnesota takes Williams, can Utah really pass on Kanter? Probably not.
But something tells me that Williams could be here, which would be an ideal fit for Utah.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have had some of the worst luck in the NBA over their short time in the league.
They have missed on a lot of draft picks, they have made some questionable personnel moves and they have continued to tick further and further down the standings.
The good news is that they appear to have found their star in Kevin Love. The power forward led the league in rebounding, and finally gave the Minnesota faithful something to cheer about.
Michael Beasley was also a surprise last year, providing another offensive weapon.
The good news appears to be coming again, as rumor has it that Rickey Rubio likely will be coming to the Wolves very soon.
Potential Draft Targets
With Rubio heading stateside, Minnesota no longer needs a point guard. So if Irving is still on the board, they probably will pass.
They also need to figure out if Beasley is the answer at the three. If so, do they really need Williams? The intriguing pick would be Kanter.
A front court of Kanter, Love, and Beasley could be a dominant one. Kanter is a very strong, and underrated athlete that could easily slide into the starting lineup and supplant incumbent Darko Milicic.
But is he too much of a gamble?
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
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Potential Draft Targets
The ball is in Cleveland's court here at No. 1. Do they take Williams and then grab a point guard later? Or do they grab the consensus No. 1 pick in Irving despite the fact that he only played a handful of games last year?
The smart money is that Irving gets the nod here, however he could have turned Cleveland off a bit with his refusal to work out during the combine this summer.
Regardless, Cleveland fans should be excited about their team's prospects. This is fast becoming a point guard driven league, and Irving is the best point guard in this group. He can score, distribute and he has a solid basketball IQ.
If they build around him, he could be the cornerstone of this beleaguered franchise for years to come.
