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NEW YORK - JUNE 24:  John Wall of Kentucky stands with NBA Commisioner David Stern after being drafted with the first pick by the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
NEW YORK - JUNE 24: John Wall of Kentucky stands with NBA Commisioner David Stern after being drafted with the first pick by the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges andAl Bello/Getty Images

NBA Draft 2011: Stock Report

Stephen Newhouse IIJun 14, 2011

In two weeks, NBA teams will hit the market looking for prospects that will change the face of their franchises. Coming in to draft night, some prospects have risen to the top, while others have taken a step back.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have two of the top four picks in this year's draft and will look to fill the void left by LeBron James. If Cleveland can win big with their two picks, fans will have new hope for years to come.

The Minnesota Timberwolves already have a core of young talent, and they have the No. 2 overall pick. If the T-Wolves can pick the right piece for their puzzle, they will be contenders soon.

The Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors have the No. 3 and No. 5  overall picks, respectively. With these two teams in a state of transition, making a good selection is essential for these franchises.

So let's take a look at my top 14 prospects and their stocks in this year's lottery.

14) Chris Singleton (Florida State)

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 20:  Chris Singleton #31 of the Florida State Seminoles cheers for the team in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 20, 2
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 20: Chris Singleton #31 of the Florida State Seminoles cheers for the team in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 20, 2

Chris Singleton: Rising

With defense becoming a priority in this era of the NBA, Singleton is a versatile forward who will translate well in the pros. Singleton has the potential to be an elite NBA defender and is worth the  risk for a team in the lottery.

13) Jimmer Fredette (BYU)

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24:  Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars reacts during their 74 to 83 loss to the Florida Gators in the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 24, 2011 in New Orle
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars reacts during their 74 to 83 loss to the Florida Gators in the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 24, 2011 in New Orle

Fredette: Falling

Jimmer mania swept the college basketball world last season. However, can Fredette's game translate to the NBA? I have doubts about his offensive game transitioning to the pros. He is reminiscent of a J.J. Reddick type of player on the next level. Though his shooting range will continue to turn heads.

12) Tristan Thompson (Texas)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12:  Tristan Thompson #13 of the Texas Longhorns goes up for a shot against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half of the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament championship game at Sprint Center on March 12, 2011 in Ka
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Texas Longhorns goes up for a shot against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half of the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament championship game at Sprint Center on March 12, 2011 in Ka

Thompson: Rising

Thompson is a versatile 6'8" forward that could be a solid offensive player at the next level. He has the capability to knock down jump shots, drive to the rim and finish. He only scratched the surface of his potential at Texas.

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11) Marcus Morris (Kansas)

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25:  Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots against the Richmond Spiders during the southwest regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Alamodome on March 25, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. Kansas defeated
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots against the Richmond Spiders during the southwest regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Alamodome on March 25, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. Kansas defeated

Morris: Falling

Morris is a great rebounder and has the potential to be a great player at the next level. So why is his stock falling? For me, I wonder how good he is without the talent at Kansas? Also, he gets lost in the shuffle with the other more talented big men in this year's draft.

10) Alec Burks (Colorado)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 10:  Alec Burks #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes stands on the court against the Kansas State Wildcats during their quarterfinal game in the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 10, 2011 in Kan
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 10: Alec Burks #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes stands on the court against the Kansas State Wildcats during their quarterfinal game in the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 10, 2011 in Kan

Burks: Falling

Burks was an outstanding scorer in the Big 12 last season. He's an offensive guard whose skills translates to the NBA, and he can compared to a lesser version of Kemba Walker. However, he only had one great season at Colorado.

9) Bismack Biyombo (Congo)

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Biyombo: Falling

Biyombo might be the best defensive big man in the draft. However, his lack of offense is what keeps him from climbing higher up the boards. For me, his defensive value is not enough to be taken this high in the draft.

8) Jan Vesely (Czech Republic)

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Vesely: Rising

Vesely is a guy with a lot of potential and upside. His 6'11" frame will create matchup nightmares for anyone defending him at the 4. If he can improve his three-point shooting, he will be a great addition to any team.

7) Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania)

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Valanciunas: Falling

A legit 7'0" with excellent length. However, he has a lot of finesse to his game, and many scouts think that he has to bulk up for the next level.

6) Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State)

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TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 19:  Kawhi Leonard #15 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives against the Temple Owls during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at McKale Center on March 19, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Im
TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 19: Kawhi Leonard #15 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives against the Temple Owls during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at McKale Center on March 19, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Im

Leonard: Rising

Leonard is the best rebounder in this year's draft—period. In college, he drew comparisons to Dennis Rodman's intensity on the glass. He's the type of player that will outwork anyone that he competes against.

5) Brandon Knight (Kentucky)

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02:  Brandon Knight #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats moves the ball while taking on the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2, 2011 in
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Brandon Knight #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats moves the ball while taking on the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2, 2011 in

Knight: Rising

Knight will make an impact at the next level because of John Calipari. Calipari is a point guard guru, and his players have made significant strides in the NBA. Knight's natural talent will also benefit him as well.

4) Kemba Walker (UCONN)

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04:  Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts after a play against the Butler Bulldogs during the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at Reliant Stadium on April 4, 2011 in Houst
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04: Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts after a play against the Butler Bulldogs during the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at Reliant Stadium on April 4, 2011 in Houst

Walker: Rising

Walker was the best closer in college basketball last season. He is also a winner, after taking home the national title for UCONN. He is comparable to Allen Iverson's scoring ability and is the most and most exciting player to watch in the draft.

3) Kyrie Irving (Duke)

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24:  Kyrie Irving #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Arizona Wildcats during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California.  (Photo by
ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Arizona Wildcats during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by

Irving: Falling

Currently, he is the front-runner to become this year's No. 1 overall pick. His quickness can compare to Derrick Rose's when he's healthy. However, he only played in 11 games at Duke. Also, Duke players don't translate well to the pros.

2) Enes Kanter (Turkey)

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Kanter: Rising

If Kanter was eligible to play at Kentucky last year, they might have gone undefeated. That's how good he is. He has the best upside in this year's draft. The only question that remains is how quickly can his game translate to the NBA.

1) Derrick Williams (Arizona)

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24:  Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after defeating the Duke Blue Devils during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California.
ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after defeating the Duke Blue Devils during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California.

Williams: Rising

Williams is one of the most athletic big men to emerge in years. This is why he is my No. 1 prospect in this year's draft. He is a stellar rebounder and can score from anywhere on the floor. He will make an immediate impact next season and should be the favorite for Rookie of the Year. He also has the ability to take over games in the fourth quarter.

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