
NBA Draft 2011: Stock Report
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)
1 of 14
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)
2 of 14
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)
3 of 14
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.
11) Marcus Morris (Kansas)
4 of 14
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)
5 of 14
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)
6 of 14
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)
7 of 14
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)
8 of 14
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)
9 of 14
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)
10 of 14
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)
11 of 14
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)
12 of 14
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)
13 of 14
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)
14 of 14
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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