NBA Draft Rumors: Latest Buzz on the 2011 NBA Draft's Top Picks and Prospects
The 2011 NBA Draft is just around the corner (June 23). Teams are continuing to analyze every aspect of potential picks and prospects.
The top-projected picks in the draft have been working out for teams the past few months and every day NBA Draftniks are learning new things about each of them. Things ranging from potential elite scoring abilities to undying confidence to levels of tenacity, or lack thereof.
Of course, there's been quite a bit of shifting in every NBA fan's mock draft and deservedly so; new players are continuing to bring their own stocks up with their stellar workouts and interviews, while others are watching their stock fall because they didn't impress as many thought they may.
Here is some of the latest buzz going around in the NBA about these top picks and prospects.
Bismack Biyombo Gains Interest from Top-10 Selectors, Snubbed from Green Room
1 of 6Bismack Biyombo seems to be the guy everyone thinks could surprisingly fall in their lap.
Because Biyombo is widely regarded as an athletic freak of nature, with multiple NBA Draftniks raving about his athletic ability, length, explosiveness and speed.
While his lack of basketball skills on the offensive end hurt him greatly, various teams are impressed with his raw talent.
One of those teams is the Toronto Raptors, who hold the fifth pick in this year's draft.
Biyombo is also set to work out for the Detroit Pistons as they are to select at No. 8 in the draft.
Additionally, his confidence seems to be in check, too. Recently, he told NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper that Biyombo's confident he'll lead the league in blocking and rebounds at some point.
What had to be the biggest blow to Biyombo's stock was not his workouts or his confidence; interestingly enough, the NBA Green Room—which seats potential NBA lottery picks—didn't invite the center from Congo for the draft.
There's a huge discrepancy among mock drafts in regards to Biyombo; while some have him going as low as 21, others have him going as high as 11.
Jimmer Fredette Sees His Stock Rising; Utah Jazz Fans Want Him Real Bad
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Jimmer Fredette became a household name after the 2010-11 college basketball season. He became famous for making long-range shots no one should ever make, while putting up big numbers.
Of course, he's also tenacious and competitive, as displayed by his recent request to work out against other top point guard prospects Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker. He got his chance against Walker, though, and left a solid impression among the Utah Jazz when he did so, as the team specifically addressed the questions about his defensive tenacity in a favorable manner.
The Utah Jazz fans have expressed a ton of interest for the hometown hero, as well—Fredette played his college 'ball at BYU in Provo, Utah.
Of course, Fredette also impressed the Sacramento Kings in a workout last week. Maybe Jazz fans won't get their wish unless Utah takes Fredette at No. 3.
Cleveland Cavaliers Haven't Decided What to Do with First Pick in NBA Draft, Yet
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While everyone has assumed that Kyrie Irving is going to Cleveland as the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain skeptical.
Byron Scott recently said that the front office hasn't settled on any player just yet, and that means the Cavs could take Derrick Williams.
Of course, not a lot of NBA Draftniks are taking this statement with much weight; Irving is still the first pick in nearly every mock draft on the Internet.
The Minnesota Timberwolves Are Really Impressed by Derrick Williams
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Derrick Williams recently worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold the second pick in the NBA draft.
According to the Timberwolves' assistant General Manager Tony Ronzone, Derrick Williams was extremely impressive.
That makes sense, mainly because the consensus No. 1 pick in the draft is Kyrie Irving, while Derrick Williams is set to be picked by the 'Wolves directly after.
It'll be interesting to see what Minnesota does with that pick, too, because Michael Beasley is already filling up the 3 (and, like, Derrick Williams, can occupy the 4). Of course, Minnesota might want to experiment with a Williams-Beasley frontcourt combo.
Kawhi Leonard Impressed the Toronto Raptors, Might Go No. 5
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For Leonard, it was a successful workout.
The Raptors became infatuated with Leonard's defensive ability thanks to his physical features; he has a 7'3'' wingspan with hands that extend nearly an entire foot.
While the biggest question marks surrounding Leonard were his scoring capabilities, the Raptors showed a ton of respect for his improved jump shot and release abilities.
Leonard is projected by many as a solid top 10 pick in this year's draft and Raptors' General Manager Bryan Colangelo is looking for a defensive-minded coach, meaning taking Leonard might be more attractive by the minute.
Brandon Knight Wants to Work out Against Kyrie Irving
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Brandon Knight wants the world to know he loves challenges and is fiercely competitive.
Recently, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Knight had wanted to take a shot at Kyrie Irving in some workouts.
Brandon Knight has a ton to gain from this; if he does well, or just competes, with Irving, his draft stock shoots up, and he could be a first, or second selection in the draft.
Kyrie Irving doesn't have a lot to gain from this, though. He would only be assuring the Cavaliers to take him with the first pick in the draft, and it isn't as if he'll grab more money as a rookie (unless the new Collective Bargaining Agreement trashes the rookie wage-scale, which is highly unlikely).
Still, there's no harm in this move if you're Brandon Knight. Knight only solidified his personality as one that's willing to go toe-to-toe with the best point guard in the draft.
