2011 NBA Draft: Top-5 Potential Steals of the Draft
New mock drafts are popping up more frequently and many experts are trying to nail down the exact order in which the draft will play out.
Other than Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams basically set in stone as the top two picks, it's very tough to predict the outcome for the rest of Thursday.
With the NBA draft only two days away, it's time to start looking outside the box.
Just because you are a lottery pick doesn't necessarily mean you are going to be a star. Many great players have come after the lottery and even in the second round.
Here are some potential steals that will be drafted after the lottery.
Josh Selby, Kansas
1 of 5
Teams have nothing to lose by drafting Josh Selby, especially if he falls to the second round.
Selby has terrific upside and potential, and was a McDonald's All-American, so his future still could be a bright one.
Selby isn't a pure point guard, but he is a great shooter with deep range, an excellent slasher and a very good defender.
The only knocks against Selby are his somewhat selfish attitude and poor shot selection.
Marshon Brooks, Providence
2 of 5
Marshon Brooks is probably not a household name due to the fact that he went to Providence, but that doesn't mean teams should shy away from him.
Brooks was one of the best scorers in the NCAA last season and should continue to play that role in the NBA.
He is 6'5'' with a 7'1'' wingspan, which helps him immensely at getting to the basket.
He is also a good enough ball handler to be able to play both backcourt positions.
Whichever team is lucky enough to draft Brooks should be very pleased to know that a star in the making will be joining their squad.
Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
3 of 5
Kenneth Faried definitely made a name for himself in last year's NCAA Tournament, but not enough for him to jump into the lottery.
In my opinion, Faried could very easily be a lottery pick, and many teams are going to miss out on his "Energizer bunny" drive and relentless motor.
Faried is far and away the best rebounder in this year's draft, and is even being compared to Dennis Rodman.
Offensively, Faried is still a little raw, but with his athleticism and explosiveness, he could very well turn that around.
Justin Harper, Richmond
4 of 5
Justin Harper is definitely not your typical power forward.
He is a big time shooter and sometimes falls in love too much with his jump shot.
However, I shouldn't knock Harper for that reason, because guys like Channing Frye have proven that a power forward who can stretch the floor can be lethal if put in the right system.
Harper does have the athleticism to work on his post game as well.
If he can add some strength, he could very well be a great inside and outside threat.
Keith Benson, Oakland
5 of 5
Keith Benson is one of the biggest players in this year's draft class and a guy that should not be overlooked.
He is very athletic despite his lanky 6'11'' frame and has a very good mid-range jumper.
However, if Benson wants to have develop into a threat as a post presence, he must add some weight to that slender frame.
If drafted by the right team, Benson, in my opinion, could become the best center in his class.
