NBA Draft 2011: Chris Singleton's 6 Best Landing Spots
Chris Singleton might be one of the best swingmen in this year's NBA Draft, but more importantly, he may just be the best defensive player.
Florida State basketball prides itself on its defense, and when Singleton had to sit out for a couple games due to an injury, it hurt the team, even though they did make the tournament and showed why the team is on the rise.
Singleton had a good year as far as his statistics. He averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and two steals a game. He's a well-rounded player that still has much to work on, but his game is defense, and he excels at it every time he's on the court.
Singleton has been bouncing around the mock draft boards for some time now. Some have him as a high lottery pick, while others have him towards the bottom of the first round. Singleton will find out where he will be calling home when his name gets called on Thursday night, but here are six potential landing spots for Singleton.
6. New York Knicks: 17th Pick
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If there is one thing the New York Knicks drastically need, it's defense, and Singleton would surely help to fill the void. The Knicks were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season, and they may look to get a center with the 17th pick, but if Singleton is still on the board, they may flirt with the idea of drafting him.
Singleton provides a couple things for the Knicks: a great work ethic, a defense-first mentality and a tall small forward who can get to the basket and can still make shots.
His offensive game still needs some work, but it's his defense that teams want, and plus, he would be playing with his former teammate, Toney Douglas.
5. Phoenix Suns: 13th Pick
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The Phoenix Suns didn't exactly have the kind of year that they wanted. They clearly missed having Amar'e Stoudemire, and though it hurts to say it, but Steve Nash is starting to show signs of aging.
The Suns are another team that is transitioning into more of a defensive mindset (at least they are trying to), so Singleton could fit in with this squad.
Nash, Channing Frye, Grant Hill and Vince Carter are all known for their offensive games, so combining them with a defensive-minded player like Singleton could help out their defensive games.
Singleton can develop into an offensive threat over time, which would help this team out even more, but his defense will make an impact right away.
4. Golden State Warriors: 11th Pick
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New head coach Mark Jackson has a big decision to make with the 11th pick: offense or defense. The Golden State Warriors were ranked 27th in the league defensively, so they may want to address that need right away.
Singleton is a very long and athletic player. He's defense first and offense second, which might be exactly what Mark Jackson is looking for.
Singleton isn't going to put up 20 points a night, but he will still be able to contribute. He will need to work on his offensive fundamentals if he wants to have offensive success in the NBA, and who better to teach him than Jackson?
Jackson was the right man for the job, and he'll get the chance to prove it this season. If he chooses to take Singleton with the 11th pick, he will be getting a great defensive player for years to come.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: 20th Pick
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It's pretty clear that the Timberwolves will be drafting Derrick Williams out of Arizona with the second pick, but who will they take with the 20th pick?
The T-Wolves were ranked dead last in the league defensively, so if Singleton is still on the board, there is no way they should let him slide through their fingers.
Adding Williams and Singleton to a team that basically had no defensive identity will only help. Although Singleton does have a great defensive game, he can still contribute offensively.
He's a streaky shooter, but he still managed to make 36.8 percent of his three-point shots last year. He knows his way around the rim and he has pure athleticism. Adding him will only mean more rebounds offensively and defensively and more low-post points, with an occasional jump shot.
2. Houston Rockets: 14th Pick
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Kevin McHale will take over as head coach for the 2011 season, and much like Mark Jackson, he will have a tough decision with the 14th pick.
The Rockets ranked 22nd in defense last year, and adding Singleton will surely help. Add him into the rotation with Luis Scola and Chase Budinger, and that's three reliable forwards who can get to the basket and play defense, even though Budinger sill needs to work on his game.
The Rockets have some young players who can all be contributors. McHale didn't exactly have success in his last coaching stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he will have some nice pieces to work with in Houston.
Adding Singleton would help his defense and give him another scorer.
1. Portland Trail Blazers: 21st Pick
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The Portland Trail Blazers are on the edge of finally breaking through in the west and making some noise in the playoffs. They have all the key pieces in place.
Hopefully the future of Brandon Roy won't be cut short by his knee injuries, but even so, they still have a strong core of players.
The Trailblazers were ranked seventh defensively in the league last season, so they might be looking for a shooter. But adding Singleton with the 21st pick isn't exactly going to hurt.
In the majority of the mock drafts, experts have the Blazers taking a power forward or possibly a center. Singleton is a 6'9", physically gifted player that could be exactly what they are looking for.
Many think Singleton will be gone before the 21st pick, but there is always that chance, and Portland would be the perfect landing point. They are all about defense, and that's exactly the kind of situation that Singleton needs.
Singleton would most likely be Gerald Wallace's backup for a couple of years, but behind his leadership, he could develop into a solid starter for many years to come.
For more 2011 NBA draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated NBA mock drafts, NBA draft rumors, NBA draft results and draft grades.
