NBA Draft 2011: 5 Absolute Steals from the Draft

The NBA draft of 2011 provided plenty of surprises and excitement. The top of the selection process went as expected, with Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter going one, two and three respectively.

However, as the process progressed, mock drafts were blown up by unexpected selections and trades. Chad Ford's mock was obliterated within 10 picks.

Inevitably, players tumbled down from their expected draft slots, giving lucky teams a great value on an underrated or under-appreciated talent.

Detroit Pistons: PG Brandon Knight

Brandon Knight at No. 8? The Pistons seemed intent on taking a big man, but they couldn't pass on Knight.

Knight gives Detroit a great value at this slot. Rodney Stuckey was not a great fit at PG.

Charlotte Bobcats: PG Kemba Walker

At No. 9, Kemba is a solid pick here for Charlotte.

Some say that Walker is too short to be effective at the NBA level at only 6'0". Also six feet tall: Jameer Nelson and Chris Paul.

Sacramento Kings: SF Tyler Honeycutt

How did Honeycutt slip this far? He's very athletic and flashed signs of brilliance at UCLA. At 6'8", he can guard multiple positions and could easily develop into a second- or third-tier scorer.

At the position the Kings selected Honeycutt, they got away with murder.

Denver Nuggets: Jordan Hamilton

Acquired through trades, the Nuggets landed a gem at No. 26. Seeing Hamilton slip so far was jaw-dropping.

He is an excellent scorer and has great size. Isn't that a top of the first round combination? The Nuggets found excellent value here, as Hamilton could really give them some needed offense.

Memphis Grizzlies: G Josh Selby

I know. Selby was awful at times at Kansas last season. He started hot but tailed off miserably as the year went on. But let's keep in mind that he is not yet 20 and has plenty of time to sit and learn from veterans.

He has top-notch athleticism and size for a point guard and is an excellent shooter. Taken this late in the second round, Selby is a steal.

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