Here's the first five picks of my mock NBA Draft. The rest of it will get posted over the next couple of days. Just a couple quick thoughts before I start:
The Clippers have to be kicking themselves for not protecting their pick in the deal that sent Baron Davis to Cleveland. They lost out on the number one pick and the opportunity to add Kyrie Irving to a team already boasting Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman. That's a possible immediate fringe playoff team if they make the right offseason moves, and a sure bet to be a playoff team down the road. Now? They're just praying that Blake Griffin doesn't go anywhere come his free agency period. Just a classic Clipper's mistake.
Cleveland just can't catch a break. Though I think Kyrie Irving is going to be exceptional in the pros, they simply got fucked in regards to the 2011 draft class. Harrison Barnes. Jared Sullinger. Perry Jones. Terrence Jones. All these guys would have been perfect for a Cleveland team that needs about everything. Unfortunately, they stay in college, and Cleveland catches the #1 and #4 pick in one of the worst classes in recent memory. Onto the picks.
1) Kyrie Irving, PG - Cleveland Cavaliers
So I may have exaggerated Monday when I called Derrick Williams the Oden to Kyrie Irving's Durant. Still, I've made my opinion pretty clear about Irving, and there shouldn't be any other course of action for the Cavs in the top spot. He's the only guaranteed franchise player in the class, and as a result the only one worth taking with the first pick. The Cavs are claiming that they haven't settled on him yet, but ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that they decided on selecting Irving Monday. The good news if the Cavs don't pick him? We should be able to enjoy some quality riots in Cleveland. Granted, there isn't too much left worth destroying in that city, but they could probably tip over some abandoned cars and throw leftover flaming Lebron jerseys at failed businesses.
2) Derrick Williams, F - Minnesota Timberwolves
As the only other player in the draft being mentioned in the same breath as Irving, it's safe to say that the Timberwolves go with Williams here. Critics of this selection (there are few) are quick to point out that the Wolves don't actually need another SF/PF, considering they are set at both positions with Michael Beasley and Kevin Love, which would explain why they appear so intent on shopping the pick. According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the best current offer is from Phoenix, with Marcin Gortat and the #13 pick. Not a bad deal considering it fills a center need and they will still pick up a young prospect (SG Alec Burks may be available), but Williams is easily regarded as the most talented player behind Irving, and is far more likely to have an immediate impact than the majority of players in the draft. His potential is hard to resist, and I doubt Minnesota will be willing to let him slip through their fingers.
In my Irving post Monday, it may have sounded like I wasn't a fan of Williams, or that I believed he would be a bust in the NBA. On the contrary, I'm fully confident that he can reach an All-Star level of play if he can maximize his potential. His career will certainly be helped if President of Basketball Operations David Kahn can pull his head out of his ass and make some sensible offseason moves (Trade Beasley for good value, acquire a veteran center, not draft the 19th PG in 3 years, etc.). But with Kevin Love and the long-awaited arrival of Ricky Rubio, there are worse situations for a young player to come into. Just ask Kyrie Irving.
3) Brandon Knight, PG - Utah Jazz
The Jazz are looking for their next franchise point guard after trading away Deron Williams. Knight is no Irving, but he's not a bad consolation prize. The Jazz can wait to fill other needs at the #12 spot, and Knight is far too good a player to drop out of the top 8. The Jazz, if they were enamored with Kemba Walker or Jimmer Fredette, could go in another direction with this pick, and select Jimmer later, or trade up from their #12 spot to take Kemba. Options at this spot other than Knight would probably include two of the promising European bigs, Enes Kanter or Jan Vesely. However, the Jazz are pretty comfortable right now with the young frontline of Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors, so I say they stick with Knight.
4) Enes Kanter, C - Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have already added their franchise cornerstone with Irving, so now comes the building around him. A big man who has the potential to be one the top centers in the NBA is a good place to start. He's no Jared Sullinger, but if he turns out to be as good as advertised, the Cavs are coming out of this draft heading in the right direction. Jan Vesely is a possibility, but Kanter seems to be getting the most interest from the Cavs. (It's still the top 5, and I'm already talking about two random unproven foreigners. God this draft sucks.)
5) Bismack Biyombo, PF - Toronto Raptors
Jan Vesely is the popular pick here. But do the Raptors want to go with another European big man with a top 5 pick? Sure, scouts are saying that Vesely is in a different mold than Bargnani. A great athlete, defender and tough player, who has the ability to play at SF and PF. I'm just not sold on him. The Raptors need a big time player with this pick if they have any intention of reaching the playoffs in the next 15 years. I simply don't think Vesely will develop like the Raptors will hope.
Biyombo is an absolute freak, and a defensive monster. I think pairing Bargnani's offense and Biyombi's defense is a combination that the Raptors can build on. And if Biyombi can continue to improve his offensive game, he has the potential to be an All-Star. He also seems like a nice guy, if that counts for anything.
Part II coming tomorrow...
Do you think either Kanter or Biyombo have Darko Milicic bust potential? Some European big men turn out great (Dirk) but others fall flat on their face.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. This is a draft where there are more unknowns than usual. It's going to be tough for these young players to come into teams without too much talent around them to help them grow. At least Kanter will have Irving to grow with.
ReplyDeleteFirst: there are no Darkos in this draft--not one prospect is heralded that high. If anyone in this draft outside of Kyrie or DWill noone will care. NOONE.
ReplyDeleteSecond: Jan Vesely's game could not resemble Bargnani's any less. I think its time for all of us to stop grouping players together based on skintone and nationality (e.g. Biyombo is NOT Ibaka...Ibaka can make a midrange shot) its just lazy. He's rugged and not a shooter by any means, I think he's more Gerald Wallace than Andrea.
Third: Five years from now, Kahwi Leonard will be considered the second best player in this draft. The kid is the only sure thing outside of Kyrie, and I think everyone who passes on him will regret it immensely.
To your first point, I feel that there are still high expectations for those chosen in the top 10. Not necessarily Darko level, but I disagree that people won't care if a player like Kanter or Knight busts. There's a reason they are being drafted so high (aside from this being a low quality draft), they have talent and potential. I'm fairly certain the Jazz fans will care if Knight busts.
ReplyDeleteTo your second point, I acknowledged Vesely was a different type of player that Bargnani. I simply don't think he's a good fit. It's an opinion, not a fact. And I never said Biyombo was Ibaka, or that he could shoot a midrange shot, so I think you should read a little closer before you accuse someone of being lazy.
To your third, Leonard is definitely a great talent, and has the potential to be a high quality player. I'm not ready to call him a sure thing, by he is definitely capable of great things in the NBA.