The Best and Worst NBA Draft Picks
Added on Jun 24, 2011 by Scott in
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The one good thing about the NBA draft as compared to the NFL version is that it’s over quickly. Rather than drag out the process for three long days and nights, all it takes to mow through two rounds is a few hours. However, like all sports drafts, it’s impossible to hand out grades once the smoke has cleared because nobody without psychic abilities can accurately predict which prospects will pay off. With this in mind, here are the best and worst picks from last night’s festivities.
Best
Derrick Williams (#2, Minnesota) – The T-Wolves desperately tried to move the pick, but as the clock ticked away couldn’t find any takers. So, they went with he safest and smartest bet. Williams is a legit small forward in the pros and should evolve into a nice complement to Kevin Love. If Ricky Rubio proves he can handle the point guard duties, Minnesota could be the next Oklahoma City in the West. Now all they have to do is unload Michael Beasley and find a head coach.
Jimmer Fredette (#10, Sacramento) – The Kings were oh so close to relocating to Anaheim a few months ago. They need someone to help fill the seats. Fredette, in the short term, should solve those problems. Fighting for the ball with Tyreke Evans is an issue that will need to be addressed, but the white knight brings discipline to a team starving for maturity.
Kawhi Leonard (#15, San Antonio – via trade w/ Indiana) – The Spurs looked old and slow in the playoffs. Mainly because they are old and slow. Leonard is a athletic forward who can score and rebound. And all it took to get him was giving up backup point guard George Hill. Savvy move by a savvy organization known for blasting home runs on draft night.
Chris Singleton (#18, Washington) – The Wizards have many holes to fill in their roster. Adding one of the top defensive players available is a solid decision. Singleton isn’t flashy, but he will get down and dirty in the low blocks. If he can develop a jump shot, he should contribute quality minutes on a nightly basis.
Jordan Hamilton (#26, Denver – via trade) – Normally, guys who slide in the first-round raise an eyebrow no matter which team selects them. Hamilton was thought to be a Top 15 talent two weeks ago, but questions about his attitude and work ethic caused him to tumble. Bottom line: the Nuggets get an extremely athletic player they can ease into the rotation. It’s the proverbial low risk, high reward pick.
Worst
Jonas Valanciunas (#5, Toronto) – Grabbing a 19-year-old European forward lacking strength and a perimeter game who might not even play in the US next season won’t do much to make fans forget that Chris Bosh now resides in Miami. The good news is the Raptors will have a shot to redeem themselves next year when they have another Top 5 choice.
Klay Thompson (#11, Golden State) – Jerry West must have been on a bathroom break when the Warriors made this pick. Hey look, another guard on a team with zero front court presence. Brilliant! Maybe the plan is to start five guards who love to launch from long range. If this is the case, then Golden State are big winners.
Markieff Morris (#13, Phoenix) – There’s little doubt the Suns need rebounding help and Markieff brings a powerful body determined to battle inside. That being said, brother Marcus and Kawhi Leonard were both on the board and would’ve been wiser choices. Unless Markieff turns into another Tyson Chandler, this was a bad pick.
Nikola Vucevic (#16, Philadelphia) – There must have been truth to the rumor the Sixers were considering a Andre Iguodala for Chris Kamen trade a few weeks ago. Well, they got the plodding white center they wanted in Vucevic. Congratulations. At least he’ll be good for six fouls a night.
Kyle Singler (#33, Detroit) – Singler is the quintessential Duke draftee — meaning not overly impressive when stacked up next to legitimate NBA talent. If the Pistons are hoping this will offset the potential departure of Tayshaun Prince, they will be sorely mistaken. Singler is a poor man’s Mike Dunleavy, which isn’t a glowing endorsement, in case you were wondering.
