2011 NBA Draft Top Prospects and Top 10 Projected Picks and Players: With the NBA draft lottery in the books and the playoffs in full swing, it’s time to take a look at the future rookies of the league. Unlike some years, the 2011 draft doesn’t figure to be filled with players that can step in and make an immediate impact. That being said, there are plenty of talented players that could become key components of a team a few years down the road.
1. Kyrie Irving, Point Guard, Duke
As one of the few players in this draft that can start right away, Irving has all the makings of the next franchise point guard. Not to mention the fact that point guards tend to adjust to the NBA quicker than players at any other position. He has the speed and strength necessary to be a scorer, and he has the court vision to be a distributor. Given the fact that he is likely to be the No. 1 pick, his scoring ability will come in handy immediately. If he gets the necessary weapons around him, he can be the centerpiece of a franchise.
2. Derrick Williams, Forward, Arizona
A proven scorer at the college level, Williams possesses a surprisingly effective jump shot for a big man. In fact, he can step out and knock down 3-pointers. He is an exceptional athlete, and he uses his skills to rebound and block shots. In fact, his dedication on the defensive end may end up being his biggest asset. Williams can score in a variety of ways, and while he may need a little work on his back to the basket game, his ability to hit free throws is a luxury for a post player. Wherever he lands, he will start from the get go
3. Enes Kanter, Center, Kentucky
He was ruled ineligible to play at Kentucky this season, but the talented big man is still one of the most intriguing prospects. Kanter can step in immediately and add a physical presence in the paint, rebounding and blocking shots. His offensive game will need polishing for sure, but the good news is that he has some range to his game. Post players always take some time to develop, but Kanter has been touted as a potential future All-Star. He will have some value immediately, but his potential is his real selling point.
4. Brandon Knight, Point Guard, Kentucky
Knight shined in his lone season at Kentucky, showing the willingness to take and the ability to make clutch shots with the game on the line. That fearless attitude, along with his talent, is going to make him a team’s franchise point guard. While he does have the offensive game to score in the NBA, Knight will probably need a year to truly develop his physicality. Once he is able to bulk up and penetrate the lane consistently, his game will reach a new level.
5. Kemba Walker, Point Guard, Connecticut
Anyone that watched the college basketball in March knows what Walker brings to the table in terms of scoring and leadership. He is going to have trouble defending some of the bigger guards in the NBA, and he needs to work on running an offense, but his versatility as a scorer can’t be denied. Walker carried the Huskies to a national title, and he will bring his pure scoring ability while the rest of his game matures.
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6. Kawhi Leonard, Small Forward, San Diego State
He was the big winner during the latest round of workouts, proving he has the speed and athleticism to go with his work ethic. Leonard’s offensive game isn’t the most impressive, but he is persistent on the glass and will get plenty of hustle points. He also brings above average defense in the paint and on the perimeter. Leonard is probably never going to be a 20-point scorer in the NBA, but he can be a 15 and 10 type of guy that provides plenty of energy.
7. Jordan Hamilton, Small Forward, Texas
Other than Kemba Walker, Hamilton is probably the best pure scorer available in this draft. He needs to work on extending his range beyond the arc, but Hamilton is instant offense on the wing. He probably fits best in an up-tempo scheme where he can run the floor, rather than a guy that runs off screens in half-court sets. Either way, Hamilton is a guy that can get the ball in the bucket, and he could be an ideal sixth man in the mold of a Jamal Crawford or James Harden.
8. Marcus Morris, Power Forward, Kansas
Morris was one of the premier big men in college last season, and he possesses a wide array of skills for a power forward. He can score in the block, in transition, from the foul line, and he can even step out and knock down an open 3-pointer. Morris isn’t a force on the boards or on defense, but any team looking for an offensive-minded big man should consider Morris.
9. Alec Burks, Shooting Guard, Colorado
With Kemba Walker likely converting to point guard, Burks is the top shooting guard prospect in the draft. He is a natural scorer that thrives on creating his own shot and getting to the foul line. His scoring ability will have no problem transitioning to the NBA, but he does have room to improve. Burks needs to work on his outside shot as well as moving without the ball. He also needs to bulk up to and become a lot more dedicated on the defensive end.
10. Jan Vesely, Forward, Czech Republic
Like many European players, Vesely possesses a rare combination of size and range. He is nearly seven feet tall, but he can knock down 3-pointers like a shooting guard. He is an athletic big as well, and he can run the floor and throw down highlight dunks in transition. Vesely is also an above average passer. The term soft often gets overused, but it fits for Vesely. He needs to add some muscle to defend NBA post players, and he needs to get tougher on the boards. Vesely also needs to develop a back to the basket game so that he can score in the paint instead of just with his jumper.