General 2011 NBA Draft Discussion

[Bruno]

Spurs' 2011 draft picks :
Spurs have the 29th and 59th picks.

Players available for the 2011 draft :
International players born in 1989 and college senior are automatically eligible.
College underclassmen and international players born in 90, 91 or 92 can enter in the draft.


Key dates :
April 5 : Teams can start workouts with automatically eligible players.
April 6 - April 9 : Portsmouth invitational tournament
April 9 : Nike Hoop Summit in Portland
April 24 : Early entry eligibility deadline, teams can start workouts with them.
May 8 : Early entry withdrawal deadline to keep NCAA eligibility.
May 17 : Draft Lottery.
May 18 - May 22 : Draft combine in Chicago.
June 11 - June 13 : Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso.
June 13 : Early entry withdrawal deadline.
June 23 : NBA Draft in NY.


Workouts list:

PG:
Andrew Goudelock (May 11, June 3)
Charles Jenkins (May 13)
Ben Hansbrough (May 11)
Demetry McCamey (May 23)
Brad Wanamaker (May 31)
Shelvin Mack (May 31, June 18)
Cory Joseph (June 1)
Iman Shumpert (May 27)
Corey Fisher

SG:
E'Twaun Moore (June 1)
David Lighty (June 1)
Xavier Silas (May 9)
Jamarr Sanders (May 11)
Malcolm Lee (June 3)
Brady Morningstar (June 7)
Josh Selby (June 1)
Gilbert Brown
DeAndre Liggins (May 27)
Austin Freeman
Xavi Rabaseda (June 19)
Bojan Bogdanovic
Scotty Hopson
Justin Holiday

SF:
Jimmy Butler (interview, May 20; workout, May 27)
Chandler Parsons (May 27)
Kyle Singler (May 31)
Tyler Honeycutt (May 31)
Tobias Harris

PF:
Matt Howard
Jamie Skeen (May 13)
Justin Harper (May 13)
Jon Leuer
Malcolm Thomas (May 25)
Lavoy Allen (May 23, June 3)
JaJuan Johnson (May 31)
Jordan Williams (May 31)
Matthew Bryan-Amaning (June 1)
Rick Jackson (June 1)
Marcus Morris (May 27)
Donatas Motiejunas (June 18)
Terrence Jennings

C:
Keith Benson (May 13)
Jeremy Tyler (May 23, June 3)
Enes Kanter (interview only)
Nikola Vucevic (May 27)

Links :
Draftexpress
Nbadraft
A blog on European prospects
Espn draft page
Wiki on the lottery
Future draft picks
NCAA players stats
Euroleague players stats
CBA faq

Think Thank Draft related threads:
2011 NBA Draft Prospect Thread Index

[Chieflion]

For the draft geeks, we can all discuss draft prospects and their games played. The NCAA division I games starts off in November. We know the Spurs are most likely going to make the playoffs. Our draft position in 2010 was the 20th pick, so I believe I will look out for prospects who

The prospects I would look out for are the following, not in order (They are all SFs or SGs who I believe can play SF though, I am not giving up on that obsession until we get someone good).

For those who follow other positions, do share what you know with us.

1. Kyle Singler (Projected to go mid-first round)

For draft geeks, I am sure everyone knows Singler. After a NCAA championship last season, Singler was expected to declare for the draft and stay in the draft. Instead, Singler pulled his name out (I was dismayed at first, he was another SF the Spurs could have targeted. Then we got James Anderson, who I thought would have been drafted at 17 or 19.)

The Blue Devils are going to have a bullseye on their backs next season as they are the champions and the spotlight is going to be on Singler.

2. Elias Harris (Projected to go mid-first round)

The small forward from Gonzaga will be going into his sop re year next season. Gonzaga was eliminated from the NCAA tournament in the 2nd round last season against Syracruse, whose team featured the 4th pick in the 2010 draft, Wesley Johnson. Despite the tough matchup against Johnson, Harris managed to put up 24 points and 8 rebounds which was extremely good.

Harris has the size of the prototypical swingman and is very athletic, and loves to hustle. Although the last few notable players from Gonzaga weren't up to par, Harris shows potential to be a better NBA player than Adam Morrison and Austin Daye. Hey, John Stockton wasn't that bad a basketball player.

3. Wesley Witherspoon (Projected to go late 1st round)

The Memphis Tigers lost Tyreke Evans to the NBA last season and Wesley Witherspoon was able to make up some of the loss. He improved immensely from 3 point range from 21.4% to 43%. Clearly, he put in some work and we see the results. In the NCAA, rebounds and steals are usually good indicators of a long wingspan. Steals in particular, in the NCAA, also show how good a player can be on defense. Wesley Witherspoon averaged 1.4 steals last season, showing length and good defensive instincts.

Every player also has flaws. Witherspoon's weak drives lead to turnovers. He is also quite foul prone. Witherspoon is somewhat inconsistent on a game to game basis. It would be interesting to see whether he improves his stock or declines severely next season.

What do you guys think of any draft prospects who might possibly be in the Spurs range next season?

[mountainballer]

For the draft geeks, we can all discuss draft prospects and their games played. The NCAA division I games starts off in November. We know the Spurs are most likely going to make the playoffs. Our draft position in 2010 was the 20th pick, so I believe I will look out for prospects who

The prospects I would look out for are the following, not in order (They are all SFs or SGs who I believe can play SF though, I am not giving up on that obsession until we get someone good).

For those who follow other positions, do share what you know with us.

1. Kyle Singler (Projected to go mid-first round)

For draft geeks, I am sure everyone knows Singler. After a NCAA championship last season, Singler was expected to declare for the draft and stay in the draft. Instead, Singler pulled his name out (I was dismayed at first, he was another SF the Spurs could have targeted. Then we got James Anderson, who I thought would have been drafted at 17 or 19.)

The Blue Devils are going to have a bullseye on their backs next season as they are the champions and the spotlight is going to be on Singler.

2. Elias Harris (Projected to go mid-first round)

The small forward from Gonzaga will be going into his sop re year next season. Gonzaga was eliminated from the NCAA tournament in the 2nd round last season against Syracruse, whose team featured the 4th pick in the 2010 draft, Wesley Johnson. Despite the tough matchup against Johnson, Harris managed to put up 24 points and 8 rebounds which was extremely good.

Harris has the size of the prototypical swingman and is very athletic, and loves to hustle. Although the last few notable players from Gonzaga weren't up to par, Harris shows potential to be a better NBA player than Adam Morrison and Austin Daye. Hey, John Stockton wasn't that bad a basketball player.

3. Wesley Witherspoon (Projected to go late 1st round)

The Memphis Tigers lost Tyreke Evans to the NBA last season and Wesley Witherspoon was able to make up some of the loss. He improved immensely from 3 point range from 21.4% to 43%. Clearly, he put in some work and we see the results. In the NCAA, rebounds and steals are usually good indicators of a long wingspan. Steals in particular, in the NCAA, also show how good a player can be on defense. Wesley Witherspoon averaged 1.4 steals last season, showing length and good defensive instincts.

Every player also has flaws. Witherspoon's weak drives lead to turnovers. He is also quite foul prone. Witherspoon is somewhat inconsistent on a game to game basis. It would be interesting to see whether he improves his stock or declines severely next season.

What do you guys think of any draft prospects who might possibly be in the Spurs range next season?

I don't know enough about the class of 2011 yet, but it looks decent in the SF department. (so did 2010 and the intriguing prospects were all gone at #20). of course I know Singler, who is a pretty good college player, but who I still don't think will become a good NBA player.
I totally agree about Harris, he looks almost a perfect fit. but I fear his stock will go up next season and he will finally be a lottery pick.

[Chieflion]

There is also a player I am interested in by the name of Kenneth Faried at the PF position, since McDyess is likely going to retire after the 2011 season. Faried is going into his senior year and is going to enter the draft next season at an age of 21 (which will become 22 in November 2011).

Faried is the nation leading rebounder at 13 rebounds a game, playing 30.3 minutes. For reference, Blair averaged 12.3 rebounds in 27.3 minutes while in Pitt, so they are similar in terms of rebounding production.

Faried has a major weakness in that he sucks at getting assists primarily due to his role and doesn't have a mid range game. He also only converts about 59% at the free throw line.

Unlike Blair, Faried weighs a lean 215 pounds standing at 6 foot 8. Faried is a great help defender in college, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.9 blocks. He also scores more than Blair in college, although it is unfair to compare a junior's stats with a sop re's.

Rebounding has been one of the easiest stats to translate into the NBA and Faried should be able to find his niche in the NBA playing the power forward position if he bulks up more. The cons are that he plays in the Ohio Valley conference, which isn't that notable of a conference.

Faried's jump to become a lock for a 1st round pick is to elevate his game and team to make the NCAA tournament, they didn't make it last season. Otherwise, look for him to fall to late 1st round or early 2nd round, where the Spurs could pick him up.

[Chieflion]

The top bigs list that could fall around the Spurs area, not.

To be honest with all of you, the 2011 draft class is an absolute joke when it comes to PFs and Cs. All these 2nd round talents being projected to be 1st rounders in this weak draft class is eye-boggling due to the looming 2011 lockout.

We got guys like Chris Singleton shooting 41% from the field last season being projected as a first rounder. He is not putting up big numbers and absolutely sucks. You got guys like John Henson projected as a 1st rounder and he barely plays. Concentrate on watching the guards, they are the ones to look out for.

Next season's powerhouse would be defending champions Duke, with point guard Kyrie Irving and guard Austin Rivers joining Duke. That would be a team of NBA talent to look out for.

[mountainballer]

could once more become a nice Duke vs. NC match up.
if Barnes is as good as advertised and Bullock is good too, Henson and Zeller should have a break out seasons. the Tar Heels will be very dangerous.

[Chieflion]

Reporting some rather late news. Thankfully, there wasn't a tear.

Gonzaga's Harris Receives Good News On Achilles Injury

Elias Harris suffered a foot injury in Gonzaga's loss on Tuesday to San Diego State, but his Achilles is not torn.

Harris is expected to miss approximately one week.

Harris heard something in his foot pop when suffering the injury.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archiv...hilles_injury/

[sinok]

So bad spurs can't have a shot at Vesely...
However, not sure the spurs might go for an SF with RJ at his current level & Anderson looking comfortable playing it (Danny Green not beeing part of the equation as of now).

[mountainballer]

thankfully not a torn Achilles. would have already put Harris out of the 2011 draft.

btw. we should keep an eye on the development of Wesley Witherspoon.
kid is taking huge steps from season to season and considering his tools he looks like a very interesting piece for the Spurs core for the future.
(versatile, skinny, great lengths. a bit Tayshaun Prince maybe)
kid is still very young for a junior (20). also a bit immature though.

DX currently has him at #30 in 2011, nbadraft has him at # 33 in 2012.

stock should rise during this season, but could still be available at the Spurs pick.

[yavozerb]

With the spurs looking like they will be drafting late in 2011 draft the same motto which has worked well for the spurs in the past will once again be applied: Best player available.

[Bruno]

Only Dice won't be here next year. Spurs will be 2 deep at every spot (Parker/Hill, Ginobili/Neal, Jefferson/Anderson, Blair/Bonner, Duncan/Splitter). It doesn't look like Spurs will have glaring a weakness like last year where it was almost sure they would draft a SF. Maybe a hole will appear during the season, but it's not the case for the moment.

Even if Spurs have had an easy schedule, a 9-1 start will surely help Spurs to finish the season with 55+ wins and not 50 like last year. Spurs pick won't be as high as last year.

The combination of no true need and a low pick could push Spurs to go with a high risk high reward player. Spurs will also spend a lot of money so they could end up selling their pick.

Anyway, all the above has a good chance of being totally wrong come draft time. It's way too soon to have a serious talk about the draft.

[yavozerb]

Only Dice won't be here next year. Spurs will be 2 deep at every spot (Parker/Hill, Ginobili/Neal, Jefferson/Anderson, Blair/Bonner, Duncan/Splitter). It doesn't look like Spurs will have glaring a weakness like last year where it was almost sure they would draft a SF. Maybe a hole will appear during the season, but it's not the case for the moment.

Even if Spurs have had an easy schedule, a 9-1 start will surely help Spurs to finish the season with 55+ wins and not 50 like last year. Spurs pick won't be as high as last year.

The combination of no true need and a low pick could push Spurs to go with a high risk high reward player. Spurs will also spend a lot of money so they could end up selling their pick.

Anyway, all the above has a good chance of being totally wrong come draft time. It's way too soon to have a serious talk about the draft.

agreed...players like Bojan Bogdanovic or Aguilar would also be nice late picks to stash in europe..just a thought

[Bruno]

Bogdanovic looks intriguing after given how much he scored. I don't see Aguilar being worth a first round pick, too limited. My top 3 European players born in 89 is Bogdanovic, Macvan and Benzing but I don't see a lot of quality in the 89 class.

If Spurs draft an Euro in the first round, I see more a younger player (born in 90, 91 or 92) with a lot of upside. It would be like in 05 with Mahinmi and hopefully the outcome will be different.

[Penya]

Aguilar?!. Uggggh, no.

Rabaseda def a better player.

[Libri]

Does anybody have some observations about Aaric Murray from La Salle?

[mountainballer]

i take the performance from Bogdanovic with a grain of salt.
yes, his numbers look nice and there is no doubt he has improved a lot from last season, but he is doing it on a very bad Cibona team and he is also often playing a pretty selfish style. his effort on defense also isn't very impressive.
but all this doesn't say that he isn't at least a legit 2nd round pick for 2011. 1st round I don't know.

btw. Cibona.
the player who did impress me a lot this season is Leon Radosevic. (born 1990, unlikely to declare 2011). he has always been in the shadow of some more talented players in his age group, but my guts say he might have a better chance to one day make it to the NBA than most of his peers.
(not as a star though. but as a solid role player). he improved in little steps and looks ready to have a break out season this year. he moves extremly well and really works his ass off and plays a pretty tough style for a 20 years old kid. he has obviously worked a lot to eliminate his flaws, seems to be working in practice as hard as on the court.
(this might be a reach, but in some moments the way he moves, his body type and his game reminded me about Tiago 5 years back. at 6'10'' he is a bit smaller than Tiago though.)

[outmap]

Wesley witherspoon

[BronxCowboy]

Barring any major surprises, seems like a perfect time to dump the first round pick. Provided anyone wants it.

[mountainballer]

there were quite some rumors about it some weeks ago. the big start from the Spurs might have cost the pick quite some of it's attractivity.
I guess most teams expected the Spurs to play a similar RS like 2009-10 and end up with a 18-22 pick. now they are on pace to the #28-30 pick. quite a difference.

[mountainballer]

Chace Stanback from UNLV could become an intriguing option for a 2nd round pick, if he continues to play like he started the season. (no profile on DX yet). nice mix of skills, quickness and length (6'8''). very skinny though.

[Penya]

Jaime Fernández (born in 1993, just turned 17). He's had a couple of great outings with Estudiantes in both EuroCup and ACB League.
Gotta keep an eye on this kid.

[mountainballer]

So apparently Chace Stanback is a shooter now. That makes him interesting.
http://twitter.com/ShamSports/status/9069639669653504

. at least sham has taken notice about the development of Stanback. DX should write a profile at some point. kid should be ranked as a sure fire 2nd rounder at this point. already working his way up to 1st round IMO.

[mountainballer]

My favorite college team, Villanova, seems to have the best back court in the country.

Smith and Irving might disagree.
and it's hard to say if the season start of Washington State was a fluke, but their back court (surprise Faisal Aden and Klay Thompson) look like an unbelievable one two punch.
however, Villanova is good. (pretty small in the back court though)

[Darkwaters]

Witherspoon was my preseason pick for the spurs. Glad to see I'm not the only one to think so.

[mountainballer]

unfortunately he just had to undergo a knee surgery (right knee cartilage tear) and will be out till mid to end of January. (he will miss about 10 games)
so hopefully he can come back healthy enough to contribute. if he can't and risks to drop out of the 1st round, I don't see him enter the draft 2011.