The impending NBA lockout is the cause for the lack of talent in the upcoming NBA Draft. Top prospects such as Jared Sullinger and Harrison Barnes have opted to stay in school rather than risk enduring a lockout. That said, there is still enough talent to make the draft worth following. While there aren't many sure-fire bets, there are plenty of talented youngsters with upside.
1st pick. Cleveland Cavaliers select PG Kyrie Irving. Irving seems to be the pick here. They are already committed to the development of J.J. Hickson, which means Derrick Williams may not be the best fit. Irving is not a savior, but he has the talent to be a top-ranked point guard in the future and could lead the Cavs into the new, LeBron James-less era.
2nd pick. Minnesota Timberwolves select F Derrick Williams. The one position the Wolves don't need is a forward. They already have a logjam with Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson, but Williams may be too good to pass up. The Wolves will likely either trade this pick or deal Beasley.
3rd pick. Utah Jazz select C Enes Kanter. The web buzz seems to have Brandon Knight, but the Jazz have needs other than point guards. While Kanter might have injury issues, Mehmet Okur is getting older and the Jazz could use a skilled big man.
4th pick. Cleveland Cavaliers select C Jonas Valanciunas. Kanter would be a better pick for them, but they could afford to take a skilled project big like Valanciunas.
5th pick. Toronto Raptors select PG Brandon Knight. Jose Calderon is approaching 30 years old and Knight could bring the athleticism and clutch scoring the Raptors need. Some argue that Kemba Walker is a better prospect, but Knight is younger and has better size. Kawhi Leonard is also a possibility.
6th pick. Washington Wizards select F Jan Vesely. Kawhi Leonard is also a possibility, but the Wizards like Vesely's length and toughness. He reminds of Andrei Kirilenko.
7th pick. Sacramento Kings select F Kawhi Leonard. Leonard's stock skyrocketed after his true size and athleticism were measured. The Kings could use a point guard, but they could also have a hole at the small forward position if Omri Casspi demands a trade as he's rumored to do, and Fransisco Garcia is more of a tweener between shooting guard and small forward.
8th pick. Detroit Pistons select PG Kemba Walker. Walker is athletic, but he's more of a volume shooter than a true point guard. Still, Rodney Stuckey is showing that he's not the answer at point, and Walker's athleticism could make him a nice fit in the back court. Bismack Biyombo is another option for Detroit.
9th pick. Charlotte Bobcats select F Marcus Morris. Charlotte needs offense, and Morris' versatility as a scorer would be enticing.
10th pick. Milwaukee Bucks select G Alec Burks. The Bucks could use a replacement for Michael Redd, and Burks' athleticism would fit well.
11th pick. Golden State Warriors select G Klay Thompson. Thompson is long and athletic and a tremendous perimeter scorer. Jerry West likes him, which means he's likely the pick.
12th pick. Utah Jazz select G Jimmer Fredette. Word is that his stock is climbing back up a bit. There are still a lot of question marks with him, but if the Jazz go big with their 3rd overall pick, they'll likely seek help in the back court with this pick.
13th pick. Phoenix Suns select F Tristan Thompson. The Suns need toughness and Thompson could fit the bill.
14th pick. Houston Rockets select FC Bismack Biyombo. The Rockets are doing pretty well on the perimeter and could use help on the interior.
Phil Partington - Phil Partington is a writing enthusiast of many years and has been published in national magazines, web publications and other media ...
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