NBA Draft 2011: Winners, Losers, Surprises, Trades, and Championships

Winner

Alex: Bobcats

A lot of idiots (Chris Mannix) have been criticizing Michael Jordan and the Bobcats organization’s moves in the 2011 NBA Draft. Mannix writes on his Sports Illustrated article “Bismack Biyombo, at No. 7, was a stretch. Lots of potential (have you not heard the Ben Wallace comparisons?) but an offensive game that makes Alexis Ajinca look like Hakeem Olajuwon.” Mannix is also well known for his praise of Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio and claims that he will be an all-star in three years. At the end of the 2014 season, when Kemba Walker and Biyombo both outscore Rubio, I expect some acknowledgment Mannix.

Chris: Washington

Equipped with the 6^th and the 18^th pick in a weak draft, Washington came out wonderfully. With their 6^th overall selection, Washington chose Jan Vesely, the 6'10 Small Forward from the Czech Republic. With a nickname like the dunking ninja you know this guy has gotta be awesome. With the 18^th pick, Washington selected Chris Singleton SG/SF out of Florida St. Singleton is without a doubt the best defender in this draft and possesses the skills to be a top-flight defender in the NBA. Singleton is extremely long with quick feet and infectious energy. These two players will fill out the wing positions for the next ten years and on. Both are very athletic and can finish passes on the break from John Wall.

Loser

Alex: Raptors

The Raptors with their one and only selection took PF/C Jonas Valanciunas from Lithuania with the 5^th overall pick. The fact that the Raptors did so poorly in this draft is not a reflection of the abilities and potential of Valanciunas, but more the fact that the Raptors only have one moderately skilled player and that is their center. Going with Brandon Knight probably would have been the better choice for the Raptors. I don't expect to see any improvement in the off-season and neither should you. Expect to see Toronto in the lottery again next season.

Honorable Mention: Knicks

Just read Spike Lee’s comments on the draft. New York fans have a lot to be annoyed with right now.

Chris: Minnesota

Is this even a question with David Kahn at the helm. I'm almost convinced that Kahn believes there are three positions in the NBA: Point Guard, Small Forward, and Power Forward. In Kahn's first draft he selected three Point Guards (Ricky Rubio, Johnny Flynn, Ty Lawson). So in Kahn's second draft he selected three Small Forwards (Wesley Johnson, Luke Babbitt who was exchanged for Martell Webster, and Trevor Booker who was exchanged for Lazar Hayward. In Kahn's third draft you would think he would learn, hey in my tenure I've gone 32-132 as the GM, maybe I shouldn't pick only players from one position in the draft. Well Kahn STILL didn't learn! In this draft he picked Derrick Williams despite having Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph who play the same position. On top of that, Minnesota made trades to keep moving down and acquire assets. You can do that if you're a contender, but if you're Minnesota you need some impact players, not just a bunch of mediocre players. On top of that, Kahn effectively gave up on Johnny Flynn after only two years and traded him for next to nothing.

First Lottery Team to Win

Alex: Jazz

This choice has little to do with the quality of a draft Utah had. The Jazz has better ownership than many teams, and they did address a ton of needs so far. Kanter will likely become a star in the league sooner rather than later. And with the Eastern Conference gaining power over the West, and teams like the Spurs, Mavericks and Lakers aging quickly, a team like the Jazz could apply a few more pieces for a dynasty. Out of the 14 lottery teams, watch for the Utah Jazz to have an NBA title first.

Chris: Washington

While it will be a stretch for any of the lottery teams to win a championship in the next few years, Washington has the best chance because of all their young talent. With John Wall, who will become an elite Point Guard in the near future, their new wings (Singleton and Vesely) and an athletic big man in Javale McGee, they certainly have a bright future. When Washington gets older and gets a post player that can score down low, they will have the best chance to compete for a title.

Best Trade

Alex: Heat getting Norris Cole

The Heat got a little more dangerous with this trade. The trade between the Heat and Timberwolves giving Minnesota the rights to Bojan Bogdanovic (No. 31 pick overall) and a future second-round pick plus cash considerations, while Miami received the rights to Norris Cole (No. 28 overall pick). Adding more size to the Miami line-up will greatly add to the Heat’s offensive power and take pressure off of the big-3. Cole will be an instant impact player for this Heat team.

Chris: Warriors trading up for Jeremy Tyler

The Warriors have lacked defense, rebounding and big men for several years now and hopefully Tyler can fill some of that role. During his Junior year of High School in San Diego, Tyler was one of the highest rated prospects in the country. At 6'10 and 260 pounds, Tyler has great athleticism but also a classic back to the basket game. While Tyler chose to turn pro internationally after his junior year, this helped him grow and mature at a rocket pace. If he went the traditional route, he could have been a top-ten pick. When and if Tyler figures it out, he could be a scary NBA players for years.

Biggest Surprise

Alex: Thompson going No. 4

I was in shock when Stern announced that the Cavaliers chose Thompson instead of Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas. As mentioned in the June 23^rd posting, I believe that the Cavaliers would be better off with selecting Arizona’s Derrick Williams and Kentucky’s Brandon Knight with the No. 1 and No. 4 picks respectively. The choice of picking Irving No. 1 is a topic for another discussion, but why pick Thompson instead of a center? Cleveland's two best players are Antwan Jamison and J.J. Hickson, both power forwards. Cleveland picking Tristan Thompson at No. 4 was the biggest surprise of the 2011 NBA Draft as it just added another reserve PF to their already massive list.

Chris: Brandon Knight going 8

Brandon Knight was regarded as one of the top prospects in the draft because of his potential to be a true floor general for a team. Knight can get to the rim but carries an excellent three point shot in his arsenal. I thought Knight wouldn't get past the Raptors at five but he slipped in this draft possibly because of the international players. Knight could be a tremendous steal for the Pistons and might the best player in the draft in five years.