thierry!

Let me guess you got Barnes or Jones.

Can't wait for the Draft. I also think you got Percival!

I'm thinking Mr. Watson fell to Clips, either early 2nd or you traded some chump & change for a late 1st Rounder off a chump team like Suns.

It will be very interesting draft! I'll follow!

2011 NBA Draft Live Coverage
By NBA.net senior correspondent Ken Chalmers

June 23, 2011 - Hello and welcome to the 2011 NBA Draft coverage! I, Ken Chalmers will keep you up-to-date on the draft with analysis as we go. It should be an interesting one with players such as Perry Jones, Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes to be drafted. It should be an exciting night, as 60 young men will have their NBA dreams come true. Enough introduction though, the Nets are on the clock!

1. SF/PF Perry Jones
No surprises here. Perry Jones has the best upside out of any prospect in the draft, and plays a position of need for the Nets, especially with Carmelo likely not signing with them. Terrence Jones would have been a safer pick, and Irving may have been the BPA, but the Nets took a gamble on a potential star.
Projected Role: Starting SF | Draft Grade: B

2. PG Kyrie Irving
With Ricky Rubio announcing that he would not go to the NBA for at least one more season, and the Nets cleaning house at the point guard slot, this pick is a no-brainer. Jonny Flynn isn't even a top 10 PG from his DRAFT CLASS and the Wolves' offense is pretty awful. Great selection here.
Projected Role: Starting PG | Draft Grade: A

3. SF Terrence Jones
The Kings surprise some by passing on Harrison Barnes for Terrence Jones. While Jones's potential may be less that Barnes's, his season in college was far better. Barnes may become a star, but don't be surprised if this ends up looking as good as the Kings' taking Tyreke over Rubio two years ago.
Projected Role: Backup SF | Draft Grade: B+

BREAKING NEWS!
#4 |-----|
The Toronto Raptors have traded point guard Luke Ridnour and the #4 pick in the draft to the Portland Trailblazers for guard Rudy Fernandez and forward Luke Babbitt. The Blazers are now on the clock.
4. SF/SG Harrison Barnes (drafted by traded TOR, traded with Ridnour to POR for Babbitt, Fernandez)
The Blazers got a coup of a trade, dealing seldom-used forward Luke Babbitt (16th pick in 2010 draft) and somewhat disgruntled guard Fernandez for a potential star in Barnes as well as a potential replacement for Andre Miller, who may not return. The pick itself is a no-brainer, which Barnes being by far the best prospect available. Hard to say what Toronto is thinking, though Rudy seems to be right up Colangelo's alley.
Projected Role: Sixth Man | Draft Grade: A | Blazers Trade Grade: A+ | Raptors Trade Grade: D

5. C Enes Kanter
After speculation that the Clippers might reach on a player like Brandon Knight, they played it safe and took (arguably) the best available player. Kanter is a skilled big man in the mold of former Clipper all-star Chris Kaman. With DeAndre Jordan apparently wanting out and Kaman being gone, this was likely a very good pick for the Clippers. They may trade down for a guy like Knight or Andrew Watson though.
Projected Role: Backup C | Draft Grade: B+

6. SF Tyler Honeycutt
First surprise of the draft. I'd always thought Honeycutt was a very intriguing prospect, a tall, extremely lanky swingman with a good shot. He had decent potential to be a good player. Problem is, there is already another player on the Pistons with a similar description: Austin Daye! With Rodney Stuckey possibly leaving the team, I thought they would have taken Aussie combo guard William Sit...
Projected Role: Third string SF | Draft Grade: D-

7. SG/PG William Sit
Interesting pick from the Wizards, who I expected would take Vesely or Rodney Williams. The Aussie guard may have been the best available player, but his game very closely resembles that of former Wizard Gilbert Arenas, who was a turrible fit next to franchise point guard John Wall. Expect him to be a sixth man (like Arenas in his final Wizards days).
Projected Role: Sixth Man | Draft Grade: C+

BREAKING NEWS!
#8 |-----|
The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded seldom used combo guard Ramon Sessions and the #8 pick in the draft to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for veteran combo forward Ryan Gomes and young point guard Eric Bledsoe. The Clippers are now on the clock.
8. PG Brandon Knight (drafted by CLE, traded with Sessions to LA for Bledsoe, Gomes)
The Clippers got the guy they wanted to trade down for, without even trading down! The Clippers, apparently desperate to rid themselves of Sessions, and coveting Bledsoe, offered this deal, which the Clippers reportedly accepted without hesitation. The Clips got a coup, dealing an expendable forward, and trading a former mid-first round point guard for a mid-lottery point guard. They had to take on Sessions' contract, but if he returns to his Bucks' form, this trade should be a steal. Knight was a guy the Clips were enamored with, but at #8, he seems to be a reach.
Projected Role: Third-string PG | Draft Grade: C | Clippers Trade Grade: A | Cavaliers Trade Grade: C-

9. PF/SF Jan Vesely
With Zach Randolph most likely leaving the Grizzlies, Memphis was wise to pick up a PF. Though Vesely is a bit soft as a 4, he was easily the best player on the board and fills a need. He will likely start the season behind Darrell Arthur should Z-Bo leave, but shouldn't have much trouble getting the starting nod.
Projected Role: Backup PF/SF | Draft Grade: A

10. SG /SF Rodney Williams
The LOLcats, in an act of seemingly giving up on young prospect SG Gerald Henderson, have opted to take the athletic Rodney Williams. Williams can get up there, but his actual skills leave something to be desired. Williams is not expected to make an impact right away, but despite his rawness and athleticism, he doesn't seem to have star potential. Leo Lai or Derrick Williams would have been smarter picks in my opinion.
Projected Role: Third-string SG/SF | Draft Grade: D+

11. PF/C Jared Sullinger
With Elton Brand, Marreese Speights and Thaddeus Young, the Sixers at the 4. However, they take the BPA and grab Sullinger. With scrub Spencer Hawes starting at the 5, it is likely that the near 300 lb Sullinger will play the 5. This should be a pretty good pick. I could see Sullinger becoming the Sixers' starting Center, and could very well be a major steal.
Projected Role: Backup C/PF | Draft Grade: A-

BREAKING NEWS!
#12 |-----| #56
The Portland Trailblazers have traded former all-star swingman Brandon Roy along with the 12th pick in the draft to the Denver Nuggets for center Nene and the 56th pick in this draft. The Nuggets are now on the clock.
12. PF/SF Derrick Williams (traded with Brandon Roy to DEN for Nene, pick #56!)
Wow. The Blazers finally found a suitor for damaged goods Brandon Roy and his huge contract. The Blazers finally move on from the Roy era (and replace him with expiring fringe all-star big man Nene), but it costs them a draft steal in Williams in the process. Meanwhile, with Carmelo leaving now an inevitability, the Nuggets were desperate for a star, and took on the washed-up Roy. In addition, they got a draft steal in Williams. Unfortunately, they lose their best producer from last season in Nene and kill their cap future. Williams himself is a great pick, being a decent stand-in for Melo.
Projected Role: Backup PF/SF | Draft Grade: A | Blazers Trade Grade: B- | Nuggets Trade Grade: B

13. SG/PG Leo Lai
Despite trading for Rudy Fernandez and also having Barbosa, DeRozan and Childress, the Craptors opted to take Chinese point guard Leo Lai. Lai is an athletic combo guard compared to a teenage Kobe Bryant. However, at 175 lbs he is significantly thinner and is also rawer. Lai slipped a bit in the draft, and was likely the BPA. However, this creates a logjam that may very well result in another trade. That they did not pick Motiejunas shocks me.
Projected Role: Third-string SG/PG | Draft Grade: B+

14. SG Alec Burks
With the final pick of the lottery, the Hornets take talented SG Alec Burks. Though gutted to not get Lai, Burks is a good player, who might finally give the Hornets a viable starting 2 guard.
Projected Role: Backup SG | Draft Grade: B+

15. PF/C Donatas Motiejunas
Projected Role: Starting PF | Draft Grade: A
16. SF/PF Andrew Watson
The Warriors take Andrew "The X" Watson with the 16th pick in the draft. Watson is a great fit with the Warriors, with the ability to play as a stretch 4, and to hit the 3 extremely well. Watson should be the sixth man but is likely to take over for Dorell Wright as the starting 3. Excellent pickup from the Dubs.
Projected Role: Sixth Man | Draft Grade: A
17. PG Kemba Walker
Projected Role: Backup PG | Draft Grade: B-
18. PF Martti Must
With Jeff Green likely not to re-sign and Serge Ibaka disgruntled, the Thunder take an insurance policy in Martti Must. Must, known as a poor man's Kevin Love, is not particularly athletic, but his decent shot and great rebounding ability should make him a solid role player in this league.
Projected Role: Third-string PF | Draft Grade: C+
19. PG Thierry Tirieux
They already have Felton and Douglas, but the Knicks couldn't pass up Tirieux, the young Argentine point guard dripping with potential. While very raw, and apparently averse to commitment, he has potential to be an excellent player.
Projected Role: Third-string PG | Draft Grade: B-
20. PG/SF Julian Martin
With Jeff Teague and Mike Bibby in tow, the Hawks take on Julian Martin, the 6'9" PG from UCLA. Martin is a long term project who could very well be a bust, but could also become a star, if he overcomes injuries and attitude problems. Interesting pick by the Hawks, who are trying to escape the treadmill that the Joe Johnson extension has put them on.
Projected Role: Third-string PG | Draft Grade: B+
21. PG Chris Hov
Chris Hov was elated to have been taken by his favorite team of Dallas, to play with fellow countryman (and superstar!) Dirk Nowitzki. With Kidd's retirement and Roddy Beaubois being injury prone, this is an excellent pick, as Hov would have been a lottery pick in a less PG-rich draft.
Projected Role: Backup PG | Draft Grade: A
22. SG Will Buford
Projected Role: Third-string SG | Draft Grade: C
23. PG Axel Gomez
With Steve Blake being without a back-up and not exactly the PG of the future, the Lakers take a young PG in Gomez. Though they would have preferred Laker fan Julian Martin, Gomez has potential to be a decent point guard, especially next to Kobe.
Projected Role: Backup SG | Draft Grade: A-
24. SG/SF Will Barton
Projected Role: Third-string SG/SF | Draft Grade: D+
25. SF Jordan Hamilton
Projected Role: Bench Warmer | Draft Grade: D
26. PF John Henson
Projected Role: Third-string PF | Draft Grade: B-
27. SF Kyle Singler
Projected Role: Backup SF | Draft Grade: A
28. SF/SG Kenny Young
The Spurs take a sharp-shooting swingman in Young. His upside leaves something to be desired, and his skillset is awfully similar to undrafted gem Gary Neal, but Young is a decent enough pick-up at #28.
Projected Role: Third-string SF/SG | Draft Grade: C-
29. SG Travis Leslie
Projected Role: Bench Warmer | Draft Grade: D
30. PG/SG Josh Selby
Projected Role: Backup PG | Draft Grade: A

2nd Round
31. Sacramento: PG Maalik Wayns
BREAKING NEWS
#32 |-----| 2012 first
The Toronto Raptors have traded the 32nd pick and Josh Childress to the Washington Wizards for their 2012 first-round draft pick.
32. C Ray Lliach (drafted by TOR, traded with Josh Childress to WAS for 2012 1st)
The Wizards give up their potentially high 2012 first rounder to acquire a very solid swingman, but also a very promising Center who fell to 32nd. He should back up Javale McGee, and possibly even push Epic Vale for the starting job!
Projected Role: Backup C | Draft Grade: A+
33. SF Chris Singleton
The Clippers take a decent, NBA ready combo forward in Chris Singleton. Singleton doesn't have a lot of upside, but next to O'Greene (who is 29 years old), he is perhaps the most likely player left to be an NBA role player. Solid pick.
Projected Role: Third-string SF | Draft Grade: B+
34. SF Justine Crewhead
Crewhead is a lights-out shooter who, between injuries, was a dominant scorer in the NCAA. Whether he can stay ready or score in the NBA remains to be seen, but he certainly is a great shooter with a quick stroke. Problem is, they have like 10 wing players already!
Projected Role: Bench Warmer | Draft Grade: D
35. New Jersey: SF Kris Joseph
36. Minnesota: PF CJ Leslie
37. SF/PF Shad O'Greene
The Grinch becomes the third NLSC'er to join the Wiz Kids. O'Greene is one of the most NBA ready players in the draft, and while his upside and offensive game are non-existent, his abilities at a lock-down defender should make him a valuable asset for Washington, as they fight for an 8 seed.
Projected Role: Backup SF/PF | Draft Grade: A-
38. Charlotte: C Greg Smith
39. Cleveland: PF Trey Thompkins
40. Memphis: PF Elias Harris
41. Philadelphia: SF Jeff Taylor
42. Portland: PG Damian Lillard
43. Golden State: PF Mason Plumlee
44. New Orleans: SG Iman Shumpert
45. Phoenix: SG Durrell Summers
46. Indiana: PG Renardo Sidney
47. Indiana: PF Kevin Jones
48. Oklahoma City: SF Scotty Hopson
49. New York: PG Demetri McCamey
50. Atlanta: SF Chris Wright
51. Chicago: SG Malcolm Delaney
52. Dallas: PG Jimmer Fredette
53. Utah: SG Austin Freeman
54. Houston: C Aaric Murray
55. LA Lakers: PG Chris Wright
56. Denver: PG Corey Fisher
57. Orlando: SF DJ Kennedy
58. San Antonio: PF Marcus Morris
59. Boston: SG Klay Thompson
60. Miami: PG Kalin Lucas

And so there's the draft article. Took far too long and was by and large a colossal waste of time, and it still looks pretty bad, but that's how it went down. Blazers and Nuggets rebuilt their roster, my Clips got both our guys, and the Wizards forged a big 3 of Sit, Cartar and Grinch!

Nice draft... can't believe that I am on Shad's team. WTF

Wut? Brandon Roy is he rated low or something?

Yeah, he's rated like 76 since the injuries have made him a shell of his former self.

Trade Axel Gomez for me, come on now Kupchak.

Nice draft coverage. Recording 2nd round picks was probably overkill, but nice coverage nonetheless.

I'm happy with my situation. What's it with my virtual guys always ending up on high octane offensive teams (Nuggets, Warriors etc)? Not that I'm complaining, maybe the computer AI actually picks to team style

Nice draft... can't believe that I am on Shad's team. WTF

Classic. You two just can't be separated

Raptors sucks with trading away Harrison Barnes for Fernandez.

Yeah, finally a D where I can team up with my man Dirk. Enes Kanter is a risky pick if you ask me. European big men rarely do well in the NBA. But looking at the list, there was no real better pick you missed out on.

3 NLSC members on the same team , will be interesting

Pistons

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jamers Harden.. Glad I'm there.

didn't we have lliach in toronto too? Fuck.. Trade wall and we will win a title!

Wow blockbuster!

Blazers are better than any other team in the NBA

Last edited by Houndy on Sun Jan 23, 2011 1:23 am, edited 1 time in total.

Wow!What a move by the Blazers!I'm sure though that Nuggets with Roy and Anthony are going to be serious contenders!
Really nice article.Despite being huge i liked it.

Heh, Blazers traded Roy for Nene...
Billups-Roy-Anthony?
Nice draft article, detailed and nice.

As Valdis said, loving the Big 3 of Mr. Big Shot - Roy - Melo! And New York, here I come!

Dropped down to the Craptors...and I'm 3rd string? I would rather go to the Hornets with #14, or get taken by Charlotte @ #10....

Typo noted btw, I'm a (main) shooting guard not point guard

In the description for B Knight... You say that the Clippers offered the deal and the Clippers accepted

dare, You actually landed on the Lakers during the draft once, but then it crashed.

The X, Thanks X. You always had the best draft coverage (really hoping to see Stephen A and NLSC Insider break down the picks when your Wolves draft comes around!). so the praise means a lot. It was a pain, but I wanted to cover all lottery + Clippers + NLSC picks.

I was glad you landed in Golden State. Nellie would have loved you.

hova-, Initially, I had planned to trade down in the draft, because I'm not a huge Kanter fan (seems like a shorter Kaman to me). I had a complex three-team deal for Diop, the #10 pick and the #15 pick in consideration, before the Cavs offered me that deal I couldn't refuse. Kanter was the best non-NLSC player available though.

I was really glad to see you get on the Mavs. You may even get to start!

mandich, Sit, Just noticed that in 'Saur Losers II, we had the exact same big 3 on the Raptors What are the odds?

Valor, In the application I have from you (that is like a year old), you are listed as a SG/PG, plus you weigh 175 lbs, plus the Raptors have more SG's than PG's. You are in a pretty bad situation though.

Houndy, Oh yeah. There's no stopping a team with a starting 5 of Ridnour, Wes Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and Oden, with Barnes and Nene off the bench!

George7, Valdis, Thanks guys. I appreciate it. Don't be so sure that Melo will re-sign with Denver.

George7, Valdis, Thanks guys. I appreciate it. Don't be so sure that Melo will re-sign with Denver.

That sucks. This will be a super trio...