 |
| (Getty Images) |
One thing that Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is making sure is that they are picking a top-notch player in the 2011 NBA draft, who will not leave or abandon them unlike a
guy nicknamed “The King” had done a year ago. The Cavaliers did not waste time in making the 6-2 guard Kyrie Irving of Duke University
the number pick over-all in this year’s rookie draft. Despite playing only eleven
games of college ball with the Blue Devils, the Cavs went for a player, who is
widely considered the most talented in this year’s draft hopefuls. For the
second pick over-all, the Minnesota Timberwolves went for the most athletic guy
in the draft in 6-8 small forward Derrick Williams of the University of Arizona.
The Utah Jazz had just made their frontline fortified with 6-11 Turkish native
Enes Kanter of the University
of Kentucky as the third
pick over-all. A big surprise was the late selection of Duke University
hotshot Kyle Singler, who dropped to number 33 pick in the second round by the
Detroit Pistons. The 6-8 Singler is a much-heralded senior, who was the Most
Outstanding Player (MOP) of the 2010 Final Four after leading the Blue Devils
to the National Championship. 6-11 big man and Japanese pro league veteran
Jeremy Tyler, who went directly from high school to pro ball overseas, was
tabbed by the Charlotte Bobcats in the second round as the 39th pick
over-all. Yahoo! Sports breaks down the top three picks:
Kyrie Irving: “Odd as it may seem for a kid
who played only 11 games worth of college basketball, Kyrie Irving is probably
the most sure-fire pick in this draft. The former Duke star may not have the
athleticism of a Derrick Rose or a Russell Westbrook, but his impeccable
character, consistent outside shot and quick first step to the rim make him a
potential top 10 NBA point guard within the next few years. In a historically
weak draft at the top, that was enough to make him a no-brainer for rebuilding Cleveland at No. 1.”
Derrick Williams: “A long-awaited handshake with NBA
commissioner David Stern culminates Derrick Williams’ stunning two-year rise
from little-known recruit to all-conference standout to NBA lottery pick. The Arizona standout is a
high-character player with a good blend of skill and athleticism, and the
chance to make an impact with the Timberwolves as soon as next season. The only
question is whether his niche will be on the perimeter or in the paint.
Williams has long insisted he'll play small forward in the NBA, but his lack of
lateral quickness might make him ill-suited to defend pro wings.”
Enes Kanter: “Even though Enes Kanter's game remains a mystery as a
result of the NCAA ruling him ineligible to play college basketball, we do know
this much about the chiseled 6-foot-11 Turkish big man: He's not lacking for
confidence. Kanter told reporters Wednesday he's the best player in this draft
and Kentucky
would have easily won the national title had he been able to play. Utah can only hope
Kanter can back up his bravado since the Jazz passed on selecting a much-needed
point guard to take him.”
No comments:
Post a Comment