NBA Draft Preview

Even though a labor dispute threatens the 2011-12 NBA season, there will still be a draft, and top college and foreign players will be joining the league. Here’s a look at some of top prospects for the 2011 NBA Draft, which will take place on June 23:
Derrick Williams (Arizona): Williams emerged from the shadows of the Pac-10 and dominated the nation this past season. He was actually Pac-10 Freshman of the Year two seasons ago, but most people outside of Arizona didn’t expect him to average 19.5 points per game and lead his team to the Elite Eight. Many believe that he will be selected by Cleveland with the number 1 overall pick. He may not have the hype that LeBron James did, but Williams is another forward that the Cavs can build a team around, especially since they have the number 4 pick as well. Williams is extremely explosive, and when he gets to the rim, he almost always finishes or gets to the foul line. He is definitely MVP material, and we’ll see if he can carry the Cavs or any other team that picks him to championship glory.
Kyrie Irving (Duke): Irving only played 8 games at Duke, but his ability to excel was evident. Irving showed great scoring and passing traits in Durham, but his turftoe injury poses big durability questions for him at the next level. His game resembles the game of Hornets’ star Chris Paul. He is a certain top 10 pick in the draft, and might go to Minnesota or Cleveland, which are two teams with point guard needs.
Brandon Knight (Kentucky): Knight had the nearly impossible task of filling the void left by John Wall’s departure from UK, but he was able to step up for Coach John Calipari, especially later in the season. Knight, like Irving, is 6’3”, and also like Irving, only spent a year in college, but he should also excel on the next level. He has even better speed than Irving, but is a little less consistent, which could pose a problem in the long, 82-game NBA season. He’s great from behind the 3-point arc, and will most certainly go in the top 10.
Kemba Walker (UConn): The junior blew the nation away this past season, with his electric game-winning shots, highlight-reel plays, and victory in the national championship game. He grew a huge amount from his freshman year, and was able to help his teammates develop into champions. He’s undersized at 6’1”, but that hasn’t stopped tons of great point guards, like Isaiah Thomas, who was 5’10”. He might need more time to get used to the NBA style of play, but when he’s ready, he’ll be worth the wait.