2011 NBA Draft and Offseason Blog

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
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2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Brandon Knight Worth Third Overall Pick? - June 2


It has been well publicized that the 2011 NBA Draft is bad; historically bad like Dana Carvey's movie Master of Disguise. And while Kentucky freshman point guard Brandon Knight had a great freshman season, it is hard to hard to believe that he is worthy of being the third-overall pick by the Utah Jazz like many 2011 NBA Mock Drafts are projecting.

Knight played an integral part in helping Kentucky reach the Final Four this season. He led the team in scoring, assists and three-pointers, but he is hardly a sure thing once he gets to the NBA.

"I think I've proven myself on the court," Knight said at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. "The most important thing for me is to just work hard and keep having good workouts."

The Utah Jazz hold the third overall pick and most mock drafts project Knight being the pick since they need a backup for Devin Harris as well as a capable scorer at guard. But there are certainly some questions regarding Knight's transition to the NBA.



For starters, Knight turned the ball over at a high rate, averaging 3.2 turnovers per game compared to just 4.2 assists. He exclusively played the point for the Wildcats but is far from a proven floor general and could actually play some two guard at the next level due to his ability to shoot the basketball.

"I feel I can play both positions," Knight told me. "But I see myself as a point guard."

Knight's decision to turn pro was not surprising especially since Kentucky has highly touted point guard recruit Marquis Teague joining the fray next season. Teague's addition likely would have pushed Knight to play more two guard next season which may have stunted Knight's development some in becoming a true point guard.

"Once I made my decision, I didn't want to waver on it," Knight stated. "Once I made it, that was it. I love Kentucky and the fans there, and the coaching staff."



Knight now becomes the next in line of John Calipari-coached point guards who will enter the league with high expectations; carrying the torch previously held by Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans and last year's top overall pick, John Wall. Following in the footsteps of that trio might be daunting to some, but not Knight.

"I think that pressure is more so at Kentucky. What the Kentucky fans expected knowing who had come before me. Just people who have watched Coach Cal's guards from before and what they expected. I think pressure was more so then than now."

While it might sound like I am hating on Knight, that is not the case at all. I think he will be a solid pro given the time to improve his point guard skills especially in the half court. I just think there are better overall prospects available with third pick in the 2011 NBA Mock Draft.

In fact, I have Kemba Walker ranked higher on my point guard rankings but since Knight was a more consistent outside shooter than Walker in college, it makes the former Wildcat point guard a better fit with the Jazz who need a point guard who can stroke it from distance since that is not Harris' strength. I also think former Kentucky commit Enes Kanter is a better prospect than Knight, but the Jazz need guard help more than they need size, which is why they could pass on the Turkish big man.

Like current Jazz post player and last year's third-overall pick Derrick Favors, Knight will need time before he becomes an impact player in the NBA. When you are taken that high, even in a weak draft class, that is what will be expected of Knight.



Recent NBA Draft and Offseason Blog Entries:

2012 NBA Draft Outstanding Trades - 12/25
2011 NBA Offseason Winners - 12/23
2011 NBA Offseason Losers - 12/23
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/22
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/20
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/16
Chris Paul Trade Analysis - 12/15
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/14
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/10
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/9
Five Players Likely to Be Traded After NBA Lockout - 7/7
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Southwest Division - 7/6
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Northwest Division - 7/5
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Pacific Division - 7/3
Cavaliers-Kings Trade Recap - 7/1
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Atlantic Division - 6/30
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Central Division - 6/30
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Southeast Division - 6/29
2011 NBA Draft Trade Recaps - 6/25
2011 NBA Draft: Bobcats-Kings-Bucks Three-Way Trade - 6/24
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: How Kyrie Irving Compares to John Wall and Derrick Rose - 6/23
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Is Kyrie Irving Ready to be a Franchise Point Guard - 6/23
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kemba Walker is the Most Undervalued Player in the Draft - 6/23
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Is Derrick Williams a Power Forward or Small Forward? - 6/22
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Wait, Kansas' Marcus and Markieff Morris are Twins??? - 6/21
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Jordan Hamilton Using Yoga to Help His NBA Draft Stock - 6/18
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Tristan Thompson Benefits from Weak Draft Class - 6/17
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kawhi Leonard's Versatility is His Biggest Asset - 6/14
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Chris Singleton is a Lottery Sleeper - 6/13
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Where Does JaJuan Johnson Fit in the NBA? - 6/11
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kentucky's DeAndre Liggins Made Right Decision in Entering NBA Draft - 6/10
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Should a Marijuana Arrest Affect NBA Draft Stock? - 6/9
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Nolan Smith Has Different Identity On and Off Court - 6/7
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: John Wall Mentoring Darius Morris - 6/5
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Brandon Knight Worth Third Overall Pick? - 6/2
Rumor: Cavs, T-Wolves, Pistons Discussing 3-Way Trade - 5/29
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Josh Selby Putting Kansas Behind Him - 5/28
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Marshon Brooks Rising Up Draft Boards - 5/26
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Alec Burks Connected to Bobcats - 5/24
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Combine Measurements - 5/21
Thunder Really Likes Kyle Singler? - 5/21
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Day 1 - 5/20
2011 NBA Draft Lottery Odds Breakdown - 5/16
2011 NBA Free Agents - 5/3
NBA Offseason and Draft Blog - Home

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   Ben Wallace 07-04-2012 06:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.153 (total posts: 1) 26     71 To be totally honest, Henson and Zeller wouldn't be any better than Meyers Leonard. They are all going to bust. C-3PO 07-04-2012 05:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 1) 21     9 Eric Gordon signed an offer sheet with the Suns dumb @ss, New Orleans has yet to match that offer, so he didn't resign like you said. Geiger 07-03-2012 07:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.66 (total posts: 2) 27     10 The Nets are not out of the running for Dwight and are offering a package of Humphris, Lopez and Brooks with draft picks..Its sad to even hear the Nets entertain that idea, but it very well could happen. A team to look out for is the Lakers..an offer of Bynum, Artest and the Odom exception for Howard and Turkaglus monster contract is a win-win for both teams. Geiger 07-03-2012 07:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.66 (total posts: 2) 12     9 The Nets are not out of the running for Dwight and are offering a package of Humphris, Lopez and Brooks with draft picks..Its sad to even hear the Nets entertain that idea, but it very well could happen. A team to look out for is the Lakers..an offer of Bynum, Artest and the Odom exception for Howard and Turkaglus monster contract is a win-win for both teams. @CJ 07-03-2012 04:33 am xxx.xxx.xxx.104 (total posts: 1) 16     121 So basically you're asking Walt to fire one "clueless" dumbass for another? lol Whats the point? Rise Above CJ 06-30-2012 04:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx6.44 (total posts: 4) 213     107 Paul Banks, yet again showing how clueless he is. Almost every other draft analyst has the Rockets' with a positive ranking. This clown does understand that the Rockets are likely to make trades, with all the assets they've compiled? I agree that Meyers Leonard is probably going to be a bust, but you can't call Portland a 'loser' for stealing the 6th pick from the Nets. How about a 'loser' ranking for the Cavs for reaching so much for Dion Waiters? Or trading all their other picks for another likely bust in Tyler Zeller? But Banks has a 'man crush' (not that there's anything wrong with that) on Waiters, so he'd never mark the Cavs down. Fire this guy Walt, I'll work for free! Ben 06-25-2012 09:00 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.254 (total posts: 1) 10     23 So....Henson is overrated because he has trouble keeping and putting on weight and strength. And you stated that size and strength is everything in the nba for a big. But....isn't Davis just as if not more lanky and undersized than Henson....? And Henson is only one year older and both have similar wingspans? Just a thought.. @Live 06-22-2012 10:10 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.15 (total posts: 1) 11     8 You are an idiot, you apparently don't know how basketball trades work, its all about salary dumping. IN the NBA you are either rebuilding, championship contender, or youar e going to stay consistently medicore. They were never going ot win a championship with Okafor and Ariza taking up that much money on their books. Live 06-22-2012 04:28 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.80 (total posts: 1) 8     70 Washington - B Hornets - Big fat F Sure the Hornets is going to waive Lewis and relieve cap space to sign Gordon to a longer deal and draft Anthony Davis but so what! They let go a great defensive guy that can hit 3s here and there. They got NOTHING in return for Ariza and Okafor but a 2nd rounder. I didn't like what the Hornets got in return and it was a bad deal IMO. Vince 06-19-2012 04:03 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.99 (total posts: 1) 42     8 It was a play on words, not a pun. More importantly, know who else couldn't bench press 185 pounds at the NBA Combine? This one player called Kevin Durant. Ben 04-15-2012 09:06 pm xxx.xxx.xxx7.65 (total posts: 1) 29     20 I like how only one of these players actually got traded Omar 03-23-2012 04:20 pm xxx.xxx.xxx6.60 (total posts: 1) 14     14 its a good thing i was wearing sartight white with built in neon when i went to the Super bowl. they almost didnt let me on the field:) and on a side note.. i feel bad for Slash:/ MaliceAtThePalace 03-09-2012 01:38 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.201 (total posts: 1) 50     24 Stephen Jackson is a phenomenal teammate. Just ask Ron Artest back in '04. Sean Shearier 03-09-2012 12:27 am xxx.xxx.xxx.117 (total posts: 1) 22     133 great site lots of information. Please check out www.walloffamesports.com Mike again 12-25-2011 02:01 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.237 (total posts: 2) 23     24 Lakers got Mavs first rounder this year for odom Pages: 1 2 34 5 6 7

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

2014 NBA Mock Draft - April 25

2013 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: C | PF | COMBO-F | SF | COMBO-G | SG | PG

2011 NBA Mock Draft - June 23

2011 NBA Mock Draft - Walt's (June 21)

2011 NBA Mock Re-Draft

2010 NBA Mock Re-Draft

2009 NBA Mock Re-Draft

2011 NBA Draft Scouting Reports

2010-11 NBA Season Previews

2009 NBA Draft Grades





2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 20


Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20


2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15


2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3


NFL Picks - Feb. 3