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   Joe 12-23-2011 11:05 am xxx.xxx.xxx.204 (total posts: 1) 54     26 Walt, I dont think you understand what the Amnesty Clause does. The contract doesnt count against the payroll, but you still have to pay the player. You dont just get out of the contract for free. There was no point in using it on Rashard Lewis, because he can still at least play. Even if you are paying him a ton of money, he can still give you decent minutes. Plus, next year, he is a huge expiring that can be used as a trade chip. Pete 12-23-2011 01:45 am xxx.xxx.xxx.167 (total posts: 1) 24     33 Dude Wizards don't amnesty Lewis because if they did, they would be significantly below the salary cap floor imposed on teams, forcing them to spend a bunch of money on an extremely weak free agent class. Makes sense that they wouldn't amnesty him because of that. Walter 12-23-2011 12:11 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.88 (total posts: 10) 142     24 Ugh, what page is that on? Editing at 3 am apparently isn't a good idea. Oh, and I'm always up this late during football season. My Russian gypsy neighbors are surprisingly quiet. Peter 12-22-2011 04:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.62 (total posts: 1) 23     24 Walter - Aren't you an English major? Or should I say, Engrish major? "However, if Davis plays with a chip on his shoulder, he provides the Knicks with a much-needed veteran experience in the backcourt, and unlike Mike Bibby, can still productive in the downside of his career." All kidding aside, you're doing a great job with this website. BTW, what are you doing up at 2:55 AM? Are the Russians keeping you up? Or are you trying to spy on the hot neighbor next door? Walter 12-22-2011 02:55 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.88 (total posts: 10) 20     19 Sorry about that. It was my fault (editing error). I posted the wrong logo. It's fixed. Fitz 12-20-2011 08:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.242 (total posts: 2) 21     20 Dude can you please correct that Davis for Bass trade. Bass plays for Orlando, not Dallas. It is the most annoying thing seeing that big of a mistake on an otherwise good website Fitz 12-19-2011 02:58 am xxx.xxx.xxx.242 (total posts: 2) 20     36 Bass plays for Orlando. Therefore Glen Davis is going to Orlando. Can you please correct this already Bro 12-16-2011 10:44 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.89 (total posts: 1) 28     20 The Pistons bought out Rip Hamilton's contract so they could still use their amnesty on Ben Gordon. I was hoping that the Pistons wouldnt resign Tayshaun Prince so we could land the first pick of the draft and get a stud to join our young core of Greg Monroe, Austin Daye and Brandon Knight. But, the Pistons are stupid so they will rely on bums like Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon to win us out of a good draft pick and stay mediocre. Also... 12-16-2011 11:10 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.44 (total posts: 4) 26     20 The Pistons bought out Rip's contract, and didn't use their amnesty clause yet. God willing, Ben Gordon is next to go. What an idiot 12-16-2011 11:08 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.44 (total posts: 4) 23     21 Way to keep on your trades, Paul and Dave! Brandon Bass has been with the Magic for awhile now, kinda shocking Walt would let someone so in-ept write for his site. rossfelhofer 12-16-2011 01:16 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.43 (total posts: 1) 18     21 the clippers are not done in free agency yet, they are going to have to sign another big man A Chris Paul Fan 12-16-2011 12:23 am xxx.xxx.xxx.216 (total posts: 1) 19     20 Chris Paul is a great player, I think he's the best PG in the NBA and capable of making any team into an instant playoff team. That said the Clippers gave up way to much for a player with bad knees who may leave in a two years. If they'd been able to keep Gordon or the draft pick then i'd like the deal a lot more. If Paul stays healthy and long term it'll make it a lot less lopsided. As of now i'd say it's a big win for the Hornets considering that Paul was leaving anyways and this was the best deal they could have gotten. Of course if Eric Gordon realizes that New Orleans is a crappy basketball market and leaves as soon as possible it'll make it much worse for the Hornets. David 12-10-2011 09:40 am xxx.xxx.xxx.159 (total posts: 2) 41     17 Glen Davis was traded to the Magic... Bass was on the Magic and got traded to Boston Yung Rapist Killa 07-09-2011 10:59 am xxx.xxx.xxx.189 (total posts: 1) 23     20 Lebron James trade? John L. 07-07-2011 01:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.140 (total posts: 2) 21     22 "I don't quite completely understand. If the team cuts a player, and still has to pay the player's salary, what's the point of it?" So that they don't have to pay the luxury tax for that player. Which is eight figures for the likes of Walton/Haywood/Arenas. Pages: 1 2 3 45 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 19


Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16


2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15


2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3


NFL Picks - Feb. 3