2011 NBA Draft and Offseason Blog
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kemba Walker is the Most Undervalued Player in the Draft - June 23
Too often, NBA teams get caught up with qualities like athleticism, potential, upside, wingspan, how high someone can jump, or how tall or short some guy measures in shoes when scouting NBA Draft prospects. While those attributes are important, so is a player's track record on the court and his ability to flat out play the game.
UConn's Kemba Walker is coming off one of the more impressive college basketball performances in recent years. The Husky point guard made the leap, becoming one of the best players in the game and leading his team to an incredible run in March. For reasons that absolutely baffle me though, Walker could possibly slip out of the lottery in tonight's 2011 NBA Draft.
The 2010-11 campaign was a dream season for Walker, who saw his NBA Draft stock soar after a breakout performance at the Maui Invitational. That high level of play continued throughout the season, resulting in Walker leading UConn to a remarkable five wins in five days to claim the Big East Tournament Championship and following that up by winning the NCAA Tournament.
"It's been unreal," Walker told me at the NBA Draft Combine. "I'm still on cloud nine right now and it's going to take me a while to come down."
During the season, the Bronx native proved he is a winner, a leader, a fighter, a big moment player and a clutch performer. He's lightning quick and has a deadly step-back jumper (just ask Pitt's Gary McGhee) which is a major weapon for a point guard to possess at the next level. He appeared to be a lock as one of the top picks in the 2011 NBA Draft behind Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams.
"Those two guys deserve it," Walker said "I think they are definitely the best two players in the draft. After that, anyone can go anywhere."
And for Walker, that last sentence couldn't be more true. We are just hours from the 2011 NBA Draft and despite all he accomplished this past season, Kemba could actually fall out of the lottery.
There is a very, very, very slim chance Kemba gets taken by the Jazz with the third overall pick, but they will more than likely choose between Enes Kanter and Brandon Knight if they do not trade the pick. The Cavs will not need a point guard at four since they are taking Kyrie Irving with the top pick. I think Walker would be a great fit in Toronto, who holds the fifth pick, but they seem more interested in finding a defensive minded player. Washington obviously does not need a point guard at six with John Wall running the show.
Kemba's slide could end at No. 7 when the Kings are on the clock but they are reportedly very high on Jimmer Fredette. If Sacramento passes on Walker then anything is possible. The Pistons interviewed Kemba at the NBA Draft Combine but they seem set on adding a frontcourt player despite the fact that their current starting point guard Rodney Stuckey is a restricted free agent and probably not their long-term answer.
From there, who knows? Charlotte has bigger needs at center and small forward than point guard, but the franchise is craving talent and Walker would also help them fill some of the empty seats. Milwaukee and Golden State drafted their franchise point guards two years ago in Brandon Jennings and Stephen Curry, so it is doubtful they would select Walker. If Utah takes Knight at three, there is no way they take Kemba at 12. However, if Kanter is their earlier selection then Kemba will fall right into their laps and be the steal of the draft. Phoenix and Houston would take a hard look at Walker but also have more immediate needs that they are likely to address.
Based off the logistics I just diagrammed with how the 2011 NBA Draft could play out, it is conceivable that Walker will slide out of the lottery tonight. From a pure basketball standpoint though, it is a huge, HUGE mistake especially in what is unanimously called the weakest draft class in league history.
Walker may not be blessed with Derrick Rose's size (he measured 6-1 at the combine) and is an inconsistent outside shooter (so are Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rando, and John Wall though), and he faces other challenges in transitioning to the NBA.
"Try to get the veterans to respect us as point guards and as young guys," Walker called his toughest challenge.
However, Walker, and pardon my cliche, just knows how to play the game. He is a proven winner and what he accomplished at UConn this past season should speak volumes in backing up that statement.
"I can be a great leader," Walker stated confidently at the combine. "I can bring a new attitude to a team in terms of a winning attitude."
We know this - at some point in the first round, David Stern will call Kemba Walker's name. He will be handed a hat with the logo of his new employer and walk on stage at the NBA Draft.
"When that day comes, it's going to be a special day... it's going to be a special day," Walker said.
But if NBA teams baffle me and picks continue to roll by while Kemba sits in the green room watching, that special day will lose some of its luster, and more than likely put a huge chip on his shoulder.
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
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 21
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
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Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kemba Walker is the Most Undervalued Player in the Draft - June 23
Too often, NBA teams get caught up with qualities like athleticism, potential, upside, wingspan, how high someone can jump, or how tall or short some guy measures in shoes when scouting NBA Draft prospects. While those attributes are important, so is a player's track record on the court and his ability to flat out play the game.
UConn's Kemba Walker is coming off one of the more impressive college basketball performances in recent years. The Husky point guard made the leap, becoming one of the best players in the game and leading his team to an incredible run in March. For reasons that absolutely baffle me though, Walker could possibly slip out of the lottery in tonight's 2011 NBA Draft.
The 2010-11 campaign was a dream season for Walker, who saw his NBA Draft stock soar after a breakout performance at the Maui Invitational. That high level of play continued throughout the season, resulting in Walker leading UConn to a remarkable five wins in five days to claim the Big East Tournament Championship and following that up by winning the NCAA Tournament.
"It's been unreal," Walker told me at the NBA Draft Combine. "I'm still on cloud nine right now and it's going to take me a while to come down."
During the season, the Bronx native proved he is a winner, a leader, a fighter, a big moment player and a clutch performer. He's lightning quick and has a deadly step-back jumper (just ask Pitt's Gary McGhee) which is a major weapon for a point guard to possess at the next level. He appeared to be a lock as one of the top picks in the 2011 NBA Draft behind Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams.
"Those two guys deserve it," Walker said "I think they are definitely the best two players in the draft. After that, anyone can go anywhere."
And for Walker, that last sentence couldn't be more true. We are just hours from the 2011 NBA Draft and despite all he accomplished this past season, Kemba could actually fall out of the lottery.
There is a very, very, very slim chance Kemba gets taken by the Jazz with the third overall pick, but they will more than likely choose between Enes Kanter and Brandon Knight if they do not trade the pick. The Cavs will not need a point guard at four since they are taking Kyrie Irving with the top pick. I think Walker would be a great fit in Toronto, who holds the fifth pick, but they seem more interested in finding a defensive minded player. Washington obviously does not need a point guard at six with John Wall running the show.
Kemba's slide could end at No. 7 when the Kings are on the clock but they are reportedly very high on Jimmer Fredette. If Sacramento passes on Walker then anything is possible. The Pistons interviewed Kemba at the NBA Draft Combine but they seem set on adding a frontcourt player despite the fact that their current starting point guard Rodney Stuckey is a restricted free agent and probably not their long-term answer.
From there, who knows? Charlotte has bigger needs at center and small forward than point guard, but the franchise is craving talent and Walker would also help them fill some of the empty seats. Milwaukee and Golden State drafted their franchise point guards two years ago in Brandon Jennings and Stephen Curry, so it is doubtful they would select Walker. If Utah takes Knight at three, there is no way they take Kemba at 12. However, if Kanter is their earlier selection then Kemba will fall right into their laps and be the steal of the draft. Phoenix and Houston would take a hard look at Walker but also have more immediate needs that they are likely to address.
Based off the logistics I just diagrammed with how the 2011 NBA Draft could play out, it is conceivable that Walker will slide out of the lottery tonight. From a pure basketball standpoint though, it is a huge, HUGE mistake especially in what is unanimously called the weakest draft class in league history.
Walker may not be blessed with Derrick Rose's size (he measured 6-1 at the combine) and is an inconsistent outside shooter (so are Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rando, and John Wall though), and he faces other challenges in transitioning to the NBA.
"Try to get the veterans to respect us as point guards and as young guys," Walker called his toughest challenge.
However, Walker, and pardon my cliche, just knows how to play the game. He is a proven winner and what he accomplished at UConn this past season should speak volumes in backing up that statement.
"I can be a great leader," Walker stated confidently at the combine. "I can bring a new attitude to a team in terms of a winning attitude."
We know this - at some point in the first round, David Stern will call Kemba Walker's name. He will be handed a hat with the logo of his new employer and walk on stage at the NBA Draft.
"When that day comes, it's going to be a special day... it's going to be a special day," Walker said.
But if NBA teams baffle me and picks continue to roll by while Kemba sits in the green room watching, that special day will lose some of its luster, and more than likely put a huge chip on his shoulder.
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
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True
05-21-2013
07:22 am
xxx.xxx.xxx3.97
(total posts: 1)
 1
 1
If the Bobcats got Noel AND Wiggins, not bad at all...
Rod Guidry in Sacramento
05-21-2013
02:42 am
xxx.xxx.xxx2.44
(total posts: 1)
13
1
Say fellas, it is time to call the New Orleans team the Pelicans. It has been official since the end of the regular season. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS.
Da Gong Show
05-20-2013
11:28 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.193
(total posts: 1)
15
1
The Minnewaukee Timberbucks?
03-10-2013
02:20 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.43
(total posts: 5)
8
8
03-10-2013
02:20 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.43
(total posts: 5)
7
8
03-10-2013
02:20 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.43
(total posts: 5)
7
8
03-10-2013
02:19 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.43
(total posts: 5)
8
7
v1iibv6dj
jle78ha9a
03-10-2013
02:19 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.43
(total posts: 5)
8
8
03-10-2013
02:19 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.40
(total posts: 1)
8
8
drose is a cap killer
02-14-2013
11:09 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.117
(total posts: 1)
7
9
post draft winners/losers should be switched
Reno
10-09-2012
06:21 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx2.12
(total posts: 2)
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17
Reading this makes my decisions easier than tkanig candy from a baby.
Ralph
09-10-2012
02:48 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.154
(total posts: 1)
13
19
Awsome submit and sthagirt to the level. I really do not know if this is certainly essentially the most beneficial put to question but do you men have any ideea in which to employ some specialized writers? Thanks
Ronnie
09-10-2012
02:08 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.138
(total posts: 1)
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15
Come on, get it done!I have not watched the NBA since they left Vancouver. If they would be back, I would be back too.Miss going to the games a lot. NBA games were a lot more fan frieldny then the Canucks games but I would support both(and the Lions in summer/fall).
Claudia
09-10-2012
01:32 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.235
(total posts: 1)
14
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Above and Beyond! My only regret is not kninowg you at Jacksons birth. Its been an incredible journey for my son's first year and I cant thank you enough for all of our photo sessions, all of your mom to mom advice, our girlfriend to girlfriend chats, play dates with the babies and just the love and positive energy you give off. Thank you Stace for being YOU! <3And many thanks to my girl Dany had it not been for her we wouldnt be viewing or reading any of this
Mustafa
09-08-2012
05:32 am
xxx.xxx.xxx4.81
(total posts: 1)
13
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I have watched a few Hoya games the last few years, and have seen Summers play a bit. When wahcnitg him, he looked like he was on an NBA level. He is a poised defender and has a great post up game. I have also seen him get a lot of praise from announcers about his NBA readiness. He should go now, so there is no chance he can ruin it, for example if he got injured next year if he stayed, he would get drafted a lot later.
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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 21
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
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