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: Is Kyrie Irving Ready to be a Franchise Point Guard - June 23
It is thought, but not confirmed, that the Cleveland Cavaliers will take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving Thursday night with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The Cavs haven't told him he'll be the first-overall selection, but it is likely between him and Derrick Williams, and conventional wisdom seems to be leaning toward Irving.
With his numbers - 17.5 points per game, 4.3 assists per game, 46 percent shooting from beyond the arc - it's easy to see why. But he's only played 11 games of college basketball, so it's only natural to wonder if he's ready - physically and mentally - to be a cornerstone for a NBA franchise.
"There are some people who think why did I even come to college if I was only going to play 11 games?" Irving said. "I came to college to get an education and play college basketball, and I was unfortunate to get injured. It was not my intention to only play 11 games."
Sure, there have been a ton of one-and-dones since the NBA instituted the rule (Kentucky has a whole bunch all by themselves, seemingly every year), but Irving is a unique case, because he only played 11 games. Currently, the league is considering changing the one-and-done rule to a 2-year minimum, so it's interesting to see where he weighs in on this topic.
"If they do move it up great; I enjoyed my college experience," Irving said. "It was a really tough decision for me to leave based on the relationships I had with the coaches and the whole aura of the Duke campus."
Either way, it won't keep him from making his millions this summer. Baseball has a rule - you can jump from high school right away, or if you do go to college, it's a minimum 3-year commitment. That's a decision I would support. Most of the NBA and college hoops literati I've spoken with also favor this idea. Irving's thoughts?
"I think you should leave it up to the player," Irving said. "It's their personal choice if they want to test the waters."
Many people are labeling this draft class as one of the weakest of all time. And it's easy to understand why. But that doesn't take away from the achievement of being No. 1 overall in Irving's eyes.
"I don't really pay attention to whether they call it weak or strong or anything like that," he said at the draft combine in Chicago. And he's quite certain he made the right decision in entering the 2011 NBA Draft.
"If I had any questions I wouldn't have come back; I truly believe that I wouldn't have come out had I only played eight games," he said. "I came back for the NCAA Tournament because one, I was ready, and two, I wanted to answer all the questions about whether this toe injury would have a lingering effect on my career."
So in other words, yes, Irving is ready to shoulder the expectations that will soon be thrust upon him.
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 22
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 23
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
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: Is Kyrie Irving Ready to be a Franchise Point Guard - June 23
It is thought, but not confirmed, that the Cleveland Cavaliers will take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving Thursday night with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The Cavs haven't told him he'll be the first-overall selection, but it is likely between him and Derrick Williams, and conventional wisdom seems to be leaning toward Irving.
With his numbers - 17.5 points per game, 4.3 assists per game, 46 percent shooting from beyond the arc - it's easy to see why. But he's only played 11 games of college basketball, so it's only natural to wonder if he's ready - physically and mentally - to be a cornerstone for a NBA franchise.
"There are some people who think why did I even come to college if I was only going to play 11 games?" Irving said. "I came to college to get an education and play college basketball, and I was unfortunate to get injured. It was not my intention to only play 11 games."
Sure, there have been a ton of one-and-dones since the NBA instituted the rule (Kentucky has a whole bunch all by themselves, seemingly every year), but Irving is a unique case, because he only played 11 games. Currently, the league is considering changing the one-and-done rule to a 2-year minimum, so it's interesting to see where he weighs in on this topic.
"If they do move it up great; I enjoyed my college experience," Irving said. "It was a really tough decision for me to leave based on the relationships I had with the coaches and the whole aura of the Duke campus."
Either way, it won't keep him from making his millions this summer. Baseball has a rule - you can jump from high school right away, or if you do go to college, it's a minimum 3-year commitment. That's a decision I would support. Most of the NBA and college hoops literati I've spoken with also favor this idea. Irving's thoughts?
"I think you should leave it up to the player," Irving said. "It's their personal choice if they want to test the waters."
Many people are labeling this draft class as one of the weakest of all time. And it's easy to understand why. But that doesn't take away from the achievement of being No. 1 overall in Irving's eyes.
"I don't really pay attention to whether they call it weak or strong or anything like that," he said at the draft combine in Chicago. And he's quite certain he made the right decision in entering the 2011 NBA Draft.
"If I had any questions I wouldn't have come back; I truly believe that I wouldn't have come out had I only played eight games," he said. "I came back for the NCAA Tournament because one, I was ready, and two, I wanted to answer all the questions about whether this toe injury would have a lingering effect on my career."
So in other words, yes, Irving is ready to shoulder the expectations that will soon be thrust upon him.
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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SunsFan
07-06-2012
02:18 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.183
(total posts: 1)
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Why the MOTHERF U C KING LAKERS!!!!!NASH WHY!!!!
CJ
07-05-2012
07:11 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx6.44
(total posts: 4)
78
30
Again Banks is clueless, claiming Eric Gordon has already re-signed with New Orleans.
Also the 'Clippers' weren't involved in the Marvin Williams/Devin Harris trade. Does this guy even proof read anything he writes? Atrocious.
abe
07-05-2012
08:39 am
xxx.xxx.xxx1.87
(total posts: 1)
19
12
walt eric gordon is signing with the suns not the hornets
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:/
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2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
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 23
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
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