June 21, 2011 – Allen Moll
With the 2011 NBA Draft a couple days away many rumors and questions still remain. Who will the Cavalier select #1 overall, PG Kyrie Irving or forward hybrid Derrick Williams? Are the rumors true that the Cavs are working hard to somehow pull off getting the top 2 picks via a trade? How high will Turkish big man Enes Kantner be selected considering some Mocks have him as high as #1? Will NCAA POY Jimmer Fredette parlay an outstanding Combine and workout performance into becoming a Lottery pick?
It all hinges on what direction Cleveland decides to go at the top. Kentucky’s Brandon Knight and San Diego State’s Kawhi Leonard are also key figures heading into Thursday’s Draft, as where they are chosen within the Lottery affects a number of players fortunes like Texas big man Tristan Thompson, International big Donatas Motiejunas, and Washington State sharpshooter Klay Thompson, who have all been given some Lottery buzz as of late.
As such, these Mock Draft rankings are based on potential with this year’s Draft order based on Draft Lottery results and current team records from the end of the NBA regular season. These are only my choices and not the consensus picks of all of The Hoop Doctors writers, with that said here is my 2011 Mock Draft:Version 6.0 – The Final Cut:
| Draft Order | College Team | Player | Position | Physical |
1.Cle |
Duke | Kyrie Irving | PG | 6’2 191lbs Freshman |
| While it’s been no secret that Kyrie may have hurt his Draft stock some by not working out against other PG’s at the Combine and showing up out of shape(10% body fat), he still remains the #1 prospect on most Draft boards. How could Cavs management live down passing on a high level 5 star floor general with game-changing ability and projects as a 10 year starter and gets constantly compared with NBA All World PG Chris Paul? In a PG driven league, taking Irving over Williams is the safer choice considering Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions are the incumbents. If the Cavs go with Williams at #1, look for them to select either Knight or Walker at #4. | ||||
2.Min |
Arizona | Derrick Williams | PF/SF | 6’8 248 lbs Sophomore |
| The 2 time PAC-10 POY has been both brash and impressive in the weeks leading up to Draft night. After putting in a dominating and impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament, the ferocious PF/SF hybrid has seen his stock skyrocket to the point where he is the #1 player on some boards. Despite undeniably having NBA talent, some still are concerned about a lack of a true position. Either way he reminds some of Blake Griffin as not many attack the rim as hard as Williams. He projects as an above average scorer, rebounder, shot more than 50% on threes, and led all NCAA players at getting to the FT line. Drafting Williams would proabably stir up Michael Beasley trade talks. If Cleveland takes Williams at #1, Minnesota would probably snag Irving or Knight despite Ricky Rubio’s finally coming to America. The closer we get to Draft night, the more persistent the rumors of the Wolves trading out of the #2 pick. | ||||
3.Utah |
Kentucky | Brandon Knight | PG | 6’3 185lbs Freshman |
| The next great PG in Calipari’s long history of producing NBA ready floor generals after Rose, Evans, and Wall is Knight. Despite starting slowly Brandon has developed into an elite level shooter with an ever improving handle, matched with outstanding size, speed, and the potential to be a lock-down defender. GM’s are impressed by his through the roof athleticism and is reported to be the hardest working prospect in the Draft. Despite a tremendously high ceiling, some are concerned that Knight may not be ready to run a program because of a still developing PG skill set but would immediately be one of the best athletes on the floor. Some see him as a PG/SG hybrid because of his well showcased NBA ready 3 point prowess. While currently considered a small step below Irving, Knight has narrowed the gap and may have the potential to be a better player long term. Some have Utah taking the ever rising Kantner at #3 making for a formidable Al Jefferson/Kantner frontcourt. | ||||
4.Cle |
Kentucky | Enes Kantner | PF/C | 6’10 260 lbs Freshman |
| As one of the darlings of this year’s Combine and despite not playing in a game in nearly 2 years, Enes is rocketing up everyone’s Draft boards. The Turkish big man showed off better than expected mobility, to go along with an already outstanding mid range and perimeter jumper, paired with above average low post skills in workouts. He measured a legit 6’11 and 260lbs making him a prime candidate for center. Many GM’s were so enamored by Kanter’s workouts that he is considered the #1 prospect by some(unfortunately they weren’t Cle or Min). Enes shouldn’t drop any lower than #6 with Washington. | ||||
5.Tor |
UConn | Kemba Walker | PG | 6’1 175lbs Junior |
| Considered the 3rd best PG prospect behind Irving and Knight, Kemba has something that they don’t,……..a National Title. By showing out in front of a national audience until the NCAA season was over has made Kemba a surefire Lottery selection. He has a proven elite level ability to score the basketball with playground like handles, and may already be as fast as any player currently in the NBA with the basketball. Kemba quelled some doubts about a percieved lack of size by measuring a legit 6’1 and should provide immediate dividends after 3 years at UConn. We know he can score but will he be able to defend bigger PG’s at the next level. He has been rumored to go anywhere from #5 to #8 by Detroit depending on where things unfold at the top. | ||||
6.Was |
Czech Republic | Jan Vesely | SF/PF | 6’11 230lbs International |
| Not many players tend to pass up a chance to earn millions in the NBA to remain another season in Europe, but the move appears to be paying off for Vesely as he showed great improvement this season in the Euroleague. Although possessing a more slender frame, many scouts have compared Vesely to the European version of Blake Griffin, as he has a ferocious demeanor and continually posterizes players on seemingly every possession. At 6’11, ultra athletic, and despite some deficiencies concerning rebounding and defense, Vesely would be an immediate mismatch at the SF position. GM’s love his athleticism and could go as high as #4 to Cleveland. | ||||
7.Sac |
BYU | Jimmer Fredette | PG | 6’2 195lbs Senior |
| Jimmer mania is back. After seeing his stock slip initially after the Tournament, the NCAA POY’s stock is again on the rise after an impressive Combine and great individual team workouts. In college, Jimmer proved he is an elite talent by leading the nation in scoring but many were impressed by his toughness and better than expected athleticism and mobility. He bested every perimeter player in the bench press and even challenged Irving and Knight to a combined workout. He will always be a below the rim player but scouts love his never quit attitude, above average ball-handling, and his in the gym 3 point range. The Kings are reportedly very high on both Jimmer and Kawhi Leonard at #7. Selecting Fredette as a high scoring floor general eases the responsibility of Tyreke Evans, allowing the former ROY’s abilities to shine. If the Kings go Leonard at #7, Jimmer shouldn’t go any lower than #13, as Phoenix is reportedly enamored with Jimmer learning under Steve Nash. | ||||
8.Det |
Lithuania | Jonas Valanciunas | PF/C | 6’11 240lbs International |
| Jonas is universally considered the #1 International prospect regardless of position because of an unbelievably high ceiling at such a young age(19 yrs old). Blessed with an immense 7’6 wingspan, he can be very difficult to defend on the offensive end. Although still considered raw, Jonas is a very efficient player in the low block, shooting an unreal percentage from the field. Unfortunately his current range extends to only about 10-12 feet, he projects as an excellent pick-and-pop/roll player in the NBA. Jonas has a motor that doesn’t quit, runs the floor like a gazelle, and is an outstanding offensive rebounder. Still needs to improve strength and conditioning. Recent rumblings that Jonas may have to be bought out of his European contract(a la Rubio) may see teams looking for an immediate impact pass on Valanciunas. | ||||
9.Cha |
San Diego St | Kawhi Leonard | SF | 6’7 225lbs Sophomore |
| Kawhi is one of the more intruiging prospects in the entire Draft. He undoubtedly will be the best athlete taken, instantly reminding many of Andre Iguodala. Measuring out at 6’7 and scoring well at the Combine, he projects as a SF but is capable of playing any position from 1 through 4 at times on the floor. Despite not having a defined position, he possesses excellent strength and length for a wing player, showing off his high motor and athleticism on drives to the basket. He has an excellent first step, enabling him to finish with authority or pull up for a short range jumper. For the season he averaged a double-double in helping lead his squad deep into the NCAA Tourney. Leonard is one of those boom or bust players in the Draft as scouts rate him anywhere as high as #4 to as low as the 20’s. My bet is that he’s gone by the Top 10 picks, possibly to the Kings at #7. | ||||
10.Mil |
Colorado | Alec Burks | SG | 6’6 191lbs Sophomore |
| Possessing prototypical size to play the 2 guard at the next level, He has shown the ability to score and hit big shots, immediately drawing comparisons to former Colorado alum Chauncey Billups. Alec, an athletic wing with long arms who is an aggressive player off the dribble, actually prefers to get to the rim, while others are more comfortable settling for the jumper. He’s more than just an elite scorer as he rebounds well(6.5 reb), has above average handles, and is an outstanding passer. He still needs to improve his 3 point shooting and add weight to a thin frame but has outstanding size and skill-set to be one of the sleepers in the draft. He fits in perfectly at SG for Milwaukee as the oft injured Michael Redd is a free agent, paired alongside Brandon Jennings as the backcourt of the future. | ||||
11.GS |
Kansas | Marcus Morris | SF | 6’8 230lbs Junior |
| Marcus may very well be the most complete front-court player in the entire draft. He can shoot from the perimeter, is capable of banging down low, or taking his man off the dribble. When on the court, Morris is capable of dominating a game as he led the Jayhawks in scoring, as well as grabbing nearly 8 boards per contest. He brings an added toughness and brashness from Philly that exceeds most players at his position. Is average defensively because of a short wingspan. Although he played mostly PF in college, Marcus may have to look to be more of an offensive minded SF at the next level because of a slight lack of height against bigger forwards. As another boom or bust pick, Marcus has been very vocal leading up to the Draft, making his case as a Lottery player. He fits well in GS as a high scoring frontcourt player, something they have missed since Corey Magette left. Some scouts think he is the 2nd coming of Paul Pierce, others not so much. He could go as high as #8 or slip into the late teens. | ||||
12.Utah |
Lithuania | Donatas Motiejunas | PF/C | 7’0 225lbs International |
| While some rate Vesely or Valanciunas as the best pure International prospect, in my opinion Motiejunas has the most potential to be a star in the NBA. At only 20 years of age, he has blossomed into one of the best scoring big men in all of Europe at the highest level in the Italian leagues. Since withdrawing his name from last year’s Draft, Donatas has added 10 lbs of muscle and has showed a bit more toughness making international scouts compare him to current NBA superstars Pau Gasol and Andrea Bargnani. Defense and rebounding remain as areas of improvement but has the potential to be a real sleeper of the Draft. His stock has slipped a bit after not showing well in European workouts but has the size and abilities to be an instant offense type player. With Kirilenko becoming a free agent, Donatas may provide immediate frontcourt help. Utah is also reportedly very high on Klay Thompson to compete with CJ Miles for the starting 2 guard spot. | ||||
13.Pho |
Texas | Tristan Thompson | PF | 6’9 230lbs Freshman |
| Having one of the highest ceilings of any players in the Draft, Thompson has a rare skill set for a PF where he is an absolute beast in the painted area yet has decent handles and is more than capable of taking his man of the dribble when needed. While he is still an athletic raw talent, there’s no doubt that he may be drafted on pure potential as he could one day be a sleeper of this year’s draft. He projects immediately as an above average rebounder and defensive presence, something Phoenix has sorely missed for some time. Thompson is a hot commodity after showing well in workouts, getting the best of almost every other big(outside of Kantner), and potentially becoming a Top 10 pick. | ||||
14.Hou |
Michigan | Darius Morris | PG | 6’4 190lbs Sophomore |
| As one of the faster rising prospects in this year’s Draft, outside of Irving, Morris may be the best pure PG available. He has outstanding size and athleticism despite still not yet reaching his full potential. As arguably one of the most improved players in the nation this season, the sophomore PG increased his numbers across the board on the way to becoming one of the Big 10‘s best players. Possessing great size for the PG position, Morris is able to overpower most opposing guards, giving him an extreme advantage against most defenders. Although he is prone to a high number of turnovers, Morris has more than doubled his output when it comes to being a facilitator, ranking among the top assist men in the country. Although the Rockets got outstanding production from PG’s Lowry and Dragic, rumors are that they are high on Morris and would consider taking him with their initial 1st Round pick. If they change their minds Morris will probably go late 1st Round. | ||||
15.Ind |
Wash St | Klay Thompson | SG | 6’6 205lbs Junior |
| After earning the “soft” label almost exclusively as a great perimeter shooter in his first 2 years in college, Klay has developed nicely into one of the nation’s best scorers as evidence of his gaudy 22 ppg average. His touch and body control are outstanding using the dribble-drive to get to the basket and has become far more than just a 3 point shooter. NBA GM’s are may look to transform him into a high scoring SF or bigger SG at the next level but still could stand to add weight and improve defensively. Indiana fans will love the pick of Thompson as many compare him to former Pacers great Reggie Miller. | ||||
16.Phi |
Kansas | Markieff Morris | PF | 6’9 245lbs Senior |
| As one of the safest picks in this year’s Draft, the other Morris twin at Kansas is more of a conventional 4 or 5 at the next level. He has excellent size, strength, and touch, all with a bit of a nasty streak and will be a solid contributor for a contending team right away. He has an unstoppable motor, above average rebounding skills, and blocks about 1 shot per night. One way he is similar to his brother Marcus is that he possesses long range shooting skills as he connected on 42% from downtown. Despite having outstanding low block skills and great touch from behind the arc, Markieff lacks a mid-range game and is limited by only average athleticism. Despite not having as high of a ceiling as some prospects, Morris undeniably will be one of the first big men taken. Markieff is a good fit in Philly, adding a much needed frontcourt presence. | ||||
17.NY |
Florida St | Chris Singleton | SF | 6’9 230lbs Junior |
| As one of the more advanced defensive players in the entire draft, Singleton decided to return to Florida State this season to prove he can be a go-to-guy and to further develop his offensive game. It worked as he helped lead his squad on a Final Four run and made himself into a bonafide 1st Round selection. He has a prototypical NBA physique and reminds some scouts of Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace. He can drain the occasional three(41%) but still struggles to find his own shot. He sustained an unfortunate late season foot injury forcing him to miss a huge chunk of games but reportedly is back to 100%. The Knicks are high on Singleton as he would give them a much needed defensive presence although they are also looking at taking Darius Morris or Josh Selby as the eventual replacement for Billups. | ||||
18.Was |
Tennessee | Tobias Harris | SF | 6’8 225lbs Freshman |
| In his first season under the now dismissed coach Bruce Pearl, the once highly touted HS prospect adapted nicely to rank 2nd on the Volunteers in both scoring(15.3) and rebounding(7.3). Despite his team’s roller coaster of a season, Harris has been the model of consistency, scoring in double figures nearly every game of the season. He is a tremendous mismatch in that he can take his man off the dribble in addition to being big enough to bang down low. He has amazing passing skills and has been known to take a defensive rebound all the way to the cup on occasion. He is a noted gym rat, has shown versatility by being able to play nearly any position on the court with his skill set and size. Tobias shows promise defensively as well because of a tremendously long wingspan and large frame. Harris is still a work in progress and considering he’s one of the youngest players in the draft, he could turn out to be a steal once his body fills out. Tobias is a great fit in Washington with lots of time to develop alongside the John Wall led youngsters in the nation’s capital. | ||||
19.Cha |
Morehead St | Kenneth Faried | PF | 6’7 230lbs Senior |
| After breaking Tim Duncan’s longstanding NCAA rebounding record, Faried almost single-handedly helped his team to a 2nd Round NCAA Tourney appearance. During the Combine, he measured a less than ideal 6’7 yet appeared much quicker and had more bounce than virtually every other big. Possessing an immense 7’+ wingspan and some of the biggest hands of any player, Faried could be an instant impact player from the defensive side of the ball. While it’s likely he’ll never live up to the lofty comparisons to Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace, when watching him in person he just plays with more heart and passion, paired with through the roof athleticism that intruiges some GM’s. Despite a never-ending motor some teams have soured on Faried because of his offensive shortcomings. With Gerald Wallace now gone from Charlotte, MJ knows the value of hitting the boards and playing great defense and will probably snag Faried at #19. If he passes, Denverat #22 is reportedly enamored with him as a possible replacement for Nene who may opt out in free agency. | ||||
20.Min |
UCLA | Tyler Honeycutt | SF | 6’8 190lbs Sophomore |
| Honeycutt is a 6’8 versatile and athletic player who can interchange between the off guard and forward positions as his long arms and active movement help him hit the boards hard and rebound the basketball despite being slight of frame. He’s deceptively quick in the post, yet equally potent from the perimeter. He definitely needs to add bulk to guard bigger players in the NBA, hence he is better served at the SF position. He also could use work creating his own shot. Tyler is reportedly one of the hardest workers in practice and projects as a stat stuffing, hard nosed player in the Tayshaun Prince mold. Minnesota needs virtually everything and with Honeycutt as the best player available he may push Wes Johnson for the starting 3 spot. | ||||
21.Por |
Texas | Jordan Hamilton | SG | 6’8 230lbs Sophomore |
| While there have been some questions early on concerning attitude and coach-ability, Jordan’s talent is undeniable. After an up-and-down freshman season last year, Jordan became the go-to-guy for coach Barnes in ’10-’11. He proved to be one of the Big 12’s best scorers, averaging a team best 18ppg, to go along with nearly 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He is one of the premier shooters and scorers in the ‘11 Draft class, and is an absolute threat to knock down shots anywhere on the floor. Jordan arguably has Top 10 talent but at times suffers from bad shot selection and tends to shoot too many threes. Nonetheless, his size and offensive prowess are tailor made for the NBA game. Although he leaves something to be desired athletically, he measured a legit 6’8 making him a high scoring option at SF also. With Brandon Roy’s injuries preventing him from ever again becoming an elite player, Hamilton could help lessen the offensive load. | ||||
22.Den |
Richmond | Justin Harper | PF | 6’9 230lbs Senior |
| Justin is a rare commodity as one of the most versatile players in this year’s Draft as he can play both down low and from the perimeter. Although he has excellent size and length to play PF, as he did in college, he also has the quicks and athleticism to stay with faster SF’s. He could be a sleeper of the Draft considering he is already a lights out perimeter threat and still has not reached reached his full potential after 4 years in college. Some are concerned about putting up big numbers at the smaller Richmond but he shined against better competition in the NCAA Tourney the past 2 seasons. Denver may suddenly be very thin up front with the potential departures of Kenyon Martin and Nene in free agency, and Harper is ready to play right away. | ||||
23.Hou |
Congo | Bismack Biyombo | C | 6’9 240lbs International |
| Prior to this year’s Nike Hoop Summit, not many fans outside of the Spanish Leagues in Europe had heard of the 18 year old native of the Congo. But after blocking 10 shots and registering the Hoop Summit’s first ever triple-double, against USA’s best HS Players I might add, NBA GM’s are slobbering over his amazing talent and athleticism. He already has an NBA sized body and may already be as fast as anyone running the floor at his position. Despite being a dominating and intimidating force on defense, his offensive game is very raw. A tremendous shot blocker using his quick reflexes, length (7’7 wingspan) and explosiveness to protect the rim. Scouts are intrigued with him as you don’t often find a combination of his physical attributes along with his energy level and motor. After initially projected as a Lottery pick, some have soured after showing virtually zero offensive skill in private workouts, although he did recently predict he would lead the NBA in rebounds and blocked shots. With Houston’s history of success with International players and Yao Ming probably not returning, Biyombo may get big minutes immediately playing alongside the offensive minded Scola up front. | ||||
24.OKC |
Duke | Kyle Singler | SF | 6’8 230lbs Senior |
| While it’s a bit puzzling to figure out just why Kyle’s numbers were down across the board in his senior season, he remains one of the best all-around players that the college ranks have ever seen. His production has been almost legendary, ranking in the Top 5 in most offensive categories in Duke history. He has been stuck in a prolonged shooting slump that goes back to the 2010 calendar year but has a plethora of moves to create space and score at an above average level. Despite a lack of overwhelming athleticism, Singler excels in nearly every facet of the game from rebounding, passing, ball-handling, and even holds his own defensively. He is the consummate winner and team player, qualities that some NBA coaches long for. While some rumors have the Thunder already making a private deal to select BC’s uber athletic PG Reggie Jackson here, it makes sense for OKC to add another winning player to the program in Singler. | ||||
25.Bos |
USC | Nikola Vucevic | PF/C | 6’11 260lbs Junior |
| While many were shocked that the near 7 foot, sweet shooting Trojan big man declared for the Draft early, they shouldn’t be. Nikola projects well at the next level because he is tailor made for the pick-and-roll heavy NBA. In the typical European mold, he has an above average long range shot, balanced out by some developing low post moves. At this point is still an average rebounder but has shown much more mobility than expected. Vucevic’s stock is on the rise after measuring out extremely well at the combine, measuring a legit 6’11 to 7’0 and weighing a solid 260lbs, making him a viable option at Center. With Shaq and Krstic gone from the roster, Boston needs a shot of youth in the frontcourt. Vucevic would give them a viable offensive option either from the paint or as a spot-up shooter with size. | ||||
26.Dal |
Duke | Nolan Smith | SG | 6’4 190lbs Senior |
| Nolan has proven over his 4 years at Duke that he is the ultimate competitor, providing Coach K whatever is needed to help his team win. In Kyrie Irving’s absence, Smith took his game to another level, showcasing above average PG skills and a high basketball IQ to lead the ACC in scoring and finish 2nd in assists last season. Despite being slightly undersized, Smith regularly got the best of opponents in college behind some spectacular handles and quick strike dribble moves as he changes pace and direction with a great hesitation move. Defensively, he may have problems guarding bigger 2’s in the NBA and lacks explosiveness but his determination and toughness balance him as a player. Winning on the biggest stage for the most respected coach in college basketball can only help his draft stock. Dallas will need some fresh legs in the backcourt to spell the aging Kidd and Terry if they are to remain an elite team. Smith fit’s the bill giving them great versatility to play either guard position, all with 4 years of winning at Duke under his belt. | ||||
27.NJ |
Providence | Marshon Brooks | SG | 6’5 195lbs Senior |
| Despite playing on a bad team in the nation’s best conference(Big East), the wiry thin Brooks has quietly become one of the country’s most prolific scorers. He and Jimmer Fredette are the only players to top the 50 point mark in a game this season and finished 2nd in the nation behind the BYU star with a gaudy 24.6 ppg average. Brooks is one of the more intruiging players in the draft as he can score from anywhere on the floor, has impressive handles, and has the physical tools to play against bigger defenders because of his outstanding length. Marshon definitely was helped by a good Combine showing, measuring and testing out with some outstanding speed, 7′ wingspan, and one of the best vertical leaps of any player. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes as high as #15 to Indiana as many see him as an instant offense type in the mold of Atlanta’s Jamal Crawford. | ||||
28.Chi |
Butler | Shelvin Mack | SG | 6’2 215lbs Junior |
| As the big shot taker on the nation’s runner up squad two years running, Mack has finally become a household name because of all the exposure that comes with deep Tourney runs. His shooting range and physical strength are two attributes that translate nicely for NBA play. Shelvin compares favorably to that of Ben Gordon as an instant offense type of shooter/scorer at the lead guard position. Has good handles and plays excellent defense and is one of those long range shooters that has range anywhere inside the gym. Has the physique of an NBA linebacker with huge shoulders and a barrel chest and uses his excellent body strength to his advantage. Some question what exact position he projects as at the next level as he has excellent size for PG yet doesn’t possess the necessary ball-handling skills to be a starter. D. Rose and the Bulls need immediate help offensively, especially with their 2nd unit. Mack fits in well as an above average defender and as a physical wing scorer that can play both guard positions. | ||||
29.SA |
Purdue | JuJuan Johnson | PF/C | 6’10 225lbs Senior |
| Averaging 20+ pts, 8+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks and playing 4 years in one of the nation’s best conferences(Big Ten) usually makes you a Lottery selection. But that’s not the case for the reigning Big Ten POY(over Sullinger) and 1st Team All American as some have concerns about his thin frame and whether he will be able to withstand the pounding of bigger NBA players. While in the past his range only extended to around 15 feet, he has expanded to just outside the arc, making 30% on threes. While concerns remain about his still thin frame, he dominated opposing bigs at the collegiate level, showing an improved strength and sometimes nasty demeanor on the block. An improved offensive game and upping his FT% to more than 80% makes him a much better than an at first percieved all around player at the next level. With Tim Duncan’s wooden knees slowing his production, the Spurs could use Johnson’s outstanding rebounding and shot-blocking prowess to spell the future Hall of Famer as he compares favorably with that of the lengthy and athletic Marcus Camby. | ||||
30.Chi |
Georgia | Trey Thompkins | PF | 6’9 240lbs Junior |
| Despite being a potential Lottery selection prior to last season, Trey hasn’t faired well at the combine. He came in with the highest (15%) percentage of body fat among all players and compared unfavorably among other PF in measurements. He did fare better in the shooting drills, ranking amongst the better midrange bigs, but his limited mobility opened some eyes. He’s arguably the most polished offensive big in the Draft but has questions concerning desire and dedication. Thompkins is a highly skilled offensive player with range out to college three. He doesn’t wow you with athleticism, but his skill level is that of an NBA vet. With many not satisfifed with last year’s top free agent signing Carlos Boozer’s production, Thompkins may be a back-up option if Boozer can’t stay healthy. | ||||
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
