2011 Draft Thread

[Covert Rain]

What makes you repeatedly call this a weak draft? IMO, this is NOT a weak draft, at least not in the way you keep using these words. This draft is very light at the top but it's actually a pretty DEEP draft. Steve

I am using the term weak draft the same as every NBA prognosticator does. If anything I am confused at your definition. You are the first person I have come across calling this draft deep. Almost every draft special I have watched so far and the articles I have read also call this a weak draft. Some samples:

"Critics are calling this one of the weakest NBA draft"
"next week's NBA draft isn't considered particularly strong"
"But the clubs that capitalize on a weak draft will be in the best position to be stronger later."
"Draftniks are tagging this as a weak draft,"
"Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams are without a doubt the two best prospects in this very weak draft class."
"The 2011 NBA draft is a weak one."

I could go on for days. The conventional wisdom is this is a weak draft and I agree. What makes me repeat this is the very same reason most people keep repeating it.

Compare this draft to some recent drafts where you have multiple all-stars or guys that look like they will be future all-stars towards the top. Those same drafts are full of guys that can still make an impact in the later picks and really talented guys end up falling in the teens. The type of players late in this years 1st round are the type of guys that would probably fall into the 2nd round of a deep draft. Meaning there is alot more talent to be had overall in the draft when those types of players can be had in later in the draft.

This draft is not the same. Many of these guys will end up being journeyman type players or bench warmers. The draft is riddled with guys that are projects IMO. There are a higher number of project players in this draft then many deep drafts. That is the very definition of a weak draft.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I am using the term weak draft the same as every NBA prognosticator does. If anything I am confused at your definition. You are the first person I have come across calling this draft deep. Almost every draft special I have watched so far and the articles I have read also call this a weak draft.

I really don't know how to categorize this draft. Where I really take issue with your comments is not so much that you call it a weak draft but that you seem to use "this is a weak draft" and "this draft is not deep" interchangeably. This is definitely a weak draft at the top but there is some real potential late in this draft.

The problem (IMO) is that, this year more than usual, it's pretty tough to distinguish between the talent at the bottom of the lottery and the bottom of the 1st round. Without the clear cut superstars in this draft, a few more players came out early (or came over early) that have yet to be fully tested so major question marks abound. The point I'm trying to make is that I'd be more inclined to trade out of a top 10 pick than I would a pick in the mid to late 20's. More than a few teams will find starter level players outside of the lottery this season.

Steve

 

[Covert Rain]

I really don't know how to categorize this draft. Where I really take issue with your comments is not so much that you call it a weak draft but that you seem to use "this is a weak draft" and "this draft is not deep" interchangeably. This is definitely a weak draft at the top but there is some real potential late in this draft.

Steve

I see what your trying to say but they always say there is potential later in the draft. I personally don't see it. I am sure there will be a couple diamonds in the rough but I see this being in inconsequential and forgotten draft 10 years from now. I hope I am wrong because the Suns sure could use a find.

 

[Mainstreet]

I was never high on Fredette, however, he was starting to intrigue me... at least until he reportedly indicated he wanted to play for the Knicks foremost. I guess he must want to light it up for DA in NY. I want the future Suns to play some defense like Dallas.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/214210/Fredette_Wants_To_Be_A_Knick

 

[binkar]

I was never high on Fredette, however, he was starting to intrigue me... at least until he reportedly indicated he wanted to play for the Knicks foremost. I guess he must want to light it up for DA in NY. I want the future Suns to play some defense like Dallas.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/214210/Fredette_Wants_To_Be_A_Knick

I think that being where he grew up is more of the motivation for wanting to play there.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Here's the latest RealGM poster rumor. Obviously the rumor must be taken with a grain of salt. But... I find it hard to believe that the Suns have turned a complete 180 on Beasley. Supposedly, he along with filler was offered for Stoudemire during the deadline a year and a half ago, and the Suns had zero interest because he's a knucklehead. IMO, he's just not a Suns type player (someone the fans will embrace). If we are pursuing him now then shame on us for not having a bit of foresight/scouting and trading Stoudemire for him. Instead, we lost Stoudemire for nothing and will have to sacrifice a pick now. Babby and Blanks were not here, so I guess they can't be blamed.

I would be thrilled to see that happen, which means of course it won't. Beasley may have attitude issues, but he's also a guy that create his own shot, something nobody else on the team can do.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think that being where he grew up is more of the motivation for wanting to play there.

I would never have believed he was born and raised in NY. It just goes to show how perception can be wrong... at least mine. Thanks for the information.

 

[binkar]

I would never have believed he was born and raised in NY. It just goes to show how perception can be wrong... at least mine. Thanks for the information.

The kid has some pretty cool stories. He grew up playing ball at a local prison in NY.

 

[carey]

The kid has some pretty cool stories. He grew up playing ball at a local prison in NY.

He didn't grow up playing ball at a local prison. He played a handful of games there with his brother. Hyperbole and message boards go hand in hand I guess.

 

[Mainstreet]

If history is any indication, the Suns should consider trading out of #13. Of course there are some huge exceptions like Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone but generally speaking, drafting at #13 overall does not produce many high caliber players.

http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba-draft-picks/13th-overall/130509/

 

[Errntknght]

According to a rating of the years 94-08 by 82games.com the 13th pick was fairly good - better than #'s 12 and 14, for example.

Statistically, the average player in the league was drafted higher than 13. There are about 400 players in the league and the average years guys stay in the league is under 10, thus about 40 new players join the ranks every year.

 

[elindholm]

According to a rating of the years 94-08 by 82games.com the 13th pick was fairly good - better than #'s 12 and 14, for example.

Kobe Bryant skews those data.

 

[Folster]

Kobe Bryant skews those data.

Right. It's not important if a star player was drafted at #13 specifically. What matters is that star players are shown to be available #13 and beyond. It's up to the front office and scouting to try to nab the Kobe Bryants and the like at #13.

 

[sunsfan88]

With the 13th pick in the '11 NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns select...Jordan Hamilton, Texas

 

[devilalum]

If history is any indication, the Suns should consider trading out of #13. Of course there are some huge exceptions like Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone but generally speaking, drafting at #13 overall does not produce many high caliber players.

http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba-draft-picks/13th-overall/130509/

They found a gem in Sideshow Rob at #14?

 

[Superbone]

With the 13th pick in the '11 NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns select...Jordan Hamilton, Texas for the Portland Trailblazers who were sold the pick for three million dollars earlier in the day.

Fixed that for you.

 

[Mainstreet]

Some teams are making moves. The Bucks, Kings and Bobcats have a three-way trade going.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/214305/Bucks_Kings_Bobcats_Have_Three_Way_Trade

 

[Mulli]

Some teams are making moves. The Bucks, Kings and Bobcats have a three-way trade going.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/214305/Bucks_Kings_Bobcats_Have_Three_Way_Trade

:championship:

 

[HooverDam]

this page is now 68 pages long, should we create a new thread for actual draft day or at least once the draft starts? This one seems long and difficult to sift threw for those just looking to discuss the draft live or get updates.

 

[az jam]

this page is now 68 pages long, should we create a new thread for actual draft day or at least once the draft starts? This one seems long and difficult to sift threw for those just looking to discuss the draft live or get updates.

Good Idea. Do it!!!!

 

[HooverDam]

Good Idea. Do it!!!!

Ok done: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f7/2011-nba-draft-day-of-thread-167525.html#post2462928

I'll try to update the OP with picks and pertinent trades as they come up.

 

[slinslin]

2013 is the year that the Suns HAVE to tank without question.

Andre Drummond 6'11 250lbs HS Junior
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Andre-Drummond-5772/
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/andre-drummond



Man Child.

Actually 2012 Draft if the new CBA removes the age limit.

He is starting to come along for UCONN

24 points 8 rebounds 1 assist 5 blocks
16 points 9 rebounds 4 steals 2 blocks

Last 2 games and averaging 10/6 with 3 blocks per game in 22minutes as a freshman.

Think Amare Stoudemire with Dwight Howards body and Webbers passing. He will be the #1 pick above Anthony Davis who is a stud as well averaging 12/10 with 4.5 blocks as a freshman.

 

[sunsfan88]

Can Drummond play PF? Does have he have range on his shot?

I think he's a better fit as a center but we already have one...

 

[slinslin]

Can Drummond play PF? Does have he have range on his shot?

I think he's a better fit as a center but we already have one...

So? Our center is 28 years old and Drummond is an absolute franchise player / superstar prospect.
It would be amazingly stupid not to take the next great center in the draft just because you have Gortat.

You take Drummond and trade Gortat for whatever you can get on draft day.



I think Drummond could play both in the NBA. He is big enough to be a center but has enough skillset to play PF.

 

[sunsfan88]

I have a feeling Drummond will turn out to be like Greg Oden.