HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

Alex’s Weekly Update: When the word “upside” gets used in regards to this draft, Davis Bertans’ name usually follows closely. The 18-year-old from Valmiera, Latvia stands 6-10, but weighs only 210 pounds which has led some to speculate if he’ll have to continue to develop in Europe before coming to the NBA. Bertans is a fantastic 3-point shooter, although his 57% mark this season came in a very small sample size (9.8 MPG). Perhaps the best thing about Bertans is his quick release, which, coupled with his height, makes him nearly impossible to guard on the perimeter. Athletically, there’s nothing here to write home about so he’ll probably be relegated to the late first round or early second. Whatever team decides to take him will have to show patience. He has a lot of room to grow physically and mentally, but could develop into a real marksman.

Joel’s Weekly Update: Minnesota getting Ricky Rubio to come play in the NBA next season takes a whole lot of pressure off of what they have to do with their two first-round picks later this month. It’s still hard to argue against them taking Derrick Williams with the second overall pick, even though they’re stacked at the two positions he plays, but at #20 there’s no longer any pressure for them to shore up their point guard position in a draft that’s very, very heavy on point guard prospects. I’ve got them taking a gamble on Josh Selby at that spot this week, mostly because shooting guard is a position that needs a bit of an upgrade, and Selby does have legitimate breakout potential. It could be a good fit, but whatever they do with those two picks, don’t expect them to take a point guard. It ain’t happening.

I’ve also got Texas forward Jordan Hamilton rising a bit this week to Golden State at #11. He’s arguably the most explosive scorer in this class, and for an offensive-minded team like the Warriors he could really get an opportunity to shine. The NBA loves scorers, and that’s why I think a guy like Hamilton will see a rise in stock as we get closer to the draft. It’s also the reason I’ve still got Kemba Walker getting picked ahead of Brandon Knight. I just can’t envision a scenario where taking Knight over Kemba is the smart move. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am.

Yannis’ Weekly Update:  If UConn point guard Kemba Walker were to glance at most mock drafts right now he’d probably walk away frustrated and confused. Just about everyone has Kentucky lead guard Brandon Knight going ahead of him. Young players like Knight are always looked at in a little bit higher esteem during the draft, but Walker has a national championship and two impressive performances, one in the Final Four, against Knight’s Wildcats to his credit.

Due to the lack of scoring options at UConn this year Walker was asked to do the bulk of scoring by Coach Calhoun. He did so willingly and very effectively. However, that role has created a misconception that he’s more of a shooting guard than point guard.

During Walker’s first two years at UConn he had no problem deferring to capable teammates like Jerome Dyson and Stanley Robinson. And when Jeremy Lamb started coming into his own this year Walker was more than willing to let him shoulder some of his load.

While Knight has vast potential, it’s not enough to warrant selection over Walker. Walker is the better player and point guard. The great improvements in his game from year to year are an indication that he too still has room to grow. Teams should pass over him with great caution, because he’s the kind of guy who will take it personally and definitely look to make them pay time and time again.

Luke’s Weekly Update: With the Draft Combine in the books, the 2011 NBA Draft picture is becoming more clear.

While fluidity remains, players like Klay Thompson, Enes Kanter and Nikola Vucevic has clearly seen their stock rise over the past few weeks. There isn’t much depth as far as shooters and centers go in this class, so those players have shot up the draft boards.

Vucevic was widely considered to be a mid-second round pick until a couple weeks ago, when he measured at nearly seven feet tall and had an impressive showing against some quality big men at the Combine. He is a tenacious rebounder who can face the basket and knock down mid-range shots, both of which are valuable commodities in today’s NBA.

Thompson has seen his stock rise recently after putting together a very good junior season at Washington State. He is known for his ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots, but his length and great feel for the game have helped Thompson become a possible lottery selection.

Kanter, who was something of a mystery until his showing in Chicago, answered questions about his conditioning and health. The skilled big man has solidified himself as one of the top five or six players in the 2011 NBA Draft. Had he been cleared to play for Kentucky last season, he likely would be a lock to go in the top three considering he is a big body who is willing to bang down low, but has great hands and a soft touch around the basket.

Because all three players bring very specific skills to the table, a team may reach for them in order to fill a need.

Steve’s Weekly Update:  There are two questions I get more than any other, so its time to address them.

How can I have Minnesota taking anyone but Derrick Williams with the #2 overall selection?

If the Wolves keep the pick, they can not take Derrick Williams. He has proclaimed himself to be a Small Forward and that puts him third on Minnesota’s depth chart at Small Forward. He is not a better player than Michael Beasley and he is not a better player than Wes Johnson, so do you really spend the #2 overall pick on a third string guy when there are other players that help you today? I can’t and do not believe the Wolves will do that.

Derrick Williams is without questions the second best player in this draft class, but if the Wolves draft him, he’s not the second best Small Forward and he’s questionable to be the second best Power Forward – Kevin Love is pretty good.

The Wolves can solve their Center needs with Jonas Valanciunas, and with Ricky Rubio coming over next season adding a solid pick and roll player to the team makes more sense than tripling up at Small Forward.

To be clear however, I do not think Minnesota keeps the #2 overall pick, but until it’s actually traded, I can’t bring myself to put Williams at #2 when I now he does not fit in Minnesota. When Minnesota trades the pick, I’ll move Derrick back to the #2 spot.

The 2nd question I am asked is what’s the love affair with with Bismack Biyombo?

A number of teams see him as a possible NBA center. He has a 9’3 standing reach and is a crazy shot blocker.  Biyombo will not blow you away offensively, but where he is excels is on the defensive end and with teams clamoring for the next Serge Ibaka, Biyombo is getting more love than maybe he has earned. A number of NBA teams think he can be a game changer defensively, so teams like Toronto, Detroit and Charlotte all have eyes for him because he can change the game by himself. That is his appeal.