HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

The NBA has officially announced the 15 draft prospects who will be in the green room for the 2011 NBA Draft. Traditionally an invitation to the green room means being selected in the lottery is likely, but things always change on draft night. With so much uncertainty surrounding this draft in particular, we take a look at where they’ll most likely end up and some other possible outcomes: 

Kyrie Irving (Duke, Fr.) – 6’3, 176 lbs. Point Guard
Make no mistake about it, Kyrie Irving is going to be the first overall pick on Thursday night. It would take something unforeseen and monumental to change that, so don’t give the reports saying otherwise much thought. Irving may not have been healthy for most of his freshman season, but when he was on the court he showed the ability and potential that justifies the honor of being selected number one. Upon his selection the Cavaliers will start contemplating offers for Ramon Sessions and Baron Davis because the point guard reigns will belong to Irving from thereon.
Most Likely Destination: Cleveland Cavaliers (#1)
Other Possibilities: None worth mentioning.

Derrick Williams (Arizona, So.) – 6’8, 248 lbs. Small Forward/Power Forward
The cellular service in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey better be good because Derrick Williams’ camp is going to be spending some time of their phones. Williams is undoubtedly the second-best player that this class has to offer, but the Minnesota Timberwolves are fairly set at the positions he can play. They will probably still choose him simply because they can’t afford to make a stretch selection with their draft history. However, don’t expect Williams to ever put on a T-Wolves jersey. Some team will offer a veteran-laden package that Minnesota won’t be able to refuse as they strive to move out of the Western Conference cellar.
Most Likely Destination: Minnesota Timberwolves (#2), but probably not for long.
Other Possibilities: Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz.

Enes Kanter (Turkey) – 6’11, 259 lbs. Power Forward/Center
The weeks leading up to the draft were more important for Enes Kanter than any other prospect in this class. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA Kanter had to show a lot to teams and the chances of damaging his stock were high.  There were some ups and downs, but all signs point towards Kanter maintaining his status as a top five pick. If he played at Kentucky this past year like he intended to, he probably would go second overall to Minnesota because they like how he would fit alongside All-Star power forward Kevin Love. They’d still like to trade down and get him.
Most likely destination: Cleveland Cavaliers (#4)
Other Possibilities: Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors

Brandon Knight (Kentucky, Fr.) – 6’3, 176 lbs. Point Guard
The tradition of John Calipari-coached guards going top five appears like a lock to continue this year. Knight has seen his stock rise noticeably since the end of the season. Teams are impressed with his intelligence level and upside. He’s even surpassed the more experienced Kemba Walker on a lot of team’s draft boards. The Toronto Raptors are extremely interested, but it’s looking like he’ll be gone by the time they’re on the clock with the fifth overall selection. A team picking a few spots before them has done a poor job of hiding their interest in the freshman stud.
Most Likely Destination: Utah Jazz (#3)
Other Possibilities: Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.

Kemba Walker (UConn, Jr.) – 6’1, 184 lbs. Point Guard
Draft night is going to be a source of great motivation for Kemba Walker, although he isn’t the kind of player who needs it. It’s looking very likely that Kyrie Irving and Brandon Knight are going to go ahead of him, despite the fact that he had the better season and led his team to a national championship. Some teams are getting too caught up in whether or not Walker has a true point guard’s game and his lack of size. What matters the most is that he’s a winner who makes plays in the biggest moments. Passing on him will only make another team’s draft.
Most Likely Destination: Toronto Raptors (#5)
Other Possibilities: Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.

Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania) – 6’11, 240 lbs. Center
Only teams with a lot of patience are considering taking Jonas Valanciunas. He’s a very attractive prospect who plays the draft’s thinnest position, but it is going to take him some time to become a contributor in the NBA. While active defensively and nice in the pick-and-roll, he’s a bit thin and still developing offensively. The best situation for him will be landing with a team who already has their starting center, that way he can learn behind him and be brought along properly.
Most Likely Destination: Washington Wizards (#7)
Other Possibilities: Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jan Vesely (Czech Republic)– 6’11, 240 lbs. Small Forward
Tabbed by one scout as the most sure thing out of all the foreign players in this year’s draft class, Jan Vesely has quite a great deal of hype surrounding him. He probably won’t be the first foreign-born player selected, but he could end up the most productive immediately. Vesely will be good for highlight reel worthy plays on a nightly basis and has the tools to eventually become a starter. As long as he continues working hard on his jump shot he’ll fulfill his immense potential.
Most Likely Destination: Detroit Pistons (#9)
Other Possibilities: Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Bobcats.

{AUTHOR_BOX}Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State, Jr.) – 6’7, 227 lbs. Small Forward
Much like Jan Vesely, the only thing that Kawhi Leonard is lacking at this point of his career is a reliable jump shot. His massive hands prevent him from being a consistent shooter, but it’s something he’s working on regularly to improve on. Outside of that, it’s nothing but positives for Leonard. He can rebound, defend, create and score in other ways than making a jumper. Leonard has the blueprint of a prototypical small forward with a ceiling that he is far from reaching.
Most Likely Destination: Sacramento Kings (#8)
Other Possibilities: Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons

Chris Singleton (Florida State, Jr.) – 6’9, 230 lbs. Small Forward
While scoring points garners the most attention, it’s been proven in the NBA that defense wins championships. That fact has greatly helped Chris Singleton, a lockdown defender in college who has voiced great confidence in his ability to defend any position from point guard to power forward at the next level. He’s also been showing in workouts that he’s far more capable offensively than what he’s displayed over the last three years. Singleton could be the target of contending teams looking to trade up because of what he brings to the table defensively.
Most Likely Destination: Utah Jazz (#12)
Other Possibilities: Charlotte Bobcats, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.

Klay Thompson (Washington State, Jr.) – 6’7, 205 lbs.
Being invited to the green room cements the talk that Klay Thompson has steadily worked his way up team’s draft boards and into the lottery. Originally he was projected as a mid-late first round pick, but teams have become familiar with everything that Thompson brings to the table over the last two months. That has several top ten teams considering him because no longer is he looked at as just a shooter. He’s viewed as a 2/3 player who can do a little bit of everything along with being explosive offensively.
Most Likely Destination: Golden State Warriors (#11)
Other Possibilities: Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks

Tristan Thompson (Texas, Fr.) – 6’8, 227 lbs. Power Forward
There’s no denying that Tristan Thompson is a project. He was extremely inconsistent during his only year in college, but his frequent flashes of brilliance earned him a spot in the green room. He’s going to be able to do some things defensively and on the offensive glass. What is going to get him selected in the lottery, though, is a team’s optimism that he can eventually develop the complete package and go head-to-head with elite power forwards in the league. The soonest that could be is a few years from now, so he’s definitely an investment. Word is the Detroit Pistons are growing more interested by the day.
Most Likely Destination: Indiana Pacers (#15)
Other Possibilities: Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Bobcats

Jimmer Fredette (BYU, Sr.) – 6’2, 196 lbs. Point Guard
These last few weeks have been quite kind for Jimmer Fredette, who has heard his name mentioned in association with teams picking in the top ten. Nobody is too fond of his defense, but they do love his character, work ethic and incredible shooting ability. Fredette has been shooting lights out, just like he did in college, over the last two months in front of teams. Expectations are going to be high for Fredette no matter when he’s selected, but they could be excessive if he goes top ten. The best thing for him would probably be going late in the lottery.
Most Likely Destination: Phoenix Suns (#13)
Other Possibilities: Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats.

Marcus Morris (Kansas, Jr.) – 6’8, 229 lbs. Small Forward/Power Forward
With one of the best overall skill sets in this draft class, Marcus Morris is being looked at by all teams in the lottery needing help now. Marcus wants to be a small forward, but seems better fit to remain at power forward. Regardless of what position he plays, though, if he’s on the floor he’s going to find ways to contribute – especially offensively. Morris can face up against bigger defenders and take them off the dribble, while he can post up against smaller ones.
Most Likely Destination: Charlotte Bobcats (#9)
Other Possibilities: Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.

Alec Burks (Colorado, So.) – 6’6, 192 lbs. Shooting Guard
As far as pure scorers are concerned, few are better in this class than Alec Burks. He has been one of college basketball’s most lethal offensive threats over the last two years. He didn’t get much love coming out of high school, but that has all changed now. The only aspect of Burks game really drawing criticism right now is his inability to hit the three point shot. He drained the long ball at a lackluster 29% clip back in college. He rarely settles for it, though, and is extremely difficult to stop inside the arc.
Most Likely Destination: Milwaukee Bucks (#10)
Other Possibilities: Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets and Charlotte Bobcats.

Markieff Morris (Kansas, Jr.) – 6’9, 240 lbs. Power Forward
A late addition to the green room, Markieff Morris very well could end up being the last one of the group to hear his name called. As close as him and his brother Marcus are, though, it only makes sense to let them be in there together. Odds are Marcus would have preferred to be with his brother outside of the room than inside it without him. Marcus is going to hear his name called first, but Markieff will be picked sometime in the middle portion of round one. He’s much more of a traditional big man who will do the dirty work inside for his future team.
Most Likely Destination: Philadelphia 76ers (#16)
Other Possibilities: Houston Rockets, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors.

Prospects who could hear their name called before some green room invitees: Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuania), Jordan Hamilton (Texas, So.), Bismack Biyombo (Congo) and Nikola Vucevic (USC, Jr.).

Yannis Koutroupis is a senior NCAA and NBA analyst for HOOPSWORLD. You can follow him on twitter.