NBA News 2011: Second pick Williams' fast rise to No. 2 overall

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To say Derrick Williams wasn't highly recruited out of high school might be an understatement.

Williams remembers playing in La Mirada, Calif., and checking all the recruiting websites and outlets to see where he was ranked among the best high school players in his draft class.

One small problem: He wasn't.

"There was actually one site where I was top 100," Williams said. "I was pretty happy. I was excited. Other than that, no. In ESPN I was 72 and everything else I wasn't even top 100."

Two short years later, Williams is No. 2. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected the Arizona power forward with the second overall pick in the NBA draft Thursday night.

He held his introductory press conference Friday and reflected on just how quickly he went from being a complete unknown to labeled one of the potential stars in the entire draft.

Williams didn't start focusing seriously on basketball until the 10th grade, after he grew about 6 inches to 6-foot-6 in a nine-month span.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/06/24/derrick-williams-rise.ap/index.html

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NBA News 2011: Only matter of time before Cavaliers become Irving's team

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The question was fair, if predictable, now that the Cavaliers have a veteran point guard with a massive contract and a rookie point guard as a No. 1 pick. Byron Scott's response was, likewise, fair and predictable.

No, he said, there is not an anointed starter between Baron Davis and Kyrie Irving.

In an amazing moment of restraint among the couple hundred fans, team officials and media members at the Cavaliers practice facility Friday afternoon, there was no hint of laughter. And, technically, the spot is open because Davis is more experienced, forward movement in the standings is needed, and Irving should not be overburdened. But this is Irving's job, with only the timeline in doubt before he officially takes over.

Of course it is his job. It's practically his team. The Cavaliers don't want it framed that way and say they won't do heavy marketing on individuals, except the rest of the world understands this is the new face of the roster, stepping in to fill the glamour void left by the departure of LeBron James. That Irving himself understands it as well, and in fact wants the role, is the important thing.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/06/24/cavs-irving/index.html

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NBA News 2011: NBA draft 2011: winners and losers

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Here’s a look at some of the drafts other winners – and losers.

Loser: Cleveland Cavaliers

Winner: Morris twins


Loser: Minnesota Timberwolves

Winner: Tristan Thompson


Loser: Milwaukee Bucks and Captain Jack

Winner: Utah Jazz:


Loser: Portland Trail Blazers

Winner: Indiana Pacers


Loser: Prospects who left college too early

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AoXiC7p04sPOIMmOsWBMR8O8vLYF?slug=mc-spears_nba_draft_winners_losers_062411

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NBA News 2011: Kyrie Irving among few impact rookies

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Over the past few seasons, rookies have had a varied impact upon the fantasy hoops landscape. Two years ago, Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans were studs, and nine rookies cracked the top 150 on the Player Rater. Last year, Blake Griffin, John Wall and Landry Fields were the only three to do so. But what will the prognosis be for this year's class, widely panned as one of the weakest groups of all time? Well, beyond Kyrie Irving, who will see run in Cleveland and have a chance to put up numbers, few rookies will be on the fantasy radar come draft day. Before seeing how their minutes shake out and skill sets translate, it's difficult to rationalize the gamble of spending a valuable draft pick on an unknown fantasy commodity. This year, it'll be more about knowing which players to keep a close eye upon as the season unravels, and which have the upside to be modest fantasy contributors if opportunity shines upon them.

Impact Players

• Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Derrick Williams, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Bobcats
• Jimmer Fredette, PG/SG, Sacramento Kings
• Klay Thompson, SG, Golden State Warriors

Long-Term Upside

• Jan Vesely, SF, Washington Wizards
• Bismack Biyombo, PF, Charlotte Bobcats
• Brandon Knight. PG, Detroit Pistons
• Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs

Sleepers

• Alec Burks, SG, Utah Jazz
• Norris Cole, PG, Miami Heat
• Markieff Morris, PF, Phoenix Suns

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/basketball/fba/story?page=11draftrookies

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NBA News 2011: Phoenix Suns could go big in Thursday's NBA draft

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There is a strong possibility that the Suns will keep their No. 13 overall pick and choose from a group of decent power forwards expected to be there.

There are other position possibilities, but the Suns need front-line help, and the available crop could include long-armed defensive dynamo Bismack Biyombo of Congo, Kansas tough guy Markieff Morris, developing Texas 20-year-old Tristan Thompson and Morehead State rebounding fiend Kenneth Faried.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2011/06/18/20110618phoenix-suns-nba-draft.html

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NBA News 2011: Lakers 2011 NBA Draft prospect profile: Iman Shumpert

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During the next week leading up to the 2011 NBA Draft on June 23, I will be covering some of the most promising prospects that the Los Angeles Lakers should have their sights on when they're finally on the clock. With four second-round selections, including picks 41, 46, 56 and 58, they have a pretty good chance of finding a diamond in the rough. To start things off, we'll take a look at Georgia Tech point guard Iman Shumpert.

Throughout the 2011 NBA playoffs, one of the biggest problems the Lakers faced was veteran point guard Derek Fisher's inability to defend against quicker, more talented point guards like Chris Paul or Jason Kidd. Fisher has been a staple in the Lakers' lineup for years, but his age and sloth-like speed is starting to become the Achilles' heel of a team that already has plenty of other issues on its plate. Hence, a new, young point guard is arguably their most dire need this off-season. Shumpert's outstanding defense from the point guard position is what makes him such an interesting prospect for the Lakers.
 
Shumpert spent three years as part of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, during which time he proved himself to be one of the better defensive point guards in college basketball. He does a great job of using his quick feet and athleticism to stay in front of his opposition and makes life difficult for them with tenacious on-ball defense. By the end of his junior year, he had racked up 207 steals, including 2.7 per game during the season. Part of his ability to be a great defender is his sensational mix of size (6'6'', 222 pounds) and speed. Although he never made too many blocks (17 career), he did a good job of rebounding from the point guard spot (5.9 per game).

Another one of the deficiencies in Fisher's game was his ineffectiveness as a facilitator in the Lakers' offense. He was never a true passing point guard, forcing Kobe Bryant to be both the scorer and the passer. However, with a point guard who can take over the passing duties, Bryant can focus on being a scorer/play-maker. Even though he's known primarily for his excellent defense, Shumpert also boasts some impressive passing.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AiEnF0GDKgFvXayUUFJHOj2Ju8J_?slug=ycn-8650475

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NBA News 2011: Top Five NBA-Ready Point Guards

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With the NCAA men's basketball season behind us and the NBA Playoffs underway, it is time to start preparing for the 2011 NBA Draft (even if there might not be a 2011-12 NBA season…).  As HOOPSWORLD ramps up our continuing coverage of the draft, here is a look at the top five NBA ready point guards in the class of 2011.

1. Kyrie Irving, Duke
2. Kemba Walker, Connecticut
3. Nolan Smith, Duke
4. Brandon Knight, Kentucky
5. Jimmer Fredette, BYU

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=19512

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NBA News 2011: Draft Prospect Jeff Taylor

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Jeff Taylor, 6-7, Junior, Small Forward, Vanderbilt
14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.6 turnovers, 1 steal, .6 blocks, 45% FG, 72% FT, 35% 3P

From a production standpoint, Jeff Taylor isn't having the breakout season many expected from him in this, his junior year. His scoring rate has fallen slightly, his field goal percentage is down nearly 5%, he's rebounding worse (offensively) and he's getting to the free throw line much less frequently than he has in the past.

From an NBA standpoint, though, Taylor's prospects have never looked rosier.

Taylor's rising draft stock is attributable to one development in particular: the discovery of a jump shot. He was just 1-for-11 from beyond the arc as a sophomore, but Taylor has knocked down a solid 35% of the 113 3-pointers he's taken as a junior, demonstrating a serious learning curve and leaving plenty of room for optimism when analyzing his excellent shooting mechanics.

Taylor has always been one of the most athletic players in college basketball. He's spectacular in transition, a product of his excellent speed in the open floor and his highlight reel-caliber explosiveness. He has great size at 6-7 and an outstanding frame, showing the strength and toughness to finish through contact in difficult situations.

He still lacks polish offensively—his touch is just average and his overall scoring instincts leave something to be desired, particularly as a shot-creator–but Taylor has redeeming characteristics in other areas, which is enough to lead us to believe that he has what it takes to hold his own on the offensive end in the NBA.

Taylor has a rare blend of prototypical physical tools, excellent toughness and a very good feel for the game. He shows all the characteristics the NBA looks for in a complimentary wing player (a la Raja Bell or Thabo Sefolosha), but he is a far more explosive .

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Trending-Prospects-3182011--3651/

NBA News 2011: 2011's Top 5 Draft Picks?

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Top Of The Class:  With the NBA trade deadline clearly in the rear view mirror and Selection Sunday just around the corner, its time to shift a little focus towards the 2011 NBA Draft and the names you need to know as we get closer to the end of the regular season.

Here is who you need to know:

1. Kyrie Irving - Duke, Freshman - PG - 6'2" - 185lbs - 18

2. Jonas Valanciunas - Lietuvos Rytas C - 6'11" - 240lbs - 18

3. Jared Sullinger - Ohio State, Freshman - PF - 6'8" - 250lbs - 18

4. Perry Jones - Baylor, Freshman - PF - 6'11" - 220lbs - 19

5. Derrick Williams - Arizona, Sophomore - PF - 6'8" - 235lbs - 19

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=18963