2011 NBA Draft: Picks 1-5 plus fantasy implications
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
Analysis: For the second year in a row a point guard goes first overall, and it’s the right selection. Irving was clearly the best player in the draft, including Derrick Williams, and can be the face of a franchise in Cleveland that desperately needs it. There is a bit of a logjam at point guard, where Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions sit on the depth chart. However, one of them will most likely not be with the team when the 2011 season begins, leaving the door open for Irving to log major minutes right away.
Depth Chart: Baron Davis, Kyrie Irving, Ramon Sessions
Projected Stats: 16 ppg, 5 apg, 3 rpg, 1.0 3pg, 90.0 FT%
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona
Analysis: Williams was the best remaining player on the draft board after Irving went to the Cavs, and it is again the right pick. Williams made his name known after a strong run in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and has all the measurables to become a face-to-the-basket power forward. He shoots a strong percentage from outside and can bang down low, which should make him valuable offensively next season. Defensively, he has the potential to become a lockdown forward. He has nobody around him on the depth chart and should log major minutes right away. With Ricky Rubio now in the mix, Williams should be fantasy-worthy.
Depth Chart: Derrick Williams, Anthony Randolph, Anthony Tolliver
Projected Stats: 13 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 48.0 FG%
3. Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky
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