Raptors 2011 Draft Preview

Although the brass at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment have yet to announce a decision regarding the future of President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo, that shouldn’t stop Raptor fans from taking a peer into the crystal ball of what the future could look like for their beleaguered club in the off season.

Granted, few can predict what the free agent landscape will look like after the NBA and its players resolve a new collective bargaining agreement, but that shouldn’t stop us from debating meaningless and largely uneducated scouting reports.

Let’s start by reiterating that the Raptors can pick no lower than sixth and no higher than first. Also, I’ve decided to sort these guys in order of likelihood to be available at the number three draft spot (where the Raps finished the regular season) and work my way towards the less likely to be drafted prospects.

Enes Kanter
Power Forward - Turkey
H:6-10 W:255lbs

The Swiss born, Turkish national is touted as the best big body available and if draft history is any indicator, shouldn’t drop any further than third or forth pick. (Everyone’s looking for the next BIG thing) Kanter’s skill set has been making scouts drool with a solid post game, good shooting range and energy on the glass. He can run the floor on transition or park his caboose under the basket and give out, as well as take the punishment. Said to be a student of the game, many have raved that Kanter’s basketball IQ far exceeds his age.

So with comparisons to crafty bigs like Andrew Bogut and Al Horford, what’s not to like about Enes Kanter. Well for starters, a serious lack of experience. Kanter was headed to Kentucky this season before being deemed ineligible which kept him out in the cold during the 10-11 season. Kanter has a history of knee issues and combo that with a lack of foot speed and the big turk goes from highly touted prospect to potential disaster.

Jan Vesely
Power Forward - Czech Rep. - Partizan Belgrade
H:6-11 W:230lbs

Sometimes it’s nice to see nature repeating itself. What do I mean? Well, it would appear Hedo Turkoglu is nearing the end of his tenure in the NBA and it doesn’t look like we’ll have to wait long for his replacement. Vesely is long, athletic and a great shooter. Even though he’s a 3-4 tweener, Vesely is still a matchup problem on the offensive end of the floor. He started his Euroleague season off slow, but really picked it up in “top16” play where he averaged 14 and 5 shooting for 67% and averaging 30 minutes during that stretch.

Much like most euro big men all that offensive talent comes at a price on the defensive end of the floor. Vesely is not known for his defensive intensity and has problems guarding athletic forwards as well covering the perimeter. For an older prospect (21) doesn’t show the maturity of playing big time ball in Europe. Speed is an issue as is a terrible free throw percentage. Considering his affinity to run in the open floor, he’ll take a lot of hacks from teams knowing he’ll likely only make one of two on the backend.

Kemba Walker
Point Guard - UConn
H:6-1 W:172lbs

If you didn’t know about UConn’s prized point guard before March Madness, you know about him now. Walker is a college star and although that doesn’t always translate to professional success, Kemba sure gives a lot of reasons not to doubt him. Speed, scoring and a much improved jumper makes Walker an unstoppable offensive force. His fearlessness in late game situations is evident and he is a born leader.

So what’s holding Walker back from being a top three pick? Well, the same reasons most guys aren’t top three picks, defence and size. Walker is listed at 6-1 but it’s believed he’s closer to 5-10. Good for the comparisons to Penny and Iverson but Walker’s lack of size will almost definitely affect his defensive effectiveness. Kemba is the perfect player to rise up the ranks during the combine (think Steph Curry) but unless the Raps pick fifth or sixth, it’s not likely Walker is taking his talents to Bay Street.

Brandon Knight
Point Guard - Kentucky
H:6-4 W:185

Another player who most of you didn’t know before March, Knight is the prototypical point guard prospect. He has size, speed and a fantastic first step. Knight can make his own shot and that’s something few prospects can say. A great shooter and a born pro, Knight is known to spend the extra time on his game that others don’t and that should appeal him to his future (older) teammates.

Although a solid passer, Knight is drive first - pass second. Most of his scoring comes off the dribble-drive and in the NBA those opportunities will be fewer and far between. Knight will have to address a lack of size for his 6-4 frame and may take a few years to develop into a point that you can trust to run the floor.

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So those are the likely names you’ll see between picks three and six, but let’s dream big Toronto. What if the Raps move up to the first or second pick? Well I’m pretty sure it won’t be a question of whom, just when… so in no particular order…

Derrick Williams
Small Forward - Arizona
H:6-8 W:240lbs

Williams led the rebuild of the Arizona basketball program and will likely be the linchpin of an NBA rebuild with his skill, speed and intelligence. Williams has a seven foot wingspan and is very good with his back to the basket. A solid scorer, Williams picks his spots and is no “Jack em’ Joe” boasting excellent shooting percentages. His speed around the basket nets him the rebounds others would gain with brute force and makes for an intriguing matchup as he can turn it up court in transition against slower forwards.

It’s hard to pick apart Williams game without being overly critical. Is he the next coming of Lebron James? Of course not, but most of his faults (i.e. passing and court vision) can be addressed with the coaching and a little experience and Williams will get loads of each next year.

Kyrie Irving
Point Guard - Duke
H:6-2 W:180lbs

Between you, me and the world; I don’t think there’s a better player in this years draft than Kyrie Irving… he’s the total package at the point. Irving’s got all the prerequisites to be a great professional with a great first step, speed, vision, handles, proficient on defence and can create his own shot just as well as facilitate for his teammates. Irving can shoot from anywhere on the court and has very good form on his jumper. Fading this guy to either side of the basket isn’t going to work much as Irving can easily go to his left or right and finishes well at the basket. Simply put… this kid could be special.

Not much you can say about Irving on the negative. Most point to Kyrie’s inexperience and although he didn’t play much in his only season at Duke (turf toe limited him to 11 games) you can quash all that talk. Irving played a considerable role with the American under 18 national team that won gold in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship and when you tack that on with his usually impressive performances in exhibition games (see his 2010 Jordan Classic tape) Irving should make fools of those who doubt him.