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2011 NBA Draft

2011 NBA Draft: Rookie Scouting Reports

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In case you missed them over the last several weeks, or on our handy section off to the right side of the page, we at Mid-Major Madness have compiled a list of links to all of our player scouting reports released leading up to the 2011 NBA Draft. Interested is Charles Jenkins and Andrew Goudelock can jump from primary scorers to offensive facilitators? Does Kawhi Leonard have the necessary skill set to exist as a small forward? How will sharp shooting Justin Harper factor into Orlando's offense? Browse our write-ups that include visual analysis and advanced statistical breakdowns courtesy of data from Synergy Sports Technology. 

No. 15 - Kawhi Leonard - Indiana Pacers (traded to San Antonio Spurs)

No. 22 - Kenneth Faried - Denver Nuggets

No. 28 - Norris Cole - Minnesota Timberwolves (traded to Miami Heat)

No. 32 - Justin Harper - Orlando Magic

No. 34 - Shelvin Mack - Washington Wizards

No. 44 - Charles Jenkins - Golden State Warriors

No. 46 - Andrew Goudelock - Los Angeles Lakers

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2011 NBA Draft: Winners And Losers

The last major event in the NBA schedule before the inevitable lockout is in the books. The 2011 NBA Draft went off as expected with Kyrie Irving landing in Cleveland and Derrick Williams heading to Minnesota with the top two overall selections. From there, the the night boiled down to a flurry of trades with the occasional unexpected pick being announced - particularly in the second round.

In all, nine players from non-BCS conference teams heard their name called in Newark last night, most expected, at least one was a bit of a surprise. But who were the individual winners? Which players landed in ideal situations and who would have been better off going elsewhere? Here's a look at our winners and losers from last night.

Winners

Jimmer Fredette: This pick by the Sacramento Kings has drawn mixed reviews in the initial hours since it was made, as questions swirl around the ability for the BYU star to co-exist in the same backcourt as Tyreke Evans. So why is this a win for The Jimmer? His ability to succeed in the NBA is almost entirely predicated on the system he plays in. An offense that plays up-tempo, gives Fredette the green light and is willing to forgive his defensive transgressions could allow him to flourish in the same way that Steph Curry has done so far in Golden State. The Kings were the third fastest team in the NBA last season and with a dribble drive talent like Evans getting into the lane consistently, Fredette should have the luxury of being able to spot-up on the perimeter. Neither is a pure point guard, both will look for their shot, but both are more than capable of making the right pass. It might take some feeling out initially, but this could be a good fit in the long term.

More winners and losers after the jump.

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2011 NBA Draft: Andrew Goudelock And The Ever-Changing Market

Sometimes you get lucky and the Twitter universe tosses you up a gem. 

This is one of those cases.

I was curious as to what the latest chatter was surrounding Charleston's Andrew Goudelock as far as his preparation for the NBA Draft and I found these comments listed back-to-back.

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That my friends is about as perfect of a microcosm of Goudelock's stock as one could ever hope for. He presents intrigue, he creates more questions than answers and he could seemingly be a nice addition for the Boston Celtics, but there are almost as many detractors as there are supporters as evidenced by Mr. Seth Davis. So what do we know?

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2011 NBA Draft: Shelvin Mack Continues To Look Good At Workouts

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After a strong junior season and another improbable run to the Final Four, Butler star Shelvin Mack was left in the difficult position of deciding between his senior year or the allure of the NBA. He chose professional basketball. As we detailed several weeks ago while the 6-foot-3 guard was still mulling his decision, the biggest question mark surrounding Mack's game is his ability to play the point at the professional level. Thus far in individual workouts, it appears as though that has been the case. 

Following a strong effort in front of Knick's executives on Monday, Mack turned in another solid outing in Washington today in front of members of the Wizards front office. A year after selecting a franchise player in point guard John Wall, would Washington take a flood general again in 2011? The team owns the 6th, 18th and 34th picks overall, meaning wouldn't even be considered until their second-round selection was up, but at that point it's a definite possibility. Wall is the only true point guard under contract for next season and early reports indicate that organization wouldn't be opposed to drafting another.

Mack's projected draft position varies widely in many mock drafts, but he won't be a consideration for the Wizards at No. 6 or 18. Washington's other pick is 34th, and there's a possibility Mack lasts that long, although some mock drafts have him going late in the first round. At 6 feet 3, Mack would be an undersized NBA guard, but the Wizards certainly are in need of depth in the back court, and Mack said he and John Wall, last year's top overall selection for Washington, already know one another well. The Wizards also could use a winning disposition in the locker room after years of being relegated to the draft lottery.

Via Gene Wang, Washington Post

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2011 NBA Draft: Kawhi Leonard And Washington A Match At No. 6?

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San Diego State star Kawhi Leonard - widely excepted to be a top ten pick - was in Washington D.C. this morning for his second pre-draft workout, this one with the Wizards. Currently projected to go 7th overall to the Sacramento Kings, the versatile 6-foot-7 forward could certainly land in the nation's capital as well if the Wizards decide to add a weapon on the wing.

Currently Rashard Lewis is the only wing forward guaranteed to be on the roster next season and there has been discussion of Washington adding a player capable of providing some scoring from the perimeter while also proving an interior presence. While Leonard is a versatile player capable of operating as an inside/outside presence offensively, he certainly doesn't have an elite skill set, better suited to play a complementary role offensively. With players like John Wall, Jordan Crawford and Nick Young on the perimeter, having another perimeter option who doesn't need to dominate the basketball would be a good addition.

Clearly though, Leonard's best attribute right now is his defense. Given his solid size and long wingspan, the athletic forward is well suited to locking down multiple positions, be it on the perimeter on in the paint. He would certainly be an upgrade over the current options on the roster in this regard.

Several reporters who were at this afternoon's workout had positive things to say about Leonard as well.

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2011 NBA Draft: Kenneth Faried Impresses At Blazers Workout

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Singing the praises of Kenneth Faried's work ethic is nothing new. It's been lauded in papers, on the internet, on television, but like most feats of physical ability on a basketball court, seeing it up close is something entirely different altogether.

The Morehead State star was in Portland this morning working out for the Blazers and apparently that non-stop motor and maniacal effort level made an impression on head coach Nate McMillan.

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Sure, it's only one comment, but sometimes all it takes is one person in the organization to fall in love with you. Portland is in need of some help in the frontcourt and Faried is expected to be selected right in the vicinity of the Blazers first-round pick at No. 21 (DraftExpress currently has him going 20th to Minnesota). Currently the ageing Marcus Camby is the only center guaranteed to be on the roster next season and after LaMarcus Aldridge, there isn't much certainty at the power forward position either. For a team that struggled on the defensive glass last season, Faried could be a nice addition to the lineup as a player who will hustle, defend and rebound without needing to have the ball in his hands on offense. 

The power forward measured in at 6-foot-6 without shoes at the NBA Combine, perhaps a bit shorter than many expected (or hoped), but his effort may be unparalleled in this class. Furthermore, a fairly impressive 7-foot wingspan could result in Faried developing into the latest in a long line of effective, albeit, undersized frontcourt players ala DeJuan Blair or Chuck Hayes.

There has also been talk of Portland selecting USC center Nikola Vucevic as well - one of the fastest risers in this draft class - but if Faried should somehow slip, don't be shocked if the Blazers pull the trigger on him at 21.

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2011 NBA Draft: Spurs Working Out Andrew Goudelock, Bobcats Welcome Shelvin Mack

It's another busy day for individual workouts as the countdown to draft night in the NBA continues. We'll do a quick overview of the action today highlights by a couple of elite mid-major guards.

Per Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, Butler's Shelvin Mack will be amongst a handful of prospects working out in Charlotte today. The Bobcats are owners of picks No. 9, 19 and 39 (2nd round) and given that their current back-up option for D.J. Augustin is Shaun Livingston, there's good reason to think Michael Jordan and Co. may be interested in using one of those three picks to bring in a floor general. Mack - who is currently projected as a mid-second round pick by most mock boards - could be a possible option for the Bobcats with their third and final selection.

Charleston scoring machine Andrew Goudelock will be working out for the Spurs today according to what he told the Post and Courier. We've talked about the possible desire for San Antonio to bring on another point guard with Tony Parker getting older and Goudelock shows quite a bit of potential to make the shift from scorer to facilitator, while still packing a long-range punch of course. His impressive shooting and athletic testing marks from the NBA Combine in Chicago certainly help matters as well. Could the Spurs surprise and grab him at No. 29 in a similar fashion to how they landed George Hill a few years ago? Temple's Lavoy Allen is also expected to be at the workout.

The Hoops Report's workout database tells us that today is big man day in the Hoosier State. The Pacers are welcoming a quad of frontcourt players including Fresno State's Greg Smith and San Diego State's Malcolm Thomas. Indiana owns picks No. 15 and No. 42, but do they need to add depth to their frontcourt? Currently the Pacers will have Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough and James Posey under contract for next season. Jeff Foster, Solomon Jones and Josh McRoberts are not. If Indiana decides it would be most cost effective to draft a young big man who could take a year or two to develop, both Thomas and Smith are projected to be available at pick 42. DraftExpress has both going in the final five picks in their latest mock.

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2011 NBA Draft: Raptors Interested In Kawhi Leonard With 5th Pick?

The thought of former San Diego State standout Kawhi Leonard heading north to Toronto has steadily picked up momentum as the draft moves closer, with several mocks now sending him here. While other prospects may draw more hype and force the Raptors hand at No. 5, the 6-foot-7 physically gifted sophomore seems to make the most practical sense. This team needs a defensive minded forward and no player in this draft class fits that bill more than Leonard. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress agrees.

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Physically Leonard is an impressive specimen, possessing huge hands and a freakish 7-foot-3 wingspan. He can defend multiple positions, crashes the boards and generally displaying the kind of tendencies that have led some to draw comparisons with Gerald Wallace.

Toronto has players on their roster who can score, so fans need to realize that selecting Leonard is not a move that will bring additional firepower. Yes, he averaged 16 points per game last season, but that was more a byproduct of his athleticism rather than his skillset. This isn't a player who - at least in the short term - is going to be asked to do a whole lot at this end of the floor. Still, his motor, aggressiveness and most importantly his upside make him one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft class. He may take a few years to fully develop (he won't be 20 for another few weeks), but this is the rare opportunity for a team to draft for need, while also taking a chance on a player who develop into a true impact presence down the road.

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