NBA Draft 2011: Kyrie Irving Selected #1 Overall, Kemba Walker To Charlotte, Jimmy Fredette To Milwaukee, And Much More

Photo Credit: Chamber of Fear

Now that this year’s NBA Draft has concluded, let’s review the various popular picks in the first round as well as listing the top 30 players that were chosen in the 2011 Draft.

2011 NBA Draft Class – 1st Round
By NYPost.com

1. Cleveland (from L.A. Clippers): Kyrie Irving, G, Duke

2. Minnesota: Derrick Williams, F, Arizona

3. Utah (from NETS): Enes Kanter, C, Turkey

4. Cleveland: Tristan Thompson, F, Texas

5. Toronto: Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

6. Washington: Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic

7. Sacramento (for Charlotte): Bismack Biyombo, F, Congo

8. Detroit: Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky

9. Charlotte: Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut

10. Milwaukee: (for Sacramento) Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU

11. Golden State: Klay Thompson, G, Washington State

12. Utah: Alec Burks, G, Colorado

13. Phoenix: Markieff Morris, F, Kansas

14. Houston: Marcus Morris, F, Kansas

15. Indiana: Kawhi Leonard, F, San Diego State

16. Philadelphia: Nikola Vucevic, F, USC

17. KNICKS: Iman Shumpert, G, Georgia Tech

18. Washington (from Atlanta): Chris Singleton, F, Florida State

19. Charlotte (for Milwaukee from New Orleans via Portland): Tobias Harris, F, Tennessee

20. Minnesota (from Memphis via Utah): Donatas Motiejunas, F, Lithuania

21. Portland: Nolan Smith, G, Duke

22. Denver: Kenneth Faried, F, Morehead State

23. Houston (for Chicago; from Orlando via Phoenix): Nicola Mirotic, F, Serbia

24. Oklahoma City: Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College

25. Boston (for NETS): MarShon Brooks, G, Providence

26. Dallas: Jordan Hamilton, F, Texas

27. NETS (for Boston; from L.A. Lakers): JaJuan Johnson, F, Purdue

28. Chicago (for Miami; from Miami via Toronto): Norris Cole, G, Cleveland State

29. San Antonio: Cory Joseph, G, Texas

30. Chicago: Jimmy Butler, F, Marquette

In review of the first round, the first overall pick did not surprise many fans. The Cleveland Cavaliers were highly interested in Duke guard Kyrie Irving even before the draft and the team’s pick was inevitable come draft day. Kyrie Irving should impact the Cavaliers in a tremendous way. As the season moves along, Irving will certainly be considered as one of the impact players of the draft. There is no doubt that Kyrie Irving will become an above-average guard in the league.

Although Arizona forward Derrick Williams was drafted as the 2nd overall pick in the draft, it will be very difficult to play inside the box for the Minnesota Timberwolves due to the stable of forwards the team has, such as Kevin Love and Michael Beasley. We mostly would consider Williams to come off the bench and play up to 15-25 minutes given the situation of the game.

As for Kemba Walker, the way this player played in the NCAA tournament, we considered the 9th pick to be very low for a guard that has so much talent. Walker will need to improve on his shooting ability from the perimeter in order to help the Charlotte Bobcats. Walker is a player that would be considered an impact player long term.

We move on by mentioning the popular Jimmer Fredette drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, however after a three-way trade, will be playing for the Sacramento Kings. We felt Fredette landed smoothly at 10 and should be a good acquisition. Fredette reminds us of a player, such as J.J Redick, who could come off the bench and provide some very much needed three-point shooting.

With all things set and done, there will always be diamonds in the rough in any sports draft. Here are some players that could potentially be a great asset to each of their respective teams.

JaJuan Johnson from Purdue was sent to the Boston Celtics and should be able to perform well under the supervision of Boston’s Big Three and coach Doc Rivers. With Rondo running the point, Johnson should be able to assist the Celtics in many different ways.

Markieff Morris drafted by the Phoenix Suns should be another great acquisition. Morris is a very skilled player and probably one of the most talented forwards on the Suns. Every team needs a good rebounder and Morris should be able to deliver.

Last, but not least, the NETS acquired top scorer MarShon Brooks from Providence and will be another skillful shooting guard New Jersey can use on the open floor. Brooks is an improving player and should be able to learn under the reigns of coach Avery Johnson.