ESPN's Chad Ford has come out with his first 2011 NBA Mock Draft, and with the fourth pick, Ford has the Wizards selecting Czech forward Jan Vesely. Here's his analysis:
The Wizards won the draft lottery last year and brought in a thoroughbred in John Wall. What they need is an athletic forward to run the floor with him. Most Euros wouldn't come close to fitting that bill, but Vesely might be the exception. He's terrific in transition and an explosive leaper -- a rarity for Eastern European kids.
He's been a starter in the Euroleague for the past few years, and while his numbers don't necessarily wow you, his game looks like it will translate better at the next level. A bit of a risky pick, but after Irving and Williams are off the board, all the picks are risky.
With the 18th pick, Ford has the Wizards taking Klay Thompson out of Washington State. Here's his analysis of that:
Nick Young is heading into free agency, and the Wizards could use another shooter in their backcourt to complement Wall. Thompson rivals Fredette as the best shooter in the draft and would be a great fit for the Wizards.
For those who don't have ESPN Insider, here's the full list of the lottery picks:
- Minnesota: Kyrie Irving
- Cleveland: Derrick Williams
- Toronto: Enes Kanter
- Washington: Jan Vesely
- Sacramento: Kemba Walker
- Utah (from New Jersey): Brandon Knight
- Detroit: Bismack Biyombo
- Cleveland (from LA Clippers): Jonas Valanciunas
- Charlotte: Kahwi Leonard
- Milwaukee: Tristain Thompson
- Golden State: Terrence Jones
- Utah: Alex Burks
- Phoenix: Jimmer Fredette
- Houston: Jordan Hamilton
- Indiana: Marcus Morris
- Philadelphia: Donatas Motiejunas
- New York: Markieff Morris
- Washington (from Atlanta): Klay Thompson
- Charlotte (from New Orleans): Reggie Jackson
- Minnesota (from Memphis): Nikola Mirotic
- Portland: Kenneth Faried
- Denver: Tobias Harris
- Houston (from Orlando via Phoenix): Darius Morris
- Oklahoma City: Tyler Honeycutt
- Boston: Chris Singleton
- Dallas: Davis Bertans
- New Jersey (from LA Lakers): Justin Harper
- Chicago (from Miami): Charles Jenkins
- San Antonio: Lucan Noguiera
- Chicago: Bogan Bogdanovic