One of our favorite players in the draft is finally off the board. Kemba Walker will come in and play right away in Charlotte, and they desperately need him. He’s basically an upgrade over D.J. Augustin. Michael Jordan will love this kid and he’s a nice complement to their Biyombo pick. Read More »

No way that Detroit ever thought Brandon Knight would drop this far. He was positioned as high as No. 3 to Utah, and most figured he wouldn’t get past 7. But here he is. And the Pistons have to be happy. They have a lot of guards who don’t seem to fit with what they want to do, but Knight knows how to play. Read More »

Bismack Biyombo has the potential to be another Ben Wallace defender. At supposedly 18 years old, Biyombo can really get up and down the floor, and already has the instincts of a great defender. He reminds us a lot of Serge Ibaka and we see how special he is becoming. Read More »

Fran gave him the patented “freak” athlete description. Jan Vesely can definitely get up and down the floor. He’ll make a nice partner next to John Wall for the next few years.

They say he’ll one day win a Dunk Contest, but is he even the best dunker on his team? We will see. Read More »

BIG-time talent from Lithuania. He’s long, just 19 years old, very skilled and can play. The Pau Gasol comparisons are already coming. Jonas Valanciunas, with his buyout and with a weak body, probably will stay over at least one more year. Toronto doesn’t mind. What’s the difference between 30 and 35 wins? Not a whole lot. Read More »

In our opinion? Another nice pick by Cleveland. Tristan Thompson is a great athlete and a great defensive player. He’s not a scorer, but can pretty much do everything else. He’s actually a little bit like J.J. Hickson.

Cleveland is doing well for themselves right now, picking up a lead guard and now someone inside to do the dirty work. Thompson was rated by a number of statistical analysis programs as one of the best prospects in the entire draft. Also, he’s one of the coolest, most down-to-earth big-time players you’ll meet. Read More »

Okay, now the draft starts to take shape. Enes Kanter is on his way to Salt Lake City. A lot of people are really high on this kid: decent athlete, nice hands and can score in the post. He’s a legit seven footer with room to grow.

For a while, many figured Brandon Knight would find his way here. But alas, the Jazz go big. How good could he be? He’ll have a chance to form a big-time frontcourt combo with Derrick Favors in the future. The Jazz now have a TON of talent upfront. What are they gonna do with everyone? Read More »

Derrick Williams has the chance to be the best player in this draft. Still, he’s on his way to the basketball equivalent of Hell. Minnesota has really been running in circles since KG left, and now have a logjam at forward and point guard.

Williams will be able to score at this level – think 20-plus points in his prime – from both inside and out. He’s a new age PF who can face up or get buckets with his back to the basket. Read More »

Whether you think they should’ve taken Derrick Williams or are happy with Kyrie Irving, this is a step in the right direction, at least one night without a LeBron mention (we hope). Irving will come in for now as a backup to Baron Davis.

Irving isn’t nearly the athlete of the last few great PGs selected. But he can shoot, is smart and knows how to win. Does he have the potential to be an All-Star? Yes. Read More »

Wherever you’re watching the 2011 NBA Draft tonight, be sure to keep in touch with the Dime crew. We’ll be at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. for all the live action, but definitely keeping you up-to-date on everything that goes down via DimeMag.com, our Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. Hit us up with your reactions, your predictions and anything else on your mind. Should be a great night!