The NBA Draft Stock Report checks in on which players have made a name for themselves in the past week; either helping or hurting their future draft position. Click here for The Sports Bank’s 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
By: David Kay
BUY:
Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke, Fr.
His outstanding play early in this season combined with Harrison Barnes’ struggles has moved Irving into the top spot in my 2011 NBA Mock Draft. For a young point guard, Irving does it all on the offensive end. He can stroke it from deep, create his own shots, and finish at the rim. Irving also has a great maturity displayed by 2.29 assist-to-turnover ratio. His 31-point performance against Michigan State on Wednesday was especially impressive against a pair of talented college point guards in the Spartans’ Kalin Lucas and Korie Lucious.
Demetri McCamey, PG, Illinois, Sr.
After testing the waters this off-season, McCamey made a great decision by choosing to come back for his senior year. He would not have been a first round pick in 2010 but at this point, has worked his way into possibly being a top-20 selection this summer. His decision-making and maturity have shown tremendous improvement as demonstrated by his 3.44 assist-to-turnover ratio. If Meechi ever decides to show a commitment on the defensive end, his stock would be even higher.
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State, Sr.
The knock on Faried is that he is an under-sized big man playing against weaker competition in the Ohio Valley Conference. His 20 point, 18 rebound performance against Florida, and 15 and 12 versus Ohio State’s post duo of Jared Sullinger and Dallas Lauderdale proves that he can still play at a high level against tougher opponents. Since those two games, Faried has put up 25-20 and 15-20 in his last two games. He will not post those numbers at the next level, but has the potential to be an outstanding role player due to his toughness and ability to attack the class. He seems like a safe bet to be a first round pick and could move into the teens of the 2011 Draft.
Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State, Jr.
As the color guy during the FSU-Ohio State game put it Tuesday night, Singleton is like Darrelle Revis with his ability to be a lockdown defender. He can guard four positions on the floor and has a great reaction time whether it is jumping the passing the lane for a steal or going up for a blocked shot. His offensive game is still inconsistent but his defensive prowess alone could get him late-lottery looks this summer.
SELL:
Rodney Williams, SF, Minnesota, Soph.
I keep reading on other sites that Williams has lottery potential. I just do not see it. Outside of being a great athlete, Williams has a long ways to go with his all-around game before we can seriously consider him as a top 14 pick in the NBA Draft. Sure the potential is there but at the pace of his development, Williams will undoubtedly need another year at Minnesota before he thinks about turning pro.
C.J. Leslie, F, N.C. State, Fr.
Leslie is very much in the same position as Williams; an incredible athlete but still far from being a complete basketball player. He has averaged just five points and less than four boards over his past three games and has not shot the ball well. I was excited to see Leslie play for the Wolfpack this season and felt he had one-and-done potential. Not anymore. Barring a massive turnaround, he needs to stay in school for at least another year before heading to the league.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and The Washington Times Communities. You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.