The NBA season just ended a little over a week ago and it is already time to look towards the 2011-2012 season. The NBA draft is this Thursday. Although the Bulls are pretty well set with MVP Derrick Rose and a serviceable backup in C.J. Watson, Point Guard isn't a huge area of concern. With two first round and one second round pick they are in position to draft a project who can provide depth in the future. Here are my top 10 point guards available in this years NBA draft.
1) Kyrie Irving- 6'2", Duke
Pros-Great speed and athleticism. Good decision maker. Able to create his own shot. Strong basketball IQ.
Cons-Limited experience and has a history of injuries. Was a little out of shape at pre-draft combine.
NBA Comparison-Mike Conley
2) Brandon Knight- 6'3", Kentucky
Pros-Has a high ceiling with a ton of upside. Great three-point shooter. Plays well under pressure. Good rebounder.
Cons-Just average athletically. Needs to add some weight and muscle.
NBA Comparison-Jason Terry
3) Kemba Walker- 6'1", Connecticut
Pros-Electric and explosive. Raw speed and quickness.High energy. Winner. Always in attack mode.
Cons- Small for NBA. Long term durability a question. Needs to improve shooting struck.
NBA Comparison- Tim Hardaway
4) Jimmer Fredette- 6'2", BYU
Pros-Elite shooter. In the gym range. Fearless. Clutch shooter.
Cons- Not a great athlete. Could have a tough transition to NBA point guard.
NBA Comparison-Eddie House
5) Darrius Morris-6'5", Michigan
Pros- Great size. Strong finisher. True point guard. Aggressive. Gifted Passer.
Cons- Not a great athlete. Lacks speed. Below average defender. Poor three-point shooter.
NBA Comparison- Andre Miller.
6) Cory Joseph- 6'3", Texas
Pros- Great Size. Quick hands. Great quickness. Good Leaper.
Cons- Needs more confidence in his shot. Needs to add weight and strength.
NBA Comparison- A.J. Price
7) Josh Selby- 6'2", Kansas
Pros- Has a Scorers Mentality. Very athletic. Has NBA shooting range. Thick frame. Good finisher.
Cons- Inconsistent scorer. Below average ball handler. Long term project.
NBA Comparison- Jerryd Bayless
8) Shelvin Mack- 6'3", Butler
Pros- Instant offense. Creates shots. Strong physique. Good ball handler.
Cons- Not a great leaper. Below average passer.
NBA Comparison- Ben Gordon.
9) Nolan Smith- 6'3", Duke
Pros- Nice size. Great ball security. High effort.
Cons- Doesn't create separation. Not explosive. Might have trouble defending in NBA.
NBA Comparison- C.J. Watson
10) Demetri McCamey- 6'3", Illinois
Pros- Big and physical. Good ball handler. NBA range.
Cons- Poor defender. Questionable work ethic and conditioning.
NBA Comparison- Derek Fisher.
Point guard is pretty deep in the 2011 draft. With two first and one second round picks, the Bulls could try and take someone to develop. Possibilities would include Shelvin Mack or Nolan Smith.
Next Installment- Shooting Guards.