Friday, June 24, 2011

2011 NBA Draft Grades: Which Prospects Fell the Hardest on Draft Night?

2011 NBA Draft Grades Says Brandon Knight Leads Group of Draft New Fallers

The NBA draft isn't always kind to everybody, and the 2011 version was no exception.

While a number of teams looked to fill major needs over value, a few players fell down the board, hard.

First of those is Brandon Knight, who sported a "I'm not so happy about this" look when he finally got on stage to shake Commissioner David Stern's hand.

And it is not hard to see why after Knight tumbled down to No. 8 in the draft. The No. 2 point guard was linked to the Utah Jazz at No. 3, the Toronto Raptors at No. 5 and Sacramento Kings at No. 7. The Kings traded back to No. 10 hours before the draft though and let Charlotte pick ahead of them.

So Knight fell, and he wound up in a land of dysfunction they call Detroit. It won't be easy for him, but he should help get rid of Rodney Stuckey.

Another big fall was from Jordan Hamilton of Texas. The 6'9" forward is a gifted scorer with unique size and ability, yet, for some inexplicable reason, he fell down to No. 26 where the Mavericks drafted him. But they didn't hold onto him for too long and he was sent packing to Denver in a three-way deal.

Whatever the reason for his drop it must have been legitimate because a number of teams that could have used him passed on the opportunity. 

And finally we have Josh Selby. Had the NBA not instituted the age limit, Selby would have been a lottery pick last year. The Kansas freshman did himself no favors as a Jayhawk and teams were completely turned off by his lack of production; there is no telling what will come from him. He has a ton of potential, and Memphis losses nothing by taking a chance on him, but he fell deep into the second round.

Again, the NBA draft, or any draft in particular, is not kind to everybody and these three players had hoped their night would go better than it did.

- Wes O'Donnell

MUST READ: 2011 NBA Draft Grades: Report Cards for the GMs

Stayed tuned to Bleacher Report for all things NBA Draft from Live Results to
Grades and Trade Rumors.

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