Q and A with Ed Isaacson of NBADraftBlog

With the NBA Draft now just one day away, we reached out to Ed Isaacson of NBADraftBlog.com to provide you (and us) with a last minute recap of the most interesting storylines heading into Thursday. Ed talks to us about Jimmer Fredette's prospects, whether Kemba Walker can be a starter, just how good Kyrie Irving is, and which of the Morrii will be the better pro.

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With lottery picks like Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones, and Jared Sullinger opting to return to school, the 2011 draft has been left without much top level talent. How bad is this draft in a historical context? Where does it compare to years like the 2000 or the 2006? How many, if any, all-stars can we expect from this crop?

Considering that every year there are only 24 or so "All-stars", and most of them are repeat players over any span of time, I don't think you can judge a draft by that context. I said this early in the season, and I think its panning out now, the seniors in this year's draft, the guys you will see picked from 20-45 are going to be what makes this draft strong. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised to see Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams becoming all-stars, possibly Enes Kanter.


Just how good is Kyrie Irving? He dominated for a short time before injuring his foot. Is he the next Chris Paul or the next TJ Ford?

I love the Chris Paul comparison, but I also hate it. Watching Irving play, I see the same confidence CP has shown since college, but I think Irving at 19 is a more versatile scorer than Paul was at the same age. It's the confidence and personality which I think makes Irving the perfect pick for a Cleveland franchise rebuilding after Lebron. He is the kind of guy you can build a team around.


Perhaps the most polarizing pick in this year's draft is Jimmer Fredette. Everyone has a differing opinion on just how good he will be as a pro. What are your thoughts? Will he be a bust?

It depends on what you consider a bust. Personally, I see him as a role player who can provide some scoring off the bench in spurts. If he does that, and I think he will, he isn't a bust. I can also see why a team like Sacramento or Utah would consider picking him higher than he should. In those cases, you take into it his popularity and what it means for revenue. But will he be the kind of player a 7 or 12 pick should be, I say no. He won't be a good NBA-level PG, but I can see him coming in and knocking down some 3's when needed.


Where do you see Derrick Williams playing at the next level? Many have labeled him a tweener. Is that versatility going to be an advantage or a hinderance?

Personally, i hate the word tweener. I prefer to look at it that he can play 2 different positions. He may not be the prototype at either one, but when a guy is as skilled and athletic as Williams, a good coach finds a way to get him the ball. I think the fact that he started to develop a small forward's game can only be seen as an advantage. Like I said, a good coach will use these versatile abilities to the team's advantage.


Kemba Walker tore up college basketball this past season, but given his size and the high-volume of shots that he took as a ball-dominating point guard, there are some that believe that he won't be able to make it as starter at the next level. What do you see his role being in the NBA?

I think Kemba takes a bad rap as a "score first" guy, considering he spent his first 2 years at UConn doing everything he could to make guys like Stanley Robinson and Jerome Dyson look good. I have zero doubts that if a team needed a PG who was there to run the offense and get the scorers the ball in the right spots, Kemba could do it. I actually think he might have a tougher time scoring like he did last year, at the NBA level. His size may be an issue, but he is smart enough to find his spots.


Which Morris brother has the better NBA career and why?

It may not be what people think, but Markieff will probably have the better NBA career. Marcus will do well, but I still think he projects to the small forward spot, and I don't think there is anything to his game which makes him stand out. Markieff on the other hand could be a very versatile power forward. He has the lower body to work in the post, has nice touch around the rim, and is still improving on his ability to hit out of the face-up. Where I think he lags behind his brother is defensively. I can see Marcus guarding 3 or 4's, Markieff will be effective defending the post only at the NBA level.


Kenneth Faried dominated the OVC during his four year career, but he did so as nothing more than a glorified blue-collar workhorse. Is he big enough to play in the NBA? Is a player that won't do much more than rebound and defend worth a first round pick?

Faried is certainly big enough to play in the NBA, but I don't think you can expect his numbers to translate. I think his role at the NBA level is an energy guy off the bench to play some defense, grab some boards and get the team moving. Is a player like that worth a first round pick? Yes, if you are a playoff team picking in the 20's, I think he can fill a good role for these teams without disrupting their core.


Can this year's crop of UCLA products continue the trend of Bruins being better pros than collegians?

Yes and no. I think Malcolm Lee has the skill and versatility to be a good pro in a few years. I think Honeycutt could have a higher ceiling, but I have serious doubts if he gets close to them.


Quick hitters:

What player not projected to go in the lottery has the best chance of making an all-star team?

Tobias Harris

What player projected to go in the lottery is the most likely to be a bust?

Is Biyombo still projected for the lottery? If so, he is. If not, Kawai Leonard.

What second rounders do you see carving out a career in the NBA?

A good bunch - Nolan Smith, Shelvin Mack, Jon Leuer, JaJuan Johnson, Charles Jenkins and Chandler Parsons (if they fall)

Who made the biggest mistake staying in the draft?

Trey Thompkins - could have answered a lot of questions about his game with 1 more year at Georgia

Who made the biggest mistake staying in school?

Terrence Jones - won't get better under Calipari and will be an afterthought in a stacked 2012 draft class

How many Europeans go in the first round?

6, if you include Kanter. Along with him, Motiejunas, Valanciunas, Veseley will go lottery. Biyombo will go mid-first and Bertans will go late first.