NBA Draft Lottery Set. Where Does Jimmer Go?
By Mitch Harper
We officially know the NBA Draft Lottery order for the 2011 NBA Draft.
The Cleveland Cavaliers landed the #1 Overall pick, which was a pick they obtained from the Los Angeles Clippers in a Trade Deadline move last February. Good to see the city of Cleveland have something good happen to their franchise, after the hard year it has been for them.
But the question all BYU fans are asking, where does Jimmer go?
Jimmer is not expected to be in the Top 3 picks, some even feel Jimmer might slip out of the Lottery. Here’s a look at the 2011 Lottery Order:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Clippers)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Utah Jazz (via New Jersey Nets)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Washington Wizards
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Charlotte Bobcats
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Houston Rockets
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The team people want to talk about first with Jimmer is the Utah Jazz. The Jazz landed in the Top 3 of the Draft and also have the #12 pick. It’s obviously unlikely they would go with Jimmer at #3. But if the Jazz take a big man like Enes Kanter with the 3rd overall pick, Jimmer could possibly be waiting at #12.
Devin Harris doesn’t appear to be the Jazz long-term solution, and the Jazz need to find a franchise guard to replace Deron Williams who was traded last February to the New Jersey Nets.
Sacramento at #7 is an interesting spot. The Kings were originally slated to be in the Top 5 of the draft, but fell in the Lottery ending up at Pick #7. Does this fall make them more prone to taking Jimmer? Imagine a backcourt of Jimmer paired with budding star Tyreke Evans. Could be a potent tandem out in Sacramento and could rejuvenate that city to keep them in California’s capital for the long haul.
Charlotte at #9 could be another possibility. D.J. Augustin has proved to be a solid PG for the Bobcats who are now coached by Paul Silas. But their starting Shooting Guard, Gerald Henderson is a terrible shooter from beyond the arc. Shooting 19% from 3-PT range this past season. We know Jimmer can shoot from deep. Would be neat to see Jimmer go to Charlotte when you consider the man who decides on personnel moves for the Bobcats is Your Airness, Michael Jordan.
Golden State at #11 and Phoenix at #13. The entire Pacific Division of the NBA would be well-served going after Jimmer. Even the Los Angeles Lakers who desperately need a PG should give Jimmer a though, but they have no 1st Round Picks so that’s not happening. The Warriors and the Suns on the other hand would definitely be teams that not only would be interested in Jimmer, but their styles of play would be great fits for him.
Golden State plays an up-tempo style of ball, currently has no Head Coach in place so that mindset could change; but Jimmer and Steph Curry would be one of the best shooting backcourts the NBA has to offer right out of the gates. Would also give the Warriors the luxury of trading Monta Ellis. Ellis a prolific scorer in his own right, but has never led the Warriors to anything, and the Warriors could trade him while his trade value is very high.
The Suns currently have one of the best PGs to ever play in the NBA currently on their roster still in Steve Nash. Nash who came out of WCC-school, Santa Clara has a quick release from anywhere on the floor like Jimmer. The Suns play a fast-paced brand of basketball under Alvin Gentry and have had success with that system. Going to the Western Conference Finals in 2010. Jimmer would be well-served learning under one of the greats. Only problem is that the Suns also have Aaron Brooks who they are high on as well.
There is a lot of great possibilities for Jimmer. And I can’t imagine a situation where Jimmer falls out of the Lottery. Is there really 14 players in College Basketball and overseas that are better draft picks than Jimmer Fredette? I have no qualms about saying there isn’t. Honestly he should be viewed higher than he is, but the stereotypes placed on Jimmer will be something he has to overcome in this process.
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Cougar fans, where do you see Jimmer going in the Draft? The NBA Draft takes place June 23rd in Jimmer’s backyard of New York City.
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