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NBA Draft Grades 2011: Experts Assess Knicks', Clippers' New Peach State Talent

Though three Peach State players entered the 2011 NBA Draft, only two teams walked away with local talent. The New York Knicks brought in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Iman Shumpert to shore up their unshored-up defense, while the Los Angeles Clippers double-dipped on Georgia Bulldogs forwards, picking the methodical Trey Thompkins and bouncy Travis Leslie. 

SB Nation's Tom Ziller (C) doesn't really know what to make of Shumpert, having been underwhelmed with the lanky guard's college career, but says he signals a one-man Manhattan uprising. The Clippers, however, earn a (B) for adding a pair of talented players to a crowded frontcourt, though Ziller is wary of the pileup.

ESPN's Chad Ford (C-) really doesn't approve of L.A.'s pre-draft trades that ruined their chances of scoring Kyrie Irving, which left them stuck with ...

... two teammates from Georgia who've underperformed for the past two years. Both have talent appropriate for the second round, but I still can't help but think that the Clippers would've been better off with Irving and Baron Davis in L.A. instead of Irving and Davis in Cleveland.    

Ford likes New York's Shumpert pick (B-), and I think he frames the great mystery of Shumpert's pro potential about as well as anybody has with this first line:

New York went for defense and swung for the fences at the same time. Shumpert was one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft, with great size for his position and explosive athleticism. If he can learn to run a team and shoot the ball, he can be a monster in the NBA. But right now, that a big if.    

Here's CBS Sports Matt Moore and Ben Golliver on the Knicks selection of Shumpert (B-):

Come on, they were taking a guard, they were always taking a guard, they had to take a guard and there was no way to get Jimmer. From there this was unavoidable. Sure, Marshon Brooks would have been entertaining, but they needed someone who could at least play combo guard. Shumpert plays defense and has athleticism. The rest is up to D'Antoni.

Moore and Golliver are pretty happy with the job done by the Clips, your California destination for University of Georgia basketball (B):

Thompkins slid all the way to the Clippers in the second round. Decent value pick even if it's definitely not a position of need for them. After all, they do have this guy named Griffin.

Stay with this StoryStream for all of the 2011 NBA Draft results, check out our 2011 NBA Draft rumors and trades StoryStream for all the latest news from the NBA's craziest day, and hit our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage of the draft, trades and the aftermath on Friday.

NBA Draft Results: Kyle Singler, Chandler Parsons Highlight Second Round Southeastern Picks

With completion of the second round, the 2011 NBA Draft is now complete. The second round offered some surprises where projected first round talents slid with a few teams taking some stabs at overseas talent. Eight of the thirty second round picks were spent on former ACC or SEC players giving the two conferences 16 selections in the two rounds of the draft. 

With the No. 33 overall selection, Detroit selected former Duke forward Kyle Singler. There will be some debate as to whether or not Singler hurt himself by going back to school after last season. He slides into the second round but has enough skill and basketball IQ to stick around on the Pistons roster. 

The New Jersey Nets grabbed former Maryland big man Jordan Williams with the No. 39 selection in the draft. Williams is a very polished rebounder averaging 11.8 per game this season. Rebounding usually translates to the pros but Williams isn't much of an athlete and will have to adjust his game. Still his strength and rebounding prowess will give him an opportunity to stick around.

With the No. 37 overall selection, the Los Angeles Clippers selected Trey Thompkins out of the University of Georgia. Thompkins saw his stock slide throughout his junior season as he was once thought of as a solid first round pick. Injuries and a lack of conditioning hurt his stock. If he is sufficiently motivated and in shape, then Los Angeles could have a steal in Thompkins.

The Houston Rockets selected Chandler Parsons at No. 38. The do everything forward faces the challenge of not doing any one thing spectacularly. 

Kentucky's Josh Harrellson was selected with the No. 45 pick by the New Orleans Hornets and was then sold to the New York Knicks. Harrellson was arguably one of Kentucky's most productive players in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. He is an intangibles guy and is a great story to see drafted due to his hard work.

The Los Angeles Clippers look to become the UGA of the west coast after selecting Travis Leslie with the No. 47 pick. Leslie joins his former Georgia teammate Trey Thompkins with the Clippers. Leslie is a super athlete who possesses a suspect jump shot. He should develop into a pretty good defender and would seem to have a lot of upside. Especially if his jump shot comes around.

The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic grab former SEC players Vernon Macklin out of the University of Florida and DeAndre Liggins out of Kentucky with the No. 52 and No. 53 picks. Macklin will provide a big body for Detroit to take to training camp. Liggins is a good defender with a developing offensive game but is inserted into a already crowded picture in the Orlando back court. 

On Trey Thompkins And Travis Leslie Joining The Clippers

NBA Draft Results: Travis Leslie Joins Trey Thompkins On Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers fans, get ready to pair Blake Griffin with another high-flying, highlight-reel athlete. Travis Leslie of the Georgia Bulldogs is a future NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner, I guarantee it, though he also has a reasonable jumper, a decent passing eye and collects the requisite rebounds you'd expect from a six-foot-four athlete whose hops make him seem much, much taller. 

For live updates on 2011 NBA Draft picks as they're announced, head to SB Nation's NBA Draft hub.

The 2011 NBA Draft rolls on through Thursday night. Stay with this StoryStream for all of the 2011 NBA Draft results, check out our 2011 NBA Draft rumors and trades StoryStream for all the latest news from the NBA's craziest day, and hit our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage of the draft, trades and the aftermath on Friday.

 For more on UGA sports and notes on Leslie, visit Dawg Sports.

NBA Draft Results: 'Trey' Thompkins Picked By Los Angeles Clippers, No. 37

If only junior power forward Howard "Trey" Thompkins could've entered the 2011 NBA Draft before the 2010-11 Georgia Bulldogs season began. The preseason SEC Player of the Year was hampered by an injury right from the start, with his draft stock tumbling further when he showed up at the NBA Combine with the highest body fat percentage of any participant. Watching him slip from a potential lottery selection to a question mark hasn't been fun, but he did remain an early second-round pick, going No. 37 to the Los Angeles Clippers.

For live updates on 2011 NBA Draft picks as they're announced, head to SB Nation's NBA Draft hub.

But how did the six-foot-10, 240-pounder perform on the court? 

Despite the ankle injury, Thompkins upped his minutes in his final season, but his points, deep shooting, free throw percentage, rebounds and assists fell. The decrease in his free throw attempts per game might be the biggest cause for concern. Then he weathered a toe injury during the SEC Tournament.

Then again, much of his diminished production could be chalked up to improvement by his teammates -- Thompkins posted 4.6 win shares compared to 3.6 the year prior. He's never been known as a world-class athlete, but assuming he can get himself back in game shape, I'd rest easy, Clips fans. The book on Thompkins is that he's a versatile big man, but not superb at any particular aspect of his game.

The 2011 NBA Draft rolls on through Thursday night. Stay with this StoryStream for all of the 2011 NBA Draft results, check out our 2011 NBA Draft rumors and trades StoryStream for all the latest news from the NBA's craziest day, and hit our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage of the draft, trades and the aftermath on Friday.

 For more on UGA sports and notes on Thompkins, visit Dawg Sports.

NBA Draft First-Round Results: Kyrie Irving, Enes Kanter Lead Southeastern Picks

The first round of the 2011 NBA Draft is stocked full of former southeastern talent from the ACC and SEC. Eight players from the two conferences have been selected; five ACC players heard their name called, while three former SEC standouts had their dreams realized. 

Cleveland didn't surprise many by selecting Duke freshman Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 overall selection. Irving sat out most of the season with an injured toe but that didn't hurt his stock after he returned for the NCAA Tournament. Irving won't make anyone in Cleveland forget LeBron James but his is regarded as the player with the most upside in this draft. 

With the No. 3 selection, the Utah Jazz selected center Enes Kanter out of Kentucky. It is a little difficult to refer to Enes Kanter as a former Kentucky player after the 6-foot-11 center never took the floor for the Wildcats this season. However, after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA, he did stick around John Calipari's team and worked out with the Kentucky coaching staff developing his game. Kanter was regarded as the best big man in the draft and now joins an extremely crowded front court in Utah. 

Brandon Knight was long rumored to be the likely selection by Utah at No. 3. He had to wait until No. 8 before his name was called by the Detroit Pistons. Knight joins a back court that includes Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey although either could be moved by the start of the season. Stuckey is a restricted free agent this summer.

The New York Knicks got defensive with their selection taking Georgia Tech junior Iman Shumpert with the No. 17 selection. Shumpert improved his stock as much as any player in the draft and will get an opportunity as a defensive combo guard in New York.

Florida State's Chris Singleton appeared to tumble down the draft board as he was rumored to go just outside the top ten in most mock drafts. The all around small forward goes to Washington at No. 18. 

Tennessee freshman forward Tobias Harris gives the SEC its third and final representative in the first round going at No. 19 to Milwaukee. Harris is an undersized power forward that held his own at the draft combine and throughout the workout process. 

At No. 21 Portland reached out and nabbed Duke's Nolan Smith. Smith is an excellent floor general that could play the shooting guard spot in certain situations. Smith wasn't projected as a first round pick in a lot of mock drafts but  brings toughness to the guard position and should be able to provide depth for the Trail Blazers. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder grabbed Boston College guard Reggie Jackson. Jackson had a big season for the Eagles. It remains to be seen how he fits long term into a seemingly crowded back court. 

The 2011 NBA Draft rolls on through Thursday night. Stay with this StoryStream for all of the 2011 NBA Draft results, check out our 2011 NBA Draft rumors and trades StoryStream for all the latest news from the NBA's craziest day, and hit our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage of the draft, trades and the aftermath on Friday.

NBA Draft Results: Iman Shumpert Picked No. 17 By New York Knicks

No player's draft stock gained more from the 2011 NBA Combine than Iman Shumpert's. As Draft Express' mock draft history chart shows, Shumpert's standing plummeted as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets season slumped further into disarray until he was barely a second-rounder, with his NBA declaration sending him back near the first round.

For live updates on 2011 NBA Draft picks as they're announced, head to SB Nation's NBA Draft hub.

But it wasn't until his impressive workouts at the late-May Combine that Shumpert really cracked the first round, which isn't exactly the most affirming sign of his pro prospects. As of Thursday evening right before the Draft, he'd risen as high as No. 17 to the New York Knicks. And now here he is, being picked No. 17 by the New York Knicks, a terrible defensive team. Nice call, Draft Express.

Shumpert is a fantastic defender, one of the best in the nation, and clearly a fantastic athlete. The biggest knock against him? Effort. The Knicks will need to make sure they get 100 percent out of him -- then again, factor in the Paul Hewitt effect however you'd like.

Though he played point guard in Atlanta, he often seemed more fit to play combo guard -- especially with very few teammates worth passing to in 2011. As a designated defensive stopper off the bench, I can see him contributing to New York's rotation right away, especially considering the pieces like Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire he'll have to work with on the other side of the ball. Spike Lee didn't sound all that pumped, but likes defense.

A quick video:

For more Georgia Tech sports and notes on Shumpert, visit From The Rumble Seat.

Enes Kanter On Kentucky Basketball Fans: 'Will Always Be In My Heart'

2011 NBA Mock Drafts: Shumpert Likely First Rounder, Thompkins, Leslie Slated For Second

The day has finally arrived for former Georgia and Georgia Tech basketball stars Trey Thompkins, Travis Leslie, and Iman Shumpert. During tonight's 2011 NBA Draft these players will either realize their lifelong dream or have their hopes dashed. All are essentially expected to be drafted but projecting where they might end up has proven difficult due to the overwhelming uncertainty that goes along with this draft class. 

SB Nation just finished conducting its annual first round mock draft and neither, Thompkins, Leslie, or Shumpert were selected in the first round. 

ESPN.com NBA writer Chad Ford has a full two-round mock draft and Iman Shumpert is the big winner as he is slated to be selected at No. 17 by the New York Knicks. It was rumored last week that Shumpert could have received a promise from the Knicks. He has also been rumored to be in play as high as to the Suns at No. 13. Yahoo Sports' mock draft has Shumpert solidly in the first round at No. 23 to the Houston Rockets so his name is one to keep an eye on Thursday night.

Ford's projections aren't nearly as positive for the two former Bulldogs Leslie and Thompkins. Ford projects Leslie to the Washington Wizards at No. 34 and Thompkins to the Golden State Warriors at No. 44. Leslie is a player that wouldn't surprise me terribly to see selected at the end of the first round due to his athleticism but there are enough question marks about his overall game to see him slide into the second. Thompkins might not slide past Indiana at No. 42 but would in theory give the Warriors a big body and low post scorer if he were to be still on the board at No. 44.

Yahoo Sports projects Leslie to the Chicago Bulls at No. 30 as the final pick of the first round and Thompkins to the Pacers at No. 42. Leslie would be a more athletic version of Keith Bogans for Chicago and Thompkins reportedly had a good workout with the Pacers so neither projection seem that far fetched. 

2011 NBA Draft News: Travis Leslie's Stock Steady Throughout Draft Process

Travis Leslie appears to be on the same plane as Iman Shumpert and Trey Thompkins. It would not be terribly surprising to see him picked at the end of the first round or sometime in the second. Leslie has first round athleticism but at 6-foot-4, doesn't quite have the size to play the small forward position. As a shooting guard, Leslie's jump shot is rather erratic although it has improved. 

Where Leslie will likely excel is as a wing defender where he can best take advantage of his athletic gifts. He could also potentially thrive in an uptempo system and would likely be more successful offensively. 

Draft Express projects Leslie to the Chicago Bulls at No. 30 as the last pick in the first round. In that scenario, Leslie would likely become a more athletic version of Keith Bogans. Draft Express' Mock History shows that Leslie's stock has essentially stayed the same throughout his junior season and the draft process. 

Chad Ford projects Leslie to the Washington Wizards at No. 34 and seemingly would be in play for the New Jersey Nets at No. 36 as Leslie has worked out for them also. 

I feel more confident in projecting where Travis Leslie will be picked in this draft than I do for either Iman Shumpert or Trey Thompkins. Leslie's ceiling is roughly the tail end of the first round and should be gone by the mid-point of the second. I would be shocked if he were still in play for the Atlanta Hawks at No. 48

2011 NBA Draft News: Trey Thompkins Likely A Second Round Pick

When this season began, it was thought that University of Georgia forward Trey Thompkins was a potential lottery pick. He won Preseason SEC Player of the Year but his season essentially failed to live up to the hype. Thompkins helped lead Georgia back to the NCAA Tournament and was solid but not spectacular. Injuries played a part but Thompkins has seen his stock slip significantly to where most projections have his as a solid second round pick. 

In a draft that is as wide open as this one, it is still possible that Thompkins could sneak into the first round. Recently ESPN analyst and NBA Today Podcast host Ryen Russillo tweeted that Thompkins had a much better shot at being selected in the first round than teammate Travis Leslie. 

If you look at Draft Express' Mock History for Trey Thompkins, you will see that he has been steadily on the decline. Currently Draft Express projects Thompkins as a second round selection to the Indiana Pacers. That is interesting considering Thompkins apparently received a positive vibe after his workout with Indiana as his Twitter status indicates.

Great workout with the Pacers... May be on to something. #blessed

I believe Thompkins has the ability to be a solid player in the NBA. He possesses a deft inside touch and a solid post game even without elite athleticism. His biggest obstacle could be his body and conditioning as his 15.5 body fat percentage at the Draft Combine suggests. If he is in shape then a team could take a late first round flyer. At this point though it would appear that he is likely to go in the second round and probably won't fall past Indiana at No. 42. 

2011 NBA Draft News: Iman Shumpert, Potentially A Lottery Pick?

Iman Shumpert's stock appears to be on the rise in the days leading up to the 2011 NBA Draft. Most experts agree that this draft is one of the weakest in some time and that helps explain the wide ranging possibilities of where players like Shumpert might be picked. 

According to Chad Ford, Shumpert is now getting looks as high as No. 13 to the Phoenix Suns. That is quite a big jump for a player that initially was projected to go in the second round or perhaps even undrafted. The question is whether or not Shumpert is worthy of that type of consideration. 

While he worked out as a point guard at the Draft Combine, he is probably more of a combo guard. While at Georgia Tech, he was not considered the greatest floor general although he did improve somewhat during his junior season. During his sophomore season he did not do the greatest job of getting the ball in the hands of Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal. 

As a scorer, Shumpert is a little hit or miss with his jumpshot. His shot selection in college left something to be desired but his athleticism was off the charts at the combine. His greatest value probably lies in his defensive capabilities as a wing defender in the NBA. He won't kill you as a ball handler but it remains to be seen whether he can adequately run a team in the NBA. 

To Shumpert's credit, he has acknowledged many of his weaknesses during the draft process. He clearly has worked hard and had some quality workouts for clubs thus the reason his stock is on the rise. He is a solid second round pick that could potentially sneak into the late first round. At this point it looks like drafting Iman Shumpert in the lottery would be considered quite the reach even for a draft that is regarded as weak. 

2011 NBA Mock Drafts: Iman Shumpert, Trey Thompkins, Travis Leslie On The First Round Bubble

The 2011 NBA Draft is just a little over a week away, and the futures of three local college stars will be decided. For Georgia Tech's Iman Shumpert and Georgia's Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie, the draft could be a dream come true or it could be an earth shattering reality check. 

Draft night is sure to be a nervous night for the three players as there really isn't a consensus on where they might be picked. Here is a round up of some of the latest mock drafts. 

SB Nation's Tom Ziller:

Ziller projects Shumpert to be selected No. 27 overall to the New Jersey Nets although he doesn't seem to really understand why. 

Shumpert could go in the teens. My question: if he's such a good prospect, why has everyone constantly ripped Georgia Tech's guard play?

Ziller doesn't project Thompkins or Leslie as first round picks. 

NBA Draft.net:

In their full draft projection, NBA Draft.net projects Thompkins as a first round pick at No. 25 to the Boston Celtics. Travis Leslie is slotted as a second round pick to New Jersey at No. 36. Shumpert follows close behind as the No. 44 pick to Chicago. 

Draft Express:

Draft Express is also high on Shumpert and have him going to Denver with the No. 22 selection in the first round. They also project Leslie as a first rounder going to Chicago at No. 30 with the final selection of the first round. Trey Thompkins slips all the way to the No. 12 pick of the second round by Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers. 

ESPN.com's Chad Ford

Ford doesn't project any of the three to be a first round pick in next week's draft. 

As far as the mock drafts are concerned, Shumpert seems to have the best chance at being selected in the first round. Thompkins and Leslie's projections as second rounders at best has to raise a few eyebrows at their decision to leave Georgia after their junior seasons. 

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, visit Ridiculous Upside and SB Nation's NBA Draft hub.