2011 NBA Draft: What positions should the G.S. Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers and L.A. Clippers look for?
Team: Golden State Warriors
Draft Pick: Lottery Pick
Recommended Position: Centre
The Golden State Warriors are alright at the small forward position. With Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis present, the backcourt is in more than capable hands. The struggles of the Warriors stem from their weakness up front. Neither
centre nor the power forward options are up to mark and that has caused a lot of suffering for Golden State.
The Warriors might be tempted to get the best available player and then trade around him, but that will only prolong their mediocrity. They have Ekpe Udoh who in time could be a good power forward. Therefore the best course of
action would be to grab the best centre available to keep him company, and watch them blossom together.
Team: Houston Rockets
Draft Pick: Lottery Pick and 23rd Pick
Recommended Position: Small Forward
Yao Ming’s injuries have hit the franchise hard. His future is uncertain and there is talk that Houston could replace him, or at least get a backup, in the 2011 NBA Draft. However Houston already have reserves at centre, and two
of them are 7 footers. If Yao recovers they will find themselves with huge selection problems and potentially, a wasted draft pick.
Therefore Houston should look to get a small forward. Their high pick would allow them to get one of the better one’s available. Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin and Luis Scola are good enough at the other three positions and Houston can
use their second draft pick to get the best player available at that point, who can perhaps give them an option on the bench.
Team: Indiana Pacers
Draft Pick: 15th Pick
Recommended Position: Shooting Guard
The Pacers are very well stocked at the forward positions. Danny Granger and Tyler Hansbrough are pretty good. They have backup in the position as well and one of the forwards, Dahntay Jones filled in at shooting guard in the playoffs.
The team has Roy Hibbert at centre and quite a few bigs, who more then held their own against Chicago Bulls in the playoffs. With Darren Collison around, they have the point guard position covered for years to come.
Therefore what could improve the team is a specialist shooting guard who can provide a proper scoring outlet for them.
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Draft Pick: No first round pick
Recommended Position: Anywhere
The Los Angeles Clippers are a very young team and they are also very good. The reason they didn’t make it to the playoffs is the lack of experience in the side, rather than a lack of talent. However with time that will change
and for now, the Clippers just need to be patient.
They have good young players all over the court. Blake Griffin had an amazing year that culminated with the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. They also have Eric Gordon at who keeps getting better every year. With Al-Farouq Aminu and
DeAndre Jordan around, the future upfront looks pretty safe. Mo Williams might be a question mark at point guard, but they already have his replacement in the shape of Eric Bledsoe.
The team is going up and would take whatever they can get from the draft. Considering they don’t have a 1st round pick, it will largely be inconsequential anyway.
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