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2011 NBA Draft: Picks 6-10 analysis plus fantasy implications

6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, SF, Czech Republic

Analysis: The Wizards really wanted Vesely and got their man with the sixth overall pick. This ultra-athletic small forward can get up and down the floor with the best of the draft class and has an improving jump shot that will help him fit right in with John Wall. Even better for his fantasy stock, the Wizards were desperate to find a small forward, meaning Vesely could enter the starting rotation from day one.

Depth Chart: Jan Vesely, Josh Howard, Maurice Evans, Rashard Lewis

Projected Stats: 12 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.0 3pg, 45.0 FG%

7. Sacramento Kings (picking for Charlotte): Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo

Analysis: Charlotte is fantasy-starved at the moment, meaning Biyombo will be able to come in right away and log minutes. After a sub-par Eurocamp, Biyombo's stock rose after just about every workout in the U.S., shooting him all the way up to the seventh pick. Standing in his way of a starting gig is Boris Diaw and potentially Tyrus Thomas, but if he is worth anything fantasy-wise it will come on the glass and in blocks. Don't expect much out of the gates for him, but an injury could force him into big minutes.

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Depth Chart: Boris Diaw, Tyrus Thomas, Bismack Biyombo

Projected Stats: 2.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 0.5 spg

8. Detroit Pistons: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

Analysis: While the Pistons might not sniff .500 in 2011, Knight could have a Rookie of the Year-like season in Detroit. After slipping to the No. 8 pick, the Pistons will shift Rodney Stuckey over to shooting guard, opening the door for Knight to log 30+ minutes at point guard. He isn't quite polished in the passing department, but he can score and makes plays every night. Look for him and Greg Monroe to form an excellent young duo in the Motor City.

Depth Chart: Brandon Knight, Will Bynum, Tracy McGrady

Projected Stats: 11.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.5 spg

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut

Analysis: Like Knight, Walker also slipped in the draft and the Bobcats wind up with a good one here. D.J. Augustin improved a season ago but no one in the organization believes he is the point guard of the future. Enter Walker, who will battle with him for the starting gig. Much like Denver, the point guard situation could get sticky in Charlotte and both could cancel each other out.

Depth Chart: D.J. Augustin, Kemba Walker

Projected Stats: 12.0 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.0 rpg, 1.0 3pg

10. Milwaukee Bucks (drafting for Sacramento): Jimmer Fredette, SG, BYU

Analysis: Sacramento's back court should be very exciting next year, and Fredette is a big reason why. Many wondered where Fredette would wind up after a crazy day of speculation, and Sacramento is about as good as it gets in terms of his fantasy numbers. Tyreke Evans will shift over to point guard while Fredette takes on the dual role of public relations extraordinaire and shooting guard. Fredette may not win the Kings any titles, but he should be fantasy-worthy in most leagues for points and three pointers. 

Depth Chart: Jimmer Fredette, Marcus Thornton, John Salmons

Projected Stats: 14.5 ppg, 1.5 3pg, 2.5 apg, 90.0 FT%

By

Fantasy Basketball Examiner

Mark Strotman is currently a junior at Marquette University, majoring in journalism. He has played fantasy basketball for six years and is an...

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