Lottery leads to all things NBA Draft

The NBA Draft Lottery offered clarity in the order of selections for the June 23rd NBA Draft. The Lottery is a bit like when Santa Claus appears in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It symbolizes the start of the "Draft season". ...The Pre Draft combine starts tomorrow in Chicago and we will begin to get into the nitty gritty of measurements, and testing results. But as previously stated - nothing beats actually having watched full games in their proper context. 

Most of my feelings on 2011 Draft prospects are set. Certainly I will continue to filter all of the information I can stomach but it seems funny to me that so much attention is placed on the combine where the players NEVER actually play ANY games or team basketball. 

How would Dirk Nowitzki fare in the weight lifting and running and jumping tests were he to be subjected to them? Remember when Kevin Durant couldn’t lift the bench bar once? 

The information gleaned at the combine IS a piece to the puzzle but it should be a nano-particle size piece. 

…Here are some players I believe could have easily been invited to Chicago but somehow were shut out: 

1. Jamine Peterson – This cat is a terrific scorer with a nose for the ball. But his reputation may have kept him out. I've followed him on Twitter for awhile now and let's just say Peterson seems to live life to the fullest. There is no shame in his game and that could be a public relations nightmare. But make no mistake, Peterson can play and with his strength and athleticism - he really should be an NBA player. 

2. Damien Saunders - Duquesne - Saunders has quick hands and a knack for getting to the basket. 

3. Mario Little - Kansas - This one really stumps me overall. I search for any news regarding Little and the NBA and I come up empty. Didn't anyone watch Kansas games this year. Little outplayed Josh Selby by miles. 

Freeman plays the right way.

4. Austin Freeman - Georgetown - Freeman is not just a jump shooter. He gets it. And he can knock down shots. 

5. Justin Brownlee - St. John's - NBA body - and he can make mid-range shots. He moves the ball - and sees the floor very well - often winding up with assists - passing from the hi-post. …Has a dependable turn around, fade away jump shot that is hard to guard. ...He rebounds outside his area. Quick enough that he will take almost any opposing PF off the dribble. ...Powerful enough to take contact and still hit a shot. 

6. Lacedarius Dunn - Baylor - Dunn didn't have a great Senior year but he can score in any league. 

7. Jeremy Hazell - I really like Hazell's game as it translates to the NBA. He can score and create his own shot and he is great in transition. He should be in the NBA next year. 

8. Terrence Jennings - Louisville - Jennings is an NBA caliber athlete that provides energy as a rebounder and shot blocker. 

9. Tre'von Willis - UNLV - He's had knee issues and off the court trouble but Willis can play basketball and he makes big shots. He's worth a look.

Scott is a knock down shooter

10. Carleton Scott - Notre Dame - He is a shot maker with some size and that is always worth exploring. 

11. Matt Howard - Butler - Too determined to be doubted. 

12. Ryan Rossiter - Siena - Good hands, excellent rebounder. MAAC Player of the Year. 

13. Billy White - San Diego St. - NBA athlete that can defend multiple positions and finish in transition. 

14. Durell Summers - Michigan St - Summers received plenty of bad reviews during the season past but he does many things well too. 

15. Jackson Emery - BYU - A way better athlete than given credit for.