Klay Thompson is hovering around the middle of the first round in the latest set of 2011 NBA mock drafts, and it appears he's more-or-less locked in. SB Nation's Tom Ziller had Thompson just outside the lottery picks in his first go-round, and though he slid a bit this week, fans may like where he ends up. It's the bright lights and big stage of New York for Thompson as Ziller projects him to be taken by the New York Knicks with the 17th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Ziller brings up a point about Thompson's father, former No. 1 overall pick Mychal Thompson, when describing the pick in his latest 2011 NBA mock draft.. As someone who's watched Thompson play throughout his career, it boggles my mind that some may not realize who his father is, considering broadcasters tend to hammer the point home every single time he takes the court. But alas, here's what Ziller had to say.
There's going to be a moment when the wider world beyond the hallowed halls of draft nerds realizes that Klay is the son of Mychal Thompson. I'm not sure if that moment will be good or bad for Klay's stock. But it will be something.
Helicopter dad comes to mind here. And now just lightly buzzing traffic copter, either. It's more of a blackhawk armed with dangerous weapons ready to fire at a moment's notice.
Pedigree aside, Thompson can flat play and would compliment Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups well. He has the length to get up and help on the glass and would add another outside threat to the Knicks' lineup.
You can read the rest of Ziller's projections here.
We'll be tracking Thompson and Washington's Isaiah Thomas ahead of the draft to see where they fit and where they may come off the board. Stay with our 2011 NBA mock draft StoryStream for the latest on the draft as more becomes available. For more on Thompson and the Cougars, head over to SB Nation's CougCenter. To check in with Thomas and the Huskies, visit UW Dawg Pound.