ESPN's Chad Ford continues to move Washington State's Klay Thompson up his draft board as the 2011 NBA Draft nears. Thanks to another strong week of workouts, Thompson is rising, and Ford has taken notice, pushing him all the way up to No. 11 in his latest 2011 NBA mock draft (insider). The interest Thompson has garnered from teams in the middle of the first round may be pushing his stock higher, and it's looking more and more like Thompson won't be available past the lottery picks at this point.
Ford has the Golden State Warriors selecting Thompson at No. 11, and noted the growing buzz surrounding the Cougs' star. On his draft blog, Ford said he's hearing the Bucks, Warrior, Suns and Pacers are all taking a hard look at Thompson, and the Knicks and Wizards would both like a shot at him, though he may not be around (via CougCenter).
But I don't think the Knicks (17th pick) nor the Wizards (18th pick) will be able to get their hands on him. Yes, I've had Thompson going to the Wizards in all three of my mock drafts, but I'm hearing that a number of teams ahead of them -- read: the Bucks, Warriors, Suns and Pacers -- have serious interest.
Thompson has been one of the biggest risers in the draft, thanks in large part to consistently strong workouts throughout the process. He's proven himself against many of the best prospects in the 2011 NBA Draft, and has opened plenty of eyes as the draft nears. And because of his strong workouts, it's all but assured Thompson lands in the lottery and, perhaps, the top-10.
For the latest on Thompson's place in the draft, feel free to peruse the rest of our 2011 NBA mock draft StoryStream. Head over to SB Nation's CougCenter for all things Washington State athletics, as well.