2011 NBA Mock Draft
(May 18, 2011)
(May 18, 2011)
The Cleveland Cavaliers were projected to have the number one overall pick for most of the season. Not only do they pick first, but they also have the fourth overall pick which gives them leverage. Find out who falls and who rises in my latest mock.
(Picks 15-30 to be added soon, as well as round two.)
1. Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 180 lbs. | Class: Freshman
Analysis: Cleveland, looking to rebuild, needs talent all across the board. Kyrie Irving is the best player in the draft, and would be their point guard of the future. Drawing some comparisons to Chris Paul, Irving has the quickness and play making ability that the Cavaliers lack, and would add some depth to the back court.
2. Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 241 lbs. | Class: Sophomore
Analysis: Minnesota is in a tough spot. There is early speculation that the Timberwolves are looking to move the number two pick, and I don't blame them. Derrick Williams would be the best player on the board, but isn't an ideal fit. Enes Kanter makes some sense, as well, but they have to draft the best player available if they keep this pick, in this case it's Williams.
3. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 185 lbs. | Class: Freshman
Analysis: Brandon Knight can be the point guard of the future for Utah. For now, he can step in at the two guard and team up with Devin Harris in the back court. Kemba Walker could also be an option, but I believe Knight is higher on their board.
4. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 225 lbs. | Class: Sophomore
Analysis: Once again, the Cavs need talent across the board, so they can afford to draft the best player available. Enes Kanter could be that guy, but Kawhi Leonard is not too far behind him in terms of ranking, and would fill their need for a wing player. Leonard is gaining momentum as the draft approaches, and it may very well make him a top five pick.
5. Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 260 lbs. | Class: Freshman
Analysis: Kanter is the best player on the board that makes sense for teh Raptors. Andrea Bargnani is more of a perimeter based big man, and as a true big man Kanter would complement Bargnani's skill set.
6. Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 230 lbs. | Class: International
Analysis: Vesely is an intriguing prospect. He has the size of a 4, but has the skill set of a three. The Wizards need some help on the wing so this pick makes sense.
7. Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 172 lbs. | Class: Junior
Analysis: If the Kings want to stay in Sacramento, they must sell tickets. Kemba Walker will help do that. Not only can he contribute right away with his quickness and scoring ability, but he can develop into a true point guard and form a flashy guard duo with Tyreke Evans.
8. Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 248 lbs. | Class: International
Analysis: Replacing Tayshaun Prince is the top priority for Detroit, but the top wing players are off the board. Bismack Biyombo is an athletic prospect with an amazing 7-7 wingspan. He is raw in terms of talent, but he has all of the physical tools necessary to transition to the NBA.
9. Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 235 lbs. | Class: Junior
Analysis: Charlotte will likely miss out on the top three point guards: Irving, Walker, and Knight. I also don't see them reaching for Jimmer Fredette. They need some size and depth inside, which is what Marcus Morris would provide along with a nice inside/outside game.
10. Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 185 lbs. | Class: Sophomore
Analysis: Burks is the best shooting guard in the class, and he can flat out score the basketball. Milwaukee was the worst offensive team in the NBA this past season, and they also need to replace some upcoming free agents in the back court.
11. Jonas Valanciunas, C/PF, Lithuania
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 240 lbs. | Class: International
Analysis: Another interesting international prospect, the Lithuanian big should be able to play center at the next level. He has great upside, and would give the Warriors some much needed energy and quickness coming off the bench.
12. Jordan Hamilton, G/F, Texas
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 220 lbs. | Class: Sophomore
Analysis: Gordon Hayward is an ideal wing player, but the Jazz may have to upgrade him with Jordan Hamilton. A lethal scorer with range on his jumper, Hamilton is best suited to play on the wing, but can easily play the 2 guard, which is a position of need for the Jazz (especially if they don't play Knight at the 2).
13. Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 225 lbs. | Class: Freshman
Analysis: Most mock drafts don't have the Suns drafting a power forward. But Tristan Thompson is the best player on the board at this point, and would be an upgrade at that position. Thompson lacks size, but he is a terrific offensive rebounder, and he continues to develop his offensive game.
14. Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 195 lbs. | Class: Senior
Analysis: Without many glaring holes on their roster, the Rockets can afford to draft Jimemr Fredette here. He can give them another three point shooter, and eventually take over as the starting point guard if Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic don't work out.
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