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The 2011 NBA Draft will feature many very talented freshman in its class. And although he didn't play as many games as the others, Kyrie Irving of Duke could very well be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and groomed as the next great guard with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As of this minute, it appears as if the Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers will have the best chance to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Depending on what other underclassmen declare early or decide to return to school, Irving could battle it out with Derrick Williams of Arizona as the top pick in the draft.

Truth be told, neither team could go wrong with either player.

Personally, I would prefer to take Irving, because a strong point guard is so important in the NBA nowadays. Teams need a catalyst for their offense and Irving would serve as exactly that, as the Timberwolves already have some big pieces in play - both literally and figuratively - in Kevin Love and Michael Beasley. Just think what a solid point guard could do for their careers moving forward.

Irving did not play a full college season, but he was considered as the top overall pick before he went down with a big toe injury. He played just eight games prior to that, and came back in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and did not change anyone's mind. He is still ranked as the top overall prospect by many scouts.

Minnesota took a big gamble a couple of years ago by drafting both Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio. Flynn was always overrated, and Rubio has yet to depart from Europe. Even if he does, he is unlikely to ever suit up for the Timberwolves. That is why they need to seriously consider drafting a top notch point guard for the future.

Where guard play is so important in the NBA today, Irving would be a great way to start building toward the future.

Chad Ford of ESPN said that the Duke freshman ranks in good company.

"Irving's 31.7 PER ranking would put him in the top 5 of all college players," said Ford. "Only two draft prospects -- [Derrick] Williams and Kenneth Faried -- were more efficient this year. He plays a critical position that several lottery teams (see Cleveland, Sacramento and Minnesota) desperately need. If everything clicks in workouts and physicals, he has a very strong case for the No. 1 pick."

You could not go wrong in selecting Irving. He certainly has the skills necessary to run an offense at the next level, and he will continue to improve with more minutes. In one season at Duke where he played only a handful of games, he showed why he should be in consideration for the No. 1 pick. That is awfully impressive.

Irving has not yet declared himself eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft. But it is something that everyone feels has been a foregone conclusion for a very long time. If he does in fact come out after one season at Duke, there is no reason to believe that he will not go within the first two or three picks.

If he doesn't go first overall.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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In the 2011 NBA Draft, many players have used the 2011 NCAA Tournament to help improve their draft status. Some players will ride a deep tournament run right into the draft, and Derrick Williams of Arizona is one of those players.

Williams saw his draft stock rise with each passing game. He developed into one of the most impressive players in the country as the season progressed, and he could be a top pick if he decides to come out after his sophomore season and declare for the 2011 NBA Draft.

Although they could use some improvement at the guard position, drafting Williams would be so tempting for the Cleveland Cavaliers that it would be almost impossible to pass him up, unless Kyrie Irving of Duke was still on the board when they pick. And even then, Cleveland may prefer to select Williams with the No. 2 pick of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that Williams improved with every game toward the end of the season and 2011 NCAA Tournament.

"Derrick Williams has been steadily rising in our rankings all year," said Ford. "He began the season ranked No. 26 on our Big Board. In late December he cracked the lottery. In January we moved him into our Top 10 and in February we moved him all the way to No. 4 on our Big Board and we raised the possibility of Williams being the No. 1 pick in the draft."

Some may criticize that Williams did not play against some of the toughest defenders in the country during a weak Pac-10 season, but he proved in the 2011 NCAA Tournament that he can play against the best. It may take him a year or two to polish some of his skills, but there is very little reason to believe why he could not dominate at the next level as well.

Besides, that argument is old. It is the same one that people will use against players from non-power conference schools. Talent is talent, regardless of where it shines in college. Williams shines at Arizona for the past two seasons.

Williams is just two seasons removed from high school, so it may be good for him to return to school for one more year. But it will not likely improve his draft stock all that much, because it is almost as high as it can go right now. He may get better after one more year in college, but he won't get selected much higher. 

That is what leads me to think that he will throw his name into this year's draft pool.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is about predicting which players will go to which teams. It is also about predicting which ones will even declare themselves eligible at this point.

That is made even more challenging by the fact that European players have longer to withdraw from the draft, meaning a team's plans can change just a week or two prior to draft night.

Every season, an international player will skyrocket up draft boards. Part of that is because they put on some solid showings and workouts after the NBA season is over, while another reason is due to the fact that many talented underclassmen have also withdrawn their names from the draft and have decided to return to school for another season.

The name that you will hear from an international standpoint this June will be Bismack Biyombo of the Congo. At 6'9'' and 243 pounds, Biyombo has an incredible 7'7'' wingspan, making him a potential shot blocker extraordinaire inside.

Biyomobo could fit in perfectly with the Washington Wizards. Washington already has its backcourt of the future in John Wall and Nick Young, but the international big man would fit in very well with the likes of Andray Blatche and JaVale Mcgee.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that the buzz surrounding Biyombo will only continue to grow over the next couple of months.

"Biyombo is a huge draw for NBA scouts and GMs," says Ford. "Very few of them have seen him up close. He's a 6-foot-9, 245-pound Serge Ibaka-type player with a crazy 7-foot-7 wingspan. He's been playing well in Spain of late, and every week he seems to be creeping up NBA draft boards. If he has a big tournament against the best American high school prospects in the country, he could easily be a lottery pick.... He's one of the few ultra athletic players in Europe right now. He has the physical profile down and scouts claim that he's more polished than most players his age. The fact that he's getting some real playing time in the best league in Europe, the ACB, helps him as well."

Biyombo is still very raw, but in a draft where many of the top talented underclassmen may be returning to school, expect Biyomobo to continue to climb up many draft board rankings. He could be the biggest surprise of the 2011 NBA Draft, especially if the Washington Wizards select him with the No. 3 pick.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft features many underclassmen who need to polish a few of their skills before they can reach an elite status at the next level. Brandon Knight of Kentucky is one of those types of players, but he is already very close to looking like he could play a key role as a rookie next season.

That is why he would be a great pick for the Toronto Raptors with the No. 4 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. They will need some guards to work around, and as of now, Knight is sort of a combo guard who can play the point or the two spot at different times on the floor.

Knight can be a bit streaky at times. In some game,s he looks great, where as in others he is almost mediocre. He needs to work on the consistency of his shooting in order to develop into an elite guard at the next level. Right now, he is not quite there yet, although that will not prevent many teams from selecting him in the 2011 lottery.

He had some decent options at Kentucky that he made play better. Think bout what he could do for Andrea Bargnani, who is already turning into an excellent NBA player? Knight could also help DeMar DeRozan improve, as he would have someone to facilitate some more shots for him in the open court.

Chad Ford of ESPN said during the opening weekend of the 2011 NCAA Tournament that there have been ups and downs for Knight as a freshman at Kentucky.

"Scouts got down on Knight in a hurry after a so-so performance in the Maui Invitational Tournament in November," said Ford. "While Knight is clearly talented, his struggles running coach John Calipari's dribble-drive offense had scouts questioning what sort of point guard he'd be in the pros."

But as the season - and Knight - progressed, Ford also added what a matter of months can do for a young player.

"But Knight got better -- a lot better -- as the season progressed, much like two other former Calipari guards, Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans," said Ford. "Knight is more comfortable running the offense (especially since Calipari has him using more ball screens) and has been Kentucky's steadiest player this season."

Knight shines in some games, like he did against North Carolina in the Elite Eight, but struggles significantly in others, like in the Wildcats' tourney opener against Princeton. As a freshman, he certainly has plenty of room for growth, but he will need to take significant steps forward to make it in the NBA.

But regardless of how he starts in big games, nobody can question his clutch shooting at the end of games. Although it was his only field goal of the game, he sent Princeton packing at the end of the game. He had a much better start against Ohio State and North Carolina, but he did the same thing toward the end of those huge games as well.

Question his consistency all you want - and I do - but the bottom line is that this kid comes up big every time when it matters most.

That would be very big for the Raptors at the next level.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is about potential. Sure, you draft on what you have seen out of players so far, but you also have to predict what they will be at the next level. There is no such thing as a sure thing, so every player entering the draft has potential. It is up to every team to determine who has the most potential to help lead their team in the future.

Teams may have only seen one season out of Perry Jones from Baylor, but it was enough to prove to them that he is a likely top five pick in June. 

Jones would fit perfectly into the system the Sacramento Kings run, and he could be a very quick contributor. Maybe not as a rookie, but the skill set is there for him to have a very promising NBA career. Actually, some view him as a sort of project for the first couple of seasons.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that while Jones has a ton of potential, he still has his flaws as he works on improving his overall game.

"NBA coaches won't need him to play in the middle, and a few open-minded ones might even let him play some guard," says Ford. "His athleticism and skill level for a big man is what puts him in the conversation for the No. 1 pick. But make no mistake: Overall, it's been a disappointing freshman season for Jones. Scouts worry about his drive, his development and his toughness."

It kind of amazes me that so many negative attributes can be associated with a player who is still being considered as a top overall pick. Is Jones still a safe selection than this early in the draft?

Still, everyone needs to remember that it was just one season. he finished the year with a very good field goal percentage, and his potential is through the roof.

Fran Fraschilla of ESPN also noted that Jones has some downside, but also noted how great he could be with some seasoning and the right coaching.

"I live in Dallas, and last spring I saw Jones work out quite a bit," wrote Fraschilla. "He has a tremendous basketball body. He's 6-foot-10, 230 pounds -- might still be growing -- and he can handle the ball like a forward or a guard. He has a tremendous work ethic and attitude, as well."

Ultimately, Jones is a risk. But can anyone name one player who is not, at least to some extent? His risk will not outweigh the possible reward for one NBA team, and the Kings could make the most sense as they prepare to move down the road to Anaheim.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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In the 2011 NBA Draft, many players have used the 2011 NCAA Tournament to help improve their draft status. Some players will ride a trip to the Final Four right into the draft, and Terrence Jones of Kentucky is one of those players.

By helping the Wildcats make an improbable run to the Final Four, Jones has seen his draft stock soar even higher. He was projected as a borderline lottery pick throughout the season, but now he has all but assured himself of becoming a top 10 pick, if not top five, depending on which players declare themselves eligible.

Of course, Jones himself has to also declare, but that should be just a matter of time. After all, isn't that what most players who play for John Calipari do these days?

When they talk about 'one-and-done' players, they mean the Wildcats. Those are the types of players Calipari recruits, which is no problem, but they are not exactly destined to become four year starters in college.

Chad Ford of ESPN points out that one year may have been enough proof for NBA scouts.

"Jones is one of the most versatile players in college basketball," says Ford. "He can play multiple positions. He can score inside and outside and is a good ball handler, rebounder and passer. Combine that with Jones' 7-2 wingspan and terrific athleticism and you have a terrific NBA prospect."

But is not all roses for Jones, as Ford points out that he has a tendency to struggle at times as well.

"Jones is streaky," says Ford. "He has struggled with his shot in the second half of the season and has stumbled in some critical games for Kentucky. At times, he doesn't display the greatest body language or motor."

But he is just a freshman in college. His maturity will improve, and it is not as if we are talking about someone as immature as Demarcus Cousins. That former Wildcat may never grow up, but Jones has much more potential.

Ideally, the Utah Jazz could probably use a strong shooting guard with the No. 6 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. But if Jones is still there at their first round selection, they would be hard pressed to pass on the freshman from Kentucky.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is about selecting a player who can help your team improve. Many teams will draft a project because they see great potential in their future. Other teams will take a player who just needs a season or two to develop. Some need a player who can turn their franchise around immediately.

The Detroit Pistons would be the latter in that scenario. But truthfully, can any one player turn this team around? For that matter, can any two or three accomplish that feat either?

Doubtful.

The Pistons are horrible. They can't score, pass, rebound or defend. They are just a bad team who quit on their coach earlier this season, and they are a disgrace to the city and the fans.

Yet you know what they say about things having to first hit rock bottom before they get better? That is what would happen if Detroit drafts Jan Vesely of the Czech Republic with the No. 7 pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Granted, that is actually giving credit to the Pistons for not already hitting a new low. It is amazing to think that things could still get worse before they get better. Drafting Vesely could put them even further down the ladder in the Eastern Conference.

That is no knock against Vesely, although I am certainly not saying I would draft him. But the Pistons need someone to help improve their team right now. As in today. Or yesterday, better yet. They cannot afford the luxury of being patient. Sure, whoever they draft will not turn them into a playoff contender next season - even in the weak lower half of the Eastern Conference - but they need someone who will at least show up to the team.

That is the problem with drafting European players. You have no idea if they will get out of their contracts and ever join your team.

How is Ricky Rubio panning out for the Minnesota Timberwolves thus far? And he is not the only one.

Detroit should have learned from the Dark Milicic disaster. You think they would have rather had Carmelo Anthony? Or Chris Bosh? Or Dwyane Wade?

Funny, that is the year that LeBron James came out as well, but he went first overall, so Detroit could not have drafted him. It was like the whole current Miami Heat team entered the league at the same time, just with different teams to begin.

But anyway.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that Vesely is ready, and that he could pay dividends if he does enter the league next season.

"Vesely is a terrific athlete who has played major minutes on a Euroleague team the past two seasons. He has already announced he'll be in the draft. Many scouts think he's the most NBA-ready European player out there and a likely top-10 pick."

That would still not be enough to convince me to select him with a lottery pick. We have seen few Dirk Nowitzki's enter the NBA. Many more have turned out like Milicic.

Detroit needs an impact player in the first round, and they cannot afford to waste a pick. I am not saying for sure that drafting Vesely would be a wasted pick, but neither would I ever deem it a safe one under any circumstances.

And with a lockout looming on the horizon, would European players really pick this year to come over to the NBA earlier than they are required?

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is about potential. Sure, you draft on what you have seen out of players so far, but you also have to predict what they will be at the next level. There is no such thing as a sure thing, so every player entering the draft has potential. It is up to every team to determine who has the most potential to help lead their team in the future.

But when you have a player who has been forced to sit out for an entire season and has no college basketball experience, you really have to forecast a player's potential without as much to rely on in the evaluation process.

Enes Kanter of Kentucky is one of the best examples.

I say of Kentucky, but maybe saying Turkey would be a better description.

That is because Kanter was never allowed to play for the Wildcats. He was declared permanently ineligible to play in the NCAA as it was investigated that he received benefits as an amateur. Kentucky has found great success this season, but just think how dominant they could have been with him on the floor.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that even though scouts may not have seen a ton out of Kanter quite yet, they may all regret passing on his potential at the next level.

"The NCAA denied Kanter's bid to play for Kentucky this season, placing him in limbo all year," says Ford. "He's been hanging around Kentucky, working as a student-assistant coach, but the loss of playing time hurts. He'll spend the spring working with Michael Jordan's former trainer, Tim Grover, in Chicago in preparation for the draft. Most GMs still have him as a top-five or top-six pick. Great workouts could lift him even higher."

At 6'10'' and 255 pounds, Kanter would make an excellent replacement for Zydrunas Illgauskas with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He dominated some of the greatest collegiate players last year in the Nike Hoop Summit, and he is one of the more NBA ready players who will be in this year's draft class.

Kanter can play offense and defense and provides great energy on both ends of the court. He will be a very high pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, so all Cleveland has to worry about is someone taking Kanter before they pick. Depending on who else comes out early, they could consider taking him with their first pick, which could be the top spot overall.

When you have a team with so many holes on it - as do the Cavs - you need to draft the best available players. Cleveland has two picks in the top 10, so this could be their biggest draft ever. If they make the right decisions, they could be back in the playoffs within a season or two.

But if they pick wrong, they could wallow in the bottom of the standings for many years to come. Kanter could be one of two big picks to right the ship and help people forget how LeBron James bolted for warmer pastures in Miami.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is about potential. Sure, you draft on what you have seen out of players so far, but you also have to predict what they will be at the next level. There is no such thing as a sure thing, so every player entering the draft has potential. It is up to every team to determine who has the most potential to help lead their team in the future.

Tobias Harris played just one season at the University of Tennessee. But in his opinion, it was enough to prove that he is worthy of being selected in the lottery of the 2011 NBA Draft.

With the No. 9 pick, the Milwaukee Bucks may just agree with the Volunteer 'one-and-done' forward.

Harris had to weather the storm, so to speak, at Tennessee this past season. The team was up and down, the head coach was in and out, and the players had to handle a lot in one season. While the team may have not had too many steady factors in place, Harris was extremely consistent. That was made even more impressive by the fact that he was one of the youngest players in the country last season.

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress says that Harris certainly must have impressed his fair share of scouts with his consistent play last season.

"The biggest intrigue around Harris stems around his versatility, as he's a solidly built 6-8 power forward with a very good skill-set and an excellent feel for the game," says Givony. "Harris is a tremendous mismatch threat at the college level as he has the ball-handling skills to take his man off the dribble from the perimeter, but is still big and strong enough to make his presence felt inside the paint on both ends of the floor. He's also a very good passer who moves off the ball well and shows great maturity and unselfishness operating in the half-court."

The Bucks have a very solid backcourt in Brandon Jennings and John Salmons. When Michael Redd hopefully returns to full health, it will only get more explosive.

Milwaukee is set in the middle with Andrew Bogut, but Harris could fit in very well inside to help out in the paint. Some may see Harris as a bit of a reach at the No. 9 pick, but he has the potential to be a perennial All-Star if he is in the right situation to continue to mature and develop his skills.

The Bucks are close to a playoff team right now. In the Eastern Conference, they are only a player or two away from being a team who can win a first round series. Harris could help them realize that sooner rather than later.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft features many talented big men who can score, but Marcus Morris of Kansas may be the most NBA ready right now. He could be the best for the next decade. he is that talented. 

The Golden State Warriors should put that theory to the test and select the Jayhawks big man in the first round. He could be the best power forward the Warriors have had since the days Chris Webber graced the team's frontcourt. I say days because his run really seemed that short lived at times.

Hopefully, Morris could last a little longer in Golden State than Webber. 

The Warriors can score, but they struggle to rebound and play defense. Morris already possess the size and skills to defend some of the better NBA forwards.

Chad Ford of ESPN said of Morris and his Jayhawks that they were all solid, but only one stood out a little better than the others on one side of the court.

"Kansas has the best front line in the NCAA. Marcus Morris is the best offensive prospect of the group," says Ford. "His ability to be equally effective with his back to the basket and on the perimeter is special."

Morris has the size that could help the Warriors improve immediately. He could eventually be a great complimentary player in the paint alongside David Lee. It may take him a year or two to reach that level, but Morris could help the Warriors reach the playoffs with a very young roster.

You think about the guard play that this team already has with Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. That alone should be enough to keep them competitive for years to come. But in the Western Conference, two strong players is not nearly enough.

But if they were to add someone of Morris' caliber and pair him with Lee, then we are talking about an explosive club. It may not put them ahead of the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, but it could eventually be enough to get them past the aging San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks.

So with the No. 10 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors could do much worse than selecting Marcus Morris.

But I'm not sure that they could do much better.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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In the 2011 NBA Draft, some teams will be looking for a centerpiece to their team, while others will be looking for the missing piece.

The Charlotte Bobcats, however, are in dire need of many pieces currently missing from their roster. With that being said, they may as well select one of the best pure scorers with the No. 11 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

That player would be Alec Burks of the Colorado Buffaloes.

The Colorado Buffaloes shooting guard is one of the more underrated players in the country. Had he played at North Carolina, Duke, Kansas or Kentucky, he would be talked about as a top possible pick. But since Colorado did not even receive an invite to the 2011 NCAA Tournament, he is being discussed toward the bottom of the lottery picks.

But while he will likely still be on the board when the Bobcats pick, he is talented enough to earn the rookie of the year award in 2011-2012. His offensive skills are that solid.

While he needs to improve on his jump shot, Burks could become a prolific scorer at the next level.

Chad Ford of ESPN agrees,saying that while Burks is not the best shooter in the draft, his other offensive skills more than make up for his somewhat deficient shooting.

"When Burks is at his best, he's slicing through defenses and finishing at the basket,: says Ford. "When he gets free, he can have huge games, and he'll probably need a few of those in the Big 12 tournament to convince NBA execs that he should be in the lottery conversation. As it stands, he's a mid to late first-round pick."

Burks has some work to do before can dominate at the next level. But taking someone who is never afraid to put his head down and drive to the hole is never a bad thing. You want someone who does not become reliant on his jumper from 18 feet away. Sure, Burks does not really possess that right now anyway, but that will come all in due time.

His shooting skills may leave a bit to be desired, but his scoring abilities more than make up for that to make him a solid draft pick.

The Bobcats need some one who can score. Burks can do that, and that is why he would be a solid pick for Charlotte with the No. 11 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is all about finding that special player who can take your team to the elite stages of the NBA. Some need to replace one recently departed player, whether they left through free agency or a trade, while others are looking for someone who could replace a player from long ago.

The Utah Jazz have been looking for a seven footer who can score since the days of Mark Eaton. They may finally be able to find that in Donatas Motiejunas of Lithuania. He could certainly add some more instant offense to an already impressive frontcourt.

Utah acquired Derrick Favors in the Deron Williams trade, so they do not need a strong power forward. They need someone even taller. While a shooting guard may be more desirable, if the right one is not available, the Jazz would be hard pressed to pass on Motiejunas with the No. 12 pick.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that "Motiejunas is an aggressive scorer in the paint," but it is a comparison to a current NBA star that has scouts salivating all across the league.

"He's still a below-average rebounder and doesn't add much in the way of defense, but if Motiejunas keeps this up, he looks like a lock for the lottery," says Ford. "One NBA scout told me he could go much higher than that, comparing him to a young Pau Gasol. If the NBA lockout takes out some of the better underclassmen in the draft, the scout's high-lottery projection might be right."

Drafting a European player is always a risk. Some do not pan out, while many never even sign. But sometimes, you have to roll the dice on someone who is built like Motiejunas.

Right now, he is a seven foot tall power forward. But if he can add some muscle, he would be the ideal center in the NBA, and could fill a much needed role with the Jazz, especially if he can improve upon his rebounding skills. 

If Motiejunas could become the next Eaton, it would be a solid pick. If he ever turned into the next Gasol, it would be the steal of the decade.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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In the 2011 NBA Draft, some teams will be looking for a centerpiece to their team, while others will be looking for the missing piece.

The Phoenix Suns may not be that close to competing for an NBA championship. but adding one of the best pure scorers in the draft pool could go a long ways in helping them get back into the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard of San Diego State could be that player.

Leonard could actually be the type of player that the Suns have been missing since they traded away Shawn Marion.

Leonard is not Marion. But he could fill a certain need that Marion used to provide. He is a similar size and possesses some of the same skills that Marion brought to Phoenix.

Leonard has been one of the more breakthrough players of the past NCAA season, and his stock has skyrocketed because of his play. He led the Aztecs to a place where they had not been before.

Chad Ford of ESPN says that Leonard may have as much potential as any player in this draft class.

"He's still developing his game offensively, but when you watch him, it's hard not to see what makes him special,: says Ford. "NBA scouts love guys with intangibles, and Leonard appears to have them."

The former Aztecs small forward has a great wingspan and is very physical. Playing with Steve Nash could only help improve his offensive skills. Nash makes every player better, and it would be very beneficial for Leonard to learn how to play the game at the next level with a great floor leader such as Nash.

Either way, Leonard will be a lottery pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He used his collegiate career over the last couple of seasons to get him to the next level. He has all of the physical skills to succeed in the NBA, and would be a perfect fit for the Phoenix Suns with the No. 13 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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The 2011 NBA Draft is all about finding that special player who can take your team to the elite stages of the NBA. Some need to replace one recently departed player, whether they left through free agency or a trade. While others are looking for someone who could replace a legend.

The Houston Rockets are still looking to replace Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon, and Jordan Williams of the Maryland Terrapins could be that player. He could be the best power forward the team has had since the Round Mound of Rebounds himself.

Williams will most likely test the waters in this year's draft pool, but he will probably not hire an agent, therefore leaving his options open. But if Williams does remain eligible, he would be an ideal pick for the Rockets at No. 14 in June.

The big man from Maryland may not make an immediate impact. He does need to become a little more agile to excel at the next level. But that is what strength and conditioning coaches are for in the NBA. I would certainly not let that prevent me from selecting Williams as a possible lottery pick.

While many may argue that he offense needs some work and his overall defensive game leaves room for improvement, there is one area where everyone agrees Williams can dominate.

Rebounding.

Derek Bodner of DraftExpress is one of those people in agreement.

"The one skill that Williams should be able to hang his hat on is his rebounding, and it's a big one at that," says Bodner. "Williams is an outstanding rebounder on both sides of the floor,ranking 7th in our database in rebounds per-40 minutes pace adjusted. He's active on the offensive glass, constantly moving to gain position. On the defensive side of the ball, despite not having the quickness or reaction time to cover a lot of space, he does a good job boxing out and uses his good hands to clean up what's available to him. Williams is on pace to have one of the best rebounding seasons by a sophomore in ACC history, and should be able to translate that skill to the professional level."

Yes, Williams still needs to learn how to polish his game to play well at the next level. But the talent is already there, and many of those key pieces are already in place. It is a solid starting point for a power forward who knows how to get to the loose balls.

The Rockets would be very well served to draft Williams with the No. 14 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?

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In the 2011 NBA Draft, some teams will be looking for a player that they can add to their team, while others will be looking for the player to build their team around.

Kemba Walker of the Connecticut Huskies could be the latter, especially if he was drafted by the right team.

If the Indiana Pacers decide to take a shot on the small guard who has a big heart, they could reach that next level of play in the NBA today.

Walker may be a bit undersized at the point guard position for the next level, but he does not exactly fit into the shooting guard spot. Fortunately, he more than makes up for a lack of size with his overall play.

The Pacers have progressed greatly since the firing of Jim O'Brien, led by the emergence of Tyler Hansbrough. Just think what adding another national champion such as Walker could do for the team's offense.

Chad Ford of ESPN said of the UConn star that he could make a very nice draft prospect.

"I wouldn't bet against Walker, especially not after his heroic performances at the Maui Invitational and Big East tournament," says Ford. "He's fearless. If there was one guy you'd put your money on to have a big tournament, it's him. The rest of his team may let him down, but Walker has earned the respect of everyone, including NBA GMs. A likely top-10 pick."

Prior to the 2011 NCAA Tournament and Final Four, I was not completely sold on Walker as a top 10 pick. I believed that the talent was clearly there, but that his height may scare off a few teams. He may be listed at 6'1'' but he is probably a tad shy of six feet overall. He can flat out carry a team.

Now, after watching him carry the Huskies to the national championship, I don't believe that there is anything that this youngster cannot do at any level.

He has demonstrated that time and time again this year, as this was expected to be a rebuilding season for the Huskies. Walker has made it into a title year.

The Pacers are a decent team with a lot of young talent on the roster. Walker would not propel Indiana ahead of teams such as Boston and Chicago right away, but as he and his teammates continue to develop, this team would be able to take a huge step forward.

For more on the 2011 NBA Draft, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Correspondent Jason Heim, who takes a look at the 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Wildcat Goes First, Brandon Knight or Terrence Jones?