2011 NBA Mock Draft: All Picks from the First Round
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The 2011 NBA draft is exactly two weeks away and the excitement level is continuing to rise. We are in the midst of a heavy week of workouts as teams are starting to make their final decisions regarding who they want to draft.
Not much has changed atop the projected top-picks list. Duke’s Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams of Arizona are still seen as the No. 1 and No. 2 guys available, but nothing is set in stone after that, so we may see a few surprises early on in the draft.
Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker are presumed to be battling for the No. 3 spot, which belongs to the Utah Jazz. Both are set to work out for the team on June 15th in what should be an intense day for all parties involved.
The Euroleague seasons are nearing their end, so players like Donatas Motiejunas (Italian League) and Jan Vesely (Serbian League) will be able to focus exclusively on the draft. Their projected spots have fluctuated anywhere from No. 3 to No. 20 at various points over the past month. Regardless of where they go in the first round, European talent is being coveted this year after only one international player (Kevin Seraphin) went in the first round in 2010.
It’s important to note that, unlike the NFL, the NBA draft (June 23rd) will be conducted before their collective bargaining agreement expires (July 1st), so veteran players can be moved for draft picks. As a result, trade rumors are starting to heat up.
Barring any speculation on trades, here is my current mock draft.
With the NBA draft approaching, NBA mock draft season is here. Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated mock drafts, along with the latest NBA draft news, analysis, rumors and predictions.
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2011 NBA Mock Draft: Who do the Chicago Bulls Select with the last Pick in Round No. 1?
The Chicago Bulls could use another frontcourt player for insurance purposes, and Purdue’s JaJuan Johnson would provide depth for them at center and power forward.
Johnson has the range to play on the outside and draw out defenders, but he’s also suited to play inside on defense. In many ways, he draws comparisons to some of the International talent available, but he’s tougher around the rim.
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Johnson is an energy guy, so he’d fit well when the Bulls are running in transition. He won’t be a star in the league, but he has the talent to carve out a distinct niche in the league for Chicago.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansa
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
- Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, USA
- Dallas Mavericks: Tobias Harris, Tennessee
- New Jersey Nets: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA
- Chicago Bulls: Nolan Smith, Duke
- San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Nogueira, International
- Chicago Bulls: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Do the San Antonio Spurs Draft a Defensive Player?
The San Antonio Spurs have never shied away from drafting International players with potential, so there’s no reason why they wouldn’t draft Brazilian big man, Lucas Nogueira.
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Nogueira is an incredibly raw center, but he’s shown off his defensive skills at various workouts. He’s not the type of guy who can come in and replace Tim Duncan’s fading production, but he’s a guy who can offer energy and spurts off defense off of the bench.
Nog won’t be a standout NBA player, but he can develop into a solid role player for the Spurs.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansa
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
- Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, USA
- Dallas Mavericks: Tobias Harris, Tennessee
- New Jersey Nets: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA
- Chicago Bulls: Nolan Smith, Duke
- San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Nogueira, International
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Should the Chicago Bulls Draft a Point Guard?
The Chicago Bulls need an off-guard, but if they draft Duke’s Nolan Smith they will be selecting a player, who can play both guard positions for them.
Smith is one of the smartest players in the draft, so there’s no need to let him slip into round two. When Kyrie Irving was on the floor, Smith split time between point and shooting guard, so it’s a style of play that can carry over into the pros for him.
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Smith can score and distribute at a high-level. His defense is decent as well, so the rich simply get richer if the Bulls draft him.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
- Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, USA
- Dallas Mavericks: Tobias Harris, Tennessee
- New Jersey Nets: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA
- Chicago Bulls: Nolan Smith, Duke
J. Meric/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will the Nets be Able to Draft an Impact Player?
I’ve been down on Tyler Honeycutt’s ability to score in the NBA, but out of all the teams in the league, the New Jersey Nets are a potential landing spot where Honeycutt would have the opportunity to score.
This isn’t something you necessarily think about this late in the first-round, but the Nets are light on scorers, giving Honeycutt the potential to score.
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Regardless of his PPG, Honeycutt’s game is athleticism and defense. He’s another great wing defender, who stay with his man and block shots from anywhere on the court.
If he can work on his offense, Honeycutt will become a successful NBA player.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
- Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, USA
- Dallas Mavericks: Tobias Harris, Tennessee
- New Jersey Nets: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which Player Will Help Dallas Become Even Better?
Certain people will claim this isn’t a deep draft. While that’s true of superstar talent, there are about 40 eligible players that can make an impact and carve out decent careers.
Tobias Harris is one of those guys. Harris would have been a top-5 pick if he had stayed at Tennessee for another year, but he’s got the potential that makes him worthy of a first-round selection.
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Harris’ best asset is his ability to score, and the Mavs would benefit from some extra guys who can help out when Dirk Notiwzki isn’t on the floor. While scoring is a natural talent of Harris’, he still needs to bulk up to compete in the NBA.
The Mavs will get a guy with a ton of potential if they take Harris, but he won’t be ready to compete just yet, but does have all-star potential.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
- Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, USA
- Dallas Mavericks: Tobias Harris, Tennessee
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Can the Boston Celtics Draft a Gem Late in the First Round?
The Boston Celtics must must must draft a center in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft. The team just lost Nenad Krstic to Russia, so they are extremely thin at the five.
Enter Jeremy Tyler, the US player who played overseas last year. Tyler is big and athletic—more so than originally expected. He didn’t fare well in Israel or Tokyo, but showed marked improvement at the combine.
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The Celtics need a big man. While Tyler probably won’t be the next Andrew Bynum, he is a player with the making of a strong offensive and defensive game. Boston will be happy with any production from Tyler as long as it matches Shaq’s production from last season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
- Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, USA
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will the OKC Thunder Look for Toughness in the Draft?
The Oklahoma City Thunder started their transition from a finesse team to a more-rounded team during last year’s trade deadline. If they select Kenneth Faried of Morehead State, the transition will be nearly complete.
Faired is an energy guy. He’ll dive for loose balls and collect every rebound that comes near him. The Thunder ranked 19th in the league last season in 3FG%, so having Faried on the floor will result in some offensive boards.
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Faried the most skilled offensive player, but who cares when you’re on a team that features Russel Westbrook and Kevin Durant. He’s the right guy for the Thunder.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas
- OKC Thunder: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will the Houston Rockets Focus on Defense with the No. 23 Pick?
Markieff Morris would be a steal for the Houston Rockets if he falls to No. 23. Morris is one of the better defenders in the draft, so Houston would greatly benefit from his presence.
The team has a good rebounder in Luis Scola, but Scola’s defense is questionable. Chuck Hayes was their best defensive frontcourt player last season, but he is set to hit unrestricted free agency.
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Markieff isn’t the offense threat his brother is, but he is the better defender of the two, and he will find playing time and success in Houston.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
- Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Are the Denver Nuggets Looking to Add a Point Guard?
The Denver Nuggets could use a point guard, and Butler’s Shelvin Mack would fit the bill for them.
Mack is a talented scorer and passer, so he brings a multi-faceted game to Denver. He always moves extremely well away from the ball. Mack has good size, so he should be a capable defender at the next level as well.
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Denver doesn’t need a huge impact player at the point, since Ty Lawson is already holding down the fort, but Shelvin Mack would add a nice level of depth to the run-and-gun Nuggets.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
- Denver Nuggets: Shelvin Mack, Butler
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will the Trailblazers Draft A Guard?
The Portland Trailblazers will need to look to eventually replace veteran Andre Miller on their roster, so drafting Kansas guard Josh Selby would help to start that transition.
Selby had a strong draft combine, something he really needed after a poor freshman year. Many questioned his decision to enter the draft, but it looks like he’ll be taken somewhere in the first round.
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Selby is lightening fast, and was heralded in high school as a productive scorer. Luckily, Andre Miller is still on the roster in Portland, so Selby’s transition to the NBA won’t be one where an immediate impact is expected.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
- Portland Trailblazers: Josh Selby, Kansas
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Who Should Minnesota Draft with the No. 20 pick?
By the time the Minnesota Timberwolves make their second selection in the draft, at No. 20, the team will already have 13 players under contract for next season. This is why they should take a gamble on Lithuanian big man Donatas Motiejunas.
Motiejunas will have to be bought out contract, but with so many players already on the roster it would make sense to let him play out the final year of his contract in Italy and then sign him the following year.
Must Read: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Why Jimmer Fredette Will Not Be a Bust and All 60 Picks
The other issue is that Motiejunas really needs another year of seasoning before entering the NBA. He’s got potential, but is very streak offensively, and he needs to hone his rebounding skills.
He’s a player with potential , but his impact will not be felt until next year.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Donatas Motiejunas, International
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Should the Bobcats Load Up on Defense?
Chris Singleton going to the Charlotte Bobcats with the No. 19 pick, cementing the Bobcats as a strong defensive team, after taking Bismack Biyombo with the No. 8 pick.
Singleton is hailed as the best defensive wing play in this draft, and he’s big enough to cover most power forwards as well. Defense will be his focus in the NBA, as he was never a good shooter, so don’t expect much from that aspect of his game.
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Chris Singleton’s stocked was at an all-time high after the draft combine, but it’s starting to come back to Earth, still the FSU product will be a plus-defender in the NBA, and the Bobcats will welcome that.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
- Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, FSU
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Should the Wizards Add a Shooting Guard at No. 18?
The Washington Wizards will continue their successful draft if they take Providence’s Marshon Brooks with the No. 18 pick overall
Since I have them taking Jan Vesely at No. 6, Brooks offsets Vesely nicely with his ability to score. Vesely is raw, but Brooks is polished.
Must Read: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Why Jimmer Fredette Will Not Be a Bust and All 60 Picks
He’s big enough to get his shot off, and even though he played on a poor team, the Providence Friars are still in the Big East, so Brooks is used to playing against elite competition.
Washington has a lot of young talent all over the court, and with Nick Young only under contract for one more season, Brooks will help out the Wizards if they team decides to let Young walk.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
- Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, Providence
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Who Will Help the Knicks Frontcourt?
The Knicks are finally in a position to draft their center of the future in this year’s draft. Nikola Vucevic has shot up draft boards since the NBA Draft Combine, and the Knicks should pounce on him if he’s available.
Vucevic was the biggest player at the combine, but it’s his soft touch around the rim that will make him a factor for the Knicks. He can snatch boards too though.
Must Read: 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Why Jimmer Fredette Will Not Be a Bust and All 60 Picks
New York will now be able to move Amare Stoudemire to power forward with Vucevic in the fold, so the team will be that much better up front and ready to compete for one of the top spots in the East.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia
- New York Knicks: Nikola Vucevic, USC
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will the 76ers Reach for a Power Forward?
The Philadelphia 76ers are assuredly going to select a big man in the upcoming draft and Try Thompkins of Georgia is going to be their man.
Thompkins recently worked out for the Sixers and let it be known that he is friends with a number of the current 76ers roster.
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This could conceivably give Thompkins an edge over some of the remaining forwards available. Chemistry is a big thing in the NBA, so Thompkins is already familiar with a number of the players, that chemistry will go a long way.
He’s not a bad player either, but he’s a reach at No. 16 based solely off of talent.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
- Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, International
- Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker UConn
- Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Interntional
- Sacramento Kings: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
- Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, International
- Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo, International
- Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
- Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Washington State
- Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
- Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, Texas
- Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, Kansas
- Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, Georgia





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