NBA Draft 2011: Nolan Smith and the 5 Biggest Values of the First Round

When teams are drafting, they are trying to pick the best fit for their team. Consequently, some teams will trade down in order to get value for their pick.

For example, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking for a center, but they would not be getting Enes Kanter's true value at the No. 2 pick, which is why they have been trying to trade down. If they are unable to move, they will (more than likely) end up selecting Derrick Williams out of Arizona, simply because of how talented he is.

Using my latest mock draft, I have power ranked the players that have the most value at their respective spots. Consequently, it is tough to put anyone in the top 10 on this list, for they are drafted to become All-Stars (tough to get "value"). Check it out, and let me know what you think.

Will any of the Pittsburgh area guys end up with the Penguins? Time will tell. Maybe they will turn up in the slideshow. Join me as we look at seven picks the team would love to score with their first-round selection. Keep in mind this is a wish list, not necessarily a draft prediction.

5. Klay Thompson: No. 15

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Klay Thompson #1 of the Washington State Cougars reacts after making a shot in the second half while taking on the Washington Huskies in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples

If you are looking for a sharp-shooter, look no further than Klay Thompson. He can shoot from just about anywhere, and he has the ability to create for himself.

As a point guard, he needs to improve his ball-handling skills, but that comes with time and hard work. Right now, Thompson may only be a role player, but he has the ability to become a star. If he does, he could turn Indiana into a serious upset threat in the Eastern Conference.

I don't think he is quite a lottery pick, but he will hang around the cusp of the lottery. If he is picked outside the lottery, I think his ability would be considered good value.

4. Tristan Thompson: No. 14

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 10: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Texas Longhorns goes up for a shot against the Oklahoma Sooners during their quarterfinal game in the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 10, 2011 in Kansas

Tristan Thompson is widely regarded as one of the best athletes in the draft. Still, his skill set is unpolished, which has people believing he may slip out of the lottery.

At the end of the lottery, Thompson would be a steal. Athletes like him do not come around everyday, which is why any team would be glad to pick him up. The Rockets will have to be patient with Thompson, but he could become an elite player.

Some things will always have a place in the NBA (athletes, shooters etc.), which is why Thompson will continue to get chances. If he develops an offensive game, he could potentially score 20 points a night.

3. Jimmer Fredette: No. 17

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars celebrates against the Florida Gators during the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 24, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana

After becoming college basketball's darling, Jimmer Fredette is trying to make it in the NBA. As long as he gets on the right team, he will become a star.

He can shoot, score and run the floor. If he learns to play some defense, he will be set. If not, he will still be a good player.

If he slips to the New York Knicks at 17, I think they will take him. He will flourish in Mike D'Antoni's system, and he could (potentially) be a perennial All-Star. A perennial All-Star in the second half of the first round? Sounds like good value to me.

2. Nolan Smith: No. 28

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball while taking on the Michigan Wolverines during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2011 in Charlotte, North

Nolan Smith will be a good player in the NBA. He kept improving at Duke, and his hard work goes unquestioned. In the right situation, he could propel a contender to the next level.

I have him going at the end of the first round to the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are looking for a back-up to Derrick Rose, and Smith would be a perfect fit. He can score in bunches, control the tempo and avoid turnovers.

By doing each of these things, Smith would relieve pressure from Rose, while taking some of his minutes, which would make Rose even more effective.

1. Markieff Morris: No. 21

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 20: Markieff Morris #21 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates after a dunk against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo

At one point, there was talk that Markieff Morris could sneak into the lottery. Now, however, he has slipped into the middle of the first round.

He is a raw player, but his upside is tremendous. He can rebound and defend. If he can develop an offensive game, Morris could make the Trail Blazers a serious title contender.

Morris is a combination of an established player and a player with upside. If he cashes in on that upside, Morris could become one of the best players from this draft. By picking (potentially) one of the best players of the draft in the final third, Portland would be getting the best value for their pick.