2011 NBA Mock Draft: Full First Round Projections for Draft Night on Thursday

The 2011 NBA Draft is upon us and breaking news has continued to develop and players have had their stock rise and fall considerably over the past few weeks.

Early Lottery lock Jonas Valanciunas has fallen down most (and my own personal) draft boards as news broke that his Lithuanian clubs’ buy out clause would prohibit him from landing on American shores this season. He should now fall later in the round, from the very late lottery to mid-late first round to a team that can wait a year on the prospect.

With the hiring of Dwane Casey, the Raptors also most likely altered the type of player they will draft for his defensive scheme. I originally had them grabbing one of the international scorers, but now I most likely see them taking a defensive minded player, such as Bismack “B-Smack The Business” Biyombo at the number 5 spot.

Iman Shumpert has catapulted his way onto draft boards, as a physical, explosive 6-foot-6 point guard who has all the tools except a reliable jumper and good vision. He should go in the mid-to-late first round now and has a chance to be a Rajon Rondo type player if he can improve his passing considerably.

Many of the other prospects have shuffled around slightly outside of the top two. There have been a ridiculous amount of trades over the course of the last few drafts and with the amount of pick shopping and players available at the 2011 NBA Draft, this promises to be no difference. Click ahead to see where we have your favorite prospect landing in the first round.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

Kyrie Irving should go Number 1 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. 

The Cavaliers are saying that they are still undecided on where to go with the pick, but they will not find a better point guard (one of the harder positions to fill in the league) in this draft. Irving has the size and skill set to be one of the best young point guards in the league if he develops. 

The Cavaliers also have the 4th pick which they are currently trying to trade with Minnesota to move up and take Derrick Williams, the only other player possibly worth being selected here.

If the Cavaliers do not get a trade through for the 2nd overall pick before the draft, I still see no way they don't grab Irving here and fill one of their many other needs with a great prospect who will be available when they next select.

They also have the cap flexibility and trade pieces to grab some impact veterans who are on the block, but their are no solid, youthful point guards available as most are considered foundations of their franchise. Look for Kyrie to anchor this Cleveland Cavaliers team for years to come. 

2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, F, Arizona

The Timberwolves are still aggressively shopping this pick, but they also had an incredible workout with U of A's Derrick Williams. 

Williams proved that he has the ball handling and other skills necessary to play small forward at the NBA level, which is a position he rarely logged time at in college.

Other options at this spot would be a complete shock, and the only way Williams does not get picked here is if Kyrie Irving is passed over by the Cavs. Irving does not make any sense on this team at all, but he is far and away the best available and would be a great trade piece. 

They would love to get a veteran big man, such as Pau Gasol to pair with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love, but Williams is going to be a legit player in this league and they should have no qualms taking him.

Look for Michael Beasely, the mercurial forward who plays similarly to Williams, to be traded during draft day or shortly thereafter. 

Williams is the pick here for Minnesota or whoever trades into the slot.

3. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

Brandon Knight has great size and a skill set that the Jazz look for in a point guard to fit their system. Devin Harris is by all accounts on his way out town and they need to look for a big guard who can post up to replace Deron Williams. 

The Kentucky guard is a John Calipari prospect, who is known for grooming guards to succeed at the next level. 

Other players who are also being looked at are UConn's Kemba Walker and Turkey's Enes Kanter. The Jazz would most likely move a current big man on the roster if they like Kanter, and grab a point when they pick again at 12.

The Jazz need to enter a rebuilding mode and they should start with a tough position to fill with PG. Knight is a great fit for them and should be a solid building block for the future. 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, C, Turkey

Enes Kanter has had amazing workouts and is the least 'foreign' of all the international prospects that are projected to go high in this years draft.

While he has not played a meaningful game since high school, he has honed his game in the states by playing a bit of high school ball here, as well as attempting to play for Kentucky until he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA. 

Kanter has a legit NBA sized body, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 260. He has a very physical game and isn't afraid to draw contact and bang inside. The Cavaliers would love to pair him with emerging PF/C J.J. Hickson and form a big, skilled front court. 

The Cavaliers would also love to flip this pick and move up and grab Derrick Williams, but Kanter has the potential to be the best player in this draft class, and is certainly worth taking if they stick to the 4th overall pick. 

5. Toronto Raptors: Bismack "B-Smack the Business" Biyombo, PF, Congo

Bismack "B-Smack the Business" Biyombo has been rocketing up draft boards, falling down them, and everything in between. He had an amazing showing at the Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, and a dreadful one-on-none workout at the adidas EuroCamp. 

We have heard scouts and GMs who are high on B-Smack talk about how he has an incredible personality and gives a great interview. Via Grantland, we were all recently able to get a look at how the Congolese Businessman conducts himself and discusses his future in the league. It was nothing short of mind blowing. 

B-Smack Biyombo is intelligent, athletic, and will be a defensive presence in this league for years to come. He models his game off Hakeem, Kevin Love, and other greats and aspires to be that good himself one day. He has worked hard for years to elevate his draft status to this level and he does not seem to be a workout wonder who hasn't logged the gym hours.

Dwane Casey was recently hired as coach of the Raptors, and he is a guy who emphasizes defense over offense. The Raptors have been scouting Biyombo for some time and he would be a great fit here to play a long with Andrea Bargnani, an offensive, 'soft', PF/C.

6. Washing Wizards: Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic

Jan Vesely is the next best international prospect with the news that Jonas Valanciunas will not be able to play in the NBA next season. 

He projects to be a solid scorer and would pair nicely with shot blocking beast, JaVale Mcgee, at the next level if the Wizards can grab him.

If he can add strength, and certainly should be able to with an NBA training regiment, he projects to be a very solid offensive big man in the league. 

He is young, and certainly a project, but one the young Wizards would be happy to develop to contend in the future.

7. Sacramento Kings: Jimmer Fredette, G, Brigham Young

The Jimmer.

Jimmer Fredette has probably been the most talked about prospect in the 2011 NBA Draft and projects anywhere from the early lottery to the mid first round. 

The Kings owners, Joe and Gavin Maloof, are apparently enamored with him and would love to pair Tyreke Evans with the offensive firepower of Jimmer Fredette.

Jimmer also projects to be one of the most popular rookies in the league, and the financially struggling Kings need income to stay in Sacramento. Jimmer should help put butts in the seats at ARCO Arena and give fans something to be excited about for the upcoming season.

The Jimmers game is NBA ready and he should contribute right away, as he is my 2012 Rookie of the Year Favorite. 

8. Detroit Pistons: Kemba Walker, G, UConn

With Bismack Biyombo off the board, look for the Pistons to go with proven winner Kemba Walker.

The Pistons desperately need to return to winning form and should select Kemba if he is available when they draft in this spot. He will inject youth, leadership, and the ability to play either guard spot to a Pistons roster that has many question marks and holes.

Kemba Walker can immediately contribute to the team as well, and the Pistons fans who are used to having a solid team can expect immediate results and Kemba should have a positive impact on the amount of wins the team garners next season.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State

Look for the Bobcats to grab the best available college player here, and with Kawhi Leonard still being on the board, he fits the bill.

The Bobcats lost Gerald Wallace last season in a trade with the Trail Blazers, so they have a need for a versatile swingman. 

Kawhi is only 19 years old, and has a ton to improve on, but he has a great all-around game right now and contributed to a great San Diego State team last season.

Other options here include Marcus Morris, who the Bobcats might nab to pair with his twin brother, Markieff, if they feel he will be available when they pick again at 19.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State

Klay Thompson has had his stock rise considerably the past few months. He has been giving a great interview, showing an amazing shooting touch among other skills, and has an NBA pedigree with his dad being former player Mychal Thompson. 

The Bucks are going to be sticking with Brandon Jennings, quashing rumors that the former lottery pick was on the block. This means that they already have a guard who has the ability to slash to the hoop, and now need someone to kick it out to. 

Thompson is on the record saying he would love to play for the Bucks, and the roster is young and full of promise despite taking a step backwards next season. He would be a great third option after Jennings and Andrew Bogut, and should get plenty of open looks for three. 

11. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris, F, Kansas

The Golden State Warriors apparently are heavily shopping SG Monta Ellis, but if they do not move him by draft day, look for them to select Marcus Morris if he is available at this spot. 

He is a very safe pick, has a variety of skills, and should be able to play the 3 and 4 comfortably at the next level. 

He has great size, motor, and NBA 3-point range that the Warriors love. He should add some defense and toughness to a team that is oft criticized for lacking in both.

If Monta Ellis does get traded, I think the Warriors will fill the void he leaves with Alec Burks here instead, but Morris has top 10 potential and would be great value here regardless.

12. Utah Jazz: Alec Burks, G, Colorado

Alec Burks is a nice prospect at the shooting guard position. The Jazz have already addressed their need for a point guard early in the draft, and assuming they don't move a big man, look for them to take Burks here if he is available.

Burks has incredible athleticism and the ability to get to the hoop and acrobatically finish. He needs to work on his jumper and is incredibly streaky right now, but that can easily be improved. 

Burks also will add depth to the Jazz back court, which is pretty weak right now and he could potentially log time at either guard spot, as he plays best when he is on the ball. 

13. Phoenix Suns: Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State

Chris Singleton is the best available player at this spot and the Suns would be wise to draft him.

While the Suns have a gluttony of swingmen, none are really excellent and Chris Singleton looks to be a defensive force that can guard multiple positions. The Suns need a better defensive presence and moving some of their other 3's should net them a need at another position. 

Singleton also has a decent mid-range and three-point shot, which should be enhanced with Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash finding him for open looks. 

Other options at this spot would be Iman Shumpert, who could spell Nash and add defense, or Jordan Hamilton, who has a better offensive game than Singleton.

14. Houston Rockets: Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

Jonas Valancunias was an early lottery lock until news broke that his buyout will make an NBA appearance this season nearly impossible. 

The Rockets' GM, Daryl Morey, loves value and getting a top 10 talent at this spot to develop in Europe for a year or two will be impossible to pass up on. 

Valancunias has potential to be an All-Star center, and with the imminent departure of Yao Ming, the Rockets have a great need to fill at the spot. 

They can afford to wait a year on him, as they have a variety of trade pieces and have made everyone on their roster available in order to compete next season or grab prospects to make a run in the future. Valancunias will not fall farther than here and if he goes earlier, look for them to Vucevic or possibly Markieff Morris to fill the 4/5 spot. 

15. Indiana Pacers: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas

Tristan Thompson has good size, wingspan, and motor to succeed at the NBA level. He's also the best offensive rebounder in the draft and would help out a Pacers' frontline that only really boasts Roy Hibbert, and possibly Tyler Hansbrough as of right now. 

Thompson will add defensive ferocity, shot blocking, and a decent scoring option to a Pacers team that is on the cusp of competing in the East for a playoff spot. 

The Pacers would love for Jimmer Fredette to fall here, but with many teams interested, and in this mock the Kings grabbing him, he probably wont be available to select. 

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Nikola Vucevic, C, USC

Nikola Vucevic is another prospect who has quickly risen up draft boards the past few weeks. The center out of USC is huge and fills the Sixers need for size. 

He should be a very solid player in the NBA based on his measureables alone. He has a decent shooting touch and should be able to knock down open looks all day. He will be able to block shots and rebound at a good rate and is a solid all-around center.

With Andre Iguodala on the block, the Sixers could also look for a scoring swingman if they trade him on draft day. Jordan Hamilton or Marshon Brooks could go here if they get a big in return for Iggy. 

17. New York Knicks: Darius Morris, PG, Michigan

Darius Morris may be the best pure point guard to come out of this draft when all is said and done. The 6-foot-5 Michigan prospect has incredible vision and will be able to create a ton of scoring opportunities for Carmelo and A'Mare if the Knicks reach for him here.

Morris would also be able to learn the position behind Chauncey Billups, or perhaps even Steve Nash if the trade rumors that are being floated around come to fruition. Either way he would learn from an all-time great and this would greatly help his development.

Morris has a decent shot and should be able to get plenty of open looks with two superstars taking much of the attention off of him. 

While the Knicks are apparently enamored with Iman Shumpert, I think that Morris is the better player here in the long run. 

18. Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence

Marshon Brooks is an NBA ready prospect who starred at Providence for four years. He has drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant by certain scouts, and while he may never live up to that lofty comparison, he projects to be a great player in the league.

Brooks is a pure scorer who has the ability to get to the rim, shoot a j, handle the ball, and rebound a high level for his position. 

The Washington Wizards are going to lose Nick Young to free agency, and would love to replace him with a scorer in the back court to help John Wall out. They also will be addressing their need for a big man early in the draft, and I have them taking Jan Vesely with their 6th pick. 

19. Charlotte Bobcats: Markieff Morris, F, Kansas

Markieff is the more defensive minded of the Morris brothers, but has a good shooting touch and the ability to play multiple positions just like his brother. 

The Bobcats are looking at proven college players in this draft and Markieff certainly will help them out here. 

Earlier in the mock, I have them taking Kawhi Leonard, who will be able to fill the swing spot for them and allow Markieff to log time at the 4 and 5. Markieff has an incredible motor and will fight for every rebound like he owns it. He also has NBA 3 point range and is a great stretch big man. 

If the Bobcats decide to go with his brother Marcus at 9, and Markieff is available at this spot, look for them to pair the brothers up in the NBA.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas

Jordan Hamilton is the best player on the board for Minnesota at this point in the draft. 

While Derrick Williams would play the 3 for the TWolves, Hamilton is a solid swing prospect who adds deep shooting ability, rebounding, and most importantly, depth to the team. 

Not every player in the first round is going to be a starter in the league and the Timberwolves can look to bolster their bench by taking the best available in this spot. 

Other options include Tobias Harris or Donatas Motiejunas at 20. 

21. Portland Trail Blazers: Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State

Kenneth Faried may be the best rebounder in this draft and his skills lend themselves nicely to the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Marcus Camby is in the twilight of his career and LaMarcus Aldrige is emerging as a legitimate star in this league. Faried would be a great bench player and would change up the Blazers look when subbing for the offensive minded Aldrige. 

The Blazers apparently were high on Faried last year and certainly still should be this year after an incredible season and awesome tournament run for Morehead State's seeding. 

Other options here for the Blazers would be Iman Shumpert or Reggie Jackson if they decide to pull the trigger on an Andre Miller deal. 

22. Denver Nuggets: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania

Donatas Motiejunas has been scouted since he emerged at the Nike Hoops Summit a few years back. He is finally ready to make the leap to the NBA and should fall somewhere in the mid-late first round. 

The Denver Nuggets may snap him up here and use him to change up their look along the frontline that features Kenyon Martin and Nene. He is a steal at 22 and could be a legitimate scoring threat from all over the court eventually. 

Right now he projects to be a solid shooter and project, but if he is able to add strength and bulk up a relatively weak frame, he may be able to bang down low as well. The Nuggets have two strong post players already and would likely use Motiejunas to switch up their style of play occasionally and stretch the floor with a big. 

Other options include Tobias Harris and Tyler Honeycutt if the Nuggets go in a different direction. 

23. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Tyler, C, Tokyo Apache

Jeremy Tyler has an incredible upside and fills the need for a big man that the Rockets desire. 

He is a raw talent right now but most likely would have been taken earlier if he did not play Japan. Tyler has the potential to be one of the biggest steals of the 2011 NBA Draft if he develops into the player he has the talent to be. 

The Rockets could also look at other prospects here, but as we mentioned earlier, GM Daryl Morey loves getting the best value he can with his selections and Tyler is it here.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Mirotic, SF, Serbia

The Thunder have finally left rebuilding mode and are now competing in the playoffs every single year with their core nucleus of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kendrick Perkins, and Serge Ibaka. 

They now have the luxury of being more patient and stashing players in Europe, such as Serbia's Nikola Mirotic. 

Mirotic has great potential but is not quite ready for the NBA yet, and also has a contract with a significant buyout. The Thunder can afford to wait a few years and hold onto his rights while they wait for the buyout to come off and Mirotic to develop.

25. Boston Celtics: Tobias Harris, F, Tennesee

Tobias Harris is without question the best player available here and the Celtics would love to add him and begin to get younger. 

He has the potential to play both the 3 and 4 spots in the NBA and would be a welcome bench player to spell Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett for stretches while he learns the NBA game. Remember Harris is only 18 years old right now and has plenty to learn.

The Celtics need youth at every position besides PG so look for them to add a young college prospect who has potential to start in the next few years after the Big Three starts to fade. 

26. Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans, F, Latvia

Davis Bertans, like many tall, lanky European players who have the ability to shoot, is drawing comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki. 

Why not take the young Latvian here, as the Mavericks are fresh off a championship win and are looking to keep their core, veteran nucleus together. Bertans could be stashed in the EuroLeague and develop while the Mavericks continue to make playoff runs until their veterans retire or fall off. 

This pick is a pure luxury selection for the Mavs and if Bertans doesn't pan out, no sweat.

27. New Jersey Nets: Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College

Reggie Jackson has apparently stopped working out, giving interviews, and releasing medical information to prospective teams. He must have a deal in place to go in the first round or this would make absolutely no sense. 

He has been projected all over the late first round and has a floor with the Miami Heat at the first pick in the second round. The BC guard is extremely athletic and a great scorer, and could play either guard for stretches in the NBA.

The Nets would like to grab Jackson as he can backup Deron Williams and possibly start if Williams decides to skip town after his contract ends. I don't see him falling past 27.

28. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Honeycutt, G, UCLA

Tyler Honeycutt is a big swingman who can fill the Bulls need for a 2 guard who scores and defends. Last season they had a platoon that included guys who could do one or the other and need to grab a player who does both. 

Honeycutt has the ability to stretch the floor, defend opposing 2's and 3's, and is coming from a school that has developed a lot of good NBA talent in recent years. 

Other options for the defending Eastern Conference regular season winners include Chandler Parsons and Travis Leslie.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Harper, PF, Richmond

Justin Harper had a great season for the Spiders in 2010-2011 and projects well as a shooting PF in the NBA. He has good size, range, and athleticism for a late first round pick and has a game that could translate well to the pros. 

The Spurs are at the very end of the Tim Duncan era and the Hall of Fame power forward is logging extremely limited minutes during the regular season. Harper would be a nice bench player for the Spurs and should take some of the burden off. 

Rumors have the Spurs moving Tony Parker during the draft, so they may select a guard to add depth to that position if the trade comes to fruition. 

30. Chicago Bulls: Iman Shumpert, G, Georgia Tech

Iman Shumpert has appeared out of nowhere in the mid-first round of many mock drafts but I simply do not believe in the hype. I think he is being used a smoke screen by teams to cover what they really want to do. While he does have incredible measurements, I just don't see the big point guard going that early.

Shumpert is an extremely poor shooter and couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat. He also is extremely raw and not the best passer. He is simply a big athlete who can handle the ball and is a long term project. 

The Bulls could use him to backup Derrick Rose and possibly log time at the 2 if he can learn to shoot. He represents a good value here and you can't expect much more with the last pick of the 2011 NBA Draft.