NBA Mock Draft Top 10 Projections: Kyrie Irving or Harrison Barnes To Clippers?
The Los Angeles Clippers currently have the worst record in the NBA, and therefore hold the honor of picking first in this week's NBA Mock Draft.
But with an impressive young core headed by Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe, things may be looking up for the Lakers' little brother.
That being said, here is a projection of the 2011 NBA Draft's top ten picks, highlighted by some of college basketball's most impressive rising stars.
1. Los Angeles Clippers: Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC
1 of 10
With Bledsoe looking like the point guard of the future, the Clippers should opt for Barnes, the consensus No. 1 pick before his early-season struggles.
But Barnes is incredibly talented, and he'll show it later on in the season as he gets acclimated to the college game.
His mediocrity to open his college career is a small concern, but the only thing it should put in question is how soon he will contribute in the NBA, not if he will.
2. Sacramento Kings: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
2 of 10
I know, they have Tyreke Evans.
But everybody knows Evans should be playing off the ball, and having him and Irving on the floor at the same time would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Especially if DeMarcus Cousins plays to his potential.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
3 of 10
After whiffing on both Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio just a couple years ago, the T-Wolves will get another chance to draft their point guard of the future.
Walker is absolutely tearing up college basketball this year, and it won't be a stretch at all to see him picked this early.
4. Washington Wizards: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
4 of 10
John Wall, Gilbert Arenas, Jones, Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee.
I think we could have something here...
5. New Jersey Nets: Josh Selby, SG, Kansas
5 of 10
With their frontcourt presumably set for the next decade, the Nets need a perimeter scorer.
If Selby lives up to the hype when he finally steps on the court, he'd be a great fit.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, C, Turkey
6 of 10
After LeBron singlehandedly destroyed this franchise, the Cavs need just about everything.
The Turkish center, who should be dominating the SEC as we speak, would be a nice start.
7. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
7 of 10
Like the Cavs, the Pistons could use help almost everywhere.
They've got a little bit of talent, but their roster is a mess of players that don't fit together.
Detroit should go for the best available talent, the incredibly athletic Jones.
8. Toronto Raptors: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
8 of 10
Sullinger (by statistical measures) has been the best diaper-dandy in the nation to date.
He can help fill the void left by the knife wound that Chris Bosh gave this squad.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania
9 of 10
Described as "likely the prospect with the most overall upside" by DraftExpress, Valanciunas looks like he'll be the first international off the board.
If he enters the draft, he likely won't last past the top 10.
10. Golden State Warriors: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
10 of 10
Plumlee's stats haven't shown the type of upside he has, but don't let that fool you.
A guy with his unrivaled size-to-athletic ability ratio will get scooped up, fast.
Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud.
