2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will Terrence Jones Be the Top Overall Pick?
The NBA Draft may be 117 days away, but it's never too early to start looking ahead to where today's college and international stars will end up come June.
The true impact of these draft picks won't be felt until next season, but it is still interesting to project where guys might end up and what types of players each team will target.
While this might not be a very deep draft, if your team is looking for help at the forward position then they are in luck because this is the draft for them.
Which guys do you want your team to take a look at? Let us know.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones, SF, Baylor
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Team Needs: Everything
Why This Is the Pick: Perry Jones might have the most potential of any player available in this draft class. He is a 6'11" forward who is playing a little out of position in college. He is playing center for the Baylor Bears, but he is probably more suited to play on the wing in the pros.
He has unbelievable athleticism and length that will make up for his lack of strength. The one downside could be if he is asked to play down low, because he is simply not strong enough to compete.
Other Possibilities: Derrick Williams, F, Arizona; Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke; Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
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Team Needs: Point guard, shooting guard
Why This Is the Pick: Despite the fact that Kyrie Irving hasn't played in a game since early December, his is still the best point guard available in the draft. He is an explosive scorer and he could be getting the John Wall treatment if he hadn't gotten hurt.
Irving could choose to return to Duke for his sophomore season if he doesn't recover soon from his injury, and that could end up helping his development going forward.
Other Possibilities: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina; Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
3. Sacramento Kings: Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona
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Team Needs: Point guard, depth on the wings
Why This Is the Pick: The Kings can't afford to be too picky at this point of the draft. They need some help at guard, but Derrick Williams is just too good to pass on here. He is built like a power forward, but he has the range to play the small forward.
Williams has the right build to play against someone like LeBron James, yet he has the versatility to play in the block as well as in the mid-range.
Other Possibilities: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina; Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky; Kawhi Leonard, SF, SDSU
4. Toronto Raptors: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
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Team Needs: Scoring forward
Why This Is the Pick: Really, I think the Raptors could use someone with a high basketball I.Q. to rub off on someone like DeMar DeRozen, and I am not sure if Terrence Jones possesses that, but he did grow up playing point guard so he at least has to have some smarts.
Williams has a very high skill level and he could be a steal in this draft if he drops below this spot. He has nice range and he can really score from anywhere.
Other Possibilities: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State; Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina; Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky
5. Washington Wizards: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
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Team Needs: Scoring and talent on all fronts
Why This Is the Pick: Looking back at this draft class, Jared Sullinger might be the best player in this draft. He has unbelievable size and strength as a power forward. He will be a steal at really any pick, but here it would be grand robbery.
He would be able to form a nice duo with John Wall, much like DeMarcus Cousins was able to do when the pair was at Kentucky.
Other Possibilities: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina; Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas; Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky
6. New Jersey Nets: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
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Team Needs: Complement to Deron Williams
Why This Is the Pick: Harrison Barnes has been one of the most-hyped recruits in recent memory. He was named first-team All-American before even playing a minute in college hoops. He was bound to disappoint the masses, but he is still a great talent.
Although listed as a small forward, Barnes is really more suited to playing shooting guard. He has good size and a good offensive game.
Other Possibilities: Kawhi Leonard, SF, SDSU; Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas
7. Detroit Pistons: Kawhi Leonard, SF, SDSU
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Team Needs: Replace the aging stars
Why This Is the Pick: Kawhi Leonard is a high-energy guy who makes a living by out-working his opponents. He doesn't have anything overly spectacular about his game, but he is a solid defensive player and someone who could make a nice difference at the next level.
He isn't a special player, but he could develop if given a chance.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas; Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas
8. LA Clippers: Enes Kanter, PF/C Kentucky
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Team Needs: Depth at every position
Why This Is the Pick: Despite the fact that Enes Kanter hasn't played a minute in college, he is still one of the more developed players available in the draft, and that comes from spending a lot of time playing in his native Turkey.
The Clippers have a good young nucleus of talent, but they aren't very deep.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas; Jimmer Ferdette, PG, BYU; Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF, UCLA
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas
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Team Needs: Scoring from the wing
Why This Is the Pick: Jordan Hamilton is a great scoring wing for the Texas Longhorns. He can guard really any position, and he has a great jumper. He would be a great complement to Brandon Jennings and could step in nicely for Michael Redd.
Hamilton does have some progressing to do, but once he matures as a player, he will be something special.
Other Possibilities: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania; Alec Burks, PG/SG, Colorado; Tyler Honeycutt SG/SF UCLA
10. Charlotte Bobcats: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
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Team Needs: Forwards
Why This Is the Pick: The Bobcats suddenly changed from pushing for a playoff spot to full-on rebuilding mode after the trade deadline. Donatas Motiejunas is a solid forward from Lithuania. He has a lot of potential and a solid offensive game.
He will probably need some more time to develop, but he is still young and has a chance to really make a mark in Charlotte.
Other Possibilities: Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas; Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
11. Houston Rockets: Jonas Valaciunas, C, Lithuania
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Team Needs: Center
Why This Is the Pick: After Yao Ming's injury ruined the Rockets' title chances yet again, I think it is really time to start looking for a new man in the middle. Jonas Valaciunas could be a really good answer for them going forward.
Valaciunas will need some more time to develop, but he has very good size and has the potential to be something special.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueria, PF/C, Brazil; Jeremy Taylor, PF/C, USA
12. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas
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Team Needs: Frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: The Warriors are really headed in the right direction behind Monta Ellis and Steph Curry, but they need some depth in the frontcourt to help get over the hump.
Marcus Morris is the more versatile of the twins from Kansas. Both of them mostly stick around the post, but Marcus could develop into a good mid-range player and would complement Ellis and Curry well.
Other Possibilities: Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF, UCLA; Jan Vesely, SF/PF, Czech Republic
13. Phoenix Suns: Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
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Team Needs: Steve Nash heir and prospects for the future
Why This Is the Pick: The Suns are in rebuilding mode and they really need a point guard to learn from Steve Nash. Jimmer Fredette seems like a perfect fit. He can really light it up and he has a chance to develop into a good point guard.
The biggest drawback about Fredette is the fact that he is more of a scorer than Nash so it could be a little bit of a square peg in a round hole, but if he were to learn from anyone, Nash seems like the right guy.
Other Possibilities: Alec Burks, PG/SG, Colorado; Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF, UCLA; Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
14. Memphis Grizzlies: Alec Burks, PG/SG Colorado
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Team Needs: Depth
Why This Is the Pick: The Grizzlies are really progressing into a legitimate contender in the West, but they lack the depth to be able to compete with the best teams.
Alec Burks is an underrated prospect who has been making strides this year for Colorado. He is still just 18 years old, and he has a world of potential. His biggest problem is his outside shooting.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Knight, PG/SG Kansas; Jan Vesely, SF/PF, Czech Republic
15. Indiana Pacers: Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
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Team Needs: Forward and scoring wing
Why This Is the Pick: The biggest weakness for the Pacers this year is the power forward position. Josh McRoberts isn't an NBA starting-caliber forward, yet he has been the guy for the Pacers this year. I think they will address the frontcourt in the draft.
Markieff Morris is not quite as versatile as his twin brother, but he is a big body and an upgrade over McRoberts.
Other Possibilities: Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF, UCLA; Jan Vesely, SF/PF Czech Republic; Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
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Team Needs: Center and frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: The 76ers have made a nice move in the Eastern Conference this year, but they are a long way from being able to compete for a championship. They need to get more talent on the roster, and that starts with the frontcourt.
Trey Thompkins has a polished offensive game and he really could learn from playing behind Elton Brand.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueria, PF/C, Brazil; Jeremy Tyler, PF/C, USA
17. New York Knicks: Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF, UCLA
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Team Needs: Wings, depth
Why This Is the Pick: Tyler Honeycutt is one of the most athletic players in the draft. He may not be quite a complete basketball player, yet he has really shown the ability to develop this year. He nearly beat Kansas by himself in Lawrence.
He does have an incredible ability to block shots and he has an improving jumper. He could develop into a very good basketball player with time.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Knight, PG/SG, Kentucky; Lucas Nogueria PF/C, Brazil
18. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, PG/SG, Kentucky
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Team Needs: Difference maker at any position
Why This Is the Pick: The Utah Jazz gave up franchise-player Deron Williams in a trade this year, and that means they will be looking to re-stock and re-build.
Obviously, Brandon Knight isn't on the same level of a John Wall or even a Deron Williams, but he is a speedy point guard with a high ceiling. He could be a good replacement for Williams.
Other Possibilities: Kemba Walker, PG, UConn; Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke
19. Denver Nuggets: Jan Vesely, SF/PF, Czech Republic
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Team Needs: Difference maker on the wing
Why This Is the Pick: The Nuggets are another team that shipped their franchise player at the trading deadline this year, and now they are looking to figure out life after Carmelo Anthony.
Jan Vesely is a very athletic European forward who has a chance to be a nice addition to the Nuggets. He probably still needs a year or so to develop, but he will be a good complementary player.
Other Possibilities: Chris Singleton, SF/PF, Florida State; Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
20. New Orleans Hornets: Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
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Team Needs: Chris Paul replacement
Why This Is the Pick: I hate to break it to Hornets fans, but if you think Chris Paul is staying in New Orleans, you are more delusional than Nuggets fans who thought Carmelo Anthony was staying in Denver. It would be smart to address the position as if he is leaving.
Kemba Walker isn't Chris Paul, but he is at least another body who could make up for the loss of Paul. Actually, the most disappointing thing for Hornets fans should be that the best bet to replace Paul was Darren Collison, but he is playing in Indiana now.
Other Possibilities: Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke; Malcolm Lee, SG/PG, UCLA
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Lucas Nogueira, PF/C, Brazil
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Team Needs: Frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: The Blazers have had some real struggles with centers during their entire history. However, they are in need of getting one to build around because LaMarcus Aldridge isn't a center.
Lucas Nogueira is the latest hope for Brazilian basketball. He has a great deal of development that needs to happen before he will contribute in the NBA, but he has great athleticism and could be a steal once he comes into the league.
Other Possibilities: Jeremy Tyler, PF/C, USA; Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland
22. Atlanta Hawks: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
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Team Needs: Point guard, power forward
Why This Is the Pick: With no point guard worthy of the pick here, I think the Atlanta Hawks go for depth inside.
Tristan Thompson is another big body from the Big 12. Thompson is just a freshman and has helped Texas become one of the best teams in the nation this year.
Other Possibilities: Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke; Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
23. Orlando Magic: Chris Singleton, SF/PF, Florida State
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Team Needs: Wings
Why This Is the Pick: The Magic really made some big adjustments to their roster of the last two seasons since making the NBA Finals. Well, they were at their best when they had guys that were interchangeable at the three and four.
Chris Singleton would be able to fit in nicely with the Magic. He doesn't shoot from outside like the Magic would like, but he does provide some solid rebounding and has a good work ethic.
Other Possibilities: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke; JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke
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Team Needs: Depth
Why This Is the Pick: After addressing their depth problems in the frontcourt at the trade deadline, the Thunder will be looking to just add talent at this point. Nolan Smith could end up being a nice backup for Russell Westbrook.
In a lot of ways, Smith is similar to Westbrook in terms of the ability to get to the hoop and toughness. Smith is also a great leader, and if he develops enough, he could be a nice trade piece for the Thunder.
Other Possibilities: Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State; Malcolm Lee, SG/PG, UCLA; Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
25. LA Lakers: Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
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Team Needs: Youth
Why This Is the Pick: Klay Thompson is the son of Laker great Mychal Thompson so it would be fitting for the younger Thompson to end up playing for his dad's team.
Klay is actually a very good shooting guard prospect who could end up being a very good heir to Kobe Bryant. He has a good shooting stroke and ideal NBA size.
Other Possibilities: Malcolm Lee, SG/PG, UCLA; Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
26. Chicago Bulls: Malcolm Lee, SG/PG, UCLA
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Team Needs: Shooting guard
Why This Is the Pick: Malcolm Lee hasn't been getting enough credit as a superb defensive guard. He is the only guy who was able to slow down the explosive scorer Jimmer Fredette.
Lee is also an improving offensive player. He struggles with finding the right outside shots to take, but he is improving at it.
Other Possibilities: LaceDarius Dunn, SG, Baylor; David Lighty, SG, Ohio State
27. Dallas Mavericks: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
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Team Needs: Wings
Why This Is the Pick: Kyle Singler might not be the most athletic player in this draft, but I think he suffers from the fact that he has been around so long that everyone has an opinion about him, and most of them are negative.
However, Singler is a good shooter and a very smart player. He could be a good bench player for the Mavericks, which need to get younger.
Other Possibilities: Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee; E'twaun Moore, PG, Purdue
28. Miami Heat: Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
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Team Needs: Interior help
Why This Is the Pick: Kenneth Faried might be the best rebounder in the draft. He has the rebounding DNA that some players are born with and others are lacking.
The biggest question mark for Miami is its depth in the post, and Faried would be an outstanding addition to the Heat.
Other Possibilities: Jeremy Tyler, PF/C, USA; Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland
29. Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, PF/C, USA
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Team Needs: Center, youth
Why This Is the Pick: The Celtics kill two birds with one stone by picking Jeremy Tyler here. He is not only a center, but he also is just a year removed from playing in high school.
Tyler's name might be a little familiar. Instead of playing basketball at an American university, he decided to play pro ball in Europe this year.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland; JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
30. San Antonio Spurs: Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland
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Team Needs: Forward, youth
Why This Is the Pick: The Spurs have been the team of aging veterans for the last few years, but now it seems like they have a pressing need to find the heir for future Hall of Fame forward Tim Duncan.
That is a lot of expectations to put on the strong shoulders of Jordan Williams, and he might not be the type of guy who does Tim Duncan things, but he will be a nice player for a team that drafts well.
Other Possibilities: JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue; Rick Jackson, PF, Syracuse
