2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will Harrison Barnes Be the Top Overall Pick?
With so much exciting college basketball being played lately, as well as big blockbuster trades shaking up the NBA, doesn't that make you a little excited about what's to come in this year's NBA Draft?
Yes it's still four months away, but it is never too early to start speculating about who is going to land where.
This year's college basketball season has been, once again, highlighted by the numerous talented freshman, most of whom will make the jump to the pros after just one year. But now we ask, which of these freshman have the best pro potential and, more importantly, where will they end up in the draft?
North Carolina has one of the most talented freshman in all the land in forward Harrison Barnes, but will he be the top player taken?
Let's take an early look at the draft and figure out which players are going to be sporting your team's colors come draft day.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
1 of 30
Team Needs: Everything
Why This is the Pick: Perry Jones is one of those guys who was highly touted out of high school. He has had a solid freshman year, but he is a bit under the radar because of Baylor’s downfall this season.
Jones is a 6'11" forward who can play inside or step outside. He has a great body for the next level and his versatility makes him such a major prospect coming out of college. All signs point to Jones making the jump to the NBA. If he indeed does, he will likely be the first pick of the draft.
At this point, Cleveland needs whatever they can get to improve their product. If Jones is their guy, then so be it.
Other Possibilities: Derrick Williams (Arizona), Kyrie Irving (Duke), Terrence Jones (Kentucky), Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving. PG, Duke
2 of 30
Team Needs: Anyone not named Kevin Love
Why This is the Pick: Before he got injured, Irving was the best basketball player in the country, regardless of class. He is smart, quick, has great scoring ability and he is a true floor general who can take over a game when needed.
Last year's top pick, John Wall, was just as talented as Irving, but he didn't have the poise that this Duke point guard showed during limited time this season.
Minnesota is a team that really does need help with every possible position other than power forward. Irving will step in right away as the starter and should create a great one-two punch with Kevin Love from Day 1.
Other Possibilities: Derrick Williams (Arizona), Terrence Jones (Kentucky), Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)
3. Saramento Kings: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
3 of 30
Team Needs: Point guard, small forward
Why This Is the Pick: The Kings already have two very nice, young pieces in Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. Adding another Kentucky guy to the mix will give this team three explosive players who can go off for 20-plus points on any given night.
Jones has played against top competition and he has been Kentucky’s go-to guy all season long. He is a left-handed slasher, which is just what this team needs right now. Sounds like a perfect fit.
Other Possibilities: Jared Sullinger (Ohio State), Harrison Barnes (North Carolina), Enes Kanter (Kentucky)
4. Toronto Raptors: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
4 of 30
Team Needs: Power forward, scoring forward
Why This Is the Pick: Jared Sullinger has been, hands down, the best player in college basketball this season. He has good size, strength, he can step out and hit a jumper and he is a pure winner.
The Raptors have been searching for a power forward for some time now, but guys like Ed Davis and Joey Dorsey have just not had quite the impact thus far that Toronto would like to see. Bringing in a guy like Sullinger gives the Raptors a big body who still has a ton of room to grow.
The Raptors need a player who can bang and scrap down low, because Andrea Bargnani just isn’t going to be that guy. Jared Sullinger would be just that guy.
Other Possibilities: Harrison Barnes (North Carolina), Enes Kanter, (Kentucky)
5. Washington Wizards: Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona
5 of 30
Team Needs: Go-to scorer
Why This Is the Pick: Derrick Williams reminds me a lot of Wesley Johnson when he came out of Syracuse last year. Williams is a guy who can flat out score and, right now, that is just what the Wizards should be looking for.
The Wizards are a team that kind of surprises people as to why they are so bad. Between John Wall, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee and Rashard Lewis, they have some real good players. But none of those guys are truly a go-to No. 1 scoring option. Derrick Williams could come in and fit that role beautifully.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Hamilton (Texas), Harrison Barnes (North Carolina), Enes Kanter (Kentucky)
6. Detroit Pistons: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
6 of 30
Team Needs: Youth that can score
Why This Is the Pick: Tayshaun Prince will be gone by the start of next season. Richard Hamilton should be gone by next season. Tracy McGrady is old and Ben Gordon just isn’t good at basketball anymore.
With that said, the Pistons need to continue to bring in young players and at this point in the draft, they should focus on selecting the best player available. If you had to pinpoint a position that this team really needs help with, it would be center. But at this point, the other center available worth considering is Enes Kanter and he is a huge project.
Look for the Pistons to take Barnes here. He was the highest-rated freshman coming into college basketball this season and he has yet to even touch his full potential.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Hamilton (Texas), Enes Kanter (Kentucky), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State)
7. Utah Jazz (From New Jersey Nets): Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
7 of 30
Team Needs: Shooting guard and wing forwards
Why This Is the Pick: The Jazz have been looking for a shooting guard for some time now. In addition to that, they are also going to be looking for someone to replace AK-47, who will likely be shipped off elsewhere this offseason. Drafting Jordan Hamilton gives them that dynamic wing player who can score and take some of the pressure off of Devin Harris and Al Jefferson.
Hamilton had a decent freshman season, but he has really burst onto the scene in his sophomore year. He is one of the top playmakers in the country and he should fit in nicely with a team that is on the rise.
Other Possibilities: Enes Kanter (Kentucky), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State), Marcus Morris (Kansas)
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (From LA Clippers): Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
8 of 30
Team Needs: Everything
Why This Is the Pick: When looking over the Cavs roster, you have to believe that this team will be looking for the best player available whenever they hit the clock.
Kawhi Leonard is a solid basketball player who has a non-stop motor and can defend with the best of them. Getting these two first-round picks should help Cleveland immediately and put them into a position to at least be competitive in the future.
Other Possibilities: Enes Kanter (Kentucky), Marcus Morris (Kansas), Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuania)
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Enes Kanter, PF/C, Turkey
9 of 30
Team Needs: Depth in the frontcourt
Why This Is the Pick: Kanter is an interesting story heading into this draft. He was looked at as one of the top freshman in the country heading into this year, but he was ruled ineligible and could not play for Kentucky this season.
With that said, Kanter has a lot of talent and even more room to grow. The Bucks are a team that has underachieved this year, but they do have some solid players in Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut and John Salmons. What they need is to add another big man who can team up with Bogut down low and take some pressure off of the seven-foot Aussie. Adding a guy like Kanter would solve that problem and perhaps bring them back into the thick of the East.
Other Possibilities: Marcus Morris (Kansas), Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuania), Jonas Valaciunas (Lithuania)
10. Golden State Warriors: Jonas Valaciunas, C, Lithuania
10 of 30
Team Needs: Center
Why This Is the Pick: The Warriors only have one true center on their roster in Andris Biedrins, and he hasn't exactly been the most dominant option. Golden State has made the move to try and get guys like Ekpe Udoh and Vladimir Radmanovic to fill the frontcourt with depth, but neither has provided much of a spark.
Valaciunas is a project, but with the right coaching and experience, he could develop into a nice frontcourt option for this team down the road. He can take notes while learning under Biedrins. Just make sure he doesn't listen to him when it comes to teaching free-throw shooting.
Other Possibilities: Marcus Morris (Kansas), Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuania)
11. Charlotte Bobcats: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
11 of 30
Team Needs: Frontcourt help
Why This Is the Pick: The Bobcats took a complete turn this year and went from being a playoff contender to one of the bottom dwellers in the NBA. When they traded away Gerald Wallace to the Blazers for essentially nothing in return, their roster took a real hit.
Motiejunas is not a guy who will come in and be able to contribute huge numbers right away—he is a project in the making. But keep in mind, the Bobcats are rebuilding for the future now and a guy like Motiejunas represents the future and will help them forget the past.
Other Possibilities: Marcus Morris (Kansas), Tristan Thompson (Texas)
12. Indiana Pacers: Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas
12 of 30
Team Needs: Depth at power forward and center
Why This Is the Pick: Marcus Morris has come on huge this year and has turned into the best player on quite possibly the best team in college basketball.
The Pacers have some nice, young players on their roster. Guys like Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough and Darren Collison are quality NBA players who are only going to get better with time. Adding one of the most polished players in college basketball, Marcus Morris, will help this team and should make them competitive again in the weak Eastern Conference.
Other Possibilities: Tristan Thompson (Texas), Trey Thompkins (Georgia), Brandon Knight (Kentucky)
13. Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, PG, Brigham Young
13 of 30
Team Needs: Point guard, center
Why This is the Pick: The Rockets would love to add a center in the draft, but there just isn't the type of value at that position at this point in the draft. With that said, why not look at the best, pure scorer in all of college basketball this season—BYU guard Jimmer Fredette.
This kid can score at will as well as handle the point guard duties. The only reason he isn't going to be drafted higher is because he is a little small and he did not play against top competition in college. But really, who cares?
Fredette can flat out score and in the NBA that is always a nice thing to have.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Knight (Kentucky), Kemba Walker (Connecticut)
14. Philadelphia 76ers: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
14 of 30
Team Needs: Center and frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: The 76ers are loaded with guards, but other than Elton Brand, who is growing more gray hair as we speak, they are rather weak in their frontcourt.
Tristan Thompson is another one of those freshman that is extremely talented and likely to make the jump to the NBA this year. He is strong and active down low, but he will need some time to hone his skills at the next level. If this guy can add some muscle and improve his jump shot, Thompson could remind some people of former Texas forward LaMarcus Aldridge down the road.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil), Markieff Morris (Kansas)
15. Phoenix Suns: Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
15 of 30
Team Needs: Power forward
Why This Is the Pick: The Suns have desperately missed Amar'e Stoudemire this season. They have solid guards and a descent big man in Robin Lopez, but they just aren't getting any type of good production from the power forward position. Channing Frye is the softest power forward in the NBA, and Hakim Warrick just isn't worthy of being a starter in this league.
With that said, the Suns should look for the best power forward available at this time, which should be Kansas' Markieff Morris. This team is getting old as their three best players—Grant Hill, Steve Nash and Vince Carter—are in their 12th, 14th and 15th years in the NBA. It's time to bring in some new blood and Morris is an energetic guy who will help these veterans finish out their careers on a good note.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil), Jan Vesely (Belgrade), Trey Thompkins (Georgia)
16. Utah Jazz: Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke
16 of 30
Team Needs: Shooting guard
Why This Is the Pick: The move to trade Deron Williams really set the Jazz back and took away their hands-down best player. They still have talent on this team and the players that are there know how to win, but they are going to need some help at the guard position.
Drafting a guy like Nolan Smith would be a great fit for this team. Smith is one of the most NBA-ready players in college basketball. He has played at Duke now for four years and won on the biggest stage. He has the ability to play both guard positions, which will be a nice luxury for the Jazz as they get used to the loss of Williams. Nolan Smith is a great team guy and this is an ideal pick for the Jazz right here in the middle of the first round.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Knight (Kentucky), Kemba Walker (Connecticut), Tyler Honeycutt (UCLA)
17. Memphis Grizzlies: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
17 of 30
Team Needs: Depth
Why This Is the Pick: The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the most complete starting lineups in the NBA right now. Well, if that's the case, why don't they win more games?
It's simply because that don't have the depth off their bench to compete with the better teams in the West. Bottom line, they need to add some depth wherever they can, which is why they should select the best player available when their team hits the clock. At this point, that player could be Kentucky guard Brandon Knight.
Knight was one of if not the highest-rated high school players in the nation last season. He has had a good year at Kentucky, but not quite on the same level as past John Calipari point guards like John Wall and Derrick Rose. Nonetheless, he is a great talent who, in a few years, should be a starting NBA point guard.
Other Possibilities: Kemba Walker (Connecticut), Tyler Honeycutt (UCLA), Chris Singleton (Florida State)
18. Denver Nuggets: Tyler Honeycutt, SF, UCLA
18 of 30
Team Needs: Wing player that can score
Why This Is the Pick: The Nuggets got some nice players in return for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, but they don't have a player on their roster who can really take over games offensively like those two could. Welcome to Denver Tyler Honeycutt.
Honeycutt is not a guy who is going to come in and set the world on fire his rookie season. But with some good coaching and three of four years experience, Honeycutt could be the leading scorer on this team as they continue to rebuild for the future. He is an athletic wing player with a ton of potentital that awaits him in this league.
Other Possibilities: John Henson (North Carolina), Alec Burks (Colorado)
19. New York Knicks: Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
19 of 30
Team Needs: Shooting guard, center
Why This Is the Pick: The Knicks look to be right back in the thick of things after completing that blockbuster deal to bring over Carmelo Anthony and Chancey Billups. Now the question is, can they bring in another player through the draft to help build their depth?
At this point, they clearly need a shooting guard or a center. A big man would be preferable, but there just aren't many great centers available at this point who aren't true projects. That is why they should go with Colorado shooting guard Alec Burks.
This 6'6" shooting guard leads the Buffaloes while scoring just under 20 points per game this season. This is the type of offensive weapon that would be an ideal fit for what New York is trying to build.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira, (Brazil), Jeremy Tyler (USA)
20. Portland Trail Blazers: Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut
20 of 30
Team Needs: Point guard and frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: Kemba Walker is one of if not the most impressive scorer in college basketball this season. Nearing the end of the college basketball season, Walker has to be on a short list of legitimate Player of the Year candidates.
The Blazers made a great move when they acquired Gerald Wallace from the Bobcats and if they can lock him up long term, they have their own nice Big Three going with him, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. Now the idea is to find a replacement for Andre Miller, who has to be considering retirement sooner or later.
Walker is a guy who can step into the point guard role and play right away. He is a good ball handler and he is a great scorer, which can only help what should already be an explosive offense in 2011.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil), Malcolm Lee (UCLA)
21. Charlotte Bobcats (From New Orleans): Chris Singleton, PF, Florida State
21 of 30
Team Needs: Frontcourt help
Why This Is the Pick: If the Bobcats are going to go with an international player early on as their project pick, they should make the choice of a guy who will be ready to step in and play right away with this pick. That guy could be Florida State forward Chris Singleton.
The Seminoles' power forward is a dominant presence on the court as he can bang down low and he is one of the best defenders in this entire draft. If it wasn't for an unfortunate foot injury that has kept him out for an extended period of time this season, Singleton very well could have been talked about in the top 10 range of this year's draft.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil), Trey Thompkins (Georgia)
22. Washington Wizards (From Atlanta): Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
22 of 30
Team Needs: Go-to scorer
Why This Is the Pick: Klay Thompson is one of the best players in college basketball who you never hear about because he plays on such a bad team.
Standing at 6'6", Thompson has really good size for an NBA shooting guard, and he has great touch on his shot as well. He played against some top-notch competition while playing for team USA's development team as well as in the Pac-10 Conference.
If the Wizards can add both Thompson and a guy like Derrick Williams with their first pick, they should be in good shape on the offensive end for years to come.
Other Possibilities: Trey Thompkins (Georgia), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue)
23. Phoenix Suns (From Orlando): Jan Vesely, SF/PF, Belgrade
23 of 30
Team Needs: Forwards
Why This Is the Pick: The Suns are in a rebuilding mode and they need help specifically at the forward position, so why not add a guy like Vesely if he is available?
Most draft experts have Vesely going even higher in the first round, but this is right around where I see him going. He isn't going to be a guy who comes in and scores 20 points a game. He will take some time to develop, but once he does get some skill and muscle added to his frame, he could be a very nice piece for this Suns team.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil), Trey Thompkins (Georgia), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue)
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
24 of 30
Team Needs: Frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: This junior was one of the top returning players in the country this season and he should be rewarded by being an NBA first-round pick in 2011.
Thompkins is a tough kid who can bang down low and score on the offensive end. At 6'10", 245 pounds, Thompkins can be just the type of force inside that the Thunder have been looking for since their franchise moved to Oklahoma City. If Thompkins is still available by this time, this pick very well could turn out to be the steal of the draft when it is all said and done.
Other Possibilities: Lucas Nogueira (Brazil), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue), Kyle Singler (Duke)
25. Chicago Bulls: LaceDarius Dunn, SG, Baylor
25 of 30
Team Needs: Shooting guard
Why This Is the Pick: The Bulls are one shooting guard away from being quite possibly the best team in the NBA. They have great depth in their frontcourt and the best, young point guard in the league in Derrick Rose. But they really do need that guy who can start and create his own shot from the shooting guard position.
How about taking a chance on a guy like LaceDarius Dunn. He does have a few character flaws, but Dunn was one of the best players in last year's NCAA Tournament, and if Baylor puts together a run again this year, he should be huge again this year. Dunn is an athletic freak of nature who can always create his own shot, which is just what the Bulls need in a player.
Other Possibilities: Malcolm Lee (UCLA), E'twaun Moore (Purdue), Kyle Singler (Duke)
26. Dallas Mavericks: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
26 of 30
Team Needs: Youth
Why This Is the Pick: The Dallas Mavericks are one of the oldest teams in the NBA and they need to do whatever they can to get younger here in the draft.
Adding Tyson Chandler finally gave this team a legitimate threat down low, so now the best move for the Mavericks has to be to draft the best player available at this point, regardless of position. The ideal player would be a guy like Kyle Singler, who has the experience to step in and help contribute right off the bat.
Singler doesn't need to be a starting right away, but he will be a guy who could come off the bench and spell Shawn Marion while giving 10-15 minutes per game. Singler can shoot it from the outside as well as go inside when needed.
Other Possibilities: Kenneth Faried (Morehead State), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue), Rick Jackson (Syracuse)
27. Chicago Bulls (From Miami): Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
27 of 30
Team Needs: Shooting guard, depth
Why This Is the Pick: Kenneth Faried very well could be the best rebounder in the draft. He is one of those guys who is very much under the radar because he plays at a small school, but his potential is off the charts.
The Bulls need a shooting guard to complete their starting five, and they should focus on building depth from there on out. Faried reminds me of Paul Millsap, and if he develops into the player that Millsap has, Chicago will be very pleased with this late first-round selection.
Other Possibilities: Jeremy Tyler (USA), Jordan Williams (Maryland), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue)
28. Los Angeles Lakers: Jon Leuer, SF/PF, Wisconsin
28 of 30
Team Needs: Depth and youth
Why This Is the Pick: The Lakers have one of if not the most complete roster in the NBA. The only real weak link that you can point out is at the small forward position, but Ron Artest has been better as of late, and Matt Barnes coming back from injury should help.
The Lakers will likely look for a guy who can step in and give them 5-10 minutes off the bench, perhaps a player like Jon Leuer. He is a four-year starter at Wisconsin and should be able to come into the NBA and play right away. He can shoot, defend and bang down low when needed.
Other Possibilities: Jeremy Tyler (USA), Jordan Williams (Maryland), Demetri McCamey (Illinois)
29. Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler, PF/C, USA
29 of 30
Team Needs: Center, youth
Why This Is the Pick: This has been a long time coming for Jeremy Tyler. The kid originally committed to play his college basketball at Louisville, but then backed out and decided to play with an Israeli professional basketball team for a year.
The Celtics need youth and they need a center. Here is a guy who is not only a center, but he also is just a year removed from playing in high school.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Williams (Maryland), JaJuan Johnson (Purdue)
30. San Antonio Spurs: JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
30 of 30
Team Needs: Youth, frontcourt depth
Why This Is the Pick: JaJuan Johnson has been one of the best players in the Big Ten since he first put on a Purdue uniform.
I personally wouldn't be surprised to see Johnson get drafted earlier than this, but if he were to fall into the Spurs lap with the final pick of the first round, it would be another steal for San Antonio. Johnson is a beast under the basket and he has the ability to step out and hit that nice 12-15 foot jumper as well.
If this does happen, look for both Johnson and DeJuan Blair to develop together as the future of this franchise.
Other Possibilities: Jordan Williams (Maryland), Keith Benson (Oakland)
