2011 NBA Mock Draft: Is Enes Kanter Worthy of a Lottery Pick?
It's been a long time since Cleveland Cavaliers or Minnesota Timberwolves fans thought about successes of this season. Frankly, there just haven't been many to talk about. They aren't the only fanbases more concerned with next year.
There is always next year in sports, and next year starts this year with the 2011 NBA draft. Basketball is one game where the addition of one player can drastically change the outlook of a team. Ask Cleveland about its transition after picking LeBron James. Or ask Chicago what picking Derrick Rose has done for its title chances. Even ask Detroit about how Darko Milicic...oh wait; forget about that one.
Teams hope to land the next superstar on June 23 with their draft pick. One potential superstar is Turkish forward Enes Kanter. But after Kanter was ruled ineligible to play at Kentucky because of questions over professionalism, the general public hasn't gotten a solid look at him.
Fourteen teams will get their name into the lottery. Do they see Kanter as worthy for such a pick?
Here is a 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
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Cleveland has its point guard in Baron Davis. So Duke's Kyrie Irving doesn't make any sense.
The Cavs need as polished of player as possible. The pick comes down to either Jared Sullinger or Arizona's Derrick Williams. Two things about Williams: Yes, he has the most upside, but he also has the most questions.
Sullinger is ready to play in the NBA right now. Think DeJuan Blair but with a more complete offensive game and two healthy knees.
Sullinger is a beast in the post but knows how to get his teammates involved when the opponent is keying on him, which is always. He still gets his numbers. He can step away from the basket for a jumper, as well. While Sullinger doesn't play above the rim in the same magnitude of many of his peers, he's polished enough to overcome that.
The Cavs have reportedly been looking at other players, but in a draft full of questioned potential, Sullinger is a solid pick.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
2 of 30Minnesota gets a chance to hit reset on its 2009 draft in which it took Ricky Rubio—who has essentially refused to play in the NBA—fifth overall and Jonny Flynn—who has been a disappointment—sixth overall. The Timberwolves drafted two point guards and missed on both.
But Kyrie Irving will be available second overall despite being widely considered the best overall prospect in the draft.
The Duke freshman has sat out most of the season with injury but showed in his limited action just what all the buzz is about. For a right-handed shooter, he sure looks comfortable going to his left. He has poise beyond his years.
While he lacks the elite athleticism of a Derrick Rose and the slingshot quickness of John Wall, Irving's outside shooting makes him just as dangerous.
3. Washington Wizards: Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona
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The biggest weakness for Derrick Williams is the uncertainty about where he projects at the next level. Listed between 6'7" and 6'9", it's unclear whether Williams is seen as a small forward or shooting guard. Some even see potential for him as a power forward.
I may be mistaken, but this question is often met with praise for versatility. If Williams is capable of multiple positions, he's that much more valuable.
Outside of point guard, Washington isn't undoubtedly set anywhere, but small forward is the biggest need. Nick Young is a capable shooting guard. JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche look like players to build around at center and power forward. Slide Williams into the three spot and this is one of the most talented and youngest lineups in the NBA.
4. Sacramento Kings: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
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If Sacramento can pick Perry Jones at fourth overall, it will laugh all the way to delivering its selection to Commissioner David Stern.
Jones is viewed by many as a No. 1 pick—although there is very little consensus over who should go first. Jones boasts a 6'11" frame still in need of development. But his athleticism allows him to run the floor and play above the rim.
Jones' versatility also makes NBA scouts happy. He's not just a scorer but also a rebounder and shot blocker. He needs some time for his production to match his ability.
5. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, PF/C, Turkey
5 of 30Toronto is best served by taking the best overall prospect available. That's Enes Kanter. His offensive game is nearly complete. He can shoot from the outside but still provide a physical presence inside.
Kanter isn't an exceptional athlete but is the best center prospect in the draft. All of Kanter's positives come with hesitation since much of his film has come over Turkey not against elite competition.
There is one problem with Kanter's film: He doesn't like to go left. When he does go left, he tends to spin back to the inside to his right hand. When he does go up on the left side of the hoop, it's usually with two hands.
NBA coaches can get that fixed in a month's worth of practices.
6. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey): Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
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I can totally see Utah reaching for BYU's Jimmer Fridette. But they'll be smart and go with Terrence Jones out of Kentucky.
Jones can play multiple positions. He's athletic and can create his own basket. He sometimes creates his own shot from beyond the arc. Creating a consistent three-point shot would provide a huge boost to Jones' game.
It's too bad for Utah that no big man is still worthy of this pick. The Jazz lack depth in the frontcourt. Paul Milsap is effective yet undersized at power forward. Acquiring Derrick Favors in a trade for Deron Williams should help.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
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Harrison Barnes is a player with top-three talent whose stock has taken a hit in recent months. But that doesn't have scouts forgetting about his potential.
Barnes can do everything asked of a small forward, although his three-point shooting is streaky. Cleveland can take a risk on a player that needs time to develop after already hitting on Jared Sullinger earlier in the round.
Barnes is one of the biggest question marks in the draft pool, with boom and bust both being possibilities. He's worth the risk.
8. Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania
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Ever since the disastrous pick of Darko Milicic second overall in 2003 and a rash of other international player busts across the league, you'd have to think that Detroit is wary of going overseas again.
But Jonas Valanciunas gives many scouts a different feel than his international predecessors. He's seen as a tougher presence than he is a finesse player.
However, he finishes well around the basket and runs the floor. He needs to put on muscle and could use a year or two to tap into his potential.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Hamilton, SG, Texas
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Jordan Hamilton needs some coaching. He zones in on his own scoring a bit too much, but in the NBA, will have to learn to abide by his team's system and find his place in it.
Once he does, Hamilton has the potential to be premier wing player in the NBA. Perimeter shooting? Check. Creative scoring? Check. Potential to be a strong distributor? Check.
Defensively, Hamilton won't be a liability, but he also won't be a lockdown player.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: Donatas Motiejunas, C, Lithuania
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Donatas Motiejunas has been waiting for the right time to elect for the NBA draft, playing significant time for his European club. But now he thinks it's time to come over to America.
He's still very thin at 7'0" and 220 lbs. But he's an adept scorer, able to use either hand. He contributes in other areas besides scoring, such as rebounding and passing.
Charlotte will have to be very patient with Motiejunas and understand that this could end in an elite center or a complete waste of a pick.
11. Golden State Warriors: John Henson, PF, North Carolina
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The Warriors have their backcourt in place thanks to Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. David Lee is a stout big man to build the frontcourt around.
This draft is wide open with many prospects making it difficult for teams to project. John Henson is one of those. His athleticism and college production (11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.2 blocks per game this season) are unquestioned.
But he's another lanky tower that needs bulk to achieve sustained success at the next level.
He's a good fit for Golden State, who can use his athleticism on offense and shot-blocking on defense.
12. Houston Rockets: Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut
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Kemba Walker is one of college basketball's elite scorers. He's done so in the nation's best basketball conference—the Big East.
Houston can't be content with Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic at point guard. Although Walker is more of a scorer than a true point guard, he is a player who shows promise for the next level.
There are other options here, including Colorado's Alec Burks and BYU's Jimmer Fredette. Adding a piece to the frontcourt would be a wise move as well if the Rockets find one worth getting here.
13. Phoenix Suns: Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
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It's nearly impossible to get excited about a lanky tall guy that dominates in Europe. The competition is suspect, the projection is too objective and results have largely been failures.
Why does anyone expect any different from Jan Vesely?
For Vesely, the scouting report reads the same as so many before him: needs bulk, good shooter, needs improvement with his back to the basket, needs time to develop.
Think about the good-shooting big men in the NBA outside of Dirk Nowitzki. Ryan Anderson, Channing Frye, etc. who are not lottery pick material. They are role players that can help stretch the floor.
Still, Vesely will go high with a general manager buying into the hype. Maybe he'll be right. But I'm guessing this is another player that will be stuck at the end of a bench.
14. Utah Jazz: Jimmer Fredette, PG, Brigham Young
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Utah gets its backyard baller, Jimmer Fredette, who plays an hour's drive south of the Energy Solutions Arena.
This isn't an ideal place for the Jazz to land in the draft. Although they don't desperately need help at point guard, finding an upgraded backup to Devin Harris to replace either Earl Watson or Ronnie Price is something to consider.
There aren't traditional options for post players. The Jazz would have to stretch for undersized players such as Kansas' Marcus Morris or Morehead State's Kenneth Faried to put at forward.
Fredette is a prolific scorer that is known for his jump shot but has plenty of success off the dribble. He won't fit as a two guard so he'll have to learn to distribute better to become an effective point guard.
15. Indiana Pacers: Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
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Kawhi Leonard does a little bit over everything, and he does it all well. At 6'7", he averages nearly 11 rebounds per game and gets 1.5 steals per game.
Leonard has shown the ability to score by averaging 15.2 points per game in the Mountain West but could use some improvement in his outside shooting.
Leonard is climbing draft boards not because he looks like a possible superstar but rather because he doesn't look like a bust. His all-around game and work ethic have teams convinced they'll get production out of him.
Let's face it: Getting production out of a lottery pick should be considered a good draft pick.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas
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Marcus Morris is undersized at 6'9" but has the ball skills and versatility a la Utah's Paul Milsap to be a solid producer. He won't wow anyone with his athleticism and won't overpower many players in the NBA. But with time, he can put on size and continue to hone his growing game.
Morris vast skill set helps make up for his lacking a defined position. He's listed as a power forward, where his size and athleticism level work, but his game better fits at small forward.
At the end of the day, the kid scores and rebounds should be a dependable role player with upside.
17. New York Knicks: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
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Kentucky coach John Calipari is putting together a who's who of NBA point guards in his recruitment history. Tyreke Evans, Derrick Rose and John Wall have all gone on to begin successful NBA careers. Brandon Knight hopes to be the next.
It's not as much of a sure thing for Knight. He's 6'3" but isn't particularly strong. He doesn't have the lightning first step of any of the other three and possesses the same shaky outside shot.
He's more of a project, a player that will have to thrive off of understanding of the game and preparation more than pure athleticism. Sounds an awful lot like Chauncey Billups. Who better to teach Knight?
Doesn't hurt to have a little insurance in case Chris Paul doesn't come to Madison Square Garden.
18. Memphis Grizzlies: Josh Selby, PG, Kansas
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Josh Selby's freshman season has been a disappointment between suspension and injury. But it has always been just a required stop on the way to the pros. Whether or not Selby is ready is unknown.
The knock on Selby is that he's a shooting guard in a point guard's body. He has the length to defend ones and twos in the NBA, but that hasn't translated into performance at Kansas.
He gets to the rim with ease but shoots a low percentage. It might be best for Selby to stay in college for another year, but that doesn't look likely.
If molded into more of a true floor general, Selby would have extremely high upside.
19. Portland Trailblazers: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
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Portland should go big but should be wary of reproducing a player already on the roster. Getting a power forward would be nice, but most of the players available at that position scream of comparisons to Gerald Wallace.
Finding the eventual replacement for Marcus Camby and/or complement to LeMarcus Aldridge would be nice. But true centers are hard to find.
Mason Plumlee can provide athleticism and rebounding while developing more of a low-post game. While Wallace plays more like a small forward, Plumlee plays more like a center, serving as a defensive backstop and getting his points without many plays run for him.
Portland doesn't need to find a star. A role player with room to grow will do just fine.
20. Charlotte Bobcats (from Hornets Via Port.): Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead St.
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Kenneth Faried is a double-double machine. He has more than 70 in his career. He has tremendous athleticism for a 6'8" player.
Faried has relied on that athleticism while at Morehead State, using it to bully lesser competition. That won't be as easy to do in the NBA.
However, a player with his work ethic, ability and production deserves a first-round pick. He's undersized at his power forward position but can still have a substantial impact.
21. Denver Nuggets: Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
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Maybe the biggest project to come out of the first round this year will be Lucas Nogueira. His game is raw, and his body is sparse. He needs to improve both greatly to be a contributing player in the NBA.
But a seven-footer with Nogueira's athleticism has scouts paying close attention to his play in Spain. He's a fierce shot-blocker and energetic competitor.
Denver needs to add to its frontcourt with Kenyon Martin likely gone to free agency or at least in the next few years to retirement.
22. Washington Wizards (from Atlanta): Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
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Alec Burks is a scorer, plain and simple. He's averaging 19.3 points per game this season for Colorado.
Most of Burks' scoring is thanks to his leaping ability and expert finishing. He's very adept at the dribble drive and has good size for a two at 6'6".
Adding bulk would help his game as well as drilling himself in three-point shooting.
Washington needs depth at guard with Kirk Hinrich gone. Burks should be able to run the point for short stretches to spell John Wall and push Nick Young at the two.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
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The Thunder can replace Jeff Green with this pick by getting Tristan Thompson at a great value. He could end up going much higher. If he's available, Oklahoma City will be lucky to get him.
Thompson's exceptional length helps him make up for being slightly undersized as a power forward at 6'8". That length helps him with shot-blocking and finishing at the basket.
His talents are spread across his game and can contribute in many ways, just as Green did before being traded earlier this season.
24. Houston Rockets (from Orlando Via Phoenix): Trey Thomkins, PF, Georgia
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Houston needs to address its thin front line with the pick that it acquired when trading Aaron Brooks. Without Yao Ming, the Rockets struggled against the opposition's big men.
Trey Thomkins provides help both on offense and defense. He can step out and hit three pointers but is more than capable of sticking his nose into the action in the paint.
Most of all, Houston knows it is getting a player that can produce. For three seasons now, Thomkins averaged 12.6 points and 7.4 rebounds as a freshman and has only improved.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
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Kyle Singler provides Los Angeles with the youth that it desperately needs. He's a small forward with a strong perimeter game.
Singler overcomes average athleticism with a great basketball IQ and attention to detail. These attributes should allow him to transition into a contributing role early in his career.
Los Angeles could more use a new piece for its aging backcourt, but the right player isn't there. Ron Artest and Matt Barnes aren't getting any younger at the three, either, making Singler a smart pick nonetheless.
26. Chicago Bulls: Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
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Marcus' twin brother, Markieff, is more of a thumper. He's not as offensively gifted, but he's a talented rebounder and solid shot-blocker.
He'll add muscle to any team. For all of Carlos Boozer's offensive exploits, he leaves plenty to be desired on the defensive end. Being able to sub in a change-of-pace enforcer like Morris could help instill balance in the Bulls' power forward rotation.
Don't count out Morris' offensive game. It has room to grow and has shown evidence that it will. He shoots better than 40 percent from three-point range.
27. Chicago Bulls (from Miami Via Toronto): Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke
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The fact is Nolan Smith gets it done. Whether he's playing the point or at shooting guard, Smith can score and distribute. He's averaging 21.3 points and 5.2 assists per game this season at Duke.
But it's Smith's other features that have him gaining momentum on draft boards. He's a great defender and has surprising athleticism and leaping ability.
Winning for four straight seasons at Duke doesn't hurt either.
The Bulls would be wise to form him into a solid backup to Derrick Rose at the point that can get minutes at the two as well. Honestly, the Bulls are deep at every position but point guard.
28. Dallas Mavericks: JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
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Dallas is in love with Tyson Chandler right now and could scoop up his clone late in the first round. JaJuan Johnson is a tremendous leaper with rare shot-blocking skills that could use some muscle and time fine-tuning his offensive game. Sound familiar?
Johnson gets up and down the floor and could make a living cleaning up everyone else's garbage in the NBA. Offensive rebounds, tip-ins and alley-oop dunks are his specialties.
Energy is what Dallas will need in the near future.
29. Boston Celtics: Travis Leslie, SG, Georgia
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He may be the most exciting player in college basketball. Travis Leslie has made a habit of showing up on SportsCenter's top 10 for his mammoth dunks.
Thanks to incredible leaping ability and strength, Leslie is one of the game's best finishers at the rim. His perimeter game is lacking, maybe as a result.
Boston needs depth at two guard after trading away Marquis Daniels. Leslie will have to improve his three-point shooting to find consistent minutes in the NBA.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
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Tyler Zeller might be best served by sticking in school for his senior year. He could use more time to hit the gym and develop his offensive game.
But if he elects for the draft, scouts see him as a first-round talent. He has a soft touch around the rim and moves well for a seven-footer.
San Antonio needs to address its thin frontcourt. Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess can't play forever and DeJuan Blair is undersized. Getting Zeller in now when few minutes will be expected of him could help his career.
