2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will Kemba Walker Be a Lottery Pick?
Kemba Walker of Connecticut has been spotlighted ever since he first took the lead in scoring per game coming out of nowhere this season.
But, there are also a good amount of players in the 2011 NBA draft, some under the radar, that could jump ahead of him.
Will he be a lottery pick?
BYU's Jimmer Fredette may have something to say about that.
So may Colorado's Alec Burks.
Here is my first mock for the 2011 NBA draft, complete with analysis and cool pictures.
If one player drops to the Boston Celtics at No. 29, as predicted, consider yourself lucky Bostonian basketball fans.
Note: The draft order is based on standings up to March 4. If the draft order changes, don't blame me. I can only do so much.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones, SF/PF, Baylor
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Perry Jones may be a little raw, but what he lacks in refinement, he fully makes up for in athleticism and explosion.
Duke point guard Kyrie Irving is being mentioned here a lot, given he could be an NBA All-Star in the making, but how can the Cavaliers pass up a guy who compares to the former LeBron James in strength, size and speed?
Plus, the Cavs are much better suited at point guard right now with new acquisition Baron Davis in the frontcourt.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
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Kyrie Irving of the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils is widely expected to be selected in the first two picks of the 2011 NBA draft, regardless of who goes first.
He's one of those point guards that could become a perennial All-Star in the NBA.
The freshman may have played only eight games this season, but he showed more in eight games than many players would show in an entire season.
In those eight games, he put up 17.4 points per game on 53 percent shooting and averaged 5.1 assists.
He reminds a lot of people of a young Jay Williams.
3. Washington Wizards: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
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Some people have Arizona's Derrick Williams this high (some have him as high as No. 1), but I still think Jared Sullinger is the best low-post scorer and rebounder in the nation, and I think the Wizards would fill out their frontcourt with this guy.
Sullinger is also younger than Williams and could have more potential.
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4. Sacramento Kings: Derrick Williams, SF/PF, Arizona
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Derrick Williams is starting to gain a lot of attention, for good reason—he's one of the best scorers in college basketball.
He's never had an inability to ferociously attack the rim, but now, his jumper is starting to look much-improved.
That's a scary thing for opponents, evidenced by Williams averaging 19 points on 61 percent shooting.
With Carl Landry outta town, the Kings should jump on Williams if he's available.
5. Toronto Raptors: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
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People have anyone from Jones to Enes Kanter to North Carolina's Harrison Barnes going to the Raptors at No. 5, but I like Jones overall.
He's one of the most versatile players in college basketball.
He has the handles to be a point-forward, he's a great rebounder for his size, he plays good defense, he's a solid blocker, he can steal and he's a great passing forward.
Did I mention he can score, averaging 17.3 points this season?
I like this kid a lot.
6. Utah Jazz (via Nets): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
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Harrison Barnes may have had a disappointing freshman season for the Tar Heels based on people's projections of him coming into the year, but he still holds that "potential" factor that could make him scary down the line.
Barnes has the type of basketball IQ that lends to him turning things around.
He's also got the quickness and a decent-looking jumper (although is 40 percent field goal percentage this season has gained some doubters).
He's a bit of a high-risk, high-reward player, but worth the risk in my opinion.
The Jazz could develop him behind Andrei Kirilenko or start him right away if they decide to let Kirilenko go.
7. Detroit Pistons: Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky
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I expect the Pistons to take Kanter with this pick.
Kanter is the type of player who resembles an Andrew Bogut, smaller for his position but someone who plays with undying passion and smarts.
He's tough, he's crafty and his physical nature could help him overcome the size differential.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LA Clippers): Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
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The Cavaliers have a clear weakness in the frontcourt.
Although Hamilton may not be the best player available at No. 8, he's still top 10 worthy.
He's not only a lethal scorer, he also already has a very polished offensive game. That could spell doom early for NBA opponents.
His passion doesn't seem to be a problem, either, a die-hard player.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU
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In my mind, BYU's Jimmer Fredette has surpassed Kemba Walker of UConn.
Although he's not as athletic, he's a better scorer, evidenced by his 27.5 points per game and 45 percent shooting.
Both Fredette and Walker aren't pure point guards, so you can throw that argument out the window.
Fredette also has the heart to play in the NBA, and time and time again, has led his team to victory.
Want proof that he's a bigger impact player than Walker.
The BYU COUGARS are ranked higher than the UConn Huskies, a storied program ranked way ahead of BYU to start the year.
Fredette has the size to play shooting guard for the Bucks, a nice one-two punch with point guard Brandon Jennings.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
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Donatas Motiejunas may not be the best player available at this slot, but he sure is close and some people have him getting picked even higher.
He would be a nice player to stretch the floor for the Bobcats. Did I mention he's 7 feet tall? Let the Dirk Nowitzki comparisons begin.
But unlike Nowitzki, Motiejunas appears to be more aggressive coming into the NBA. Despite not having a thick build, he still has pushed his fair share of opponents around.
He's also a very good passer and has good footwork around the rim.
A lot of things to like about this kid.
11. Golden State Warriors: Jonas Valanciunas, PF, Lithuania
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I have Jonas Valanciunas No. 6 on my list of the top forward prospects entering the draft, ahead of Hamilton and Motiejunas.
North Carolina's John Henson could be a pick here, but the Warriors have got to be tired of tall, lanky North Carolina power forwards (i.e. Brandan Wright).
They also are probably tired of tall, lanky players in general (i.e. pretty much everyone they draft).
At 6'10", 230 pounds, Valanciunas certainly isn't giant, but he's an improvement from the 200-pound Henson.
He also has a high ceiling.
The only problem is it may take a bit before he incorporates his rebounding, shot-blocking and soft touch into the NBA game.
Warriors fans don't like to hear players are a "work in progress."
12. Houston Rockets: John Henson, PF, North Carolina
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With no big center-esque body being around in the draft to replace Yao Ming, the Rockets will probably simply try to add to their frontcourt.
Henson is a good pick, a solid rebounder who sends balls out of the gym with his shot-blocking ability (3.2 blocks per game). He's also very athletic.
Some people compare him to Andrei Kirilenko, pre-decline.
13. Utah Jazz: Alec Burks, G, Colorado
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Alec who?
Well, unless you really pay attention to college basketball, you may not know of this kid.
But he's for real, and a lot of people have him going in the lottery.
I place him ahead of Kemba Walker because he has better size for a shooting guard, at 6'6" and shoots at a much better clip (45 percent, 19.8 ppg) and is a better rebounder.
Burks is a dark horse coming into the season.
14. Phoenix Suns: Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut
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I like Walker with the Suns.
He's not a pure point guard, but he certainly could learn under the right tutor (i.e. Steve Nash, an all-time great point guard).
Even if he doesn't learn to be a point, Vince Carter isn't going to be around forever, and Walker could certainly fill in there when the time comes.
Despite some height issues (believe me, he's not 6'1" as listed), it's hard to pass up Walker this late. His athleticism and ability to get in the zone could make him a star in the NBA.
15. Indiana Pacers: Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky
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The Pacers need a legitimate starting-2 guard, and Kentucky freshman Brandon Knight fits the bill. He has a solid overall game and could be a good player in the NBA.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
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With some top shooting guards off the board, the 76ers could opt to go with the Czech Republic's Jan Vesely, a big man who can stretch the floor and finish well in traffic.
Elton Brand isn't getting any younger, and the Sixers are looking for their next star power forward.
17. New York Knicks: Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
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The Knicks are either gonna put Amar'e Stoudemire at power forward or at center with the new shake-up.
I'm thinking center for who would be available on the board at No. 17.
That way Thompkins could slide into the power forward spot.
Thompkins has soared up the power rankings in a lot of experts' minds, with an all-around game that includes scoring, rebounding, stealing and blocking.
He also has three-point range to extend the floor with Carmelo Anthony driving.
18. Memphis Grizzlies: Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
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The Grizzlies have a gap at small forward, and they're going to want to plug that up instantly.
Kawhi Leonard would possibly be a steal this late with his combination of scoring, rebounding, athleticism and high energy.
He's a guy that could instantly infuse a spark into the lineup of the Grizzlies.
19. Portland Trailblazers: Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
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Kenneth Faried may be a bit unpolished, but his athleticism is astounding, and his height projects him well as an interchangeable forward for the Trailblazers.
He'd instantly provide rebounds and shot-blocking for the Blazers and could become an igniter off the bench until it's his time to start in Portlandia.
20. New Orleans Hornets: Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas
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Marcus Morris could conceivably be selected before this pick, but based on teams' needs, I could see him dropping here.
If he did, he would be welcomed with open arms by the Hornets, seeking a small forward that could elevate their fortunes.
Morris is versatile and is relentless in attacking the rim. He also can handle the ball well and has a non-stop motor that could see him getting minutes right away in New Orleans.
21. Denver Nuggets: Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
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I'm actually a bigger fan of Tristan Thompson of Texas myself as far as potential, but it's hard to ignore what the Morrisses have done this season at Kansas.
A long, athletic, explosive player who can rebound and block shots, Morris would be a good addition to the frontcourt of the Nuggets and could be a good replacement for Kenyon Martin.
22. Atlanta Hawks: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
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Although a primary need for the Hawks is point guard at this point, I don't really see a guard that could legitimately step in and start at point for the Hawks at this spot.
But drafting a forward would be a nice move.
Thompson, a blocking machine who can handle and run the floor, could step in at small forward or power forward, depending on where the Hawks put Josh Smith.
Imagining an already strong Hawks frontcourt combined with Thompson is scary to think about.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Singleton, SF/PF, Florida State
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The Thunder are looking pretty good overall right now after acquiring Kendrick Perkins as their rock at center, but if they can get a guy that can come off the bench and instantly produce behind Kevin Durant, that's a handful nobody wants to deal with.
It's bad enough guarding Durant all day, when a guy with Singleton's speed and finishing ability comes in with energy that's just unfair.
24. Orlando Magic: Lucas Noguiera, PF/C, Brazil
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Lucas Noguiera opened some eyes playing at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18.
He's a big seven-foot body that can bang around in the post and create havoc defensively.
Serious sleeper potential for this kid, who would look nice next to Dwight Howard and Brandon Bass.
25. Miami Heat: JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
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Sure, JaJuan Johnson didn't play against great competition this season, posting 20 points per game, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks.
But that doesn't take away from the type of player he is.
The Heat probably want some more big bodies to come in and make a difference off the bench, and Johnson could be that guy.
Johnson is explosive both offensively and defensively, and he runs the floor well for a 6-foot-10 big man.
An explosive 6'10" big man who can run with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade?
Yikes.
26. Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
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The Lakers can only stand Ron Artest for so long at the small forward spot.
He's clearly not the same player he once was, and coach Phil Jackson hasn't been shy about pointing this out.
Enter Duke's Kyle Singler, a sharp-shooter with a high basketball IQ that can rebound, too.
Sounds like a player Jackson would like.
27. Chicago Bulls: Klay Thompson, G, Washington State
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The Bulls undeniably need a shooting guard of the future that can hit shots when All-Star point guard Derrick Rose calls his number.
Don't know if Thompson can legitimately become a starting shooting guard in the NBA, but if there's one thing he can do, it is make shots, averaging 21.4 points on 44.3 percent shooting.
He also has a nice all-around game, a good rebounder and passer for his position.
28. Dallas Mavericks: Tyler Honeycutt, SF, UCLA
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Tyler Honeycutt could very well go earlier in this draft, perhaps even much earlier, but I don't rank him as highly as the other small forwards I put ahead of him.
However, that doesn't mean he's not a good player.
With Shawn Marion losing his Matrix abilities and Peja Stojakovic currently bricking jump shots, Honeycutt could become the next starting small forward for the Dallas Mavericks.
He's a good athlete and can score, rebound and block. He also has a high basketball IQ, something the wily veterans on the Mavs will appreciate.
29. Boston Celtics: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
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Teams that contend year after year always have a way of finding a steal late in the draft.
Kansas freshman Thomas Robinson could be that steal.
It surprises me how low a lot of people have him, given his athleticism and explosion.
He's been a bench player behind the Morrisses, but he's also provided a considerable life every time he's hit the hardwood.
The Celtics could select a guy that could become an All-Star in the NBA.
Too early to tell, but he certainly has the leaping ability and physicality to dominate.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Tobias Harris, SF/PF, Tennessee
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The Spurs are an aging team; there's no doubt about that.
They could use some energy off the bench and a player that has a feel for the game that could earn him minutes under the watchful eye of coach Gregg Popovich.
He has good vision and ball-handling (Popovich no like turnovers), and he can score from mid-range or bang in the post.
A versatile player that knows the game?
Popovich like.
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