2011 NBA Mock Draft: Can Kemba Walker Climb Into the Top 10?
It is Championship Week in college basketball, and that means we are seeing some outstanding performances from players who are going to be looking to have their names called in the NBA draft in a few months.
Here we will be going through the entire first round of the NBA draft and giving our best guesses as far as who each team could target.
Who will the Cavaliers grab with their two lottery picks? Where will stars like Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette land?
Will this mock draft answer your questions or give you more? Only you can be the judge of that.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Perry Jones, SF, Baylor
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There is no LeBron James-caliber player in this draft, but that doesn't mean there is no talent. Perry Jones is the rare mixture of power forward size with shooting guard skills and athleticism.
One of the biggest problems with Jones is that we aren't going to be seeing any more of his talents this year because he was suspended for improper benefits this week.
Jones is going to have to improve his outside shooting and consistency, but his athleticism and intangibles are off the charts.
Jones is by no means a sure thing, but he probably has the highest ceiling of any player in the draft. For the Cavs to rebuild, they are going to need a few guys like this to realize their potential.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
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Prior to going out with an injury, Kyrie Irving was probably one of the most explosive players in college basketball. He is a good athlete for a point guard, but his real value is in the dribble drive game.
I understand the Timberwolves were the laughing stock of the draft a few years ago when they grabbed three point guards with their first round picks, but to be honest, only one has played a minute in Minnesota and he hasn't been a franchise level point guard.
With a lot of young talent already playing for the Timberwolves, Irving would be a great fit. He could be the lockdown defender on the outside. Also, with a lot of guys who can spread the floor, he would be outstanding getting to the hoop.
I also think that if the Cavs pass on Irving to get Jones, this could be a steal for the Timberwolves.
3. Sacramento Kings: Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona
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Derrick Williams IS Arizona basketball right now. He is the only player averaging double-figures for a top-20 team. He is also third among all college players in player efficiency.
In college Williams is a power forward, but at the next level he will likely play small forward—which he would be able to do because of his outstanding shooting stroke.
Honestly, the biggest knock on Williams is that he is only 6-foot-7. If he was two inches taller, he could be by far the top pick in the draft. But because he doesn't have a primary position, his stock gets knocked a little.
However, Williams plays much bigger than his height and will be an outstanding addition to a young, up-and-coming Kings team.
4. Washington Wizards: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
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Jared Sullinger might be the most NBA ready player in the draft. He has a huge frame and a polished low-post game. Teaming him with a point guard like John Wall would give the Wizards an extremely solid foundation to build upon.
When Sullinger gets to the league, he is going to have to work on his endurance and conditioning. However, his size and competitiveness will be unmatched by other guys in this rookie class.
Another thing that sets Sullinger apart is his high basketball IQ. Not only does he know where to be on the court to make the most impact, but he also is one of the best rebounders in recent memory.
Sullinger could end up being a steal if he is picked anywhere after the top pick. The reason I think he drops here, though, is that he doesn't have the upside of some of his fellow classmates.
5. Toronto Raptors: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
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Terrence Jones has made a much bigger impact this season than I expected of him. He is averaging over 17 points per game, over nine rebounds per game and was voted the SEC Freshman of the Year for the Wildcats.
Jones has outstanding athleticism and is a true scoring forward. He also is a very good ball handler for his size and he could provide some very interesting matchup problems at the next level.
One area that is lacking for the youngster is his basketball IQ. He tends to look for his outside shot a little too much, and that can be problematic when those shots aren't falling.
I don't know where Jones fits the best, but I will say that someone will love his 7-foot-3 wingspan and his rare athletic ability.
6. Utah Jazz (From New Jersey Nets): Enes Kanter, C, Turkey
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Enes Kanter could have been the top overall pick in this year's draft if he had been cleared by the NCAA to play for Kentucky. Instead, the Turkish center spent the season watching a lot of college basketball.
Kanter may be a tad undersized for the center position, and he might not be the best athlete, but he is a good outside shooter and he enjoys playing physically in the post.
Not only is Kanter a bit of a change from most European post players, but he also has a great deal of length that will help him compete at the NBA level.
The Jazz could be looking for a physical rebounder and a long player to put next to rookie Derrick Favors.
7. Detroit Pistons: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
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Harrison Barnes has really started to come on strong in the recent weeks. After getting all sorts of publicity and acclaim before his first year in college basketball, Barnes started slow. He was almost forgotten halfway through the season.
Barnes is a streaky shooter and will need to get much stronger before he is able to contribute much at the NBA level.
Despite that lack of strength, Barnes is a fantastic scorer and one of the smartest players in college basketball this year. His mid-range game is second to none.
The Pistons are in the middle of a rebuilding process, and adding Barnes could be a great way to get closer to the playoffs in the East.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (From LA Clippers): Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
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After hitting the shot heard round college basketball, Kemba Walker asserted himself as a legitimate big game point guard who can lead a team. With point guard as a position that is lacking in this draft, I think Walker is overrated.
Sure he has the intangibles and leadership you want from a point guard, but he also is inconsistent when shooting from outside and is usually a guy who looks to score before dishing.
However, Walker is an outstanding athlete who plays a dramatic style of basketball. He can get to the rim better than most guys and has quick hands.
The Cavs do have Baron Davis on the roster, but he isn't the point guard of the future in Cleveland. The Cavs could also look to add another front court player but, with all the needs on their roster, I think they should spread the wealth.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Donatas Motiejunas, PF/SF, Lithuania
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The biggest knock on Donatas Motiejunas going into the draft will be his slight frame. He may be a seven-footer, but he is also a very slight player and weighs just 220 pounds.
Motiejunas may lack bulk, strength, experience, and consistency, but he has an incredibly high ceiling. If he continues to work on his weaknesses, he could end up being a star in the NBA.
Not only does Motiejunas have a high basketball IQ, but he also has an outstanding mid-range game and is never shy about looking for his points.
The Bucks have a lot of pieces needed to be a consistent playoff team, but they are still lacking a wing to play along side Brandon Jennings, and a forward to play along side Andrew Bogut. Motiejunas could be a great compliment to Bogut and a good pick and pop teammate for Jennings.
10. Charlotte Bobcats: Alec Burks, PG/SG, Colorado
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With no outstanding shooting guard prospects in this draft, Alec Burks is one of the few guys who could be considered an elite off guard.
He is very athletic and an outstanding scorer, checking in at just under 20 points per game. He could be a little inconsistent with his outside shot, but he makes up for it by getting to the basket at will.
Burks might be a little bit of a stretch to take here but, seeing as how this draft class has no other shooting guards worthy of being considered a lottery pick, he is going to get drafted higher than he may deserve.
Imagine Burks learning from the likes of Bobcats owner Michael Jordan. The two seem to be very similar players when they came out of college. Burks could really become outstanding under the tutelage of the best player ever to step on the court.
11. Golden State Warriors: Jonas Valanciunas, PF, Lithuania
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Jonas Valanciunas is another Lithuanian forward who could make a big impact in the draft. He is a very long player who can really be tough to deal with around the basket.
Although Valanciunas isn't the strongest of big men, he makes up for it with his length and his nice touch in the low post. He also has a high basketball IQ and is an outstanding rebounder.
Valanciunas is going to have to work on his strength and his outside shot in order to make it in the NBA, but he is just 18-years-old and has a lot of time to develop.
The Warriors would probably want someone who can come in and help out immediately, but Valanciunas could be a solid player for a young and emerging team.
12. Houston Rockets: Josh Selby, PG, Kansas
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Josh Selby missed a bunch of games to start the season because of an NCAA investigation and suspension. Since getting to lace up his sneakers in Lawrence, he has shown flashes of being an outstanding guard.
He is an unbelievable athlete and finishes surprisingly well, considering his 6-foot-3 frame. He is a solid defender who could develop into an outstanding NBA combo guard.
However, that term "combo guard" is also what hurts him. He isn't a true point guard, which will lower his stock. Selby also could use some work on his outside shot.
The Rockets have some good pieces, but they need to add as much talent as possible to make the jump back toward the playoffs. Selby would be an upgrade over any point guard they have on the roster.
13. Phoenix Suns: Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
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Jimmer Fredette is arguably the most recognizable name in college basketball today. He is one of the best scorers in recent memory and he has led BYU to a likely high seed in the NCAA tournament.
Fredette could be on of the best shooters in the NBA immediately upon being drafted. He is also a fearless competitor and is extremely tough and hard working.
The biggest questions NBA scouts have about Fredette, are surrounding his position and defense. Is he a true point guard? No. Can he guard the two guard? No, he will have trouble enough with the point guard.
While Fredette isn't nearly as quick as Steve Nash, the two are somewhat similar. Fredette could really learn from the former MVP and, in the long run, it will be an outstanding help to both Fredette and the Suns.
14. Utah Jazz: Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas
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Jordan Hamilton is really the only other guy in the lottery who could be considered a shooting guard. He is closer to a small forward, but I think it's safe to say he will play both positions in his NBA career.
Hamilton is one of the best scorers in college basketball this year, but he is also a good rebounder for his size and isn't shy about doing work in the block.
Despite being a great scorer, he isn't really quick. He can also play like he is the best player on the court, which could be both good and bad. He tends to take some ill-advised shots and can be a little selfish.
The Jazz grabbed a big man with their first pick—now they get a guy who can compete with Kobe Bryant on the wing.
15. Indiana Pacers: John Henson, PF, North Carolina
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John Henson is an outstandingly athletic power forward who has a good post game and is a very solid rebounder and post defender.
Henson may be 6-foot-10, but he is also very slight for a power forward. At the next level, he needs to add a lot of strength as well as some sort of outside game.
If Henson can improve on a decent sophomore season at North Carolina, he could end up being an absolute steal.
The Pacers have a glaring weakness at the power forward position. While Henson wouldn't be ready to step in and contribute at a high level immediately, he could end up developing into a good player for them.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
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Jan Vesely is another super long and athletic power forward in this draft. He is just 20-years-old, so he will need more seasoning overseas before he is ready to make an impact in the NBA.
Vesely is not only a good athlete, but he seems to understand the game fairly well. He has a good outside game and can finish with authority at the rim. He also plays hard.
Despite an NBA game, Vesley is really nothing more than a role player in Europe right now. The same was the case for Brandon Jennings when he played overseas. However, the forward does need to add strength and a post-up game.
The 76ers have a good power forward in Elton Brand, but he is starting to show his age and will need to be replaced in the near future. Adding depth at forward would be good for many reasons.
17. New York Knicks: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
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Brandon Knight is another stud freshman guard to come out of Kentucky. He may not be on the level of John Wall but he is still pretty dang good.
Knight is listed as a point guard, but he is really a combo guard—not really a true point guard and not really big enough to be an NBA shooting guard.
Although Knight is very good at getting to the basket and finishing with consistency, he needs to really work on his outside shot to be a legitimate NBA player.
The Knicks need a backup plan in the event they can't get someone like Chris Paul or Deron Williams to sign as a free agent in a few years. A back court of Tony Douglas and Knight could end up being a good one.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Memphis): Tyler Honeycutt, SF/SG, UCLA
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Tyler Honeycutt is a tough guy to figure out. He can throw up 33 points in Lawrence against Kansas, then take just six shots against the likes of Oregon State.
Honeycutt has a ton of athleticism, a high basketball IQ and is one of the better passers for a guy his size. He also is an outstanding shot blocker and has shown an ability to really work on his offensive game.
The biggest problem I have with Honeycutt is that, despite him being the best player for the Bruins, most of the time you wouldn't know it. He tends to give the ball up too much and has some trouble creating his own shot. Lastly, Honeycutt can be a little careless with the ball.
The Timberwolves could use a shooting guard to put next to Kyrie Irving who they took earlier in the draft.
19. Portland Trailblazers: Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke
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Nolan Smith is a true lead guard. He may not be a point guard or a shooting guard, but if you are looking for a guard capable of leading a team, he is second to none.
Smith does everything you want from a combo guard. Not only is he very skilled at getting his own shot, but he is good at creating shots for his teammates. Not only does he have range on his jumper, but he can also get to the rim and finish well.
He doesn't have ideal size for a shooting guard, or the skills of a prototypical point guard, but he does have a great level of intangibles and I like his chances to be a good guard at the NBA level.
The Trailblazers have a great level of talent on the roster, but they need a lead guard to really help their team get to the next level.
20. Washington Wizards (From Atlanta Hawks): Kawhi Leonard, SF, SDSU
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Kawhi Leonard is one of the tougher prospects to project. He has ideal size and rebounding skills to be a solid small forward, but he does not have a good shooting game. Most of his plays are made because he is a better athlete than everyone else.
Leonard is just 19-years-old so he still has time to mature as a basketball player. He has long arms, a great motor and unbelievable leaping ability.
At the NBA level, I don't know how Leonard will make a living. He has no outside game to rely on and, if he doesn't have a good point guard to get shots for him, I don't know how he is going to score at the next level.
Heading to Washington, Leonard will have a point guard to help him get his shots. If they grab Jared Sullinger early in the first round, Leonard could thrive with the lack of attention on him.
21. Denver Nuggets: Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
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The first-team All-SEC forward, Trey Thompkins, has really led Georgia to the brink of an NCAA tournament bid.
He has a solid offensive game where he can not only play in the block, but he can also shoot from the outside. Not only does Thompkins handle the ball well for his size, but he is also a great rebounder and shot blocker.
Thompkins has struggled with his conditioning at times, and he also isn't the best athlete at his position. However, will his polished offensive game make scouts get passed that?
The Nuggets are looking for a new guy to rely on with Carmelo Anthony now in New York. Thompkins isn't going to be a guy to build a team around, but he can be a solid piece.
22. Charlotte Bobcats (From NO, Via Por): Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
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Tristan Thompson seems to be the forgotten freshman. With the outstanding freshman class around him in college hoops, that is understandable.
Thompson has a high level of athleticism and is a good scorer because of that. He has good shot blocking ability and a great wingspan.
Although he has a high level of athleticism, he doesn't have a single part of his game that he's dominant at.
The Bobcats are in a position to really rebuild. They grabbed Alec Burks with their first pick but they could use a front court player to build the roster.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder: JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
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JaJuan Johnson is one of the tougher guys to project into the NBA. Sure, he has averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds per game this season for Purdue, but he seems to be getting most of his points because he is longer and more athletic than everyone else.
Johnson does block shots well and is an extremely great leaper, but he needs to go to a team where his offensive game isn't going to be the make or break thing for the team.
Although he is a good athlete, the biggest question about Johnson is how good a basketball player he really is. He needs to work on his offensive game and learn how to play at the next level.
The Thunder has enough offensive firepower, but could use more depth in the front court. Johnson would be a good defensive player who could run the court well with Russell Westbrook.
24. Houston Rockets (From Orl. Via Phoenix): Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
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Kenneth Faried isn't a recognizable name for people who don't follow college hoops, but he might be one of the best players in the country.
Faried's game is all about rebounding. He is probably the best rebounder in the country. He also blocks a lot of shots and uses athleticism and a high motor to out-work everyone else.
Drafting Faried is really drafting for defense and rebounding, not for offense. He may lack ideal size and may need to add strength, but his instincts for rebounding are better than anyone else's.
The Rockets are the type of team to really pick a guy to corner the market on a specific thing, like rebounding. Faried would add toughness and depth to their front court.
25. Chicago Bulls (from Miami Via Toronto): Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
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Jeff Taylor is a an athletic player for the Commodores. He has really improved as a player just about every year while at Vanderbilt.
Taylor makes his living getting to the rim and finishing with authority. He has a solid first step and is also an extremely good defensive player.
He does have trouble on the outside. He doesn't have a consistent jumper and he isn't a great ball handler.
The Bulls have a ton of talent and just need to upgrade the bench. Taylor would be a good defensive wing to add to the roster.
26. Chicago Bulls: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
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Kyle Singler is one of the more recognizable names in college hoops. He was in the same class as O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love, but he was one of the few guys to stay all four years in college.
Singler has one of the better jumpshots in college hoops today. He can shoot the three, but will need to work on his range a little bit. He also is one of the smartest players in the country.
Despite his good offensive game, the Duke star will need to work on his strength and quickness to really make it in the league. He isn't a great athlete but he is a real basketball player.
With two picks in a row, the Bulls add guys to the wing for depth. First they grabbed defense with Jeff Taylor, and now they get offense with Singler.
27. New Jersey Nets (From LA Lakers): Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee
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Tobias Harris is one of the fastest risers on most draft boards. He has been a very productive player for the Volunteers in his freshman year and, if he comes out in the draft, he will be a first rounder based on potential alone.
In college, Harris has been a power forward. He has a lot of versatility and could end up playing small forward in the pros. He has good ball handling and is a good rebounder.
Harris will need to work on the consistency of his mid-range and outside shot to become a factor in the NBA, but he is still a young kid at just 18-years-old.
The Nets need to add talent and Harris has a high ceiling—he could develop into an outstanding player for them in the future.
28. Dallas Mavericks: William Buford, SG, Ohio State
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William Buford might be one of the best shooters in the draft. He has outstanding range and has made a living beyond the arc.
Buford is a very athletic guard who can score in a variety of ways. He is unselfish but he looks for his shot when the team needs him to.
At the next level, he is going to have to add strength and work on getting to the free throw line.
The Mavericks need more young talent, and Buford would be a good addition.
29. Boston Celtics: Malcolm Lee, SG/PG, UCLA
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Malcolm Lee earns his money on the defensive side of the ball. He has really learned to be a lockdown defender for the Bruins under head coach Ben Howland.
Lee can play both the point and the shooting guard, but he is probably closer to a shooting guard at the NBA level.
He will need to add strength, but his most glaring weakness that will need to be addressed is his outside shot. He improved his stroke this year, but it still has a ways to go.
The Celtics could use a good defensive guard who can check both the point and the two. Lee is that guy.
30. San Antonio Spurs: Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas
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Marcus Morris is a productive college player who will need to figure out what position he is best suited for at the NBA level. In college he is a power forward, but is that where he is going to be in the pros?
Morris has a solid mid-range game and is an outstanding rebounder, but is he really going to be able to go against guys who are longer and stronger?
In order for Morris to thrive in the NBA, he is going to need to add strength and really learn from Tim Duncan on how to get his points in the mid-range.
The Spurs have made a living grabbing guys who are a little undervalued and turning them into solid players. Morris could end up being another guy in that mold.
