NBA Mock Draft 2011: Will Both of the Morris Brothers Be Lottery Picks?
Let's face it, NCAA March Madness is the most spectacular few weeks in all of American sports. It has it all from the intrigue of bubble teams, the inspiration of Cinderella teams, and pride of the powerhouse teams.
There are last second shots, upsets, and of course the office pool brackets!
But also, the NCAA tournament is our last chance as sports fans to scout for our favorite NBA teams and their potential draft choices.
Each year, a player or three make a name for themselves in the tournament, and this year seems to be no different after a thrilling week of conference tournaments.
So in the following, we will take a look at a potential mock draft before the tournament begins. This article will serve as a primer for you to discern who you should be watching over the next few weeks.
Dig in and hold tight, here is your 2011 NBA mock draft!
(note, the draft order is based on records as of March 14, 2011)
1. Cleveland Cavaliers-Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
1 of 30
There are a few different reasons why Cleveland will make this pick.
First, they need a playmaker, and they need it quick. Sure, they brought in Baron Davis, and he has undoubtedly helped. But they know that he is not the answer long term, so look for them to try to deal him either before or immediately after the draft to shore up more picks and a vet or two.
Second, owner Dan Gilbert has vowed to win a title before LeBron does, and he should know that the quickest way to become a contender is to have either a bona fide center or a stud point guard.
Since there are no centers that necessarily fit this bill, he will likely go point here.
Third, the Cavs play in the same division as the Bulls. Who did the Bulls draft that immediately made them a markedly better team? Derrick Rose. What position does he play? Point guard.
2. Sacramento Kings-Perry Jones, SF, Baylor
2 of 30
No, that is not Perry Jones, the super-frosh from Baylor, but rather their mascot, Bruiser.
But Jones has been no less intimidating to his opponents this year, racking up over 13 points and seven rebounds a game.
Sadly, you won't be able to see Jones play this tournament as his team was booted by Oklahoma in the first round of the Big 12 tourney.
Nevertheless, he is a big, incredibly quick, and athletic small forward that projects as a bigger version of Kevin Durant or even Tracy McGrady.
Sacramento has plenty of needs, but Jones is just too talented to pass up. Look for the Kings to pull the trigger without hesitation.
3. Washington Wizards-Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky
3 of 30
John Wall and company may be asking "who?", but Kanter is a bruiser that could be a stud down the road.
I have to admit, I have no real clue what Washington is going to do here. They seem to be set at point guard, shooting guard, and all three of the front court positions.
JaVale McGee is a decent big man, but it would be nice for Washington to have a more legitimate threat at the center position.
Also, this would allow the Wizards to mature the young Turk.
Otherwise, look for the Wizards to make a play for a small forward such as Harrison Barnes from North Carolina if they think they can buy out Rashard Lewis' contract.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves-Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
4 of 30
In all fairness, this was the toughest pick to call in this entire mock draft. Minnesota tends to do some wacky stuff come draft day, and could elect to draft another point guard or perhaps a shooting guard to replace last year's top pick Wesley Johnson.
Sullinger is an intriguing pick for Minnesota for a few reasons. First, he is the most complete big man in this draft, and plays with a super high i.q. on the court.
Second, he gives the Wolves some flexibility if they feel they can't re-sign Kevin Love to an extension.
Worst case scenario, they can plug both of these smart big men with a knack for the ball in the starting lineup and play a hybrid offense that allows for two shorter, yet stockier big men to roam the middle.
5. Toronto Raptors-Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
5 of 30
This is a good news/bad news situation for Toronto. The bad news is that they are very weak on the wings. The good news is that this draft, like every other draft, is deep at those spots.
Barnes would be just too good to pass up for the Raptors. He would allow them to bring James Johnson off the bench, and his shooting ability and work ethic pairs well with DeMar DeRozan.
There is a lot to like about this kid, and Toronto needs a win.
6. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey Nets)-Donatas Motiejunas, C, Lithuania
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Utah has a few needs that outweigh a project center, namely a shooting guard, but they can address that with their second first rounder.
Motiejunas is just too tempting for the Jazz to pass up.
Besides, with Al Jefferson's history of injuries and the likelihood that Okur could be damaged goods, this could also signify some insurance.
Motiejunas, though I have not seen him recently, is known to be a finesse, lefty big man with nice touch and not much defense. Sounds a little too much like Darko to this writer, but if anyone can develop him it is Utah.
7. Detroit Pistons-Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut
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Nobody has improved their draft stock more this tournament season than Walker.
Nobody needs a point guard more than Detroit.
Enter Kemba Walker.
The playmaking point guard is tailor-made for the Pistons, who are in dire need of leadership and passing.
The Pistons have not had good luck drafting point guards since Isiah Thomas, but if Walker falls to seven, there is no chance they let him slide further.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers) Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
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Poor Cleveland. The one year they have great draft picks, the draft is somewhat lackluster.
There is no doubt then that they will be looking for a home run with their second first round pick.
Terrence Jones is your quintessential hit or miss pick. On the one hand, he has great athleticism, big time range (although his shot looks a little funny), and he has the size to switch between forward spots.
On the other hand, there are big questions about his maturity and mental toughness.
Cleveland will be addressing their point guard situation with Irving and if Kanter falls to them here they will definitely give him a shot considering the fact that they have been starting the 6'9" J.J. Hickson at center much of the season.
Their other needs are shooting guard and small forward, but mainly, they suffer from a lack of talent. They will definitely be drafting for value over position, and Jones will be the best player left. Ideally he will play small forward, but if he gets some run at power forward so be it.
Basically, his upside is too great to pass up.
9. Milwaukee Bucks-Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona
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After a playoff berth last year paired with a few free agent moves and a trade, Milwaukee was primed to be an up and coming team this year. Sadly, that never came to fruition.
Now, the Bucks are left trying to figure out how to fix their roster given their relatively few resources.
It is safe to say that the Corey Maggette experiment has not gone to plan, and John Salmons and Brandon Jennings have fallen back considerably. Milwaukee has some tough decisions to make, namely whether all of these three have a future with the team.
That being said, if Derrick Williams of Arizona falls to them here, he is a no-brainer. Williams could immediately step in and play small forward, allowing Salmons and Maggette to fight it out for the shooting guard gig and trading whomever loses.
10. Charlotte Bobcats-Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas
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Any time Kwame Brown is your starting center, you know that position needs to be addressed. However, with only a few European projects worth a lottery pick, Michael Jordan's Bobcats will have to address other needs.
Morris is a steal at 10 and a player that will be able to immediately help Charlotte. Drafting him will allow the Bobcats to either move Tyrus Thomas to center and have Boris Diaw and Morris fight it out for power forward, or it will allow them to move Stephen Jackson to shooting guard and bring Gerald Henderson off the bench.
Either way, Morris could step right in and become a starter for this team.
11. Indiana Pacers-Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas
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The Indiana Pacers appear to have figured out some of the tough aspects of putting together a roster. They have an up-and-coming point guard in Darren Collison, a top-flight scorer in Danny Granger, and a big center with some game in Roy Hibbert.
So why aren't they winning?
The biggest reason is their shooting guard play. Brandon Rush has been inconsistent and might not be meant for a starting role.
Jordan Hamilton, though not terribly consistent as a shooter, is a scorer that will pair well with Collison in this system.
In order to hide the slight of stature Collison, you need to pair him up with an athletic and big shooting guard. Hamilton is both.
This pick could add an extra 5-10 wins to their total next year and make them a playoff team.
12. Golden State Warriors-Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF, UCLA
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Quick, raise your hand if you have any clue what Golden State is doing? Not so fast over there in Oakland!
The fact of the matter is that this team is not built to win. Their back court is too small, and their front court lacks athleticism. Dorell Wright has some ability, but he is the only player in the starting lineup that can get to the hoop and finish.
Enter Honeycutt. This swing man would allow the Warriors to shop Monta Ellis or at the very least allow them to bring in some size and athleticism off the bench.
Honeycutt could be the steal of this draft if he is developed properly.
Houston Rockets-Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
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The Houston Rockets appear to be stockpiling bodies. The problem is that those bodies don't appear to be the right ones.
They have taken fliers on plenty of high ceiling players that have yet to pan out at this level (Hasheem Thabeet, Patrick Patterson, Chase Budinger), but as a result of the Yao Ming injury they are a team in constant flux.
One thing that always has a way of settling these types of situations is a point guard.
At this point of the draft, only Alec Burks, Jimmer Fredette, and Knight will be available.
Burks is a combo guard and Fredette has major question marks about his athleticism.
That leaves Knight.
Knight would be a nice fit for this team. He is ridiculously quick, a good leaper, and could develop into a very strong passer.
That being said, I wouldn't be shocked if they took a shot at Jonas Valanciunas to develop as their post-Yao center.
14. Utah Jazz- Jimmer Fredette, PG, Brigham Young
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In a lot of ways, I think Utah hopes Fredette is off the board when they draft 14th. The groundswell from the fans to select the BYU product will be too much for the Jazz to say no to.
In all honesty, Fredette is a high risk player. How will he match up against players such as Derrick Rose and Rajon Rando? Besides, Utah already has a pretty good point guard and could stand to improve their off-guard spot.
If management decides to get brave, they may opt for John Jenkins from Vanderbilt.
15. Philadelphia 76ers-Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego St.
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Philadelphia is set in the back court. That's about it.
Elton Brand isn't getting any younger, Spencer Hawes is solid but unspectacular and Andre Iguodala needs to move on.
Kawhi Leonard will allow the 76ers to finally deal Iguodala and move on with their lives.
Leonard is an athletic, Shawn Marion-type, that plays with a high motor and can slash and grab boards.
An injection of new blood in the front court should help this team over time.
Philly could also elect to go Euro with this pick and opt for Jan Vesely.
16. Phoenix Suns-Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania
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The Phoenix Suns find themselves in the unenviable position of being both aging and uncompetitive.
Steve Nash still has a few years in him, but Grant Hill and Vince Carter are nearing the end of their respective careers.
An influx of young talent is needed in a severe way.
Valanciunas is a project, but he is the most talented big man available at this point and could start alongside Marcin Gortat for years to come.
Another possibility here is Jan Vesely from Belgrade.
17. New York Knicks- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
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New York has a greater need, namely up front, but that can be addressed in free agency.
Alec Burks is a great value at 17 and could provide a super sub for a team with an inexperienced shooting guard and an aging point guard.
Burks can play both guard spots, but his athleticism would make him a nightmare for opposing coaches to plot against especially if he comes in for Billups.
18. Memphis Grizzlies- Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
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The biggest hole facing the Grizzlies this off season is bound to be the likely departure of power forward Zach Randolph.
When and if he bolts, the Grizzlies will need to throw at least a few bodies in the mix to replace his productivity.
Darrell Arthur will get the first bite at the apple, but Morris will be a great back up plan considering his pedigree.
19. Charlotte Bobcats (From New Orleans Via Portland)-Mason Plumlee, C, Duke
19 of 30
Charlotte will already be picking up a big guy in Marcus Morris, and another big man from a winning program will suit Charlotte just fine.
Considering Jordan's affinity for ACC players, if Plumlee is around he will likely be picked by the Bobcats.
20. Portland Trail Blazers-Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
20 of 30
The Blazers are set at power forward, shooting guard, and they are in love with Nic Batum at small forward.
That leaves center and point guard. And while it would be tempting to grab a combo guard like Josh Selby, the jaw-dropping athleticism of Nogueira is just too great to pass up.
The thought of a front court consisting of Aldrige, Batum, and Nogueira would be able to out run and out board just about everyone, allowing the Blazers to exercise their team option on Andre Miller and address that weakness next year.
21. Washington Wizards- Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State
21 of 30
The Wizards were fortunate enough to unload Gilbert Arenas this year. Now, it is time to get rid of the guy that helped them deal their troubled former guard.
Rashard Lewis is circling the drain and Washington needs to replace him in this draft.
Chris Singleton will be the best small forward available at this point, and with the Kanter pick earlier locked away as a project, they need to feel their glaring need here.
22. Denver Nuggets-Kenneth Faried, PF, Moorehead State
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All he does is rebound. Period.
What does Denver need? A rebounding energy guy.
Done and done.
23. Phoenix Suns-Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
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Trey Thompkins is an absolutely gifted post player that would immediately make the Suns a better team.
Nash, Hill and Carter aren't getting any younger, and if Phoenix picks up Jonas earlier on, they will need a stud that can step in right away, and Thompkins can be that player for them.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder-John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt
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Now that Oklahoma City has addressed their glaring need at center, they can now use the draft to turn their attention to their other need, and that is a consistent shooting guard.
Right now, they play Thabo Sefalosha and James Harden nearly equally. Sefalosha gives them defense, Harden gives them some offense.
But neither is a long range sharpshooter like Jenkins. The Vanderbilt product can just flat-out shoot the rock.
He might not fall to them here, but if he does he will be tough to pass on.
25.Chicago Bulls-Nolan Smith, SG, Duke
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Make no mistake about it, Chicago will be bummed if Jenkins misses them as he easily is the best fit for their system.
But Smith will be a good back up plan.
He is a smart player with a nice jumper and good quickness.
The only knock on him is his size, but Ben Gordon worked out okay for Chicago at that size.
26. New Jersey Nets-John Henson, SF, North Carolina
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New Jersey desperately needs to improve at small forward as Travis Outlaw and the like are not the answer if they intend on re-signing Deron Williams.
Henson, though slight of frame, is long, athletic, and can run the court. Defensively, he shows a mean streak that will serve him well at the next level and endear him to the New Jersey faithful.
27. Chicago Bulls-Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
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I know, I know, why would Chicago draft two Duke players practically back to back? The answer is because they are both super talented as well as smart and that is the type of player that Chicago needs right now.
While Smith could immediately step in and start, Singler would be a nice Mike Dunleavy type of player that could come off the bench and provide some intangibles for a contending team.
At the end of the day, these kids are winners, and you can never have too many of those.
28. Dallas Mavericks-Khris Middleton, SF, Texas A&M
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Dallas is stacked at most positions that matter, but with Peja and the Matrix on the tail end of their careers, they need a wing player that can run the floor and finish.
Middleton may not wow you with his shooting, but he is athletic and can get up and down the court with the best of them.
29. Boston Celtics- Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland
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The Celtics are aging, of course, but have a lot of talent. However, they have two big needs.
First, they need to find a suitable back up point guard for Rajon Rando as Carlos Arroyo probably won't cut the mustard.
Second, they need more young size up front, and Williams provides this.
He is a big, physical player that can bang inside and can score from up to 10-15 feet out but shows nice touch in close.
He may not take the KG mantle, but he could provide some needed depth up front.
30. San Antonio Spurs-Jan Vesely, PF, Belgrade
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The Spurs have been a team built around Tim Duncan for over a decade. But with Duncan nearing the end of his career, it is time to work on a viable heir-apparent.
And while Vesely may not be that guy, he is a high-ceiling player that will take time to develop, time that San Antonio has.
Vesely is a great athlete with loads of potential and he may very well be off the board by this point. However, if things break right, there is no better place for him to realize his talent than in San Antonio.
