2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which 2 Players Will Cleveland Cavaliers Select in Lottery?
During the LeBron James years, the Cleveland Cavaliers were amongst the elite teams in the NBA.
Thus, picking future players later in each round of the draft.
Well, with that no longer the case, the Cavs' find themselves in the lottery, but also made a good move prior to the trade deadline to get a second top ten draft pick.
So, who will those two players be?
Read on to find out!
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, SF/PF Arizona
1 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 30
POINTS: 19.5
REBOUNDS: 8.3
FIELD GOAL %: 59.5
FREE THROW %: 74.6
Despite being somewhat under-sized to play power forward (just needs to bulk up some), Derrick Williams has the physical toughness to get the job done.
Not to mention his speed and quickness will help against the bigger forwards, along with the mid-range jumper.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke
2 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 27.5
POINTS: 17.5
ASSISTS: 4.3
FIELD GOAL%: 52.9
FREE THROW %: 90.1
Something the Cavaliers need, a true point guard.
However, durability is a major concern as Kyrie Irving only played in 11 games this past season.
In any event, he's very mature for his age and ridiculously quick.
3. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, PF/C Kentucky
3 of 30
2009 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 28.4
POINTS: 18.6
REBOUNDS: 16.4
FIELD GOAL %: 52.15
FREE THROW %: 70.0
In being a top prospect, you know Enes Kanter has talent, even though he was ruled ineligible for all last season.
Now, although he has a history of knee problems, his work ethic and attitude to improve on his weaknesses are intangibles that you can't coach.
4. Washington Wizards: Donatas Motiejunas, PF Lithuania
4 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 26.4
POINTS: 12.1
REBOUNDS: 5.0
FIELD GOAL %: 49.7
FREE THROW %: 66.75
Strong, fast, big and extremely talented.
However, Donatas Motiejunas always doesn't burn out the motor.
That said, he'll either learn quickly and go all out, or end up on the bench.
5. Sacramento Kings: Brandon Knight, PG/SG Kentucky
5 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.9
POINTS: 17.3
ASSISTS: 4.2
FIELD GOAL %: 42.3
FREE THROW %: 79.5
Makes very good decisions with the ball, and fast at that.
Also, is very creative on the fly in clutch situations.
As long as he becomes more consistent and dodges the slumps, Brandon Knight has unlimited potential.
6. Utah Jazz: Alec Burks, PG/SG Colorado
6 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 31.4
POINTS: 20.5
REBOUNDS: 6.5
FIELD GOAL %: 46.9
FREE THROW %: 82.5
His great body control allows him to score in a diverse number of ways, as well as the anticipation to play good defense.
Now, despite the fact that Alec Burks forces a bit too many shots, he's only 18, so there's a lot of time to grow and mature.
7. Detroit Pistons: Jimmer Fredette, PG BYU
7 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.8
POINTS: 28.9
ASSISTS: 4.3
FIELD GOAL %: 45.2
FREE THROW %: 89.4
Jimmer Fredette has the ability to score in every which way, all while creating each shot by himself.
The question is whether he'll be able to do so against the speed and agility of NBA players.
Also, in being not a prototypical PG, where will he exactly fit in?
However, Fredette is a great competitor, so he'll definitely be up for any challenge.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Marcus Morris, SF/PF Kansas
8 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 28.3
POINTS: 17.2
REBOUNDS: 7.6
FIELD GOAL %: 57.0
FREE THROW %: 68.8
One of the more versatile big men in college, Marcus Morris can work in and out of the paint.
Not to mention, he's smart with the ball and doesn't force shots, while he is also strong in transition.
However, he has had trouble defending quicker SFs, and lacks as a shot blocker.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker, PG Connecticut
9 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 37.6
POINTS: 23.5
ASSISTS: 4.5
FIELD GOAL %: 42.8
FREE THROW %: 81.9
Although Kemba Walker does force the issue virtually every time down the court, he was more important to his team than anyone else in the country, hence the national championship.
That said, he closes out games with the best of them and has that "it" factor working for him.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Markieff Morris, PF Kansas
10 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 24.4
POINTS: 13.6
REBOUNDS: 8.3
FIELD GOAL %: 58.9
FREE THROW %: 67.3
Markieff Morris is very effective throughout and also obtains a nice shot from the outside.
But, he needs to be more creative since he has trouble drawing fouls, which can be attributed to a weak face-up and dribble.
Nonetheless, it will be fun to watch him and his twin brother in the NBA.
11. Golden State Warriors: Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky
11 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 31.7
POINTS: 15.7
REBOUNDS: 8.8
FIELD GOAL %: 44.2
FREE THROW %: 64.6
For as great a player as Terence Jones is, if he can hit the J off the dribble, his offense will shine like his athleticism.
Until then, the use of his quick first-step and an unorthodox shot will most definitely suffice.
12. Utah Jazz: Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State
12 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.6
POINTS: 15.5
REBOUNDS: 10.6
FIELD GOAL %: 44.4
FREE THROW %: 75.9
If Kawhi Leonard wants to up his game and become a complete player, he needs to be willing to play out of his comfort zone.
He's going to have the size advantage more often than not, but neglects to go inside instead of outside.
However, his effort and energy will allow him to work into the paint as he matures.
13. Phoenix Suns: Klay Thompson, SG Washington State
13 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.7
POINTS: 21.6
REBOUNDS: 5.2
FIELD GOAL %: 43.6
FREE THROW %: 83.8
Despite not being an electrifying athlete, Klay Thompson doesn't try to do too much and plays well off the ball.
Does need to increase quickness, but can create shots off the dribble as a solid outside shooter.
14. Houston Rockets: Chris Singleton, SF/PF Florida State
14 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.1
POINTS: 13.1
REBOUNDS: 6.8
FIELD GOAL %: 43.4
FREE THROW %: 66.7
A great team player who greatly affects the game with or without the ball, Chris Singleton gives 100 percent.
Also has a nice catch-n-shoot combined, while also not being self-centered or a ball-hog.
As long as he can learn more body control, then he will really come into his own.
15. Indiana Pacers: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas
15 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 30.9
POINTS: 13.1
REBOUNDS: 7.8
FIELD GOAL %: 54.6
FREE THROW %: 48.7
A very good transition player, Tristan Thompson gets clean looks on offense and positions himself well for defensive rebounds.
By improving his jump shot and free throw percentage, Thompson could then become more consistent, thus having unlimited potential.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Jan Vesely, SF/PF Czech Republic
16 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 27.0
POINTS: 10.1
REBOUNDS: 3.6
FIELD GOAL %: 47.75
FREE THROW %: 44.4
In addition to having solid lateral movement, Jan Vesely goes all out each game.
His overall offensive game still needs work, but he has been improving, so the coachability is there as well.
17. New York Knicks: Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF UCLA
17 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.0
POINTS: 12.8
REBOUNDS: 7.2
FIELD GOAL %: 40.6
FREE THROW %: 73.6
Tyler Honeycutt has great athleticism and elusiveness, but his awareness of the rim and the ball allows him to score effectively.
With the ball, he tries to do too much, so improvement on decision-making is imperative.
18. Washington Wizards: Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF Texas
18 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.2
POINTS: 18.6
REBOUNDS: 7.7
FIELD GOAL %: 44.0
FREE THROW %: 77.9
One of the more versatile players in the college game, using all his focus to settle into the wing will do wonders.
However, transition may be Jordan Hamilton's best area, as he's very good at rebounding rather than making decisions.
But, at times he tries to do too much, so controlling his urges will be key.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Tobias Harris, SF/PF Tennessee
19 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.2
POINTS: 15.3
REBOUNDS: 7.3
FIELD GOAL %: 46.0
FREE THROW %: 75.3
One unique aspect of Tobias Harris is his ambidexterity within the paint.
Being able to efficiently score with either hand is crucial, but lacking size and explosiveness hurts.
However, as long as his hard work ethic continues, he can only take a turn for the better.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nolan Smith, PG/SG Duke
20 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.0
POINTS: 20.6
ASSISTS: 5.1
FIELD GOAL %: 45.8
FREE THROW %: 81.3
Rarely makes mistakes with the ball and can read defenses like a book.
And, although Nolan Smith is not your typical point guard, his versatility doesn't go overlooked.
With that said, he does need to become more explosive and dynamic; otherwise, his playing time will be limited.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Kenneth Faried, PF Morehead State
21 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.7
POINTS: 17.3
REBOUNDS: 14.5
FIELD GOAL %: 62.3
FREE THROW %: 57.7
Very physical, gets boards, draws fouls, and leaves it all out on the court.
Kenneth Faried is a dominating force inside despite being somewhat undersized; however, he needs to improve at the free-throw line significantly to become a more effective scorer.
22. Denver Nuggets: Trey Thompkins, PF Georgia
22 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 31.2
POINTS: 16.2
REBOUNDS: 7.6
FIELD GOAL %: 48.1
FREE THROW %: 68.9
Whether it's in the paint, the outside, transition, or straight-up half-court ball, Trey Thompkins is one versatile basketball player.
He finishes well and maintains his poise, but could still improve with the ball and the mid-range jumper.
23. Houston Rockets: Shelvin Mack, PG/SG Butler
23 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.1
POINTS: 16.0
ASSISTS: 3.4
FIELD GOAL %: 40.8
FREE THROW %: 76.9
If there's a player who defines the cliche of "working smarter, not harder" to improve, Shelvin Mack is that player.
He's patient, rarely makes mistakes and creates shots off the dribble.
As long as he can increase his quickness and leaping ability, Mack will become a pure PG.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kyle Singler, SF Duke
24 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.8
POINTS: 16.9
REBOUNDS: 6.8
FIELD GOAL %: 43.0
FREE THROW %: 80.6
With the ball, guarding the ball, or off the ball, Kyle Singler's high basketball IQ and awareness make up for his lack of quickness, explosiveness and strength.
However, he is very competitive, which also means he gives great effort.
25. Boston Celtics: Bismack Biyombo, C Congo
25 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 17.0
POINTS: 6.4
REBOUNDS: 5.1
FIELD GOAL %: 56.1
FREE THROW %: 55.3
Arguably the greatest name of anyone ever, Bismack Biyombo blocks shots and intimidates down-low with the best of them.
Definitely needs to work on his entire offensive skill-set, but rebounds excellently and gives 100 percent all the time.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Norris Cole, PG Cleveland State
26 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.7
POINTS: 21.7
ASSISTS: 5.3
FIELD GOAL %: 43.9
FREE THROW %: 85.3
Coming from a mid-major that's not Butler, it's easy to suspect that most will overlook Norris Cole.
That said, he's a true PG and can use his ball skills and foot-work to allow teammates clean shots.
Defensively though, he never went up against any solid offensive players who weren't from Butler.
It will be interesting to see him compete against the best of the best.
27. New Jersey Nets: JaJuan Johnson, PF Purdue
27 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.4
POINTS: 20.5
REBOUNDS: 8.6
FIELD GOAL %: 49.4
FREE THROW %: 80.9
JaJuan Johnson has a great motor combined with the willingness to adapt and be coached.
He does need to get more build in addition to strength, but being that he's very mature, there's no reason to think he won't put in the time to improve.
28. Chicago Bulls: Travis Leslie, SG/SF Georgia
28 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.2
POINTS: 14.4
REBOUNDS: 7.2
FIELD GOAL %: 49.2
FREE THROW %: 80.1
Travis Leslie isn't one to shy away from contact, nor does he rarely lose control of himself.
When in transition, he has the advantage with his explosivity and speed, but has trouble with the catch-n-shoot since he tends to think, as opposed to just react.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Jon Leuer, PF Wisconsin
29 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 33.5
POINTS: 18.3
REBOUNDS: 7.3
FIELD GOAL %: 47.0
FREE THROW %: 84.3
Combine great size, an outside J, and a mixture of post moves with confidence, and you get Jon Leuer.
Something the Spurs could use (along with youth), however a lack of strength and lateral quickness is a concern heading into the NBA.
30. Chicago Bulls: Jeremy Tyler, PF USA International
30 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 15.4
POINTS: 9.9
REBOUNDS: 6.4
FIELD GOAL %: 51.7
FREE THROW %: 45.4
Despite his size and athleticism, Jeremy Tyler still has much to improve on whether on offense or defense.
He has the ability to have an impact inside because of his wingspan, as well as a decent jumper.
However, his tenacity and maturity will be greatly exploited if he is not willing to learn and adapt.
