2011 NBA Mock Draft: The Definitive 2-Round Mock Draft
The NBA playoffs are in full gear, but those teams not competing for an NBA championship are hard at work scouting the players who will be the future of their teams.
With the NBA collective-bargaining agreement ending after the season, this draft is important for many teams.
This draft has not been labeled as a strong one that's full of talent, but there are several players with huge potential.
Derrick Williams of Arizona and Kyrie Irving of Duke are the consensus top two prospects in this draft, and they are both players who will immediately improve whichever team drafts them.
Now let's look at a complete two-round NBA mock draft, and see who your team will choose to improve for the 2011-12 season.
Nicholas Goss is an NBA and Oklahoma City Thunder featured columnist, follow him on Twitter.
1) Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams
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The Cleveland Cavaliers may take Duke guard Kyrie Irving with the top pick, but with Baron Davis still capable of being a quality point guard, Arizona forward Derrick Williams is the best choice for the Cavs.
Williams is a quality scorer who has improved his shooting range this season, and he is a very good rebounder.
His all-around talent will fill many holes in the Cavs roster, and his ability to play both forward positions will add versatility to Byron Scott’s team.
2) Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving
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Despite still having the rights to Barcelona star guard Ricky Rubio, the uncertainty of his NBA future is cause for concern.
The Timberwolves need an impact player who can score and excite the fans. His freshman year at Duke was riddled by injury, but his health doesn’t appear to be a long-term worry.
Irving can score and lead an offense, and will make an immediate impact for Minnesota.
3) Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter
3 of 60Kanter was ruled ineligible for the 2011 NCAA season, and he was unable to help the Kentucky Wildcats’ tournament run.
But Kanter has valuable experience against top talent. In addition to playing in many Nike sponsored games, he has played for his native country, Turkey, for years.
Kanter will provide toughness and defense inside for the Raptors, and while his offensive game is not fully polished, the upside he has is tremendous.
4) Washington Wizards: Donatas Montiejunas
4 of 60This Lithuanian big man has tons of potential, but may not be quite NBA ready. He is a seven footer who is very gifted physically.
The Wizards need an athletic big man who can dominate in the paint and still be a force from the outside. Wizards fans may not like the pick now, but could be a great play.
The Wizards need an athletic big man who can dominate in the paint and still be a force from the outside.
Wizards fans may not like the pick now, but Montiejunas could be a great player someday.
5) Sacramento Kings: Jonas Valanciunas
5 of 60Valanciunas is a solid power forward/center who will give the Kings a skilled presence in the middle.
He still needs to bulk up, but his fundamentals and skills are already NBA ready. The Kings have not had a quality center for many seasons, and they will have to have a skilled center on both ends of the floor to compete in the Western Conference.
6) Utah Jazz: Jan Vesely
6 of 60Vesely is another talented international prospect who is NBA ready. He does not have a normal small forward’s body.
At 6’11” tall and 240 pounds, Vesely offers the Jazz versatility with his ability to play several positions.
His offensive skills still need work, but the upside he has is too great to ignore if you’re a team with a top 10 pick.
7) Detroit Pistons: Brandon Knight
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The Pistons need a dynamic guard who can play both point guard and shooting guard. Knight will give them the versatility they need, and his many skills will help build the Pistons back to a playoff contender.
Knight is a very good shooter, and he has shown a great ability to run an offense. He also displayed his ability to be clutch and composed in big games, as he led the Kentucky Wildcats to an upset of Ohio St. in the Elite Eight.
8) Cleveland Cavaliers: Kemba Walker
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Earlier in this mock draft, I chose Derrick Williams to go to the Cavaliers, so with the eighth pick Cleveland will need a guard.
Walker is a tremendous scorer, and he is also a good passer. He can create his own shot in many ways, and he is capable of being a leader on the court.
Walker’s popularity will help the Cavaliers sell tickets.
9) Charlotte Bobcats: Tristan Thompson
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Thompson is a bit undersized for normal NBA power forwards, as he is only 6’8” tall. But he is athletic, and plays with great energy.
His offense needs a bit of work, especially his outside shooting, but he plays very good defense, something the Bobcats have issues with.
10) Milwaukee Bucks: Bismack Biyombo
10 of 60Biyombo has seen his draft stock rise dramatically in the past few weeks, and although the Bucks don’t necessarily need a center or power forward, they would be foolish to pass on the player with perhaps the most potential in the draft.
Biyombo is very athletic, but is also a raw talent. He is good enough to play in the NBA right away, but he might be better served staying overseas for a few more years.
11) Golden State Warriors: Kenneth Faried
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Kenneth Faried could perhaps have the most potential of any player in this draft. He led Morehead State to a shocking first-round upset of Louisville in the first round of the NCAA tournament, and can score and rebound very well.
He plays with a lot of passion and never takes a play off. He is NBA ready at both ends of the floor and has few weaknesses in his game.
Expect Faried's stock to rise even higher as the draft approaches.
12) Utah Jazz: Alec Burks
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Burks is a very good scorer who can also play point guard effectively. The Jazz traded All-Star guard Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets this season, and could use a long-term replacement for Williams’ scoring and playmaking.
Burks is strong and athletic, and is probably the most NBA-ready player in this draft.
Utah could go with Jimmer Fredette here, but Burks is a bit better in each skill set.
13) Phoenix Suns: Jimmer Fredette
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Fredette could be the Suns’ future replacement for Steve Nash, and while Fredette is not as good a passer as Nash, he is a better scorer.
Fredette can score in any way imaginable, and his strength is underrated.
He does not play good defense, but that can be improved with good coaching. Fredette will be a popular addition to the Suns, and will help sell tickets and create a positive buzz around the organization.
14) Houston Rockets: Marcus Morris
14 of 60With Yao Ming almost certain to leave Houston this summer, the Rockets’ most glaring need is in the frontcourt.
While Morris isn't likely to play center, he will be a very good power forward in the NBA. He has good offensive skills and is a solid defender.
He also has the size to compete against the most physical players in the pros.
Morris is an NBA-ready player who can contribute right away for the Rockets.
15) Indiana Pacers: Jordan Hamilton
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Hamilton showed great offensive talent at Texas this season. He shot very well from the field and was consistent all season.
He is an all-around talent that will help the Pacers in every way, and he is one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft.
16) Philadelphia 76ers: Kawhi Leonard
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The 76ers need a player who can bring versatility to the forward positions and can score in the paint and rebound the basketball. Leonard is a polished player who plays with great intensity.
He is athletic and willing to run floor, and will be able to help the 76ers in many different areas. He was also well coached and has a high basketball IQ.
17) New York Knicks: DeAndre Liggins
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DeAndre Liggins is the latest Wildcat to enter the NBA draft, and he is a perfect fit for the Knicks.
Liggins brings strong perimeter defense to a Knicks squad which is poor defensively, and he can guard both the shooting guard and small forward positions.
He received multiple defensive player of the year awards, and he led the Wildcats with 46 steals this season.
His scoring improved during 2011, and his passing did as well, as he was second in assists for John Calipari's men this season.
18) Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson
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Robinson is a very good rebounder and has the strength needed to compete with NBA power forwards.
He's a solid defender and has the ability to block shots, and he will give the Wizards size in the paint that will help their team defense.
19) Charlotte Bobcats: Markieff Morris
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The Bobcats need a center badly, and Markieff Morris fills that void.
He is a great rebounder who can score efficiently as well. He shot 42 percent from the field this season, and averaged about 14 points as well.
Morris has the strength and size to be an NBA center, and he will give the Bobcats some much needed bulk in the paint.
20) Minnesota Timberwolves: Klay Thompson
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Thompson is a very good shooter, and he has proven he's capable of making NBA range shots.
He is also a solid scorer, and he will be able to contribute offensively immediately in Minnesota.. He needs to get stronger and improve his defense, but his shooting ability will help him get early playing time.
21) Portland Trail Blazers: Tobias Harris
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Tobias Harris is an all-around talent, but nothing about his game leaps out at you with excitement.
He will help the Blazers in many ways. He can score, defend and rebound. Harris' versatility will also help Portland, as he can play both forward positions and is a fundamentally sound player.
22) Denver Nuggets: Jeff Taylor
22 of 60Jeff Taylor was the reason for Vanderbilt's impressive season, and he will help the Nuggets offense with his scoring.
He needs to improve defensively, but his athleticism as a wing player will be useful with J.R. Smith likely to leave Denver in free agency.
23) Houston Rockets: Jeremy Tyler
23 of 60Jeremy Tyler has not taken the conventional road to the NBA draft. After taking his career to play professionally overseas after high school, Tyler has endured a lot to become a first-round prospect.
He has some character worries, including a prior headbutting incident, but the Rockets need an athletic center to replace Yao Ming.
He can score, and rebound, and he has lots of potential. Tyler has more upside than a lot of players in this draft, and with having professional experience already, the glare of the NBA might not affect him as much as other rookies.
24) Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Singleton
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Chris Singleton endured an injury-plagued season for Florida State this year, but if he can show teams his health is not an issue, he will be a very good pro.
He was a solid scorer for Florida State this season, and they struggled without him in the lineup.
The Thunder could use him on the wing, and his rebounding would also help them.
25) Boston Celtics: Nolan Smith
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The Celtics need a true point guard to backup Rajon Rondo, and Nolan Smith is the perfect guy for that role.
Smith was Duke's best player after Kyrie Irving went down with an injury, and his playmaking and scoring abilities were impressive.
He is a leader, and has four years of college experience. Celtics coach Doc Rivers does not play rookies much during their first seasons, but Smith's skills and basketball IQ would get him quality minutes off the bench.
26) Dallas Mavericks: Trey Thompkins
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Trey Thompkins would add some size and toughness to the Mavericks frontcourt, and he has a polished offensive game.
He has a solid mid-range jumper, and can defend and rebound well.
With Greg Oden's future uncertain, Thompkins would make an immediate impact at both ends of the floor, and has the ability to play center and power forward.
27) New Jersey Nets: Tyler Honeycutt
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Tyler Honeycutt is a versatile player who can rebound and pass very well. He will help the Nets at both shooting guard and small forward, and while he doesn't look for his offense often, he is a good scorer.
He would be a great wing player to partner with All-Star point guard Deron Williams.
28) Chicago Bulls: Justin Harper
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Justin Harper helped the Richmond Spiders bust some brackets in this year's NCAA tournament, and his team's play helped his draft stock.
Harper is an NBA-ready player who can contribute immediately for Chicago. At 6'10", he can play both forward positions, and he has the size to play in the paint at both ends of the floor.
He scored about 18 points per game this season, and shoots a high percentage.
Harper will help the Bulls score when Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer need a sub.
29) San Antonio Spurs: JaJuan Johnson
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The San Antonio Spurs need a center who can dominate with his size in the paint, and current center Matt Bonner is not that kind of player.
JaJuan Johnson is long and athletic, and scored about 20 points per game at Purdue this season.
In addition to his good offensive abilities, Johnson can rebound well and block shots. Johnson could also backup Tim Duncan at the power forward spot as well.
30) Chicago Bulls: Travis Leslie
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Leslie is a very athletic player who plays with a great deal of energy, and he could provide the Bulls with the wing/shooting guard player they need.
His jump shot has improved, but it needs to get better if he wants to be a consistent player in the NBA. Leslie's energy will fit very well with Derrick Rose's uptempo offense, and he has lots of potential on the offensive end of the floor.
31) Miami Heat: Josh Selby
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Josh Selby did not have a good 2010-11 season at Kansas, as he suffered through injuries and inconsistent play.
But he does have several NBA skills. He has very good ball-handling skills and is an above-average passer.
Selby can shoot the ball well, too, and would be a nice backup to both Mario Chalmers and Dwyane Wade in Miami.
32) Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyle Singler
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Kyle Singler should have come out last season after the Duke Blue Devils won the national title, but he still is a decent NBA prospect.
Singler would bring big-game experience to a young Cavaliers team, and he can stretch the floor with his outside shooting.
Singler is a smart player who is good in many offensive areas, and would make a good future replacement for Antawn Jamison at power forward.
33) Detroit Pistons: Lucas Nogueira
33 of 60Nogueira is a Brazilian center with great potential, and his variety of skills would greatly help the Detroit Pistons, which badly need a seven-foot big man.
Nogueira is very raw offensively, but appears to have the talent to be a good shot blocker and rebounder right away.
Detroit is a few years away from contending, so taking Nogueira and leaving him abroad to develop might be a good move.
34) Washington Wizards: Jordan Williams
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Williams may go in the first round, but if he’s sitting here for the Wizards, they must take him.
Williams is a double-double machine, and averaged about 16 points and 11 rebounds per game for Maryland this season.
He’s similar to Kevin Love, and always gives the energy and hustle needed to be effective.
35) Sacramento Kings: Jon Leuer
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Leuer averaged about 18 points and seven rebounds per game for Wisconsin this season, and he plays well in the clutch, too.
He was a go-to player for the Badgers all season, and he has the size to compete with NBA big men.
The Kings need depth in the frontcourt, and Leuer will be one of the better value picks in the second round for them at center.
36) New Jersey Nets: Shelvin Mack
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Shelvin Mack may not fall into the second round, but the Nets need a backup point guard and Mack is a perfect fit for this role.
Mack is a leader and a very good passer. He can also score well, and he is a good one-on-one defender.
He’s played in some big games at Butler, and has shown a level of maturity not often found in young players.
37) Los Angeles Clippers: Darius Morris
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Morris is an athletic player who can score well, and can play multiple positions for the L.A. Clippers.
He has loads of potential, and he can rebound and defend well, too.
38) Houston Rockets: Norris Cole
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Norris Cole is one of the best players not many people have heard a lot about. He is a great scorer, averaging just under 22 points per game this season.
He also added over five assists and rebounds per game for Cleveland State this season, and brings a variety of skills to the team that chooses him.
He would be a great fit at either guard position for the Rockets.
39) Charlotte Bobcats: Malcolm Lee
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Malcolm Lee is a versatile guard with his 6’5” frame, and may also be able to help the Bobcats at small forward.
He is a good scorer and is an athletic player who can be an effective NBA wing player.
40) Milwaukee Bucks: Rick Jackson
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Rick Jackson is a solid big man to backup center Andrew Bogut. Jackson is a double-double guy who can also defend well in the paint.
Jackson will be able to use his size to his advantage on offense and defense for the Bucks, which need depth in the frontcourt.
41) Los Angeles Lakers: Chandler Parsons
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The Lakers need a young, athletic player to bring in a new era, and Parsons is that man. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Parsons handles the ball like a guard, but as a forward, he rebounds very well and can shoot three-pointers very well.
His offense will stretch the floor for the Lakers, and there is no better value in the second round than Parsons.
42) Indiana Pacers: LaceDarius Dunn
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LaceDarius Dunn is a true scorer, and he played four years at Baylor. He can play point guard or shooting guard for the Pacers, which need a versatile guard.
Dunn also has the ability to score big on any night, as he had 43 points against Morgan State this season.
43) Chicago Bulls: Marshon Brooks
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Marshon Brooks averaged just under 25 points per game this season for Providence, and he was the second-leading scorer in the nation behind Jimmer Fredette.
Brooks does not have any weaknesses, and would be a very good backup guard for any team. If he played for a top school, Brooks may be a top-10 pick, as he has unbelievable talent.
44) Golden State Warriors: Keith Benson
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Benson averaged 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season for Oakland, and he is one of the most underrated big men of this draft class.
He will add a consistent interior presence to the Warriors’ frontcourt, and he is a solid defender.
45) New Orleans Hornets: Greg Smith
45 of 60Greg Smith was a solid player for Fresno State this season, averaging about 11 points and eight rebounds per game.
With David West likely to leave New Orleans this summer via free agency, the Hornets need young players who can become the future starting forwards, and Smith is a good candidate for that role.
46) Los Angeles Lakers: Ravern Johnson
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Ravern Johnson does not do much except score, but his 17.6 points per game for Mississippi State was impressive.
The Lakers bench does not have much scoring at the guard position, and Johnson could provide an offensive spark off the bench for them.
47) Los Angeles Clippers: David Lighty
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David Lighty was a great player for Ohio State during his senior season in Columbus, and he will add versatility and leadership to the Clippers.
Lighty can defend as well, and is a consistent shooter.
48) Atlanta Hawks: Gary Flowers
48 of 60Gary Flowers is a solid power forward for the Hawks, which need a true post-up player in the paint.
Flowers averaged about 19 points and eight rebounds per game for Southern Miss this season, and is a good low-post defender.
He will be one of the better late-round big men to be selected.
49) Memphis Grizzlies: Scotty Hopson
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Hopson was a very good scorer for the Tennessee Volunteers this season, and he averaged about 17 points per game.
Hopson could also play on the wing for the Grizzlies next season.
50) Philadelphia 76ers: Demetri McCamey
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Demetri McCamey played several seasons for the Illinois Fighting Illini, and brings several different talents to the NBA level.
He will be able to score, rebound, and pass effectively for the 76ers, and he can also be a good backup point guard.
51) Portland Trail Blazers: E’twaun Moore
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E’twaun Moore is a talented scorer and was a leader this season for Purdue. He can score over 10 points at the NBA level, and he can become a very good defender and rebounder.
He has great potential, and will help the Portland frontcourt right away.
52) Denver Nuggets: Justin Brownlee
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Justin Brownlee is one of the most athletic players in this year’s draft class, and he will give the Nuggets an offensive spark off the bench.
The St. John’s forward needs work on the defensive end, but has loads of potential.
53) Orlando Magic: Jamine Peterson
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Jamine Peterson is another Providence player who has loads of potential. He averaged almost 20 points and 10 rebounds per game this season.
Peterson could be a solid frontcourt addition for the future, with Dwight Howard likely to depart Orlando after the 2011-12 season.
54) Cleveland Cavaliers: Austin Freeman
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The Georgetown Hoyas forward had a very good senior season, and showed he is a talented scorer.
Playing in the toughest conference in basketball, the Big East, Freeman was a good rebounder and passer for Georgetown, and can play both forward positions.
55) Boston Celtics: Chris Wright
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Chris Wright’s 2011 season was derailed by a broken hand, but he was one of the better guards in college basketball before the injury.
Wright has the potential to be a solid backup for current Celtics starting point guard Rajon Rondo.
56) Los Angeles Lakers: Jacob Pullen
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Jacob Pullen was one of the best scorers in college basketball this season, averaging about 20 points per game for the Kansas State Wildcats in 2011.
Pullen is also a decent passer, and can play point guard for the Lakers. In the NCAA tournament, Pullen scored 38 points in a loss to Wisconsin in the third round, single-handedly giving the Wildcats hope for an upset.
57) Dallas Mavericks: Robin Benzing
57 of 60The Mavericks have already struck gold with German players such as Dirk Nowitzki, and Benzing is another big man who can score.
Benzing can play small forward for the Mavericks, and will help on the defensive end of the floor too.
58) Los Angeles Lakers: Talor Battle
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Battle was one of the Nittany Lions best players this season, giving them a consistent all-around effort on a nightly basis.
Battle can score well, averaging about 20 points per game, and he can also rebound and lead an offense at point guard.
59) San Antonio Spurs: Chaisson Allen
59 of 60Chaisson Allen might be the best NBA prospect from Northeastern since former Celtics All-Star Reggie Lewis.
Allen is a good rebounding guard, and averaged almost 17 points per game for the Huskies this season.
60) Sacramento Kings: Jamie Skeen
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Jamie Skeen helped lead VCU’s magical run to the 2011 Final Four. Skeen is a solid scorer and a physical player who will be able to compete in the paint at both ends of the floor.
Skeen will also add rebounding to the Kings frontcourt.
