2011 NBA Mock Draft: Does BYU Point Guard Jimmer Fredette Crack the Top 10?
In this 2011 NBA Mock Draft, we ask the simple question: Does BYU star point guard Jimmer Fredette even crack the top 10?
It's a tough cookie to crack, seeing as we don't even know the order of the lottery picks yet, but it's worth a try to answer.
Fredette was shot into national relevance this year with his amazing shooting and even better leadership that led the BYU Cougars deep into the NCAA tournament.
While Fredette was a vital aspect to BYU's game plan in 2010, does any NBA teams need his shoot-first skill set in the first 10 picks?
Let's see if we can answer these questions.
30. Chicago Bulls: Chandler Parsons, SF, Florida
1 of 30
PPG: 11.3
APG: 3.8
RPG: 7.8
3P%: .368
Senior, 6’9”, 218 lbs.
Chandler Parsons was the leader of the 2010 University of Florida basketball squad that made it deep in the NCAA tournament.
While not particularly spectacular at any specific skill, Parson is an all-around basketball player that uses his intellect and versatility to create a shot or guard a more talented opponent.
Parsons is an above average athlete who plays with correct mechanics, which will translate very well in the NBA.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Darius Morris, PG, Michigan
2 of 30
PPG: 15
APG: 6.7
RPG: 4
3P%: .250
Sophomore, 6’4”, 190 lbs.
Playing his collegiate basketball under coach Tom Izzo, point guard Darius Morris has made a name for himself in 2010.
Using his solid size as a guard, Morris uses authority to get to the hoop but also has an excellent knack for creating a shot or finding an open teammate.
While the decision to enter the 2011 NBA draft still lingers, expect Morris to be fundamentally sound at the next level.
28. Chicago Bulls: Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
3 of 30
PPG: 16.9
APG: 1.6
RPG: 6.8
3P%: .321
Senior, 6’8”, 237 lbs
Playing under legendary Coach K. for all four years at Duke, Singler has been well poised for the step to the next level for some time now.
Singler's high basketball IQ helps him to know when to take the shot or dish it to a teammate, and he also plays with a very passionate, aggressive attitude on the court.
With Singler’s track record of success at Duke, expect him to use his competitive nature to get the most out of his new teammates in the NBA.
27. New Jersey Nets: Jeremy Tyler, PF, International
4 of 30
PPG: 9.9
APG: 0.5
RPG: 6.4
3P%: .200
6’9”, 225 lbs.
After skipping his senior year at San Diego High School and de-committing from Louisville, forward Jeremy Tyler is now looking to take his talents to the NBA.
Having played professionally in Spain, Israel and most recently Tokyo, Tyler uses his large frame and even larger wingspan to overpower smaller guards against him.
Expect Tyler to use his pro experience overseas to make an impact immediately in the NBA.
26. Dallas Mavericks: JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
5 of 30
PPG: 20.5
APG: 1
RPG: 8.6
BPG: 2.3
Senior, 6’10”, 221 lbs.
A superior athlete with an even better mindset, JuJuan Johnson is one of the more athletic big men in this year’s draft.
Playing all four year at Purdue, Johnson saw his effort come to a point in 2010 when he lead the Boilermakers to a top seed in the NCAA tournament while also winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award.
As a strong, sturdy forward, Johnson is sure to make some noise playing in the NBA.
25. Boston Celtics: Bismack Biyombo, C, Congo
6 of 30
PPG: 6.4
APG: 0.3
RPG: 3.1
BPG: 2.3
6’9”, 240 lbs.
Bismack Biyombo seemed to have come out of nowhere to capture the hearts of NBA scouts with impressive performances at a few camps.
Using his 7’7” wingspan, Biyombo is a big-time shot-blocker that shows excellent timing and even better reflexes on the defensive side of the ball.
Expect the native from Congo to become a defensive-minded big man ready to make an impact in the NBA immediately.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nolan Smith, PG/SG, Duke
7 of 30
PPG: 20.6
APG: 5.1
RPG: 4.5
3P%: .350
Senior, 6’2”, 185 lbs.
Duke point guard Nolan Smith was a major contributor to the Duke basketball dominance we’ve been witness to the past four years.
As their star point guard, Smith uses his awareness and skill off the ball to expose the weaknesses of an opposing team.
Using his excellent decision making skills, Smith has been an efficient guard the past four years and hasn’t reach his ceiling yet which should be discovered in the NBA.
23. Houston Rockets: Shelvin Mack, PG, Butler
8 of 30
PPG: 15.2
APG: 3.6
RPG: 4.5
3P%: .354
Junior, 6’3”, 215 lbs.
Any team that takes Shelvin Mack in the 2011 NBA draft will get an instant upgrade in the scoring department; in this case, it’s the Houston Rockets.
Mack plays smart, strong basketball while keeping his composure and not rushing things as we saw during Butlers 2010 NCAA National Championship run.
Mack was the catalyst for the Bulldogs as they made their way to the championship game using his strong scoring to put the team on his back.
Built like an NFL linebacker, Mack will most likely transition to the shooting guard position in the NBA to create a scoring threat that also has the skills of an accomplish guard.
22. Denver Nuggets: Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland
9 of 30
PPG: 16.9
APG: 0.6
RPG: 11.8
BPG: 1.4
Sophomore, 6’10”, 260 lbs.
Impressing Maryland brass with his astounding work ethic and concentration, Maryland power forward Jordan Williams has the right intangibles to make it at the next level.
Working hard on the court, but even harder off it, Williams is always a hustler that runs the fast break and usually rewarded for it.
Expect him to thrive in the NBA if he can establish himself as a consistent low-post threat.
21. Portland Trailblazers: Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead St.
10 of 30
PPG: 17.3
APG: 1.1
RPG: 14.5
BPG: 2.3
Senior, 6’8”, 225 lbs.
Known for his intensity, Kenneth Faried will more than likely continue his dominance into the NBA.
A high-energy player who excels as doing the dirty work down in the paint, Faried is an above-average athlete who will lay it all on the line for him team.
An excellent runner, blocker and jumper, Faried exploded onto the scene during the NCAA tourney so expect the big man’s name to continue to be a topic of conversations.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State
11 of 30
PPG: 13.1
APG: 1.2
RPG: 6.8
3P%: .368
Junior, 6’9”, 225 lbs.
After watching Chris Singleton play for Florida State the past three years, it’ll be tough to see him go, but I find solace in knowing that this kid is going to excel beyond predictions in the NBA.
Singleton is a monster on the defensive end. He uses his big body to block shots and rip down boards but is also swift and agile enough to average two steals per game in 2010.
A defensive mastermind will always have a spot on any team’s roster, and that is exactly the type of game Singleton plays.
I would say something like, “expect big things out of Singleton in the NBA,” but to be quite honest, I’m expect huge things out of this kid at the next level.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee
12 of 30
PPG: 15.3
APG: 1.3
RPG: 7.3
3P%: .303
Freshman, 6’8”, 225 lbs.
A talented combo forward, Tobias Harris poses a real threat matched up against guys bigger than him for the lone reason he is above his years in skill.
One of the more underrated players in the 2011 draft, Harris has the correct skill set suited for the NBA beginning with his ability to be a huge threat off the dribble.
His versatility at the forward position may be what’s most appealing to teams that will ultimately draft him, creating a unique opportunity to build their team from within.
18. Washington Wizards: Jordan Hamilton, SG, Texas
13 of 30
PPG: 18.6
APG: 2.1
RPG: 7.7
3P%: .385
Sophomore, 6’7”, 220 lbs.
Playing in the fast-paced Texas offense, Jordan Hamilton was the perfect fit.
His best asset that he brought to the club was his ability to crash the boards and then quickly push the ball in transition, where he made good passes but created an even better shot selection.
Hamilton will be a nice fit for any NBA team looking for a versatile guard that can play any position 1 through 4.
17. New York Knicks: Tyler Honeycutt, SF, UCLA
14 of 30
PPG: 12.8
APG: 2.8
RPG: 7.2
3P%: .362
Sophomore, 6’8”, 188 lbs.
Tyler Honeycutt will be an effective NBA player, he just needs to add some more pounds to that tall, lanky frame.
Standing at 6’8”, Honeycutt was a nice piece to Ben Howland’s UCLA squad that saw him interchanging between the guard positions and forward positions.
Honeycutt is a capable dribbler with a smooth and relaxed shot, and his athleticism allows him to make great decisions on the fly.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego St.
15 of 30
PPG: 15.5
APG: 2.5
RPG: 10.6
3P%: .291
Sophomore, 6’7”, 225 lbs.
As a strong, energetic forward, Kawhi Leonard uses his high intensity to power his way through an opposing defense.
He shows great speed and explosiveness with or without the ball and has a sweet stroke on his pull-up jumper.
He possess leadership qualities that many NBA teams will covet and will eventually see himself as one of the better forward combos in the league.
15. Indiana Pacers: Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
16 of 30
PPG: 16.4
APG: 1.4
RPG: 7.6
3P%: .311
Junior, 6’10”, 245 lbs.
The big man from Georgia comes in at No. 15 because of his polished offensive game coupled with his overpowering defensive skills.
Trey Thompkins is an excellent big man with a high basketball IQ that should transition well to the NBA.
Expect his sweet stroke and powerful jams to be seen in the NBA right off the bat.
14. Houston Rockets: Klay Thompson, SG, Washington St.
17 of 30
PPG: 21.6
APG: 3.7
RPG: 5.2
3P%: .398
Junior, 6’6”, 202 lbs.
As one of the better shooters in the 2011 NBA draft, guard Klay Thompson out of Washington State will use his long 6’6” frame to become a mainstay in the NBA.
A pure shooter that excels from anywhere on the floor, Thompson has great size for the two-guard spot and looks very comfortable with the ball, creating shots off the dribble or pass.
13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
18 of 30
PPG: 15.7
APG: 1.6
RPG: 8.8
3P%: .329
Freshman, 6’8”, 244 lbs.
Deciding to forgo the rest of his college career for the NBA draft, Kentucky’s Terrence Jones will use his excellent size to wreak havoc on opponents.
Utilizing a great pump fake, Jones displays a good range of motion as a shooter and can also kill you posting up.
His high intellect matched with is overpowering style of play bodes well for his potential NBA career.
12. Utah Jazz: Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
19 of 30
PPG: 13.6
APG: 1.4
RPG: 8.3
3P%: .424
Junior, 6’10”, 245 lbs.
The very authoritative style of Markieff Morris has him at the top of the list for most NBA scouts.
Using his great size and athleticism, Morris looks good when finishing around the rim, but also has a nice touch from behind the arc as seen from his .424 three-point percentage.
Improving his value by playing in Kansas’s system the past three years, Morris plays with focus and passion to exhibit his overall athleticism at the forward position.
11. Golden State Warriors: Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
20 of 30
PPG: 28.9
APG: 4.3
RPG: 3.4
3P%: .396
Senior, 6’2”, 195 lbs.
Almost cracking the top 10, I have BYU’s Jimmer Fredette going No. 11 overall to the Golden State Warriors.
We’ve all seen what Fredette can do with the ball in his hands and expect that to carry over very nicely at the NBA level as scouts and teams continue to underrate him.
He broke out onto the scene last year so expect Fredette to ride his new-found fame all the way into the NBA.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Marcus Morris, SF, Kansas
21 of 30
PPG: 17.2
APG: 1.6
RPG: 7.6
3P%: .342
Junior, 6’9”, 235 lbs.
Much like his brother, Marcus Morris is a beast both offensively and defensively.
Marcus is excellent down in the low post but has shown his polish on mid-range jumpers from 10-15 feet and even the three-pointer.
Using his solid body, Morris can put the ball on the deck and stand out against lesser opponents.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
22 of 30
PPG: 20.5
APG: 2.9
RPG: 6.5
3P%: .292
Sophomore, 6’6”, 195 lbs.
Coming out after his sophomore season, Alec Burks from Colorado exhibits the athleticism needed to play the shooting guard position in the NBA.
He uses his quick first step to get by defenders while also showing his effectiveness by grabbing down boards and being a lockdown defender.
Burks is an excellent wing rebounder that is as coachable as they come and will do just fine at the next level.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
23 of 30
PPG: 23.5
APG: 4.5
RPG: 5.4
3P%: .330
Junior, 6’1”, 172 lbs.
What more can be said of Kemba Walker that even the casual fan wouldn’t already know.
Walker is the epitome of an exceptional point guard, using his small frame to get past defenders, but he also seems big enough to single-handedly take over a game.
For his size, he finishes pretty well at the rim and also has the knack to find his teammates, all great qualities for a future NBA star.
7. Detroit Pistons: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
24 of 30
PPG: 13.1
APG: 1.3
RPG: 7.8
BPG: 2.4
Freshman, 6’8”, 225 lbs.
Coming out of Texas after just one year, Tristan Thompson has made enough improvements to his game to be considered a top-10 draft choice.
Using his tremendous frame, Thompson does all he can to become a lockdown defender while also showing signs of athleticism at the rim.
Thompson is a trooper that battles for position every chance he gets and makes good of the chances he gets to score in transition.
6. Utah Jazz: Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
25 of 30
PPG: 10.3
APG: 1.3
RPG: 5.2
3P%: .333
6’11”, 240 lbs.
Using his terrific size for the shooting forward position, Czech Republic-native Jan Vesely also possesses the ability to post up on some bigger defenders.
Vesely is very explosive off the boards and has a confident shot that he doesn’t mind showing you more often than not.
He’s ever improving and will continue this trend all the way into the NBA.
5. Sacramento Kings: Brandon Knight, SG, Kentucky
26 of 30
PPG: 17.3
APG: 4.2
RPG: 4
3P%: .377
Freshman, 6’3”, 185 lbs.
Brandon Knight is an impressive point guard that shows maturity on the court well above his age.
He possesses a great first step that often leaves defenders unbalanced and also is a quality finisher after that first move.
He shows great leadership on the floor, being able to find his teammates or keeping the ball in his hands.
His quickness will surely help his career blossom in the NBA.
4. Washington Wizards: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
27 of 30
PPG: 7.5
RPG: 3.3
FG%: .526
7’0”, 224 lbs.
A lefty big man out of Lithuania, Donatas Motiejunas has a lot of potential in his seven-foot frame.
He shows great athleticism and is quick on his feet, never letting a defender past him.
He needs some time to mature into the NBA game, but when he does, the ceilings are so high for this big man literally anything is possible.
3. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter, PF, Kentucky
28 of 30
PPG: N/A
APG: N/A
RPG: N/A
6’11”, 261 lbs.
Despite being ineligible in 2010, Enes Kanter’s reputation for his size, athleticism and polish precedes him, as he is a top-three selection in the 2011 NBA draft.
Using his strength and high intensity, Kanter commands much of the attention from the opposing defense and will catch you off guard with is smooth offensive play.
Drawing a lot of comparisons to Atlanta’s Al Horford, look for Kanter to make a name for himself as he sets up for a long career in the NBA.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
29 of 30
PPG: 17.5
APG: 4.3
RPG: 3.4
3P%: .462
Freshman, 6’2”, 180 lbs.
As a true point guard, Duke’s Kyrie Irving is a hot commodity in the 2011 NBA draft.
He has the ability to dazzle with his amazing speed and even better ball control, but his lack of experience at the college level could hinder some of his improvements at the next level.
Irving is a franchise-changing guard that looks similar to Chris Paul or Mike Conley and will play fundamental basketball that no coach can be unhappy about.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
30 of 30
PPG: 19.5
APG: 1.1
RPG: 8.3
3P%: .568
Sophomore, 6’8”, 241 lbs.
If the Timberwolves do indeed win the lottery selection, their first choice will be power forward Derrick Williams out of Arizona.
Williams is slightly undersized for a power forward but don’t let that mistake you for his vast experience and readiness for the next level.
Using his solid footwork to his advantage, Williams is as athletic as they come and can also make a few game-changing plays or blocks.
By putting the ball on the floor, Williams has the ability to attack the rim or crash the boards, both of which are his strong suits.
