2011 NBA Draft Preview: Highlights of Derrick Williams and Top 10 Picks

I know it may seem like it’s too early to think about it with the NFL draft still fresh in the rear view mirror, but the 2011 NBA draft is fast approaching!

It’s time to start breaking down stat lines, team needs, intangible’s and immeasurable’s!

I think the highest level of sports nerd you can reach is when you start breaking down drafts, but it also doesn’t get any better!

Using ESPN’s NBA Lottery Mock Draft simulator, in which Chad Ford literally breaks down all 2,184 lottery scenarios, I have determined the top ten teams for my mock draft.

Here is a mock of the top ten picks in the 2011 NBA draft, and some highlight clips for you to feast your eyes on:

1. Toronto Raptors: Derrick Williams

Scouting Report:

Williams is the perfect small forward coming out of college. He can score from just about anywhere on the floor, which makes him incredibly dangerous. He is also extremely athletic and quick offensively and defensively. Has good range from the outside, but can also take it down low and finish at the rim. Easily the best all-around player in the draft.

2. Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter

Scouting Report:

Kanter might be an unknown to NCAA basketball fans, but that’s because he is an import playing out of Turkey. He plays with the typical European style. Big center that can take you down low, but is also a very proficient shooter with range out to the three point line. Handles and passes the ball well, but needs to bulk up a little bit.

3. Charlotte Bobcats: Kyrie Irving

Scouting Report:

Irving is the purest point guard we have seen come out of the draft since Ty Lawson. He is a balanced scorer but really excels at passing and making opportunities for his teammates. That being said, he has the capability to dominate a game offensively when he senses that he needs to step up. Irving is a very instinctual basketball player.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kemba Walker

Scouting Report:

Walker has more of a scoring mentality than you would ideally look for in a point guard. He thinks shoot before he does pass, but on the flip side of that equation it does make him an incredibly dynamic scorer. He is a great athlete with above average speed and quickness, especially off the dribble. He has a good shot, but it must improve

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Brandon Knight

Scouting Report:

Brandon Knight has the ideal size that you are looking for in an NBA point guard. He is quick and athletic and is an excellent finisher at the rim. Can maneuver through traffic and find teammates from under the basket for open shots. He is streaky with his own shot, but when he is on he can be great. Good defender and really understands the game.

6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely

Scouting Report:

Vesely is a young big man from the Czech Republic. He is very physical and is not your typical European big man. That being said he does have a good shooting game including three point range. He is a great athlete with good strength. Must improve his strength for the NBA, but has the right intangibles to work with.

7. Sacramento Kings: Jimmer Fredette

Scouting Report:

Fredette was the most prolific scorer in college basketball, but his stock took some hit when BYU went down in the tournament. He is an incredible scorer who can put the ball in the hoop from anywhere on the court. Shoots while set or on the move, and has very deep range. Has great handle on the ball, but he is best suited at shooting guard.

8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo

Scouting Report:

This might be the most interesting athlete in the whole draft. Biyombo is 6’9’’ 243 pounds of pure athleticism and raw basketball talent. He plays very long and has a great wingspan. Excellent defender and rebounder and a great hustle player. He needs to develop, but he can be great in time.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas

Scouting Report:

This big guy out of Lithuania has a very natural touch around the basket and plays very comfortably in the paint. He plays bigger than he really is, but can still stand to gain some weight and muscle in the NBA. Understands the game very well and will always be hustling whenever on the court.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Tristan Thompson

Scouting Report:

Thompson is going to be a great player in the NBA when given enough time to develop. He has excellent size with a 7’2’’ wingspan. He plays big under the basket, especially on the defensive end. He is an excellent offensive rebounder and displays great hands at and around the basket. Thompson displays natural basketball instincts.

Summary

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after a dunk against of the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 26, 2011 in Anaheim, Cali

2011 NBA Mock Draft Top Ten:

1. Toronto Raptors: Derrick Williams, SF Arizona

2. Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter, C Turkey

3. Charlotte Bobcats: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke

4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kemba Walker, PG Connecticut

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky

6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, PF Czech Republic

7. Sacramento Kings: Jimmer Fredette, PG Brigham Young

8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo, PF Spain

9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas, PF Lithuania

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas

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