
2011 NBA Mock Draft: All 30 Teams Picks, Jan Vesely Among Heavy Dose Europeans
With each passing day, the 2011 NBA draft closes in.
Now, despite talks of a lockout (just like the NFL), the NBA will be at the forefront of the sports-world through June at least.
Thus, NBA fans from the European Union will be glued to their TVs as well.
That said, here's the first round of the 2011 NBA draft, which obviously includes some pretty solid players from across the Atlantic Ocean.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG Duke
1 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 27.5
POINTS: 17.5
ASSISTS: 4.3
FG%: 52.9
FT%: 90.1
He's quick, smart and very mature for his age.
That said, durability is a major issue since he only played 11 games last season.
So there is a risk taking Kyrie Irving, but his attitude and effort will make-up for it.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams, PF Arizona
2 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 30
POINTS: 19.5
REBOUNDS: 8.3
FG%: 59.5
FT%: 74.6
In addition to his great court awareness (arguably his best asset), Derrick Williams, although undersized, obtains the physical toughness to play in the frontcourt.
Not to mention he's intense and very quick, so his game speed will be dangerous.
3. Toronto Raptors: Jan Vesely, SF/PF Czech Republic
3 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 27.0
POINTS: 10.1
REBOUNDS: 3.6
FG%: 47.75
FT%: 44.4
Giving 100 percent is one thing that's not coachable.
Jan Vesely not only goes all out, but is very coachable.
The offense needs work, but he's only going to improve, so potential is very high.
4. Washington Wizards: Enes Kanter, PF/C Kentucky
4 of 30
2009 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 28.4
POINTS: 18.6
REBOUNDS: 16.4
FG%: 52.15
FT%: 70.0
Despite sitting out an entire year, Enes Kanter remains a top prospect.
However, having previous knee issues is a concern, but his willingness to getting healthier displays great dedication.
Let's just hope he's not the second coming NBA Greg Oden.
5. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker, PG Connecticut
5 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 37.6
POINTS: 23.5
ASSISTS: 4.5
FG%: 42.8
FT%: 81.9
The scariest thing about Kemba Walker is that he has yet to really find his outside game.
And because he's so athletic and agile, he's as good as it gets in the paint.
There's also that "it" factor since he's very good at finishing, but he does need to improve at decision making to thrive in the association.
6. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky
6 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.9
POINTS: 17.3
ASSISTS: 4.2
FG%: 42.3
FT%: 79.5
He's got a big 6'3" frame for a PG, but Brandon Knight gets the job done.
A good decision-maker and very quick at that, he should come into his own as he progresses through the NBA.
However, the paint will be interesting, as he was rarely challenged in high school or college.
7. Detroit Pistons: Jimmer Fredette, PG BYU
7 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.8
POINTS: 28.9
ASSISTS: 4.3
FG%: 45.2
FT%: 89.4
Virtually at will during any point in the game, Jimmer Fredette can create his own shot.
He may not be your prototypical PG for the NBA, so an SG may seem more fit.
That said, he will most definitely be a solid contributor at the very least.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Donatas Motiejunas, PF Lithuania
8 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 26.4
POINTS: 12.1
REBOUNDS: 5.0
FG%: 49.7
FT%: 66.75
He's faster, stronger and bigger than meets the eye.
And whether it's from the inside or out, Donatas Motiejunas can sink it down.
However, effort is a concern.
If he can learn to go all out, then he'll be even that much better.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kawhi Leonard, SF San Diego State
9 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.6
POINTS: 15.5
REBOUNDS: 10.6
FG%: 44.4
FT%: 75.9
Now, despite Kawhi Leonard being more comfortable on the perimeter, he does have the ability to crash the boards and get some tip-ins.
With that said, however, for him to become a more all-encompassed player, he will need to drive more often and get more consistent from the outside.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Bismack Biyombo, PF/C Congo
10 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 17.0
POINTS: 6.4
REBOUNDS: 5.1
FG%: 56.1
FT%: 55.3
Bismack Biyombo is arguably one of the greatest names to ever exist.
That said, he's a force on defense, whether it's shot blocking or rebounding.
So, as long as his offense can improve (and it will because he's very coachable), Biyombo will become a solid player.
11. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris, PF Kansas
11 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 28.3
POINTS: 17.2
REBOUNDS: 7.6
FG%: 57.0
FT%: 68.8
He's good in transition, from the elbow, or under the rim, but Marcus Morris does need to improve on D.
Not much a shot blocker and has trouble defending quicker SFs.
Come time for 2011-12 tip (whenever that is), Marcus Morris better have improved his defense, while maintaining his offense.
12. Utah Jazz: Markieff Morris, PF Kansas
12 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 24.4
POINTS: 13.6
REBOUNDS: 8.3
FG%: 58.9
FT%: 67.3
Definitely better than brother Marcus on defense, Markieff Morris is missing the mid-range jumper.
Under the rim, he's solid, and transition isn't a problem as long as he doesn't try to do too much.
Also, if he can learn to draw more fouls, then he'll only become that much more valuable.
13. Phoenix Suns: Chris Singleton, SF/PF Florida State
13 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.1
POINTS: 13.1
REBOUNDS: 6.8
FG%: 43.4
FT%: 66.7
Chris Singleton plays very well off the ball and is excellent in transition.
He goes all out all the time, but needs to slow his mind down and become more aware of his surroundings.
Sometimes a little out of control, but never afraid of contact. Potential is very high.
14. Houston Rockets: Alec Burks, PG/SG Colorado
14 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 31.4
POINTS: 20.5
REBOUNDS: 6.5
FG%: 46.9
FT%: 82.5
Alec Burks can score in a variety of ways while also playing good defense.
Being only 18, there's a lot of room for his to grow and mature, so those minor miscues of forcing shots will come as he goes.
And as long as he can become more effective off the ball, then he will really see some results.
15. Indiana Pacers: Tristan Thompson, PF Texas
15 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 30.9
POINTS: 13.1
REBOUNDS: 7.8
FG%: 54.6
FT%: 48.7
The fact that he moves well off the ball and in transition, Tristan Thompson sees a lot of open looks.
That also puts him in good position for board crashing and drawing fouls.
As long as his offense can become more consistent from elbow range, then he'll really become a significant threat.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Kenneth Faried, PF Morehead State
16 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.7
POINTS: 17.3
REBOUNDS: 14.5
FG%: 62.3
FT%: 57.7
Gives everything that encompasses the fiber of his being, Kenneth Faried plays with a high level of tenacity and intensity.
He get rebounds, draws fouls, chases every loose ball and can explode at will.
Becoming a more creative and effective scorer is key, as well as that dismal FT percentage.
Nonetheless, Faried will be a solid NBA player.
17. New York Knicks: Klay Thompson, SG/SF Washington State
17 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.7
POINTS: 21.6
REBOUNDS: 5.2
FG%: 43.6
FT%: 83.8
He plays within his own self and is very effective with or without the ball.
Additionally, he has a high basketball IQ that makes up for not being that electrifying athlete.
However, improving in transition is crucial, so becoming more athletic will need to be addressed.
18. Washinton Wizards: Tyler Honeycutt, SG/SF UCLA
18 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.0
POINTS: 12.8
REBOUNDS: 7.2
FG%: 40.6
FT%: 73.6
Court awareness is very good and puts down shots in tough situations, Tyler Honeycutt is one solid scorer.
However, he is a bit trigger happy at times, so playing within his role is slightly concerning.
In any event, Honeycutt will be good, but how good will be interesting to watch.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky
19 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 31.7
POINTS: 15.7
REBOUNDS: 8.8
FG%: 44.2
FT%: 64.6
He's very athletic and has the ability to adapt to play multiple roles.
Thus, his versatility and diversity will be appealing, but relaxing with the ball is an issue.
Gets too tense at times, so there could be a confidence problem that the veterans will need to help him with.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nolan Smith, PG/SG Duke
20 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 34.0
POINTS: 20.6
ASSISTS: 5.1
FG%: 45.8
FT%: 81.3
Nolan Smith sees the court well and makes good decisions to put his teammates in great position.
Therefore, he should contribute early on, but will be limited unless he can improve on defense.
Becoming more dynamic and explosive is key, so we'll see if he's up for the challenge.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Jordan Hamilton, SF Texas
21 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.2
POINTS: 18.6
REBOUNDS: 7.7
FG%: 44.0
FT%: 77.9
The sooner Jordan Hamilton can find his niche within the game, his level of play will significantly increase.
Sometimes he does try to do too much, but when he's very good at anticipating the bounce, it's hard to blame him.
Nonetheless, hopefully he finds his way so his potential can get reached.
22. Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris, PF Tennessee
22 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.2
POINTS: 15.3
REBOUNDS: 7.3
FG%: 46.0
FT%: 75.3
He's not very explosive, but Tobias Harris can effectively score with either hand in the paint.
That said, if he can get the jumper working, then there's no telling how good his offense could be.
And he is undersized, but his work ethic more than makes up for that.
23. Houston Rockets: Trey Thompkins, PF Georgia
23 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 31.2
POINTS: 16.2
REBOUNDS: 7.6
FG%: 48.1
FT%: 68.9
Whether play is half-court or in transition, Try Thompkins is a very diverse player.
He's got a solid J from the downtown, but mid-range needs some work.
However, he's calm, cool and collected, so it should come as the NBA molds him.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Charles Jenkins, PG Hofstra
24 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 37.3
POINTS: 22.6
ASSISTS: 4.8
FG%: 51.7
FT%: 82.4
After the Charles Jenkins show at Hofstra, you saw the man lead the Pride (yes, that's their nickname) in virtually every facet of the game.
His D does need to go to the workshop, but his effort and attitude toward improvement is second to none.
There is no ceiling as to how great he can be, but coming from Hofstra, he may have scouts overlooking him.
25. Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueira, C Brazil
25 of 30
2010 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 24.4
POINTS: 15.6
REBOUNDS: 10.0
FG%: 74.4
FT%: 70.0
He's quick, nimble and puts that touch/finese on the shot. Lucas Nogueira is a solid scorer.
Defensively, he can also get the job done...when he wants to.
Therefore, if he doesn't decide to switch gears to 100 percent, he won't ever reach his full potential.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Iman Shumpert, PG/SG Georgia Tech
26 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.0
POINTS: 17.3
REBOUNDS: 5.9
FG %: 40.6
FT %: 80.6
A 6'4" PG that arguably has two of the quickest first steps you'd ever seen.
The biggest concern here is having that winning (not Charlie Sheen winning) attitude.
It's not that he doesn't work hard or give poor effort, but developing that winning attitude despite coming from a school that didn't succeed too much while he was there.
However, the defense is there because of his lateral quickness, so he'll make any team glad they drafted him.
27. New Jersey Nets: Keith Benson, PF/C Oakland
27 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.4
POINTS: 17.9
REBOUNDS: 10.1
FG%: 54.7
FT%: 64.3
He is a decent athlete, but Keith Benson could become a supreme athlete if he were to add about 10-15 pounds of muscle.
Hence, he's not as physical as you'd want him to be inside or when chasing loose balls.
But, his length and ability to block shots will come in handy in the meantime.
28. Chicago Bulls: Travis Leslie, SG/SF Georgia
28 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 32.2
POINTS: 14.4
REBOUNDS: 7.2
FG%: 49.2
FT%: 80.1
He's got great control of his body, but not necessarily his mind.
Travis Leslie just tends to think a bit too much as opposed to just reacting with instincts on the fly.
That said, however, his explosivity and speed allows him to transition well and contribute as a defender.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic, PF Real Madrid
29 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 15.0
POINTS: 6.6
REBOUNDS: 3.3
FG %: 50.0
FT%: 85.7
Nikola Mirotic has displayed a great amount of confidence since he's willing to make things happen with the ball.
Not afraid of being the man who takes the clutch shot, but could be of more use for grabbing boards.
That said, he also has needs to improve in court awareness, as passing is a concern.
30. Chicago Bulls: Josh Selby, SG Kansas
30 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 20.4
POINTS: 7.9
ASSISTS: 2.2
FG%: 37.3
FT%: 75.7
Josh Selby is creative, explosive and one athletic scorer that has displayed signs of having an excellent amount of potential.
But he's also rather inconsistent and will turn the ball over.
However, he's aggressive on D whether on or off the ball, so combine that with his potential as a scorer, and he could very well be a decently complete SG.









