2011 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Lottery and All 60 Picks
Summer time is almost here, and you know what that means.
Coming to the realization that you won't have chiseled abs in time for your debut at the beach.
Convincing yourself that the middle of the MLB season isn't painstakingly boring.
And looking forward to the best draft in all of sports.
On Tuesday, the draft lottery will be determined, giving new hope to struggling franchises who might only be one missing piece away from success. But don't get too excited if you're a fan of a lottery team, because it has proven to be just as easy to swing and miss with an early pick as it is to find an eventual stud.
If you're wondering exactly how the draft will play out, take a look at the next 60 slides to peek into the future.
60. Kings: Vernon Macklin
1 of 61
School: Florida
Age: 24
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: The Kings lack interior depth and physicality, and Macklin would help in both areas.
59. Spurs: Lavoy Allen
2 of 61
School: Temple
Age: 22
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: The Spurs are getting old at forward and need to start thinking about the future. Allen is fundamentally sound and can provide a presence defensively.
58. Lakers: Norris Cole
3 of 61
School: Cleveland State
Age: 22
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: Derek Fisher's future in LA could be a short one, so it's time for the Lakers to address the point guard position. Cole is a complete point guard who can help quicken LA's back court.
57. Mavericks: Cory Joseph
4 of 61
School: Texas
Age: 19
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: Jason Kidd can see the light at the end of the tunnel in what has been a Hall of Fame career, and a guy like Joseph would be a perfect replacement. He doesn't turn the ball over and he plays defense.
56. Lakers: DeAndre Liggins
5 of 61
School: Kentucky
Age: 23
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: If the Lakers are unable to resign Shannon Brown, Liggins would be the guy to spell Kobe and provide more backcourt depth. He can play either guard position and is versatile on the perimeter.
55. Celtics: Malcolm Thomas
6 of 61
School: San Diego State
Age: 22
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Position: F
Why it works: The Celtics are another team that is getting old, and they need to start acquiring some athletes. Thomas could be a good compliment to Rajon Rondo down the line.
54. Cavaliers: LaceDarius Dunn
7 of 61
School: Baylor
Age: 23
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: Cleveland needs a spark, and this late in the draft, you won't find a player who is capable of exploding as much as Dunn. He can be a scoring presence for a team that doesn't have many options.
53. Magic: Chris Wright
8 of 61
School: Dayton
Age: 22
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Position: F
Why it works: The Magic have enough shooters, it's time they get another athlete to take some of the focus away from Dwight Howard in the paint.
52. Pistons: Jereme Richmond
9 of 61
School: Illinois
Age: 19
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: With Tayshaun Prince likely playing in his last game for Detroit, they can grab a guy who isn't too much different from him, but with a lot more room to grow as a player.
51. Blazers: E'Twaun Moore
10 of 61
School: Purdue
Age: 22
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: With Brandon Roy's health being a concern, Moore would be a perfect fit in Portland. Between him and Wesley Matthews, the shooting guard position for the future would look bright for awhile.
50. 76ers: Nikola Vucevic
11 of 61
School: USC
Age: 20
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Position: PF/C
Why it works: Not a great athlete, but has tons of skill for a big man, and with a few big bodies possibly leaving Philly, Vucevic could be a solid replacement.
49. Grizzlies: Jamie Skeen
12 of 61
School: VCU
Age: 23
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: With only one pick in the draft, and what looks to be a strong backcourt for years to come, the Grizzlies may try to think big in case they have a hard time hanging onto Zach Randolph.
48. Hawks: Andrew Goudelock
13 of 61
School: College of Charleston
Age: 22
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: Goudelock could be instrumental in getting Atlanta over the hump, as he is a great distributor and can score regularly on the perimeter. He would work well with all the athletes on the Hawks.
47. Clippers: Scotty Hopson
14 of 61
School: Tennessee
Age: 21
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: Hopson can excel as a guy who doesn't need many touches to score. He's a good spot up shooter and would blend well with a team that lacks perimeter scoring.
46. Lakers: Bojan Bogdanovic
15 of 61
Country: Yugoslavia
Team: Cibona Zagreb (Croatia)
Age: 22
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Position: SG/SF
Why it works: Bogdanovic is a complete scorer who plays a nice inside-outside game, which Lakers' big men lack.
45. Hornets: Jeremy Tyler
16 of 61
Country: USA
Team: Tokyo Apache (Japan)
Age: 19
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Tyler played overseas instead of attending college and is now ready to test the waters of the draft. Hornets need a big man who can score and there won't be much available this late.
44. Warriors: Jimmy Butler
17 of 61
School: Marquette
Age: 21
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: Butler is a great team player who can help the Warriors at the defensive end and be an outlet for their stellar backcourt.
43. Bulls: Keith Benson
18 of 61
School: Oakland
Age: 22
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: C
Why it works: Benson is pretty much the polar opposite of Joakim Noah. The Bulls can look to a big like Benson who can knock down mid-range shots and create shots for himself when Noah's not contributing offensively.
42. Pacers: Ben Hansbrough
19 of 61
School: Notre Dame
Age: 23
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: PG/SG
Why it works: Pacers need a guard, and who better to liven team chemistry than Tyler Hansbrough's little brother. He's an electric player who can get hot and stay hot from the outside.
41. Lakers: Isaiah Thomas
20 of 61
School: Washington
Age: 22
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: Thomas can get it done in the biggest games, and the Lakers haven't had much fire power from their point guard position in a long time.
40. Bucks: Travis Leslie
21 of 61
School: Georgia
Age: 21
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: The Bucks don't have a guy who plays above the rim. Leslie isn't afraid to get physical and is a monster in the paint.
39. Bobcats: Justin Harper
22 of 61
School: Richmond
Age: 21
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Harper has great range and touch from the forward position. A tough matchup and great all-around player that the Bobcats desperately need.
38. Rockets: Shelvin Mack
23 of 61
School: Butler
Age: 21
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: After parting ways with Aaron Brooks last season and Ishmael Smith proving to be ineffective, Shelvin Mack would be a great guy to start molding into a starter for the Rockets.
37. Clippers: Darius Morris
24 of 61
School: Michigan
Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: Morris would be a solid backup to Mo Williams for a team that didn't get much production out of their bench in the '10-'11 season.
36. Nets: Iman Shumpert
25 of 61
School: Georgia Tech
Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: PG/SG
Why it works: With Deron Williams' future being uncertain, Shumpert would be a great fit as a combo guard who can play either position depending on what the Nets decide to do with their point guard.
35. Kings: Marshon Brooks
26 of 61
School: Providence
Age: 22
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: Brooks would be an instant upgrade at the shooting guard position and a great building block for a young Kings team.
34. Wizards: Jerai Grant
27 of 61
School: Clemson
Age: 22
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: The Wizards were one of the worst teams in rebound differential, and Grant is a guy who knows how to do the little things to create extra possessions.
33. Pistons: Jon Leuer
28 of 61
School: Wisconsin
Age: 22
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Collectively, the Pistons are an immature basketball team who lack leadership. Jon Leuer has a high basketball IQ and can be the leader for a young team that has hit rock bottom.
32. Cavaliers: Jordan Williams
29 of 61
School: Maryland
Age: 20
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 260 lbs.
Position: C
Why it works: A frontcourt duo of Williams and fellow ACC alumnus J.J. Hickson would be a great step in the right direction for the worst team in the Eastern Conference.
31. Heat: Lucas Nogueira
30 of 61
Team: Estudiantes (Spain)
Age: 18
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: C
Why it works: The Heat got no productivity out of the center position this season, and Nogueira is a young stud who can grow with the big three and thrive as part of that team.
30. Bulls: Kyle Singler
31 of 61
School: Duke
Age: 23
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: The Bulls will likely stick with their winning recipe, as they have made a habit of drafting players from outstanding college basketball teams. Singler is no exception and gives the Bulls more depth and scoring ability.
29. Spurs: Malcolm Lee
32 of 61
School: UCLA
Age: 20
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: He can create space and score in a number of ways for a Spurs team that has lost explosiveness over the years. Lee is a great athlete who plays on both ends.
28. Bulls: Nolan Smith
33 of 61
School: Duke
Age: 22
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Position: PG/SG
Why it works: Bulls need somebody for Derrick Rose to look to at shooting guard other than Keith Bogans. Nolan Smith can be a good second option to take attention away from Rose.
27. Nets: Davis Bertans
34 of 61
Country: Latvia
Team: Union Olimpija (Slovenia)
Age: 18
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: Bertans could be a factor right away for the Nets who don't have much of a presence at forward. The Nets were near the bottom of the league in scoring and Bertans could help remedy that quickly.
26. Mavericks: Tyler Honeycutt
35 of 61
School: UCLA
Age: 20
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: Honeycutt is a guy who can guard the post and the perimeter effectively. He has a nice touch on his jumper and could be a great addition for a team that might lose a lot to free agency.
25. Celtics: Josh Selby
36 of 61
School: Kansas
Age: 20
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: Selby is a high-risk, high-reward player at this point because he is so young, but shows so much potential. Playing behind and learning from Paul Pierce until he's ready to move on could serve valuable for both Selby and the Celtics.
24. Thunder: JaJuan Johnson
37 of 61
School: Purdue
Age: 22
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Johnson can be a complimentary scorer to Durant and Westbrook the way Jeff Green was before they traded him, as he is one of the better scoring power forwards in the draft.
23. Rockets: Markieff Morris
38 of 61
School: Kansas
Age: 21
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 235 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Morris is already built like and NBA player and has an impressive arsenal on offense. He would provide a nice change of pace from Louis Scola.
22. Nuggets: Trey Thompkins
39 of 61
School: Georgia
Age: 20
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Denver could lose a lot of size in free agency, so they should try to grab a weapon in the post in case they can't bring back Nene and Martin. Thompkins brings a lot the painted area.
21. Blazers: Nikola Mirotic
40 of 61
Country: Montenegro
Team: Real Madrid (Spain)
Age: 20
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Mirotic is mobile and incredibly efficient as a tough matchup for most other guys his size. The Blazers have no depth at forward, so Mirotic would fit in nicely.
20. Timberwolves: Klay Thompson
41 of 61
School: Washington State
Age: 21
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: The Timberwolves obviously need a lot of help, coming off one of the worst seasons in NBA history. Klay Thompson is a mature, unselfish methodical player who possesses desirable leadership skills.
19. Bobcats: Reggie Jackson
42 of 61
School: Boston College
Age: 21
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: Jackson is a tall and athletic point guard, a strong ball-handler and very poise. He can compete with D.J. Augustin for a starting job and give a little extra push to a borderline playoff team.
18. Wizards: Chris Singleton
43 of 61
School: Florida State
Age: 21
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: SF/PF
Why it works: Singleton can help right away as one of the best defensive players in the draft for one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
17. Knicks: Kenneth Faried
44 of 61
School: Morehead State
Age: 21
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: The Knicks have no problem scoring, but it's the other end of the floor where they need help. Faried is a scrappy player who can make a difference clogging driving lanes and being a monster on the glass.
16. 76ers: Donatas Motiejunas
45 of 61
Country: Lithuania
Team: Benetton Treviso (Italy)
Age: 20
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: He can score backing down, facing up, inside or outside. At 7-feet tall he is a very valuable offensive asset midway through the first round.
15. Pacers: Tobias Harris
46 of 61
School: Tennessee
Age: 18
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: This smooth teenager might not be able to make an impact right away, but he has the skills necessary to take a team to another level if he develops correctly.
14. Rockets: Marcus Morris
47 of 61
School: Kansas
Age: 21
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Marcus has shown that he can be a dominant threat as a jump shooter and with his back to the basket. The Rockets aren't going to leap frog teams in the West unless they start compiling big men like the Morris twins to match up with other big men in their conference.
13. Suns: Alec Burks
48 of 61
School: Colorado
Age: 19
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Position: SG
Why it works: Burks is able to create separation with defenders and score at will. Steve Nash needs a better two-guard than Jared Dudley if the Suns want to get back to playoff form.
12. Jazz: Jimmer Fredette
49 of 61
School: BYU
Age: 22
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: The Jazz don't have a player that can take over games, and if they get their hands on Jimmer Fredette, he can carry them into the playoffs.
11. Warriors: Jordan Hamilton
50 of 61
School: Texas
Age: 20
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: Warriors have a long way to go before they're contenders, but adding Jordan Hamilton's NBA-ready skill set to a superior backcourt of Curry and Ellis would be a nightmare for defenses.
10. Bucks: Bismack Biyombo
51 of 61
Country: Congo
Team: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (Spain)
Age: 18
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Position: C
Why it works: Biyombo is a highly coordinated behemoth with an absurd wingspan. Teams like the Bucks that are committed to defense love having players like Biyombo in the middle.
9. Bobcats: Tristan Thompson
52 of 61
School: Texas
Age: 20
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 235 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Thompson is an explosive and scrappy ball-hawk who would get some great opportunities early with a team like the Bobcats who lack consistency across the board.
8. Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas
53 of 61
Country: Lithuania
Team: Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania)
Age: 19
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 240
Position: C
Why it works: Ranked by most as the top international player, the Cavs have no reliable existence of a post presence. Valancuinas would fill the void nicely.
7. Pistons: Kemba Walker
54 of 61
School: Connecticut
Age: 21
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: The Pistons need a star. Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey just aren't getting it done. Kemba Walker is a guy they can build around for many years.
6. Jazz: Jan Vesely
55 of 61
Country: Czech Republic
Team: Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
Age: 21
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Position: SF/PF
Why it works: Vesely can shoot over almost anyone trying to guard him and he's not afraid to challenge defenders at the rim. The Jazz can put together a nice draft with Vesely as the staple.
5. Wizards: Kawhi Leonard
56 of 61
School: San Diego State
Age: 19
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: SF
Why it works: The Wizards got their point guard last year, now they can get their small forward of the future in Kawhi Leonard. His stock continues to rise and Washington looks like an adequate landing spot.
4. Raptors: Enes Kanter
57 of 61
School: Kentucky
Age: 18
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 250 lbs.
Position: PF/C
Why it works: James and Amir Johnson should not be starting fowards in the NBA. Kanter will compliment Bargnani in an all-international frontcourt.
3. Kings: Brandon Knight
58 of 61
School: Kentucky
Age: 18
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Position: PG/SG
Why it works: Knight showed a superior ability to score and dish at Kentucky and there's no reason for him to slip past the Kings, as they will look to take some of the load off Tyreke Evans.
2. Timberwolves: Derrick Williams
59 of 61
School: Arizona
Age: 19
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 235 lbs.
Position: PF
Why it works: Derrick Williams is just on another level in terms of physical strength and athleticism. Timberwolves fans are salivating at the chance of watching this guy play with Beasley and Love.
1. Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving
60 of 61
School: Duke
Age: 19
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Position: PG
Why it works: The Cavs are going to get a well-needed stud with their first pick, why not take the best overall player in the draft? Irving can lead the Cavs away from embarrassment and back to virtue.
Team-by-Team Recap
61 of 61
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG, Kyrie Irving (1)
C, Jonas Valanciunas (8)
PF, Jordan Williams (32)
SG, LaceDarius Dunn (54)
Minnesota Timberwolves
PF, Derrick Williams (2)
SG, Klay Thompson (20)
Sacramento Kings
PG, Brandon Knight (3)
SG, Marshon Brooks (35)
PF, Vernon Macklin (60)
Toronto Raptors
PF, Enes Kanter (4)
Washington Wizards
SF, Kawhi Leonard (5)
PF, Chris Singleton (18)
PF, Jerai Grant (34)
Utah Jazz
PF, Jan Vesely (6)
PG, Jimmer Fredette (12)
Detroit Pistons
PG, Kemba Walker (7)
PF, Jon Leuer (33)
SF, Jereme Richmond (32)
Charlotte Bobcats
PF, Tristan Thompson (9)
PG, Reggie Jackson (19)
PF, Justin Harper (39)
Milwaukee Bucks
C, Bismack Biyombo (10)
SG, Travis Leslie (40)
Golden State Warriors
SF, Jordan Hamilton (11)
SF, Jimmy Butler (44)
Phoenix Suns
SG, Alec Burks (13)
Houston Rockets
PF, Marcus Morris (14)
PF, Markieff Morris (23)
PG, Shelvin Mack (38)
Indiana Pacers
PF, Tobias Harris (15)
SG, Ben Hansbrough (42)
Philadelphia 76ers
C, Donatas Motiejunas (16)
PF, Nikola Vucevis (50)
New York Knicks
PF, Kenneth Faried (17)
Portland Trail Blazers
PF, Nikola Mirotic (21)
SG, E'Twaun Moore (51)
Denver Nuggets
PF, Trey Thompkins (22)
Oklahoma City Thunder
PF, JaJuan Johnson (24)
Boston Celtics
SG, Josh Selby (25)
F, Malcolm Thomas (55)
Dallas Mavericks
SF, Tyler Honeycutt (26)
PG, Cory Joseph (57)
New Jersey Nets
SF, Davis Bertans (27)
PG, Iman Shumpert (36)
Chicago Bulls
SG, Nolan Smith (28)
SF, Kyle Singler (30)
C, Keith Benson (43)
San Antonio Spurs
SG, Malcolm Lee, (29)
PF, Lavoy Allen (59)
Miami Heat
C, Lucas Nogueira (31)
Los Angeles Clippers
PG, Darius Morris (37)
SG, Scotty Hopson (47)
Los Angeles Lakers
PG, Isaiah Thomas (41)
SF, Bojan Bagdanovic (46)
SG, DeAndre Liggins (56)
PG, Norris Cole (58)
New Orleans Hornets
PF, Jeremy Tyler (45)
Atlanta Hawks
PG, Andrew Goudelock (48)
Memphis Grizzlies
PF, Jamie Skeen (49)
Orlando Magic
SF, Chris Wright (53)
