NBA Mock Draft: With Player Breakdowns and Videos

With the collective bargaining agreement between the players union and the league rapidly coming to an end, the NBA draft may be the only basketball action we'll have in a while.

The draft is held on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey.

There are many questions heading into the draft. Who will the Cleveland Cavaliers select with the No. 1 pick, Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams? How much did Kemba Walker's NCAA tournament run help his draft stock? What team will take a chance on Jimmer Fredette? How far will JaJuan Johnson fall in the draft? Among others.

I have all of those answers and more inside the first round of the 2011 NBA mock draft.

Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Derrick Willams from Arizona

Comparable to - Michael Beasley

Strengths

• Amazing athleticism
• Runs the floor extremely well
• High defensive basketball IQ
• Good ball handler for someone who is 6'8
  

Weaknesses

• Vision in the post
• Range on his jumpshot
• Inconsistent at the free throw line
• Must add a little more bulk to his body

The reason I have Williams over Irving is that I know what I am getting out of Williams. I can't say the same for Irving who hasn't played much. If I'm the Cavaliers, I can't spend a No. 1 overall pick on someone who've I only seen play 11 games. Williams is somebody who can help the Cavs win right away. Cleveland also has over 37 million dollars invested in Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions through 2013.

Derrick Williams is the smarter and safer pick for a franchise that needs a bright spot right away.

Minnesota Timberwolves: PG Kyrie Irving from Duke

Comparable to - Chris Paul

Strengths

• Court vision
• Creative passer
• Ridiculous ball handling with a ridiculous crossover 
• Great free throw shooter

Weaknesses

• Sometimes forces the issue which results in turnovers
• Work on his strength to improve his defense and ability to finish

Having Irving go No. 2 overall has nothing to do with his ability on the court, it has to do with how much we have seen him play. Irving played a total of 11 games last season due to a turf toe injury. During those 11 games he averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals a game.

Overall Irving would be a great pick for the Timberwolves. Irving has tons of potential and could eventually join the leagues elite class of point guards.

Utah Jazz: PF Enes Kanter from Kentucky

Comparable to - Al Horford

Strengths

• Mid-range jumper
• Runs the floor well, especially for a big man
• Great feel for the game
• Great rebounder

Weaknesses

• Explosiveness at the rim
• Has a history of knee problems
• Athleticism

With Mehmet Okur a free agent next season the Jazz are going to need a center. Enes Kanter is the right guy to fill that void. Kanter was supposed to play for the Kentucky Wildcats but the NCAA ruled him ineligible because he accepted $33,000 from Fenerbahçe Ülker in excess benefits.

The Jazz said they will go with talent over a particular need and a quality seven footer is hard to pass up.

Cleveland Cavaliers: PG Brandon Knight from Kentucky

Comparable to - Gilbert Arenas

Strengths

• Quickness
• Awesome at creating his own shot
• Creative passer
• Good jumpshot with three point range

Weaknesses

• At times forces the issue
• Streaky shooter
• Needs to get stronger

With Cleveland passing up Irving with the first pick, their point guard falls in their lap with the fourth pick. His name is Brandon Knight from the University of Kentucky. Although he may not have the high basketball IQ as Irving, he does have more talent than him.

Derrick Williams and Brandon Knight is a solid one-two punch to begin the healing process in Cleveland and help the fans forget about LeBron James.

Toronto Raptors: SF Kawhi Leonard from San Diego State

Comparable to - Trevor Ariza

Strengths

• High motor and plays with high energy
• Active defender
• Attacking the cup
• Good passer

Weaknesses

• Settles for too many jumpshots for a guy his size
• Tends to dribble too much
• Three point shooting

The Toronto Raptors gave up an average of 105 points per game. The only way to improve your defense is to get players that are committed to actually playing defense. Meet Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard is a player that plays with hunger, and very high energy on the defensive side. This is a player that Toronto could definitely build with.

Washington Wizards: SF Jan Vesely from Czech Republic

Comparable to - Andrei Kirilenko

Strengths

• Plays with a lot of emotion
• Good hands around the basket
• Defense
• Creating off the dribble

Weaknesses

• Ball handling skills
• Has to get stronger
• Inconsistent shooter

Jan Vesely is a competitive player that hustles on every play. His 6'11", 230-pound frame, length and athleticism will create lots of mismatches on both sides of the ball.

He is awesome in transition and a terrific leaper. Vesely and John Wall in the open floor would be fun to watch.

Sacramento Kings: PG Kemba Walker from Uconn

Comparable to - Allen Iverson - Tim Hardaway

Strengths

• Amazing quickness
• Creating his own shot
• Leadership
• Excels when attacking the basket

Weaknesses

• Size
• Sometimes forces the issue
• Shot selection is sometimes poor

Kemba Walker is a special kid as you can see in the video in this slide. The knock on Kemba is his size. Scouts worry he may be too small to be successful at the next level, but Walker measured in at 6'1" at the combine. He's comparable in height to Chris Paul, Raymond Felton, and Allen Iverson.

With a young but talented team in the Kings, Kemba Walker would be the perfect fit. Kemba Walker is a proven leader and showed he will do anything to win in last seasons NCAA tournament. Walker would be another big step in the right direction for Sacramento.

Detroit Pistons: C Jonas Valanciunas from Lithuania

Comparable to - Nenad Krstic

Strengths

• Attacking the rim
• Only 19, so he should top out well over seven feet tall
• Good basketball IQ
• Hard worker

Weaknesses

• Needs to add strength
• Needs to manage his aggressiveness on the defensive end

With Valanciunas it's all about potential.

There is no question Jonas will be a project and will need a lot of coaching. He probably won't make an immediate impact but the potential is there for him to be very good. The Pistons aren't going anywhere anytime soon so they have time to wait for Valanciunas to come along and develop into the player most scouts think he'll become.

Charlotte Bobcats: PF Marcus Morris from Kansas

Comparable to - Al Harrington

Strengths

• Mid range game
• Anticipates well on the glass
• Strong work ethic
• Versatile

Weaknesses

• Poor free throw shooter
• Ball handling
• Length

Kansas coach Bill Self called Morris the best all around player he has coached since he has been at the school.

The Bobcats have a solid point guard in D.J. Augustin but need a dominant a forward to help get them to the playoffs. Morris is probably the most versatile, polished and productive forwards in the draft. Not even Michael Jordan can mess this pick up.

Milwaukee Bucks: SG Alec Burks from Colorado

Comparable to - Evan Turner

Strengths

• Creating his own shot
• Free throw shooting
• Good passer
• Athleticism

Weaknesses

• Tends to dribble too much
• Needs to get stronger
• Will need to adjust playing off the ball

The Bucks have their point guard in Brandon Jennings. They now need a shooting guard to replace Michael Reed who can no longer stay healthy. Alec Burks is that guy. He is the top shooting guard prospect in the draft and if he can just add some consistency to his outside shot Milwaukee will have a solid player.

Golden State Warriors: PF Tristan Thompson from Texas

Comparable to - Taj Gibson

Strengths

• High motor who plays with lots of energy
• Good athlete
•  High leaper and freakishly explosive

Weaknesses

• Mid range game
• Free throw shooting
• Struggles against stronger defenders  

Thompson showed he can defend when he shut down Derrick Williams in the NCAA tournament. Probably will never be a flashy player who scores a lot of points. He does have lots of upside and brings two things that this Warriors team lacks, defense and energy.
                           

Utah Jazz: PG Jimmer Fredette from BYU

Comparable to - Eddie House

Strengths

• Creative scorer
• Shoots the lights out of the gym
• High basketball IQ
• Amazing ball handling ability

Weaknesses

• Struggles defensively
• Has to prove he can be a pass first point guard

Utah needs a back up point guard and the Jimmer may be that guy. Fredette is somebody who can come off the bench and provide an instant scoring boost. He would also help Utah sell tickets due to his popularity on the Salt Lake area. If he can just learn to tighten up his defense he could develop into a solid NBA point guard.

Phoenix Suns: SF Chris Singleton from FSU

Comparable to - Shawn Marion

Strengths

• Defensive player who can defend multiple positions
• Great rebounder
• High motor
• Good passer
• Has range out to three-point line

Weaknesses

• Streaky shooter
• Ball handling

Not going to win many games when your team gives up 106 points per game like the Suns did. Singleton may not be the replacement for Amar'e Stoudemire but he is a player that has an all around game and takes pride on defense. May never be an all star player but will be a solid contributor for years to come.

Houston Rockets: C Bismack Biyombo from Spain

Comparable to - Ben Wallace

Strengths

• High motor
• Athleticism
• Shot blocker with 7'7" wingspan
• Great rebounder especially on the offensive end
• Physical

Weaknesses

• Average to below average hands
• Offensive game is almost non existent
• Needs to improve footwork

The Rockets are probably going to part ways with Yao Ming. If so, Biyombo may be that guy to step in and replace him. He is only 18 years old and his upside is about as tall as the guy he'll be replacing. Doesn't really have an offensive game but he bring energy and defense to the floor every night.

Indiana Pacers: SG Klay Thompson from Washington State

Comparable to - Rudy Fernandez

Strengths

• Knock down shooter
• Catch and shoot ability
• Stretches defenses and has active hands
• Plays well off the ball

Weaknesses

• Lacks athleticism
• Needs to improve his strength
• Questions about his character issues (marijuana charge)

Klay Thompson has a long way to go before people start calling him the next Reggie Miller but his game sure does resemble his.

A sharp shooter from beyond the arc, he will provide a spark coming off the bench for a team that really didn't get much production from their guards. 

Philadelphia 76ers: PF Markieff Morris from Kansas

Comparable to - Drew Gooden

Strengths

• Strength
• Very good rebounder
• Has three point range
• Very aggressive in the paint with a high motor

Weaknesses

• Free throw shooting
• Creating his own shot
• Mid range game

The 76ers are a team that is looking to add depth at the power forward position. Markieff Morris is that guy and can also play center if you need him to. Lacking more of an offensive game than his brother Marcus but he is the stronger, bigger and more athletic of the two.

New York Knicks: C Kenneth Faried from Morehead State

Compared to - Bo Outlaw/Dennis Rodman

Strengths

• Great shot blocker
• Phenomenal rebounder
• Very active defensively 
• Competes hard and plays with high energy

Weaknesses

• Free throw shooting
• Shooting ability

The Knicks are a poor rebounding team and they need a big man that can go in and do the dirty work. Although Faried is only 6'7" and really lacks size for the center position he has a knack for rebounding. In fact he set the NCAA modern day record for rebounds with over 1,600. He also plays defense, which the Knicks acknowledge they will have to do if they want to take the next step. Faried would be a great addition to the Knicks version of the "Big Three".

Washington Wizards: PF Tobias Harris from Tennessee

Comparable to - Glen Rice

Strengths

• Good rebounder
• Length
• Passer
• Three point range
• Basketball IQ

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent spot up shooter
• Lacks good footspeed

Harris is one of the youngest players in the draft that the Wizards can help build with John Wall. He would provide much needed depth at the small forward position and be an offensive weapon on the floor with an elite point guard.

Charlotte Bobcats: SG Marshon Brooks from Providence

Comparable to - Nick Young

Strengths

• Creating his own shot
• Finishing at the rim
• Athleticism
• Three-point range
• Crafty

Weaknesses

• Sometimes shows poor shot selection
• Needs to improve strength
• Needs more effort on the defensive end

Brooks would provide much need depth to the Bobcats at the shooting guard position. He led the Big East in scoring last year and was second in the country, including a 43-point performance against Georgetown and 52 points against Notre Dame. His scoring could provide that spark that will help get Charlotte into the playoffs next season.

Minnesota Timberwolves: SG Jordan Hamilton from Texas

Comparable to - Jason Richardson

Strengths

• Explosive in the open floor
• Volume scorer
• Three-point range
• Solid passer

Weaknesses

• Sometimes shows poor selection
• Can be little bit of a streaky shooter
• Free throw shooting

The Timberwolves are looking for players that can help them right now. Hamilton has a natural ability to score the basketball and is a player that could make an immediate impact on the offensive end. Could easily challenge Wesley Johnson for the starting position from day one.

Portland Trail Blazers: SF Davis Bertans from Latvia

Comparable to - Kyle Korver

Strengths

• Excellent shooter
• Plays hard on both sides of the ball
• Good passer
• Works hard
• Solid court vision

Weaknesses

• Forces shots
• One dimensional

Bertans still has a lot to learn but is only 18 years old. The kid can flat out shoot the ball and has been compared to Dirk Nowitzki by Nike International director Rich Shoebrooks. With a late first-round pick in a weak draft, I'll take my chances and be happy if he could be just half as good.

Denver Nuggets: PG Reggie Jackson from Boston College

Comparable to - Bobby Jackson

Strengths

• Long wingspan
• Solid defender
• Athleticism
• Leaper

Weaknesses

• Jump Shot
• Can be careless with the ball at times

With J.R. Smith more then likely on his way out of Denver the Nuggets are going to have to replace him. Jackson can provide that scoring that Smith did and can also lock down on defense for several minutes at a time. His seven foot wingspan also allows him to be a force on the boards.

Houston Rockets: PG Darius Morris from Michigan

Comparable to - Steve Blake

Strengths

• Very gifted passer
• Leader
• Can drive with either hand
• Good size

Weaknesses

• Lacks great quickness
• Shot selection
• Three point shooting

With Aaron Brooks no longer in Houston the Rockets find themselves extremely weak at the point guard position. Darius Morris is probably the only "true" point guard in this entire draft. With a good feel for the game and only 20 years old he has plenty of potential and could develop into a solid starting point guard.

Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Tyler Honeycutt from UCLA

Comparable to - Tayshaun Prince

Strengths

• Length
• Athleticism
• Leaper
• Good defender
• Shot blocker

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve strength
• Poor shot selection
• Needs to be a smarter passer

The Thunder could use another big body as their forward position is a little thin. Honeycutt is still devolving his game but with his versatility, length, and athleticism the potential is definitely there. The Thunder should take him just off his upside alone. They also had good luck drafting another player out of UCLA.

Boston Celtics: PF Trey Thompkins from Georgia

Comparable to - Channing Frye

Strengths

• Athleticism
• Three-point range
• Good rebounder
• Ball handling

Weaknesses

• Needs to become a better passer
• Needs to develop a mid-range game

The Celtics are old as we all know, and it's about time they start trying to replace the players that father time has caught up to. Power forward is one of them. With Glen Davis a free agent and Kevin Garnett on the downside of his career Trey Thompkins can fill in that spot. He has great size at 6'10", 239 pounds and has range out to three-point land.

Dallas Mavericks: PF Justin Harper from Richmond

Comparable to - Vladimir Radmanovic

Strengths

• Good foot speed
• Knock down shooter with NBA three-point range
• Can create shots off the dribble
• Free throw shooting

Weaknesses

• Needs to bulk up
• Lack of competition worries scouts

The Mavericks will still have a competitive team for at least a couple more seasons so adding a player that can help right away only makes sense. Justin Harper a knock down shooter who shot 49 percent from threes will only help spread the floor for Dirk Nowitzki.

New Jersey Nets: PG Josh Selby from Kansas

Comparable to - Jerryd Bayless

Strengths

• Quickness
• Leaper
• Good shooting touch
• Can play defense when he really wants to

Weaknesses

• Decision making
• Needs to mature

Josh Selby is a combo guard who could come off the bench or play alongside Deron Williams. Due to Kansas and a lot of the experience and star power, Selby wasn't really given the chance to shine. Make no mistake about it, this kid is athletic and can blow by his defender. May be a steal in the draft when looking back three or four years from now.

Chicago Bulls: PF JaJuan Johnson from Purdue

Comparable to - Jeff Green

Strengths

• Three-point range
• Athleticism
• Solid mid-range game
• Runs the floor well

Weaknesses

• Strength
• Physicality
• Ball handling

JuJuan Johnson is one of those players that is talented but a couple things worry teams so he slips to the end of the first round. For Johnson it's his lack of strength and physical play. He is still a superior athlete with great length and has tons of potential. If he is still on the board when the Bulls are on the clock they'll be more than happy to put Johnson in a red uniform.

San Antonio Spurs: SF Kyle Singler from Duke

Comparable to - Mike Dunleavy

Strengths

• High basketball IQ 
• Great outside shooter
• Quick first step
• Competitive

Weaknesses

• Lacks strength
• Lacks lateral quickness

The Spurs are trying to replace their aging core and have started by adding Gary Neal and George Hill. Now, it's time they do the same for their front court. Singler isn't a player who is going to score 30 points a game but he is a great outside shooter with a high basketball IQ. Is a coachable player that has a winning mentality. He will fit in well with the Spurs.

Chicago Bulls: PG Shelvin Mack from Butler

Comparable to - Ben Gordon

Strengths

• Toughness
• Competitive
• Creating his own shot
• Outside shooter

Weaknesses

• Streaky shooter
• Still has to learn to play the point guard position

Mack can help provide scoring off the bench the Bulls showed they desperately need in the playoffs. Mack isn't a true point guard, more of a combo that can knock down shots. He handles the ball very well and values every position. Also, showed he is a winner by leading the Bulldogs to back to back NCAA Championships. He will fit in well with the Bulls.