NBA Mock Draft 2011: Full 1st-Round Mock, Cleveland Nabs Kyrie Irving No. 1
The draft lottery had a bit of added spice this year as both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz had two lottery picks to their advantage.
Utah was lucky enough to move into the top three, while Minnesota was once again screwed out of obtaining a No. 1 selection for the first time in franchise history—which meant that the Cleveland Cavaliers are picking No. 1 overall just like they did in 2003 when they landed hometown hero villain LeBron James.
The pressure is now on for the Cavs—do they go big with Derrick Williams or small with Kyrie Irving? Should Williams even be the ‘consolation prize?’
Here is your post-lottery mock draft!
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke PG
1 of 30"Class: Freshman
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180 lbs
2010 Stats: 27.5 min, 17.5 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.5 to, 1.5 stl, .5 blk
"
The Cavaliers landed the No. 1 overall selection, which they desperately needed. They may not have been the worst team in the league record-wise, by they were throughout the season due to injuries and the lack of LeBron James.
They need a new savior and they land him by the name of Kyrie Irving. He is an extremely intelligent ball player who can create for himself and others. He is not afraid to attack the basket, but he will take this team to the playoffs as a rookie with his remarkable court vision and leadership.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Enes Kanter, Turkey PF/C
2 of 30"Class: Freshman
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 255 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
I like Derrick Williams, but Enes Kanter would be a better fit for the ‘Wolves. Michael Beasley plays too small to start at power forward. With Kanter, Minnesota will have one of the top young, bruising front courts in the league as he starts next to Kevin Love.
Enes will bang in the paint as he may be the toughest and most physical player in the draft. He has fantastic touch around the hoop and can even step back to shoot.
Together, Love and Kanter will dominate the glass and on the offensive side of the ball. Ricky Rubio will finally accept coming to Minnesota with Love, Kanter and Beasley bolstering the front court.
3. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey): Kemba Walker, Connecticut PG
3 of 30"Class: Junior
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 172 lbs
2010 Stats: 37.6 min, 23.5 pts, 5.4 reb, 4.5 ast, 2.3 to, 1.9 stl, .2 blk
"
After trading away their leader Deron Williams, the Jazz desperately need a new face for the franchise. They have Devin Harris, but I expect him to be traded away by the deadline in February 2012.
Walker is an amazing leader and will bring a winning mentality back to Utah. He is an unselfish player but has the ability to take over a game with his shooting ability and court vision. Brandon Knight may be more explosive, but Kemba is the better all-around player.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams, Arizona SF
4 of 30"Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 241 lbs
2010 Stats: 30.0 min, 19.5 pts, 8.3 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.6 to, 1.0 stl, .7 blk
"
After making the tough choice to decide between Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams No. 1 for a month, they manage to land both of the draft superstars.
Williams is the dynamic leaper who will be the highlight reel LeBron James was for Cleveland. With Irving putting him in prime position to succeed, he will become an instant fan favorite. The Cavs now have their two franchise cornerstones to lead them into the playoffs in 2012.
5. Toronto Raptors: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic PF
5 of 30"Class: N/A
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 240 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
Toronto keeps with their international flavor by grabbing Jan Vesely to pair with Andrea Bargnani down low. It may not be the toughest front court, but it is one of the most versatile with their ability to finish around the rim and extend the floor.
Jan has explosive tendencies and will run the floor and attack the hoop with his leaping ability.
6. Washington Wizards: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State SF
6 of 30"Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 225 lbs
2010 Stats: 32.6 min, 15.5 pts, 10.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.1 to, 1.4 stl, .6 blk
"
Rumors are swirling that Derrick Williams was atop the Wizards’ draft board—sorry Washington, he’ll be gone now that you dropped in the order.
Still, they land the perfect consolation prize in Kawhi Leonard, who I have ranked above Williams at the position.
Leonard is a beast down low as he can post and face up defenders. He is an excellent rebounder with great leaping ability and leadership qualities. He is a prime candidate to put next to JaVale McGee down low as I project him to play power forward for this team.
7. Sacramento Kings: Brandon Knight, Kentucky PG
7 of 30"Class: Freshman
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 185 lbs
2010 Stats: 35.9 min, 17.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 4.2 ast, 3.2 to, .7 stl, .2 blk
"
The Kings need to keep Tyreke Evans at shooting guard as he is destroying his body trying to do everything for this team.
Brandon Knight is my No. 3 point guard and could very well be the second PG off the board. He is a dynamic playmaker who will attack the rim at any given notice. He can create for himself and has a solid mid-range shot.
The Kings would have a great, young playmaking back court to help push the team towards a winning record.
8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo, Congo PF
8 of 30"Class: N/A
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 243 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
The emergence of Serge Ibaka has definitely helped Bismack’s draft stock, but he will be drafted inside the top 10, or just outside it, because of his incredible on-court abilities.
He is one of the most athletic players in the draft and can leap out of the arena. He is an amazing shot-blocker and rebounder and will become an instant fan favorite in Detroit.
Joe Dumars needs a defensive force next to last year’s first rounder Greg Monroe, who is a more offensive oriented big man. Together, they will create a dominant front court.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Marcus Morris, Kansas PF
9 of 30"Class: Junior
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 235 lbs
2010 Stats: 28.3 min, 17.2 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.8 to, .8 stl, .6 blk
"
Michael Jordan is looking for a star to build around and Marcus Morris displayed that marketability at Kansas throughout 2010.
He is a solid all-around power forward who can create for himself and is not afraid to bang in the paint. He can be the go-to scorer in Charlotte and this is a team that desperately needs one. He will bang in the paint to help on the glass, which is always a plus.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Tristan Thompson, Texas PF
10 of 30"Class: Freshman
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 218 lbs
2010 Stats: 30.9 min, 13.1 pts, 7.8 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 to, .9 stl, 2.4 blk
"
Tristan Thompson was the superstar for the Longhorns last season and will make an easy transition into the NBA. The Bucks need a power forward, badly, to pair with the oft-injured Andrew Bogut down low.
With Brandon Jennings on the floor, Thompson will have an easy time scoring down in the post. More importantly, he is a quality defender, which will give the Bucks two premier shot-blockers in their front court.
11. Golden State Warriors: Markieff Morris, Kansas PF
11 of 30"Class: Junior
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 245 lbs
2010 Stats: 24.4 min, 13.6 pts, 8.3 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.1 to, .8 stl, 1.1 blk
"
The Golden State Warriors brought in David Lee last year, but he suffered from a freak elbow injury all season. Regardless of boasting a healthy Lee, the Warriors need to get tougher down in the paint. Their backcourt is solid already and must focus on bringing the intensity in the paint.
Markieff Morris is a great rebounder and defender, which is exactly what the Warriors need. He is improving offensively and will have a much easier time transitioning on the offensive side of the court in Golden State’s up-tempo system.
12. Utah Jazz: Donotas Motiejunas, Lithuania C
12 of 30"Class: N/A
Height: 7’
Weight: 220 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
Rumor has it that Donotas is high on the Jazz’ draft board. By selecting him, the Jazz can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. If they so desired, they could keep him at center and move Al Jefferson to the power forward position to create other mismatches.
He has great touch around the rim, which will give the Jazz two quality offensive options down low.
13. Phoenix Suns: Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young G
13 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs
2010 Stats: 35.8 min, 28.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.3 ast, 3.5 to, 1.3 stl
"
The Suns are keeping with their up-tempo, which is perfect for Jimmer and his unlimited range and desire to chuck up a shot. Steve Nash is on his last legs and could very well be traded, which would give Fredette an opening to take the starting point guard job.
Phoenix is in need of a quality shooting guard with limitless range from beyond the arc. Vince Carter is on his last legs and should be traded by midseason. The Suns need a new face for their franchise and Jimmer is a great fit right now.
14. Houston Rockets: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania PF
14 of 30"Class: N/A
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 230 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
The Rockets are looking for a big man and they’ve had success recently with overseas players. Valanciunas and Luis Scola would create a solid front court that can score in multiple ways.
He will help on the glass and is a solid low post defender.
Still, this is a fine offensive prospect and will give the Rockets another quality scoring option.
15. Indiana Pacers: Alec Burks, Colorado SG
15 of 30"Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 195 lbs
2010 Stats: 31.4 min, 20.5 pts, 6.5 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.6 to, 1.1 stl, .3 blk
"
The Pacers are set at center with Roy Hibbert, point guard with Darren Collison and small forward with Danny Granger. They also have a fine rotation at power forward with Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts. They are still missing that shooting guard who can create his own shot and become a volume scorer.
Alec Burks is that man as he is a dynamic scorer who can score in multiple ways. He will be able to transition easier into the league with the Pacers because he has other quality options around him.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Tobias Harris, Tennessee PF
16 of 30"Class: Freshman
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 226 lbs
2010 Stats: 29.2 min, 15.3 pts, 7.3 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 to, .7 stl, .9 blk
"
The 76ers need another big man to help Elton Brand down low. Spencer Hawes is a fine center and Brand could play there if they decide to go small.
Tobias Harris is a potential top-10 talent and will help the 76ers on both sides of the court. He is still developing his post game, but he can be a quality face up scorers and could play the three or four for Doug Collins.
17. New York Knicks: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State PF
17 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 225 lbs
2010 Stats: 34.7 min, 17.3 pts, 14.5 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.6 to, 1.9 stl, 2.3 blk
"
New York desperately needs a tough, aggressive rebounder and defender to pair with Amar’e Stoudemire down low. Faried is one of the top rebounders and defenders in this class. He is an explosive player who will become a fan favorite with his nonstop motor, competitive drive and toughness. He can run the floor and will excel in Mike D’Antoni’s high-octane offensive system.
18. Washington Wizards (via Atlanta): Jordan Hamilton, Texas SF
18 of 30"Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 220 lbs
2010 Stats: 32.2 min, 18.6 pts, 7.7 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.1 to, .9 stl, .6 blk
"
After grabbing Kawhi Leonard at No. 6, the Wizards provide John Wall with arguably the best pure scorer in this class. Hamilton can create his own shot in various ways, but he’ll excel with Wall feeding him the rock.
The Wizards need to get rid of Rashard Lewis, which they would love to do now that they have Hamilton who can score from anywhere on the court. Now with Wall, Hamilton, Leonard and JaVale McGee, the Wizards have one of the best young teams in the Association.
19. Charlotte Bobcats (via New Orleans): Chris Singleton, Florida State SF
19 of 30"Class: Junior
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 225 lbs
2010 Stats: 29.1 min, 13.1 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.2 to, 2.0 stl, 1.5 blk
"
Michael Jordan grabbed the newest face of his franchise earlier in Marcus Morris. Now, he grabs the best perimeter defender in the class in Chris Singleton.
His offensive game is still improving, but he will make an immediate impact in his rookie season with his defensive prowess. He has quick hands and fantastic instincts, which allow him to knock the ball away from scorers easily.
The Bobcats will finally be able to trade away Stephen Jackson now that they have Singleton to lead the defensive surge and ultimately become a leader in the locker room.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis): Klay Thompson, Washington State SG
20 of 30"Class: Junior
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 202 lbs
2010 Stats: 34.7 min, 21.6 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.7 ast, 3.4 to, 1.6 stl, .9 blk
"
Minnesota selected Enes Kanter No. 2 earlier to form one of the top young front courts in the league with Kevin Love and Michael Beasley already on the team. We expect Ricky Rubio to come to Minnesota at some point, and he’ll need a solid shooting guard beside him.
Klay Thompson has unlimited range and will be left wide open consistently on this team. With his stroke and a magician at the point position, Klay should thrive in the NBA.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Reggie Jackson, Boston College PG
21 of 30"Class: Junior
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 208 lbs
2010 Stats: 34.1 min, 18.2 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.4 to, 1.1 stl, .5 blk
"
Portland is a great overall team, but they need to get better on the offensive side of the court. Reggie Jackson can shoot from anywhere and is still improving as an offensive threat. He will be able to come off the bench and provide a major spark. Shortly, he’ll be able to take over the starting point guard position for Andre Miller, who could be traded by February’s deadline.
22. Denver Nuggets: Davis Bertans, Latvia SF
22 of 30"Class: N/A
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 210 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
The Nuggets already have the Italian sharpshooter Danilo Gallinari, but George Karl is always looking for more offense. Davis Bertans is this year’s Gallo as he can stroke it from anywhere on the court and is not afraid to attack the rim.
The Nuggets would boast two of the top international sharpshooters in today’s game, which would allow Denver to continue running up the score. J.R. Smith is on his way out, which means Karl needs another sharpshooter to come off the bench to spark the team—Davis is that man.
23. Houston Rockets (via Orlando): Charles Jenkins, Hofstra PG
23 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220 lbs
2010 Stats: 37.3 min, 22.6 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.2 to, 1.7 stl, .7 blk
"
Houston traded away Aaron Brooks for Goran Dragic, who I like as a point guard, but they need an upgrade at the position. Jenkins is one of the best point guards in the class and has become a dynamic shooter from the position. He has a great work ethic and nonstop motor, which will make him one of the better young point guards in the league.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA SF
24 of 30"Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 188 lbs
2010 Stats: 35.0 min, 12.8 pts, 7.2 reb, 2.8 ast, 3.0 to, .9 stl, 2.1 blk
"
Oklahoma City is building one of the best teams in the entire league with an incredible group of young talent. Honeycutt would be able to come off the bench and contribute due to his high-basketball IQ and willingness to create for others.
With Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook demanding attention and wanting to score, Tyler will be able to defer to them and set them up for their shots early and often off the bench.
25. Boston Celtics: Jordan Williams, Maryland C
25 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 260 lbs
2010 Stats: 32.5 min, 16.9 pts, 11.8 reb, .6 ast, 1.6 to, .7 stl, 1.4 blk
"
After trading away Kendrick Perkins, the lack of depth and big bodies up front cost the Celtics in the postseason. Jordan Williams is one of the best centers and rebounders in the class.
He will be able to work with Kevin Garnett in the offseason to better his footwork, learn how to use his body to bang in the paint and increase the intensity on the court.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Nolan Smith, Duke G
26 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lbs
2010 Stats: 34.0 min, 20.6 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.1 ast, 3.2 to, 1.2 stl, .1 blk
"
The Mavericks are getting older by the day and it remains to be seen how much Jason Kidd truly has left. Nolan Smith can play both guard positions but would be better off distributing for others. He is willing to attack the basket but with his leadership qualities, experience and passing ability, he would be a better fit at the point position for this jump shooting team.
He will be able to learn from Kidd, one of the best distributors in league history, and work with J.J. Barea as the reserve point guard.
27. New Jersey Nets (via L.A. Lakers): Justin Harper, Richmond PF
27 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 225 lbs
2010 Stats: 31.8 min, 17.9 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.5 to, .6 stl, 1.2 blk
"
Kris Humphries had a stellar season (I wonder how much Kim Kardashian had to do with that…) but the Nets desperately need more shooters for Deron Williams to pass to. Harper is a big body who can also stretch the floor with his range. As Humphries and Brook Lopez clog the paint, Harper will be able to step out to give the Nets a versatile weapon at the forward position.
28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami): Marshon Brooks, Providence SG
28 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 190 lbs
2010 Stats: 36.5 min, 24.6 pts, 7.0 reb, 2.5 ast, 3.1 to, 1.5 stl, 1.2 blk
"
The Bulls need an upgrade at the shooting guard position to take pressure off Derrick Rose. Right now, Rose is essentially playing both guard positions. Marshon Brooks is one of the finest offensive threats at the guard position in this class and will be able to come off the bench to add a spark for Chicago.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic, Serbia SF
29 of 30"Class: N/A
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 226 lbs
2010 Stats: N/A
"
The Spurs have had a great deal of success drafting international players. A lot of people are pegging them for a center due to Tim Duncan’s recent decline, but they already have DeJuan Blair and Tiago Splitter.
Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili are not getting any younger and are both injury prone at this point. In order to preserve them for the stretch run of the season, Gregg Popovich grabs Nikola Mirotic to help on both sides of the court. He will help more on the offensive side with his versatility and shooting ability.
30. Chicago Bulls: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue PF
30 of 30"Class: Senior
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 221 lbs
2010 Stats: 35.4 min, 20.5 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.6 to, .9 stl, 2.3 blk
"
The Bulls need to continue building front court strength to maintain their newfound Eastern Conference dominance. JaJuan Johnson is not only a great scorer and rebounder, but also a fantastic defender.
With his size, strength and quick hands, he is a great shot-blocker and can swipe the ball away from other forwards. With Johnson, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah, the Bulls would have an even better front court to dominate the opposition next season on their way to another Eastern Conference crown.
