2011 NBA Mock Draft: Projection of the Lottery Picks
The ping-pong balls have fallen in place, envelopes opened and positions solidified for this June’s NBA draft. By no means do I consider myself a ‘Mock Draft Expert’ and these projections are very premature, but here is a best guess for what teams might do in the lottery right now. There are bound to be trades prior to or during draft day that will shake up this order, but as is, this is our “guess” for how it shakes out. It’s a draft that has been been described as ‘potential-based’ and ‘murky,’ so keep in ind that picks could be made for the future.
That said, SwishScout.com presents “2011 NBA Draft Post-Lottery Projections.”
Note: On every player, you can click their name or country to take you to a more detailed profile for an extensive scouting report and highlights on the respective prospect.
This order does not reflect our ‘2011 Best Available Board’; it is a best guess of what the team would do. It’s a ‘mock’ in every sense of the word.
14. Houston Rockets Select
1 of 14
Under the assumption Lowry and Dragic are not their long-term guys, Reggie Jackson very well could be. Still learning the position, but he has a lot of talent and upside to be the PG of the future for a franchise, and at 14, the Rockets can take a chance to develop him. Name is generating some buzz, and don’t be surprised to see him be take around this spot come June.
13. Phoenix Suns Select
2 of 14
The Suns are rumored to be high on Jimmer Fredette, but if Burks falls to him here, it may be too much value and upside to pass up. They don’t have many playmakers on the wing with an aging Grant Hill and Vince Carter, and Burks brings some instant scoring to a Suns team that fell flat this past season. Burks will fit right in for that up-tempo attack and diversify their scoring contributions.
12. Utah Jazz Select
3 of 14
With Favors, Jefferson and Millsap solidifying their front court, the Jazz will be looking for playmakers and scoring on the wing. Raja Bell, Gordon Hayward and CJ Miles are nice on the wing, but none have the scoring prowess and mentality that Hamilton will bring them. While primarily a jump shooter, Jordan gives them a much-needed player who can draw the attention of the defense to penetrate and free up their shooters.
11. Golden State Warriors Select
4 of 14
It’s no secret that in recent years, Golden State loves to draft their power forwards, so it only seems fitting Thompson would be next in line. Aside from the power forward trend, Thompson brings in a crucial back up for David Lee to anchor the Warrior’s post defense. Alongside Ekpe Udoh in the second unit, the Warriors could be a tough team to score on in the paint.
10. Milwaukee Bucks Select
5 of 14
Badly in need of some athleticism and defense, Vesely gives them a versatile player who can rover the court and make plays on both ends of the floor. Still very much in the development stage, he brings instant contributions as a hustle guy with great size, length and athleticism. Jan is a natural playmaker who could make the Bucks very happy if he falls this far, especially if he develops his offensive game.
9. Charlotte Bobcats Select
6 of 14
Losing Gerald Wallace at the trade deadline hurt, and since then they have become noticeably soft in the middle because of injuries and personnel. Biyombo is ‘raw’ in every sense of the word on offense, but is so long, athletic and instinctive on defense that he becomes a coveted commodity at this spot. Bismack has ‘Serge Ibaka type’ upside as a player, and may even become better a few years down the road.
8. Detroit Pistons Select
7 of 14
The Pistons could stand to add a versatile playmaker who can do a little bit of everything, and Motiejunas is just that. Has an exceptional inside-out game as a seven-footer and brings a refined game to a younger, relatively raw team. The Lithuanian can stretch the floor and could be a big piece to the immediate rebuilding efforts in Mo-Town.
7. Sacramento Kings Select
8 of 14
With Beno Udrih and Pooh Jeter as their designated point guards, and Tyreke Evans doubling as a primary ball handler, it's time to bring in a long-term solution. Knight is very much in the learning phase of becoming a pure PG, but he is a natural shooter/scorer who can give the Kings some solid direction running the show. With a young nucleus, Sacramento can afford to take a chance on a smart kid and a hard worker with the ability to hit clutch shots.
6. Washington Wizards Select
9 of 14
A young forward who steps up in big moments, Leonard may very well be the best player on the board at this point, and the Wizards would happily oblige in selecting his talent. Leonard brings them natural talent as a proven winner and excellent rebounder. Kawhi is a great athlete who could be on the receiving end of numerous John Wall alley-oops throughout his tenure with the new look Wizards.
5. Toronto Raptors Select
10 of 14
While unlikely, it is very possible that Williams drops in the draft out of pure need in the earlier picks. D-Will definitely wouldn’t be their first choice, but he’s the best player available brings a more mature game than the roster currently sports. James Johnson and Sonny Weems are mediocre forwards, but Williams is an indefinite upgrade who brings some needed grit and a history of winning.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers Select
11 of 14
It’s really anyone’s guess where Cleveland goes here, as they need help at nearly every position, but at some point, Ryan Hollins, Anderson Varejao or Semih Erden just don’t cut it as your starting center.. Would not be surprised to see Cleveland roll the dice on a player with high upside and size to bolster the center position for them. Valanciunas has the potential to be a very high quality player in the mold of Pau Gasol, but whether or not he reaches that is a whole other story, in addition to if they end up trading the pick.
3. Utah Jazz Select
12 of 14
Kemba Walker (Connecticut)
The Jazz gave up a lot when they traded Deron Williams, but they got a very good amount as well with the acquisition of Derrick Favors and a draft pick that ended up being third this season. Kemba Walker brings them instant scoring and perimeter playmaking with his unparalleled quickness and crisp midrange game. A proven winner who can knows what it takes to wing in the long run and take over games, Walker would be a strong fit and able to slide over to play the spot alongside Devin Harris.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves Select
13 of 14
The Wolves need to go big on this one, as they have plenty of PG’s (especially if Ricky Rubio comes over) and capable forwards in Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson. Kanter gives them a sure replacement to Al Jefferson’s departure a season ago, by giving them size, length and a stronger interior scoring presence. Kanter is an underrated player who is paying the price because of NCAA ineligibility, but he could make up one of the savviest frontcourt tandems alongside Kevin Love.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers Select
14 of 14
Mystery solved on this year’s who will be No. 1, as Kyrie Irving is the clear cut star of the draft, and the Cavs desperately need a franchise point guard with upside. Irving is a floor general who thrives on some intellectual, intuitive and instinctive play. Probably won’t ever be Chris Paul caliber as everyone is already quick to decree, but definitely has the skills set and intangibles to be a respected team leader in the league. This pick is the only one that I am forecasting with great confidence.
Note: This definitely won’t be how the draft plays out next month, but it’s a best guess—which is what any mock draft is really. The real value of this is in the links to the player scouting report analysis, where you can decide for yourself who fits where. However, the real countdown to the draft and speculation of who goes where has just begun.
