2011 NBA Mock Draft: Ranking the Top 5 Guards & Where They'll Land in 2011 Draft
The draft order is set, and now we know that the Cleveland Cavaliers will at least get a small bit of compensation for their loss of LeBron James this summer.
While the fanbase will never be satisfied (nor should they be, because there is no other player like LeBron on this planet), they at least have a chance at starting over with someone new immediately.
Looking at this NBA draft class, we see a curious absence of guards in the top 20 prospects.
However, of the few that are in the top 20, they happen to be a few of the most recognizable names in this draft.
Kyrie Irving is considered by many to be the top pick in the draft.
Brandon Knight is one of the more intriguing picks and looks like he could find a home in the top 10 and possibly the top five.
You probably know the names of the other three, and we're going to take a look at where each of these guards is likely to end up in the upcoming draft.
1. Kyrie Irving, PG
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The top player in this year's draft only played 11 games this year at Duke.
He averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists in those 11 games.
Irving isn't the type of athlete John Wall or Derrick Rose was when they came out, but he does a little bit of everything well.
That is also one of the downsides; we look at Irving and wonder if there is anything he actually excels at.
Even so, as this draft isn't filled with dominant talent by any means, Irving should be the No. 1 pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs own the No. 1 and No. 4 picks in this draft and will be looking to find the best talent possible.
Irving will be a good starting point for this franchise to get things back on track.
2. Brandon Knight, PG
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The No. 2 guard in this draft is quite a different prospect than Kyrie Irving in the sense that he is not much of a true point guard.
Knight is leaving Kentucky after only one year but also cannot be compared to his predecessor John Wall.
The point guard has range, finishes brilliantly around the basket and plays with a good head on his shoulders.
Minnesota obviously isn't looking into another point guard, and that leaves the Utah Jazz at No. 3 looking to fill the hole left by Deron Williams' jettisoning.
Knight would be a great fit for this team because he brings a scoring mentality to Utah that Williams also possessed.
If the Jazz opt to go for a different player or a different position, I think Knight would likely fall down to the Sacramento Kings, as he could pair up nicely with Tyreke Evans.
3. Kemba Walker, PG
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We saw everything that Kemba Walker can do during his improbable run from the Big East tournament to the NCAA national championship game.
Walker is a score-first point guard that can simply dominate with the game on the line.
The biggest question mark is whether or not he can match up defensively in the NBA.
He's got the potential to be a special player with his heart, determination and scoring ability, though, and will likely find a home in the top 10.
With Brandon Knight off the board at No. 3, Walker will likely be the pick for the Sacramento Kings at No. 7.
If Knight falls beyond the Kings, Milwaukee at No. 10 would be his next destination.
4. Alec Burks, SG
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Alec Burks is a long, athletic 2 guard that needs to add some bulk to his frame to survive in the NBA.
That said, at 6'6", he's a smooth athlete with great hops, instinct and scoring ability from almost everywhere.
He's a bit streaky from the outside and isn't always active without the ball, but Burks is a fringe top-10 prospect.
With three guards already off the board, Burks is a good option for the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10.
Golden State will also be interested at No. 11, as it could certainly use a scoring 2 guard that can defend.
If the Warriors opt to go elsewhere, the Jazz will also be interested, and they could be super interested depending on what happens at No. 3.
5. Jimmer Fredette, PG
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We know all about the Jimmer and what he can do, but much like Kemba Walker, the big question is how he will match up defensively.
If he plays the 2, he'll be too small and will be unable to match up at all, and at point guard he is simply not quick enough to keep up with his opponent.
Regardless, he's a freak scorer with an incredible shooting stroke and range.
The Jimmer is a leader and will be a great addition to any locker room as well.
The most logical choice is Phoenix at No. 13 as the replacement for Steve Nash.
If that doesn't work out for the Suns, Indiana will likely be the next option for him just outside the lottery at No. 15.
Wherever the Jimmer goes, a team is going to get a player ready to prove himself.
With the NBA Draft approaching, NBA Mock Draft season is here. Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated mock drafts, along with the latest NBA Draft news, analysis, rumors and predictions.
