2011 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Entire First Round Following the NBA Lottery
2011 NBA Mock Draft: The Entire First Round Following the NBA Lottery Selections
Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn said after the draft that the NBA "has a habit of producing some pretty incredible story lines" with their draft lottery.
And while I don't agree that the lottery is "fixed" in any way, this year's lottery certainly set up a nice story for the draft.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been through more than any NBA franchise in recent memory, and the No. 1 pick is only a small consolation prize for losing LeBron James last summer.
Sixty-three losses later, the Cavs now have their shot to rebuild their roster with the first and fourth picks.
Here's an early look at the 2011 NBA draft, which is scheduled for June 23.
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.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: PG Kyrie Irving
1 of 30
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180
Age: 19
Breakdown
It's pretty amazing that the Cavs turned Mo Williams into the No. 1 overall pick. Weak draft or not, Cleveland now has the opportunity to take a franchise-changing point guard in Irving.
Some have compared him to Chris Paul, and Irving should be a breath of fresh air for the Cavs regardless of whether or not they have Baron Davis.
No-brainer pick for Dan Gilbert and Cleveland.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: F Derrick Williams
2 of 30
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 241
Age: 19
Breakdown
The Timberwolves may ultimately traded out of this pick, but Williams wouldn't be a bad choice if Kahn stays at No. 2.
He played well down the stretch for Arizona, and Williams is an athletic forward who can score the basketball. However, don't be surprised if Kahn swings this pick for a veteran. Enes Kanter might also be in play.
3. Utah Jazz: PG Brandon Knight
3 of 30
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Breakdown
If Derrick Williams if off the board, this should be an easy pick to rationalize.
The Jazz traded away star point guard Deron Williams, and Knight can defend and shoot well for the position. Add in his character and ability to win games in late moments, and Utah has another piece they can build around.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: F Enes Kanter
4 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 260
Age: 18
Breakdown
With Kanter and Irving on board, the Cavs would have a small-big combination to build around for the next decade.
While missing a year at Kentucky, Kanter can rebound and isn't afraid to take a mid-range jumper. He is a little undersized at center, but he's also too talented to pass up here.
5. Toronto Raptors: PF Jonas Valanciunas
5 of 30
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 230
Age: 19
Breakdown
The Raptors are lacking in the front court, and Valanciunas has the kind of length and athleticism that could help them down the road.
If he adds some weight and continues developing, Valancianas would make a valuable tandem with Andrea Bargnani.
6. Washington Wizards: F Jan Vesely
6 of 30
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 235
Age: 21
Breakdown
The Wizards have new patriotic colored jerseys, but they'll be going outside the USA to find their pick.
With his athleticism and ability to run the floor, Vesely could make a dangerous running mate for John Wall. Plus, he has the long-term potential to warrant this high of pick.
7. Sacramento Kings: PG Kemba Walker
7 of 30
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 175
Age: 20
Breakdown
Walker will come into the NBA with holes in his game, but it's hard to overlook what he accomplished during the 2010-2011 season.
The Kings can shift Tyreke Evans to shooting guard, and Walker can provide a stable leader for a team in need of one.
8. Detroit Pistons: F Marcus Morris
8 of 30
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Breakdown
The Pistons need a player who can rebound and play the post, and Morris fits the bill.
The more talented of the Morris twins, Marcus can team with Greg Monroe down low for Detroit.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: F Kawhi Leonard
9 of 30
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Breakdown
Leonard has drawn favorable comparisons to Gerald Wallace, making him an ideal replacement for the Bobcats.
While he needs to keep improving his jump shot, Leonard would provide the Bobcats toughness, defense and a slasher at the 3-spot.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: F Jordan Hamilton
10 of 30
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 225
Age: 20
Breakdown
The Bucks need offense in the worst way, and Hamilton might be the best scorer available in this draft.
He'll need to improve on the defensive end to get big minutes under Scott Skiles, but his scoring will be tough to keep on the bench.
11. Golden State Warriors: F Tristan Thompson
11 of 30
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 230
Age: 20
Breakdown
I love what Thompson could bring to the Warriors exciting, up-tempo offense.
At this point, he's a solid scorer and can rebound the basketball at both ends. He'd fit nicely with Golden State.
12. Utah Jazz: F Chris Singleton
12 of 30
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 225
Age: 21
Breakdown
There may not be a better defender in this draft than Singleton, and I like what he can bring to the Jazz athletically.
He won't fill up the basket at the NBA level, but there's no doubting what kind of presence he can be defensively.
13. Phoenix Suns: PG Jimmer Fredette
13 of 30
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 192
Age: 22
Breakdown
With the Jazz taking Knight at No. 3, point guard no longer becomes a necessity for them.
This allows the Suns to take Fredette, a big-time shooter who can immediately improve their second unit.
14. Houston Rockets: F Bismack Biyombo
14 of 30
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 250
Age: 18
Breakdown
Biyombo has been sky-rocketing up boards despite limited experience playing high level competition.
He is a long, athletic power forward who can defend and rebound for the Rockets.
15. Indiana Pacers: G Alec Burks
15 of 30
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 200
Age: 19
Breakdown
The Pacers need another player who can create off the dribble, and Burks is that type of player.
If he can improve his shooting, Burks can be the Pacers starting 2-guard early on in his career.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: F Markief Morris
16 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 250
Age: 21
Breakdown
The 76ers have a big need along their front line, and Morris is an experience rebounder who can block shots and extend the defense.
If Morris pans out for his hometown team (he's a Philadelphia native), the 76ers could be another step closer to competing in the East.
17. New York Knicks: C Trey Thompkins
17 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 245
Age: 20
Breakdown
The Knicks would be wise to continue building their front court in order to bang with the rest of Eastern Conference contenders.
Thompkins can rebound, defend and shoot, making him the ideal fit for New York.
18. Washington Wizards: F Kenneth Faried
18 of 30
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 225
Age: 21
Breakdown
What's not to like about this pick for Washington?
Faried will give the Wizards a lot of rebounding and hustle, and fans will love seeing him run the court with John Wall. He's the classic energy guy that every team needs.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: PG Reggie Jackson
19 of 30
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210
Age: 21
Breakdown
Jackson has been a fast-riser of late, and the Bobcats have holes up and down their roster.
He can provide a perimeter threat on offense and a long defender on the other end.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: G Klay Thompson
20 of 30
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 200
Age: 21
Breakdown
Minnesota should have a certain amount of comfort down low with Kevin Love and Darko Milicic, but they need perimeter shooters.
Thompson is one of the best in the draft in that department.
21. Portland Trailblazers: F Tobias Harris
21 of 30
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 230
Age: 18
Breakdown
The ideal scenario would be for Farried to fall to the Blazers, but Harris is one of the more underrated players in this class.
He can play both forward positions and should be able to contribute right away for a playoff team in Portland.
22. Denver Nuggets: F Tyler Honeycutt
22 of 30
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 195
Age: 20
Breakdown
The Nuggets are doing fine for themselves without Carmelo Anthony, but they could use another athletic swingman if Wilson Chandler doesn't re-sign.
Honeycutt is that kind of player, with some versatility and potential to his overall game.
23. Houston Rockets: G Nolan Smith
23 of 30
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 190
Age: 22
Breakdown
There are prospects with more upside than Smith, but you know what you're getting with the former Duke guard.
Smith will play his heart out for you on defense, run the second team well from the point and be a positive influence in the locker room.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: C Jordan Williams
24 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 260
Age: 20
Breakdown
The Thunder have plenty of talent in the back court, but they need to continue to add pieces down low.
Williams, who averaged nearly 12 rebounds his senior year, would give Oklahoma City another physical post presence.
25. Boston Celtics: F JaJuan Johnson
25 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 220
Age: 22
Breakdown
The defensive length of Boston is slowing getting older and older, and they need some fresh legs to guard the basket.
Johnson is a project offensively, but he has the kind of defensive skill set that Boston could use down the stretch.
26. Dallas Mavericks: F Jon Leuer
26 of 30
Weight: 6'10"
Weight: 230
Age: 21
Breakdown
I'm not in love with Leuer's game either on offense or defense, but I especially like what he could be later on in Dallas.
He could learn from Dirk Nowitzki and maximize his potential on the offensive end of the floor.
27. New Jersey Nets: G Josh Selby
27 of 30
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190
Age: 20
Breakdown
Remember when this guy was a big-time recruit? He still has some favorable skills that transfer to the NBA.
He's worth the risk at the end of the first round.
28. Chicago Bulls: G Marshon Brooks
28 of 30
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 190
Age: 22
Breakdown
With Jimmer Fredette dominating the headlines, many conveniently forgot that Brooks was the one of the better scorers in the nation last season.
Brooks can add a scoring threat to the Bulls second unit, and his 7'2" wingspan gives him the potential to be a disruptive defender.
29. San Antonio Spurs: F Justin Harper
29 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 225
Age: 21
Breakdown
After their playoff collapse, the Spurs need to start replenishing their front line.
Harper can step up and knock down jump shots for a San Antonio offense that is likely to evolve in the coming seasons.
30 Chicago Bulls: F Chandler Parsons
30 of 30
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 220
Age: 22
Breakdown
Parsons needs to add weight to have a chance in the NBA, but he's got an intriguing skill set.
He can shoot, pass and has the athleticism to play the three. Parson's high basketball IQ gives him a shot at making an impact down the road.
