2011 NBA Mock Draft: Can Kyrie Irving Be the Cleveland Cavaliers Savior?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have won the lottery and are looking to make a big splash in the 2011 NBA draft.
After the first few picks, the talent is not elite. So teams have multiple options about what they can do with their selections.
The two strongest positions are point guard and power forward. At both of these positions, there are plenty of players who don’t appear to fit the mold as pontifical players for their positions.
It will be interesting to see how teams evaluate talent this season.
This is a mock draft of the Cleveland Cavaliers and everyone else’s first round selections.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Duke
1 of 30
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180
The Cavaliers might never recover from “ the decision,” but drafting Kyrie Irving first overall could be their best bet of doing so.
Irving has been compared to Chris Paul and is the clear cut best player in the draft. There is no glaring weakness to his game.
He is an excellent penetrator, a solid shooter and he has a smooth jump shot. With all the makings of a great point guard, Irving might be able to save this struggling franchise.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona
2 of 30
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 241
The Timberwolves are in desperate need of a shooting guard, but there is not one worth taking so early in the draft. So I feel they will draft the best player available, Derrick Williams.
In college, Williams played power forward, but he will most likely be forced to play small forward in the NBA. His combination of strength, athleticism and a deadly jump shot makes him a threat to score anywhere on the court.
There is some rumors that Minnesota may be willing to trade this pick for some veteran players, but I would not bet on it.
3. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
3 of 30
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 185
The Jazz are well stocked when it comes to big men, so I expect them to address the backcourt with this pick.
Devin Harris is a good player, but Brandon Knight has a brighter future.
Knight is similar to Harris in that he is more of a combo guard than a real point guard. He also one of the most athletic players in the draft that can beat you in many different ways.
With his on the court intelligence and great motor, I feel Brandon Knight is one of the sure things in the draft.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, Turkey
4 of 30Position: Center
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 255
With Kyrie Irving taken first overall, the Cavs will need to start searching for weapons to put around their young point guard.
Enes Kanter would be a great pick up for them. He is a dominant center that loves to play physical and get high percentage looks. One of his more underrated qualities is his jumper that has range out to the three-point line.
The only problem with Kanter is that he was ineligible to play last season. He is a big risk and big payoff type of guy.
5. Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania
5 of 30Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 230
The Raptors could use an inside presence to start alongside Andrea Bargnani.
Valanciunas lacks some strength, but has just about everything you look for at his size. He is a soft finisher inside, runs the court well, a shot blocker and he can even makes positive impact on the glass.
The only issue regarding Valanciunas is that he may have contract issues. So it could take a few years before he actually plays in the league.
6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic
6 of 30Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 240
Jan Vesely could be the best big man scorer while facing the basket. He is extremely quick and has a leaping ability similar to that of Dwight Howard.
The Wizards need to find weapons to put around point guard John Wall, and Vesely could be one of the best available.
He gives them a great pick and roll option and a big man that can score on the fast break.
7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker, Connecticut
7 of 30
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 172
The Kings have to come to the realization that Tyreke Evans is not a true point guard. I could see him Kemba Walker in the backcourt together and make a duo similar to Golden State’s Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.
Kemba has taken a lot of criticism since he has entered the draft. Many people believe he is too small, but I say don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
Walker was arguably the best scorer in college basketball last season and plays with unparalleled toughness.
He reminds me of Allen Iverson with a better attitude.
8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo, Congo
8 of 30Position: Center
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 243
The Pistons are a long way from being competitive any time soon, so they have time to develop someone like Bismack Biyombo.
He is an extremely raw talent that has plenty of physical talent. He is big, can jump out of the gym and is a work class rebounder. However, his offensive game is very mediocre right now.
With Biyombo and Greg Monroe, the Pistons would have a solid young front court. They need to draft for the future this season.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
9 of 30
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 225
Kawhi Leonard’s stock has been shooting up over the past few days, but I am not totally convinced yet.
He is an extremely athletic small forward who resemble the likes of Gerald Wallace and Shawn Marion.
Leonard could be perfect for the Bobcats, who have recently traded Wallace and are looking for a replacement. He will also provide a little excitement to a currently lack luster roster.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, Colorado
10 of 30
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 195
Alec Burks is a slightly more athletic version of Oklahoma City’s James Harden .
The main focus of his game is his ability to dribble and drive. His finishing and leaping strengths make him a serious scoring threat.
The Bucks could use a shooting guard since Michael Redd is always injured and he is most likely becoming a free agent anyways.
Burks provides the team with a scorer to compliment guard Brandon Jennings and center Andrew Bogut.
11. Golden State Warriors: Tristan Thompson, Texas
11 of 30
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 225
Golden State is in need of a forward who can run the court. Look no further than Tristan Thompson.
He is a versatile scorer and will be a realistic fast break option for Monta Ellie and Steph Curry to dish to.
The Warriors have the reputation for being an undersized team, so Thompson will fit in perfectly. It does not hurt that he improves their sorry defense either.
12. Utah Jazz: Chris Singleton, Florida State
12 of 30
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 226
As Andrei Kirilenko likely leaves Utah for free agency, the Jazz will need a replacement. Chris Singleton is the mirror image if Kirilenko.
He is a shut down defender who runs the court well and is a great fast break finisher.
Despite having two high draft picks, the Jazz are not far away from being a good team again. The addition of Knight and Singleton could be enough to make them competitive.
13. Phoenix Suns: Jordan Hamilton, Texas
13 of 30
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 220
The Suns are in need of a big time scorer. Someone who wants to take the bulk of the team’s shots and can score in bunches.
Someone just like Jordan Hamilton. He is a relentless scorer that is as excellent as shooting the long ball as he is taking the ball to the rim.
The only downside to Hamilton is that he has been known to be a little selfish at times. However, this might be just what the Suns need to become relevant again.
14. Houston Rockets: Marcus Morris, Kansas
14 of 30
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 235
The Rockets could use some big men. Marcus Morris will probably be the best available at this point.
He is solid from beyond the arch and has the handling skills to attack the basket. He is just a solid, well-rounded power forward.
He might be a little small for his position, but he plays with great energy.
15. Indiana Pacers: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
15 of 30
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195
I believe that both the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns will pass up on Jimmer Fredette.
Jimmer was a dominant college offensive player, averaging just under 29 points under game. The big question now is whether or not his game will work in the NBA.
He helps the Indiana Pacers who are looking for another big time scorer. If Jimmer thrives anywhere, it will be somewhere like Indiana.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
16 of 30
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 225
The 76ers could use some big men to round out their rotation, and someone lie Faried would be the perfect back up for Elton Brand.
Faried was the best rebounder in college basketball last season and is known for his highlight reel jams.
Though he is a tad undersized and is underdeveloped on the defensive end, I still believe Faried will be a success in the NBA. His effort and rebounding skills will always be needed by someone.
17. New York Knicks: Markieff Morris, Kansas
17 of 30
Position: Center
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 245
The Knicks need a defense and rebound focusing center that can still run the court in Mike D’Antoni’s system.
That is basically the description of Markieff Morris. He would be a great sidekick to Amar’e Stoudemire in the front line and allows Amar’e to defend small opponents.
Morris could be gone at this point in the draft, in which case the Knicks would probably try another center like Jordan Williams or take a chance on a young point guard.
18. Washington Wizards: Klay Thompson, Washington State
18 of 30
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 202
Klay Thompson is the best shooter in the draft behind Jimmer Fredette. He also can handle the ball and run the point if needed.
The Wizards will more than likely be losing Nick Young and will need a sharpshooter to play alongside John Wall.
Thompson had a successful career and college and his the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Reggie Jackson, Boston College
19 of 30
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 208
The Bobcats don’t really have a core at all right now, so they must rebuild in this draft. After taking Kawhi Leonard with their previous pick, I feel they should go after a point guard at this spot.
Reggie Jackson is one of the most underrated players in the draft. He is an extremely athletic point guard with very good court vision.
This late in the draft, there may not be a player with more potential than Jackson.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Marshon Brooks, Providence
20 of 30
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 190
I stated earlier that Minnesota has a need at shooting guard. After getting D-Will with the first pick, I see the T’Wolves addressing this need.
Marshon Brooks is not the most well known player in the draft, but he is a big time scorer.
Last season, he averaged 24.6 points per game. He gets it done with solid shooting and by getting to the basket.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Darius Morris, Michigan
21 of 30
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 190
Unless you believe that Patty Mills is the answer to replace the aging Andre Miller, you have to recognize that the Blazers need a point guard.
Darius Morris is very similar to Miller. He is a strong court leader and an excellent defender.
If the Blazers pass on Morris, I could see them taking a big man like Jordan Williams or Justin Harper with this pick.
22. Denver Nuggets: Nikola Mirotic, Serbia
22 of 30Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 226
Nikola Mirotic is a very versatile forward and would be a great addition to the high scoring Nuggets.
Shooting guard J.R. Smith is expected to walk, so the team will be in need of some three-point shooting. Mirotic provides them with just that.
He is not the most athletic big man in the draft, but is very crafty. However, contract issues might prevent him from playing in the NBA right away.
23. Houston Rockets: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA
23 of 30
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 188
The Rockets are very weak at small forward. The marginal Chase Budinger is the best they have at the position.
Honeycutt has the ability to be an instant upgrade for the Rockets. He is a smart and athletic wing player without any huge flaws.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kyle Singler, Duke
24 of 30
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 230
Oklahoma City doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses, so they are tough to predict. The only starter they do not have a backup for is Kevin Durant.
Kyle Singler can be that guy for the Thunder.
He is a great shooter and a solid rebounder. I don’t see him as a starter in the future, but he could have a long solid career as a role player of the bench.
25. Boston Celtics: Jordan Williams, Maryland
25 of 30
Position: Center
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 260
It is hard to believe that the Celtics are in need of size, but they are.
Jordan Williams is one of the biggest players in the draft and could make up for some of the toughness Kendrick Perkins took to Oklahoma City.
Williams is a bruiser in the paint. He plays with physicality and dominants the game inside.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Tobias Harris, Michigan
26 of 30
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 226
Tobias Harris is a highly rated prospect, but I think that teams might be afraid to take him. In which case, I feel the Mavericks take him because he is the best player available.
Harris is not an elite athlete, somewhat of a tweener and is not great at any one thing. He can do just about anything on the basketball court, but nothing exceptionally well.
The thing to like about Harris’s game is his versatility. He can play multiple positions and could be a very valuable bench player.
27. New Jersey Nets: Justin Harper, Richmond
27 of 30
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 225
Harper is another play whose game might not transition well in the NBA.
He is an athletic big man who can shoot and score points in the open court. However, he is a below average rebounder and has been labeled as somewhat of a soft player.
The Nets need to find some weapons to put around Deron Williams and Harper could be the best available. His shooting ability and athleticism could mean a lot of easy looks courtesy of Williams.
28. Chicago Bulls: Travis Leslie, Georgia
28 of 30
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 205
Travis Leslie is the sickest dunker in the draft this season. He has ridiculous leaping ability and is a great finisher at the rim.
It is no question that the Bulls need help at shooting guard. Leslie might be their best option this late in the draft.
The only issue with Leslie is that he is not much of a three-point shooter. He will need to develop a shot to be consistent in the NBA.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Lucas Noguiera, Brazil
29 of 30Position: Center
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 218
The Spurs are not getting any younger. It may be time for them to start looking for superstars of the future.
A guy like Lucas Noguiera probably wont make a huge impact early in his career, but has limitless potential. He is an explosive leaper that can dominate the rebounding battle and block shots.
However, his offensive game is just about nonexistent right now. Other than dunks, he does not have many other weapons.
30. Chicago Bulls: Charles Jenkins, Hofstra
30 of 30Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220
Charles Jenkins reminds me a lot of Ben Gordon, who was extremely successful with the Chicago Bulls.
Jenkins is a huge scorer that can beat you with his shot, penetration and an uncanny ability to get to the free throw line. He has future sixth man of the year written all over him.
I don’t see Jenkins as a starter, that’s why I do not mind having the Bulls draft two shooting guards.
