2011 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st Round Mock, Which Picks Will Surprise You?

The 2011 NBA Draft order is set. Whether it was luck or just a plain ole fix, Dan Gilbert’s son Nick brought back two top-four selections to Cleveland, including the No. 1 overall selection.

With a handful of potential superstars to choose from, the Cavaliers are now in prime position to make the playoffs as soon as next season. There seems to be a dozen of incredible pairings the Cavaliers can choose from with the first and fourth overall selections to guarantee two franchise cornerstones for the next few seasons.

Yet everybody will remember that No. 1 overall selection—will it be Duke’s Kyrie Irving, Arizona’s Derrick Williams, Turkey’s Enes Kanter or even UConn’s Kemba Walker?

This year’s draft will have a ton of great storylines throughout, but which picks will surprise you in this first round mock draft?

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers): Kyrie Irving, Duke PG

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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

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Kyrie Irving is this year’s can’t-miss prospect. He has a great feel for the game with high-basketball IQ and even better court vision. He is an unselfish player, thus making him a true point guard as he tries to get others involved.

It is important, though, that he has the ability to shoot from across the floor. He can take his man off the dribble and pull up for his own lethal shot.

The Cavaliers won the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes and will walk away pleased to know they have a high-character, high-profile superstar to build around following the LeBron James era.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Enes Kanter, Turkey PF/C

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Class: Freshman

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 255 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Kanter is an exceptional talent who can shoot from beyond the arc, post and face up his opponents. He is an extremely tough player down low with a great competitive streak and high-basketball IQ.

Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams are superstars, but people are generally overlooking Kanter’s appeal. A big man, he has great confidence and star qualities. He will command attention from the crowd before, during and after games—especially when he comes out to the smoke wearing his cowboy hat like WWE superstar The Undertaker.

Minnesota will now boast one of the best young front courts in the game with Kanter, Kevin Love and Michael Beasley. Kanter would prefer to play power forward and Love has the size and strength to play center.

This would push Darko Milicic to the bench, but he would qualify as a great sixth man and give the ‘Wolves great depth up front.

3. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey): Brandon Knight, Kentucky PG

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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

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Rumor has it the Jazz like Brandon Knight, a lot. He is an exceptional talent who can explode off the floor. He is willing to drive into the paint to attack the rim but can also pull up for his own mid-range shot.

As the league becomes more athletic at the point position with stars such as Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook, Knight has the athleticism to be grouped with this crop of elite talent in due time.

The Jazz desperately need a new face for their franchise after trading away Deron, and Knight has that potential superstar talent.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams, Arizona SF

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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

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Derrick Williams feels he should be the No. 1 selection, as every player should, but he’s not. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is said to be enamored with both Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams. After making the tough decision to land the franchise point guard, Williams falls into his lap at No. 4.

Derrick is a dynamic finisher around the hoop, which will make up for the departure of LeBron James. There are concerns with him being a "tweener" forward, but that won’t matter with Kyrie captaining the ship. J.J. Hickson will remain at the power forward position and create one of the better young, forward tandems in the game.

5. Toronto Raptors: Kemba Walker, Connecticut PG

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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

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Jose Calderon is simply not the answer at the point position in Toronto. A crumbling franchise that has seen superstars such as Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Chris Bosh depart, Toronto is desperately seeking for a new face for their franchise.

Enter Kemba Walker, the most impressive collegiate player in March. He will bring a winning swagger and confidence to Toronto.

He is not a true point guard as he wants to take over the game like a shooting guard, but after seeing Derrick Rose in Chicago, not many Raptors fans will care if he dominates the rock. He will provide a ton of excitement in Toronto.

6. Washington Wizards: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State SF

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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

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The Wizards have Rashard Lewis at small forward, but I expect them to try to move the veteran at some point. JaVale McGee is a fantastic center and Andray Blatche is one of the most underrated power forwards in the game.

Kawhi Leonard is a potential top-five talent in this class. He plays much bigger than he leads on and has a great work ethic, competitive nature and tough personality on the court. He is a very good rebounder and defender, and can even post or face up his opponents on offense.

7. Sacramento Kings: Bismack Biyombo, Congo PF

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Class: N/A

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 243 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Bismack has the potential to be the steal of the draft with his elite athleticism. He is a remarkable shot blocker and rebounder, which will forever pay dividends in this highly competitive league. The emergence of Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka paves the way for a talent like Bismack.

The Kings need another presence down low to take the pressure off DeMarcus Cousins, who I still believe can become one of the top centers in the league.

The Kings are positioning themselves for a winning record shortly with Bismack, Cousins and superstar Tyreke Evans.

8. Detroit Pistons: Marcus Morris, Kansas PF

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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

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The Pistons already have a solid offensive big man in last year’s first-rounder Greg Monroe. Although Detroit would like to have another defensive star on the team, neither Kawhi Leonard nor Bismack Biyombo falls to Detroit.

Marcus Morris is a fine selection here as he is simply a solid all-around power forward. He will give the Pistons another option to stretch the paint as he has a good mid-range shot.

He is developing as a better defender, but is still one of the better offensive big men in the class.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Tristan Thompson, Texas PF

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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

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As the Bobcats continue to search for a superstar, Texas Longhorns’ star Tristan Thompson falls into their laps here. He has some concerns, but he is a force under the basket.

He will greatly assist the Bobcats on the glass and the defensive side of the ball. He and Tyrus Thomas would create a great defensive duo down low with their length and natural instincts.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic PF

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Class: N/A

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 240 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Milwaukee already has a solid international big man in center Andrew Bogut. That might make the transition to the NBA easier. Jan Vesely has the talent to be a Top Five selection in this draft.

Vesely has explosive ability as he can drive to the hoop, but is he is also a great shooter. He has the size of a power forward, but may be play more like a small forward in the Association.

11. Golden State Warriors: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania PF

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Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 230 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Golden State is always looking for players who can run and stretch the floor. Valanciunas rivals Jan Vesely as the top international player in this draft.

Valanciunas will help the Warriors in the paint, on the boards and on defense, where they need it most. Golden state will always put up points, so they can take a chance on this Lithuanian.

12. Utah Jazz: Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young G

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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

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The Jazz still need an upgrade at the shooting guard position. They drafted Brandon Knight No. 3 to be the franchise point guard and now grab another face for their franchise in sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette.

Jimmer is a big guard who will attack the hoop, but prefers to shoot from beyond the arc with his unlimited range. Utah is the perfect destination for this clean-cut BYU superstar as he will become an instant fan favorite.

Now with Jimmer and Knight, the Jazz have a solid backcourt for the next decade or more.

13. Phoenix Suns: Alec Burks, Colorado SG

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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

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The Suns are looking for the next face of their franchise as Steve Nash is most likely entering his last year with the team. Vince Carter is not the answer and will most likely be gone as well.

Alec Burks won’t be the franchise player they’re looking for, but he is one of the best offensive options in this draft from the guard position. He can attack the basket in various ways and create his own shot. In their up-tempo system, Burks should thrive even as a rookie.

14. Houston Rockets: Markieff Morris, Kansas PF

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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

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Luis Scola is one of the most underrated players in the game, but the Rockets still need more help in the front court. With Markieff’s defensive prowess, rebounding and improving offensive skills, the Rockets will have two very good power forwards to rotate at all times. When on the court at the same time, these two would be a handful for most.

15. Indiana Pacers: Klay Thompson, Washington State SG

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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

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The Pacers are already set at the core positions with Roy Hibbert, Darren Collison and superstar Danny Granger. Now they need another offensive weapon to be able to run up the score and spark the team.

Klay Thompson is one of the premier sharpshooters in this class. With his range and ability to knock down shots, the Pacers would add a quality shooting guard to their starting lineup, which they desperately need to move past the first round.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Donotas Motiejunas, Lithuania C

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Class: N/A

Height: 7’0"

Weight: 220 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Spencer Hawes is a fine center, but the 76ers need another big body to put down low. Donotas will need to put on some more muscle to bang in the paint, but he has a soft touch around the rim and can stretch the floor with his shot. The 76ers would add another offensive weapon to the mix, but one who can also help out down low in the paint.

17. New York Knicks: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State PF

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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

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Faried is a dynamic player who can leap out of the building and will greatly help the Knicks on the glass and defensive side of the court. He plays bigger than his frame and will add intensity and toughness to this Knicks team.

He will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo system and will help take the pressure off Amar’e Stoudemire.

18. Washington Wizards (via Atlanta): Tobias Harris, Tennessee PF

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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

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Although Andray Blatche is one of the more underrated players in the game, we heard some rumors about him being traded early last season.

Tobias Harris is still improving as he grows into his body, but he is a solid rebounder and improving on offense. He still needs to develop a post game, which he will have time to do in Washington off the bench, but he can also face up his opponents to score.

19. Charlotte Bobcats (via New Orleans): Jordan Hamilton, Texas SF

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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

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The Bobcats need a legitimate scorer for their young team and Tristan Thompson is still developing on the offensive side of the court. Jordan Hamilton is the perfect player for Michael Jordan’s team.

He may be the best pure scorer in this draft as he can create for himself and attack the hoop. With Hamilton on board, Charlotte won’t feel compelled to keep Stephen Jackson and can trade him to a contender.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis): Reggie Jackson, Boston College PG

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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

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The Wolves are finally expected to have Ricky Rubio, but we know the eccentric David Kahn wants to draft another point guard to keep to his tradition.

Reggie Jackson is becoming a fantastic shooting point guard, so he will be able to spark the team off the bench, which Jonny Flynn failed to accomplish last season.

21. Portland Trail Blazers: Nolan Smith, Duke G

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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

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Andre Miller was often the subject of trade rumors last year and would be a good mentor for Nolan Smith, who could play point guard. He is an experienced player who is willing to drive to the hoop and set up others around him.

He can shoot, which this team needs as they were one of the lowest scoring teams in the playoffs. Smith is a bigger guard who can handle the rock and is the high-character player the Trail Blazers are looking to bring in.

22. Denver Nuggets: Chris Singleton, Florida State SF

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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

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Chris Singleton is easily the best perimeter defender in the class. The Nuggets will lose their spark plug J.R. Smith, but they will always have enough offense.

George Karl needs a solid perimeter defender to boost the overall defense of his up-and-down team. Singleton has quick hands and great instincts, which allow him to dominate on the defensive side of the court.

23. Houston Rockets (via Orlando): Charles Jenkins, Hofstra PG

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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

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The Rockets traded for Goran Dragic last year, sending Aaron Brooks to Phoenix. Although I like Dragic, he is better suited for the backup point guard role.

Charles Jenkins is one of the best pure point guards in the class and is greatly improving offensively. He and Kevin Martin would create a potentially dynamic backcourt on the offensive side of the court.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA SF

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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

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The Thunder needs an unselfish player to come off the bench, especially after trading away Jeff Green. Honeycutt is still improving on both sides of the court, but right now he is a quality defender and will bolster Oklahoma City’s front court. He has a high-basketball IQ and will work well on this young Thunder team.

25. Boston Celtics: Jordan Williams, Maryland C

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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

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After trading away their enforcer Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics were left with a gaping hole to fill this offseason. Jordan Williams is a big body who will learn from Kevin Garnett how to bring the intensity. He is a solid shot blocker but also an elite rebounder in this draft class. He will be able to step in immediately to help the Celtics make another Championship run.

26. Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans, Latvia SF

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Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Davis Bertans is one of the better international players in the draft. He has unlimited range and is fairly similar to Dirk Nowitzki. Where better than Dallas for Davis to begin his NBA career? He can learn from one of the greatest international big men shooters of all-time in Dirk. Dallas would have another lethal sharpshooter to add to its array of talented snipers.

27. New Jersey Nets (via L.A. Lakers): Justin Harper, Richmond PF

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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

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New Jersey needs to find a way to convince Deron Williams not to leave. Justin Harper is a fine defender who has quick hands to block shots. He is an even better scorer and will give the Nets another scoring option to take pressure off Deron and Brook Lopez down low. More importantly, Harper will stretch the paint as he has the ability to knock down shots with his range.

28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami): Marshon Brooks, Providence SG

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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

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Chicago needs to take the offensive pressure off Derrick Rose, and Marshon Brooks is the best offensive shooting guard at this point in the draft. He has a great shot and will be left wide open for the majority of the game as the defense attempts to collapse Rose.

Keith Bogans has been a fine guard for the Bulls, but they need to increase the offensive intensity. At the very least, Brooks would be a great spark plug off the bench and form a quality rotation with Bogans and Ronnie Brewer.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic, Serbia SF

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Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 226 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

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Another player I’m sticking to for now in my mocks for Gregg Popovich’s Spurs. Mirotic has great size and can help the Spurs on both sides of the court. He will take the pressure off Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili for the regular season. He has a solid understanding of the game and should transition well coming to San Antonio with their remarkable coaching staff.

30. Chicago Bulls: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue PF

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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

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The Bulls need to keep bolstering the front court and JaJuan Johnson is one of the more underrated players in this draft. He is a fantastic force on the defensive side of the court and will help increase the Bulls’ defensive dominance.

Chicago would have a remarkable front court consisting of Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson and Johnson. This would be the best defensive front court in the entire league as JaJuan has incredible instincts, prowess and quick hands.