2011 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting Entire 1st-Round, Where's Kemba Walker Headed?

Simply put, Kemba Walker was the most exciting player during March Madness. He is a top five player with his winning mentality and swagger, confidence, experience, passing and shooting abilities.

Although one of my favorite players in the draft, it remains a mystery as to where he will begin his NBA career. He has the star power every team at the top of the draft is desperately searching for, but many are beginning to question if he is just another two-guard masquerading as a point guard.

The NBA point guard is shifting towards a more hybrid role. Point guards such as Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook and Tyreke Evans are taking the league by force with their elite athleticism and ability to dominate offensively.

Kemba has the talent to take the league by force as one of these hybrid point guards, but will he go in the top five? Could he overtake Kyrie Irving as the No. 1 point guard in this draft and head to Cleveland?

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

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

Owner Dan Gilbert is desperately searching for the next face of the franchise after LeBron James deserted the franchise.

Kyrie Irving is the high-character, intelligent and talented replacement for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has great court vision, leadership qualities and ability to not only create for others with his passing ability, but also himself with his ability to drive to the basket and shoot the rock.

The Cavaliers will most likely try to get rid Baron Davis at some point during the season, but I would expect Kyrie to start regardless at the point position.

Cleveland should be in good hands for the player some are actually comparing to Chris Paul.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Arizona SF

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

I highly disagree with this selection, but after going on a point guard splurge, general manager David Kahn now eyes an unnecessary abundance of forwards.

I could see Kahn actually drafting Williams just to finagle a trade for the new superstar or one of his current. With two picks in the first round, the Timberwolves can afford to do so.

Williams is an explosive talent with great hops and ability to finish around the rim. He should develop into a fan favorite on the court, though I could see him rubbing some of the wrong elbows off the court if he grows unhappy quickly.

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

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

Yes, the Jazz have Devin Harris, but he’s not the answer now or ever. They need to trade the often-injured point guard immediately.

Brandon Knight is an ultra-athletic point guard who will not hesitate to attack the rim. He has electrifying natural abilities and the desire to be a superstar on the court. The Jazz are looking for an explosive player of this caliber. As the league shifts to a generation of extremely athletic point guards such as Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, the Jazz need somebody like Knight who is willing to stand up to the test.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, Turkey PF/C

Class: Freshman

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 255 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

With two of the first four selections, the Cleveland Cavaliers land two of the biggest superstars and most talented prospects in the entire class.

If he played last year, he probably would have been the No. 1 overall selection with his natural abilities and high-basketball IQ. He has very good range for his size and has the ability to play power forward or center. He has fantastic touch around the rim and will stand or post up any player in the game.

He has great charisma and superstar qualities, which the Cavaliers are searching for. He could be the biggest international superstar and a major fan favorite in Cleveland. With Irving and Kanter, the Cavaliers will make a playoff push quickly.

5. Toronto Raptors: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 240 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Jan Vesely is my second rated international player in the draft. He is willing to attack the basket and has a great shot. He can extend the court with his stellar range. He would pair up front with Andrea Bargnani to create a potentially devastating matchup nightmare for other teams with their ability to shoot from anywhere on the court.

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

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

As good as JaVale McGee is on the defensive side of the court and on the glass, he needs help.

Enter Kawhi Leonard.

This small forward plays much bigger and tougher than his posted size and weight. He is a force down low with his ability to crash the boards and swat the rock away from his opponents. He is also solid offensively with the ability to post or stand up the opposition. He will help create a fantastic young core in Washington with McGee and John Wall.

7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker, Connecticut PG

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

Tyreke Evans was fantastic in his rookie season, and his ability to create mismatches from the point guard position with his size would have any general manager and coach foaming at the mouth. Still, he is better suited for a shooting guard to limit the wear and tear on his body.

Kemba Walker will bring much needed star power to Sacramento to help resurrect this franchise. He has the ability to create for himself and has a nice mid-range shot, yet he is an unselfish passer and great leader.

8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo, Congo PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 243 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

With the teams in the Eastern Conference gaining a ton of steam defensively, Joe Dumars needs to create a new era of "Bad Boys" in Detroit.

Bismack Biyombo has immense athleticism with remarkable leaping ability to help him dominate defensively and on the boards.

Serge Ibaka’s emergence in Oklahoma City has paved the way for Bismack and should have him drafted early, but even more because of his incredible on-court potential.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Alec Burks, Colorado SG

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

Michael Jordan’s Bobcats are in desperate need of offense and a potential superstar. Alec Burks is one of the premier shooting guards and offensive talents in the class and should transition nicely to the Association. Charlotte already has a few pieces such as D.J Augustin and Tyrus Thomas and would now have another great young scorer to add to the mix. This would also allow the team to ship off veteran Stephen Jackson to a contender.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Tristan Thompson, Texas PF

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

Milwaukee is trying to get back to the playoffs after a disappointing, injury-ridden season. Tristan Thompson is still developing offensively, but he will certainly help on the glass. More importantly, he will add intensity and toughness to this team and add to their already solid defense. He is one of the best defensive power forwards in the class and will certainly make an impact immediately.

11. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris, Kansas PF

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

The Warriors’ backcourt is set with Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. They brought in David Lee, but a freak elbow injury cost him a ton of time in his debut season in Golden State. They must continue to add size and talent up front. The Warriors like to play small and run n’ gun, which is just fine for Marcus Morris, who is one of the better offensive talents at the position in the class.

12. Utah Jazz: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 230 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Jonas Valanciunas has top-10 talent, but many are concerned that he will have to stay overseas for at least one more year. The Jazz have talent on the front court, so they could wait the year for this potential stud. He has great shooting ability and could very well prove to be a steal down the road. These international players generally take time to develop to begin with, so the extra year may not even be too big of a deal.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jordan Hamilton, Texas SF

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

The Suns need an overhaul of young talent. I expect both Vince Carter and Steve Nash to be gone at some point during the season, which is why I considered Jimmer Fredette here. Still, Jordan Hamilton is one of the premier offensive talents in the draft, as he is a pure shooter and would thrive in Phoenix’s fast-paced offense.  

14. Houston Rockets: Chris Singleton, Florida State SF

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

The Rockets need a point guard after getting rid of Aaron Brooks, but they also traded away one of the premier perimeter defenders in Shane Battier. Houston grabs Chris Singleton, who is rapidly rising on draft boards due to his remarkable defensive prowess. He has the size, quick hands and innate knack to play perfect defense. He is the ideal player to fill Battier’s shoes.

15. Indiana Pacers: Kenneth Faried, Morehead State PF

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

The Pacers have two fine power forwards in Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts, but they need even more defense and rebounding. Roy Hibbert was leaned on heavily, and Kenneth Faried would take a ton of pressure off him. He battles asthma, so his ability to play in this heavy rotation would work perfectly. He is an explosive talent who is willing to do the dirty work with his gritty, competitive nature. He is one of the premier rebounders and defenders in the draft.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Markieff Morris, Kansas PF

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

The 76ers had a rather surprisingly good season, as they made the playoffs and played well against the Heat. The team clearly has a ton of talent and potential, but still need more depth up front. Markieff Morris is a mature player who excels on the defensive side of the court and rebounding. He is still improving offensively, but the team has enough scorers to make up right now.

17. New York Knicks: Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young G

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

Mike D’Antoni does not want to play defense; he’s hell bent on having his teams win by running up the score.

Jimmer Fredette is one of the top snipers in the draft with unlimited range. He would thrive in D’Antoni’s high octane offense. The Knicks need a shooting guard, and Jimmer can also handle the rock if needed. He would be a fine addition to the starting lineup or make a major impact as a spark plug off the bench. Just as important, he is one of the top stars in the draft and would give New York another name to add to the marquee.

18. Washington Wizards (via Atlanta): Klay Thompson, Washington State SG

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

After drafting Kawhi Leonard, the Wizards now just need a shooting guard to fill their lineup highlighted by John Wall, JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche.

Klay Thompson is one of the top sharpshooters in this entire draft. As Wall commands defensive attention, Klay will have plenty of time and room to spot up and drain treys.

19. Charlotte Bobcats (via New Orleans): Tobias Harris, Tennessee PF

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

The Bobcats are starting to bring in solid talent, but they still aren’t ready to make a playoff push. With Tobias Harris, who is a solid all-around player on both sides of the court with a high-basketball IQ, Charlotte will inch closer. They have a nice group of bigs, and Harris would do a great job as part of the rotation. He should be the starter by his sophomore season.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis): Marshon Brooks, Providence SG

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

Marshon Brooks is rapidly rising up draft boards with his ability to be an offensive force in this league. The Timberwolves are set up front and now need more offense from the backcourt. If Ricky Rubio comes over, Marshon Brooks would certainly thrive in the NBA as a rookie with his shooting.

21. Portland Trail Blazers: Donotas Motiejunas, Lithuania C

Class: N/A

Height: 7’

Weight: 220 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Portland is always looking for bigs, as they suffer at least one or two injuries to their centers each year. Donotas Motiejunas is not the toughest center in the draft, but he will help give the team another offensive weapon. The Trail Blazers suffered on the offensive side of the court, where Donotas will definitely help out with his great touch and ability to stretch the paint.

22. Denver Nuggets: Justin Harper, Richmond PF

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

George Karl is always looking for talent to stretch the floor and Justin Harper has the size and range to help this team. He is fine defender, but the Nuggets aren’t too concerned about defense. He is a solid rebounder but will make Karl happiest on the offensive side of the court. As Kenyon Martin continues to decline and the Nuggets desperately try to trade Al Harrington, Harper will be needed for scoring depth up front.

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

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

The Rockets need a point guard, and Charles Jenkins has the potential to be one of the best in the class. He greatly improved offensively last season, turning himself into a very good shooting point guard. He is a solid rebounder, passer and defender, which makes him a prime candidate to work the backcourt with Kevin Martin.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA SF

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

The Thunder enjoy having players who can play multiple positions and do multiple things on the court. Honeycutt is another player with a high-basketball IQ who will help get Kevin Durant the rock with his unselfish nature and ability to handle the rock. He is fairly similar to James Harden in this sense, but you can never have enough quality ball players.

25. Boston Celtics: Jordan Williams, Maryland C

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

Another pick I’m sticking with despite his stock dropping recently. I think he is the model type most similar to Kendrick Perkins that the Boston Celtics enjoy employing in the middle of the paint. He is a great rebounder and will head to the perfect destination to get him in the right shape. This veteran team will help push Jordan to become a quality and successful center in this league. He is the tough-nosed, solid defender and great rebounder the Celtics need to make another Championship run.

26. Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans, Latvia SF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Another pick I’m sticking with, I think the Mavericks would be a great fit for Davis Bertans. Dirk Nowitzki would be a great mentor for this young lights out shooter. The Mavericks are a veteran team in need of youth, and although Davis will take time to develop, Dallas is the prime destination for him to learn the league.

27. New Jersey Nets (via L.A. Lakers): Reggie Jackson, Boston College PG

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

New Jersey has holes to fill, but they also need to show Deron Williams they are making strides. Reggie Jackson isn’t exactly a true point guard and is improving rapidly as a shooter. He would be able to be on the floor at the same time as Deron and still be effective. If Williams decides to bolt, the Nets would at least have a young point guard to lean on the following year.

28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami): JaJuan Johnson, Purdue PF

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

JaJuan Johnson is one of my sleepers in this draft, as I believe he can make a major impact off the bat. Chicago is the best defensive team in the league and will always be looking for young assets who can help. Johnson has the ability to become a major force defensively with his size and quick hands. Even better, he would give Derrick Rose another offensive option with his ability to score.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic, Serbia SF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 226 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

This is a pick I’m sticking with from other mocks as I believe he could be a great addition to the team with his shooting ability. Gregg Popovich knows he can’t rely on Richard Jefferson or Manu Ginobili nearly as much as he did with their tendencies to get hurt, and Mirotic would be able to eat a chunk of minutes right away if he comes to the league. Even if he stays overseas, the Spurs will be able to rely on him later on down the road when Ginobili and Jefferson are gone.

30. Chicago Bulls: Nolan Smith, Duke G

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

If the Bulls continue to rely solely on Derrick Rose at the pace they did this past season, he is going to quickly wear out. They need somebody capable to run the offense behind him to give him some rest and Nolan Smith is the perfect fit.

I believe he would be a fine starting PG in the league, but he would thrive as a backup. He is an experienced, proven and unselfish guard who is also willing to attack the basket and take the shot if need be. This move is about adding depth, which will ultimately help the team achieve their Championship goals.