2011 NBA Mock Draft: Can Boston Celtics Reload Through the Draft?
In recent times, the NBA has been similar to a soap opera. It is filled with drama and contains many storylines.
One of the most intriguing of the many storylines throughout the league is whether or not the Celtics can reload through the draft.
With Glen Davis, Nenad Krstic, Von Wafer, and Delonte West having become free agents, Boston's front office has no choice but to use the draft to reload.
The team also must be concerned about the aging of its own version of the Big Three in Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
Both Allen and Garnett, each of whom is 35, are in the final year of their respective contracts.
Also in the final year of their respective contracts are Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Shaquille O'Neal, and Jermaine O'Neal.
Boston's front office must select players in the draft who fit well around Rajon Rondo for the long-term and the Big Three for the short-term.
It's a steep challenge, but with meticulous scouting, and a little bit of luck, it can be done.
The following is a full mock draft of the first round.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (from L.A. Clippers): Kyrie Irving
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Following the dramatic departure of LeBron James last summer, the Cavs suffered through a 19-63 season.
That 19-63 earned the team a very likely chance at winning the draft lottery, which they did to the dismay of many.
The Cavaliers front office must now decide between two very talented prospects in Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams.
Irving is an outstanding point guard who possesses excellent ball skills and can also score when needed to. The only knock against him may be his lack of playing experience in his one season at Duke due to a toe injury.
Williams is a lean 6'9" forward whose strength is slashing. He lacks ideal size and height typically required at the next level, but can make up for it by using his body to shield defenders and put up uncontested jumpers.
The Cavs will most likely go with Kyrie Irving at number one, but might still have a chance at Williams with the fourth pick.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams
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With an already very young, athletic team, the Minnesota Timberwolves will add to that youth by selecting Derrick Williams out of the University of Arizona.
The Cavaliers will debate on whether to pick Kyrie Irving or Williams, but in the final minute will go with Irving.
The Timberwolves plan all along will be to snatch up whoever the Cavaliers don't take and that will most likely be Derrick Williams.
Williams will be an excellent complement to All-Star forward Kevin Love down low.
If the Timberwolves can continue to build for the long term, Love and Williams will be an excellent one-two punch.
However, this may all be to boot because of recent rumors that the Cavaliers are attempting to trade up to get this number two pick.
3. Utah Jazz (from New Jersey): Brandon Knight
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The sudden departure of Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets provided the Utah Jazz with the number three pick.
Lucky for them, Brandon Knight will most likely be available with this pick.
Knight is an explosive point guard who has excellent speed and scoring ability.
His quickness enables him to blow by defenders and get to the rim. He also has a great jump shot which includes range from three.
Knight also has an unmatched work ethic and his motor is seemingly always running.
The only knock against him is the fact that he forces shots at times. To be a great NBA player he needs to learn to take what the defense gives him.
Being able to mold a rookie point guard around the new system is always a pro for a new head coach.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter
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Enes Kanter should still be available here at No. 4.
With the Cavs most likely already having selected Kyrie Irving at No. 1, Kanter would be a great choice at No. 4.
Having a point guard-center combination is a great centerpiece to rebuild a franchise around.
Kanter is a very skilled post-man who possesses an arsenal of moves down low as well as a silky smooth mid-range jumper.
Prospective teams must take warning of his health in the past. He has dealt with a number of knee injuries in recent years.
5. Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard
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The Toronto Raptors should be relatively relaxed through the first four picks because Kawhi Leonard will be available.
Leonard is a freak athlete who has the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly due to his long strides.
He has great hands and instincts which make him an excellent rebounder on both ends.
Leonard is a high-intensity guy whose effort won't ever be questioned.
His biggest weaknesses are his ball-handling and defensive play.
6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesley
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After drafting superstar point guard John Wall a year ago, the Wizards are looking to add depth in the post.
International prospect Jan Velsey from the Czech Republic will most likely be plucked by Washington with the sixth pick.
He reminds many scouts of current Chicago Bull and fellow international player Omer Asik.
One of the main similarities between those players is the fact that they are raw talents who will require a lot of grooming.
Velsey has the ability to post up defenders and scores easily because of his size at 6'11".
He also has a decent jump shot with range that, at times, extends to the three-point line.
7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker
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With 2011-12 likely being the last season in Sacramento for the Kings, it is crucial that the team drafts a player it can build around for the long term.
That player is Kemba Walker.
The Kings are certainly a young team and looking to get younger.
Walker, Tyreke Evans, and DeMarcus Cousins are a solid, young trio that the front office can build around in the years to come.
Walker's greatest asset is certainly his incredible speed which gives him the ability to beat defenders off the dribble and get to the rim.
He is a terrific ball-handler who is able to score anywhere on the floor.
The biggest knock against Walker is the fact that he's not a true point guard.
Also, the durability of his small frame has come into question many times during pre-draft camps and workouts.
8. Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas
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With the Pistons looking to add a true big man, the answer lies in Jonas Valanciunas.
Valanciunas is a great athlete with tremendous upside.
He can turn and face while knocking down a smooth mid-range jumper.
He's extremely young, being only 19 years old.
However, that means he has yet to fill out his monstrous frame.
With the proper development, Valanciunas will become a great player in the league.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Marcus Morris
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With the Bobcats already being stacked with post players, the team is looking for an athletic small forward.
Marcus Morris fits that description perfectly.
Morris is an extremely gifted offensive player who can score at will and has the ability to knock down the three-point shot.
One of the negative aspects about him as an athlete is that he is relatively slow despite his athleticism.
Morris is a suspect defensive player as witnessed by his rebounding and shot-blocking numbers during his years at Kansas.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks
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With Michael Redd and Chris Douglas Roberts set to become free agents this summer, the Bucks are looking for a suitable replacement.
Alec Burks is their man.
He has terrific speed, evidenced by his quick first step used to get around defenders and to the rim.
Burks can score in a variety of ways, and loves to finish around the rim.
He needs to improve his jump shot before he becomes a full offensive player at the next level.
Burks is only 19, so he is still growing.
He needs to add beef to his upper-body in order to take hits and still remain durable.
11. Golden State Warriors: Donatas Motiejunas
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Motiejunas will be an excellent addition to the Warriors roster.
He's an extremely talented big man who possesses a ton of potential.
Despite his size, he has a consistent outside shot.
Motiejunas has been called lazy at times and isn't always mentally there during practice or games.
12. Utah Jazz: Jimmer Fredette
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Brandon Knight and Jimmer Fredette on the same team?
It's possible.
Fredette would be a great backup to Devin Harris.
As we all know, Fredette is a scorer and will provide a spark coming off the bench.
13. Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson
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Tristan Thompson is a very gifted athlete who projects as a forward at the next level.
He will complement Robin Lopez very well down low.
Thompson needs to improve his offensive game in to be a star in the league.
14. Houston Rockets: Bismack Biyombo
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The Rockets are searching for Yao Ming's replacement and they certainly will have one if Bismack Biyombo is still available at 14.
Biyombo is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end.
He's an excellent shot blocker who truly protects the rim.
Biyombo also gets up and down the floor quickly for a player of his size.
He is a raw talent at the offensive end of the floor and will require a lot work in order to become an effective scorer on the blocks.
15. Indiana Pacers: Klay Thompson
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The Pacers are looking to add a finesse guard to their already deep rotation. Klay Thompson would be a great addition.
Thompson may be the best pure shooter in this draft.
He has the ability to create off the dribble, which gives him a great mid-range game where he can convert on tear drops and mid-range jumpers.
Thompson plays within himself and doesn't often force shots.
He isn't a terrific athlete who is usually only effective in the half-court.
However, he will be a terrific two guard at the next level.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Markieff Morris
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Philadelphia is looking to add depth down low, so Morris is a safe pick.
Morris is a full 6'10" and weighs 245 pounds, so he is naturally tough around the rim.
He is able to use his drop step with either foot, creating separation for a turn around jumper.
Morris also has an effective hook shot.
He also has range out to the three-point line.
Morris can't create any offense in between the post and the three-point line.
He also lacks a variety of post moves.
Aside from that, he will be a force around the rim at the next level.
17. New York Knicks: Chris Singleton
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The Knicks are looking to add role players around Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Chris Singleton would be a great fit around those two players.
Singleton's biggest impact will be on the defensive end where he has the physical prowess to alter shots and make guys force shots.
He is an excellent finisher around the rim in transition.
His biggest weaknesses are on the offensive end where he lacks the ball-handling skills to create opportunities for himself off the dribble.
Singleton is also a very inconsistent shooter.
Despite his weaknesses, he will still be a terrific role player at the next level.
18. Washington Wizards (From Atlanta): Tobias Harris
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The Wizards have the opportunity to grab a versatile big man in Tobias Harris with the 18th pick.
Harris will be an extremely tough matchup for defenders because of his ability to handle the ball.
He has a very quick first step for a player of his size which enables him to get to the rim easily.
Harris will be tough to stop while attacking the rim because of his big upper body and strength.
His biggest weakness will be difficulty guarding quicker defenders because he lacks ideal footwork.
Harris will need to develop a consistent three-point shot to complete his offensive repertoire.
19. Charlotte Bobcats (from New Orleans Via Portland): Marshon Brooks
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The Bobcats are looking for a scoring threat on the wing. Marshon Brooks fits that role well.
Brooks was second in the nation last season, averaging 24.6 ppg.
He is a natural scorer who can shoot the NBA three and create opportunities off the dribble.
Brooks has a number of hesitation moves that either throw off defenders of send him to the foul line.
He is going to have to make a big adjustment to the pro game because he won't dominate like he did at Providence.
Brooks will have to learn how to play effectively within himself as well as with his teammates.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Memphis Via Utah): Jordan Hamilton
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The Timberwolves will have the chance to grab a tremendously skilled player in Jordan Hamilton with the 20th pick.
Hamilton is a force on the offensive end. He has a terrific jump shot and will not hesitate if left open.
He is also great at creating opportunities for himself without the ball.
Hamilton is also an effective passer. He will find the open man and get him the ball.
At times, he will tend force shots. That has been translated into Hamilton being a poor team player.
He doesn't get to the free throw line often, evidenced by his 3.39 attempts per game.
If Hamilton works on improving those weaknesses, he will be a great player at the next level.
21. Portland Trailblazers: Davis Bertans
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Any team can always use a great shooter and Portland can get one with Davis Bertans, a Latvian native.
Bertans is an excellent catch and release shooter who can square up to the basket quickly.
Has enough ball-handling skills to create opportunities, but usually only takes a dribble or two before taking his shot.
Bertans only weighs 211 pounds, so he will definitely need to add weight in order to compete with NBA forwards.
He doesn't often attack the rim which makes his offensive game predictable.
He's a person of great character, so off-the-court problems will be a non-issue.
22. Denver Nuggets: Kenneth Faried
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The Nuggets under George Karl are looking to add to their blue collar team attitude and Kenneth Faried will fit well into that system.
Faried is an extremely hard working player who takes pride in doing the dirty work down low.
He understands his limitations on the offensive end and realizes he's a role player which allows him to work on the things he does well: rebounding and defense.
He has a motor which is always running and is a high effort guy.
Work ethic is something that will never be questioned during his career.
23. Houston Rockets (from Orlando Via Phoenix): Darius Morris
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With the Rockets already having selected a big man with the 14th pick, they will be looking to add a guard with this pick.
Houston will most likely select Darius Morris with this pick.
Morris is a big point guard, standing at 6'5". His size will create mismatches at the next level.
He is a great passer in the half court and is a great player in the pick and roll.
Morris lacks ideal speed, but has an effective first step.
He can certainly create shots for himself in the half court.
Morris is an average defender due to his lack of quickness and struggles running the fast break.
Despite his weaknesses, he will be a great point guard because of his excellent court vision and passing ability.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Honeycutt
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The Thunder are looking for a wing player to complement Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Tyler Honeycutt would be a great selection.
Honeycutt is an extremely versatile player at 6'8" and 200 pounds.
He has a tremendous wingspan which gives him the ability to be a force on the defensive end as well as effectiveness rebounding the basketball at both ends.
He has a developing mid-range repertoire that is only going to get better.
Honeycutt will need to add weight to his frame if he wants to compete with NBA forwards.
His ball handling skills also need improvement.
He is an extremely hard worker which can make up for his physical limitations.
25. Boston Celtics: Trey Thompkins
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With Glen Davis set to become a free agent this summer, the Celtics will be looking for a suitable replacement.
Trey Thompkins fits the mold of Glen Davis perfectly.
He is a great post player with a great skill set.
He has an excellent mid-range jump shot as well as great footwork, making him scary inside of 10 feet.
Because of his size, he is an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor.
He is not rattled easily, which will help him avoid unnecessary fouls.
Thompkins isn't a great athlete, but makes up for it with his high basketball IQ.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Justin Harper
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The Mavericks are searching for another forward to complement Dirk Nowitzki for the long-term.
Justin Harper could be that player.
Harper has a great jump shot out to the three-point line which makes him a tough matchup because of his size at 6'9".
He possesses tremendous speed which gives him the ability to blow by defenders.
Harper is a good free-throw shooter, hitting over 80 percent of his attempts at Richmond.
His biggest weakness is that he doesn't have the ideal speed on the defensive end to guard perimeter players and lacks the bulk to guard forwards.
He will need to add significant weight to his frame in order to be a great player at the next level.
27. New Jersey Nets (from L.A. Lakers): Josh Selby
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The Nets are looking to build around point guard Deron Williams and a great complement would be guard Josh Selby from Kansas.
He does everything well on the offensive end. He is a proven scorer, can handle the ball, and pass as well.
Selby tends to take unnecessary risks on the defensive end, but that comes from being a tough kid from Baltimore.
His attitude has come into question at times, but comes from a very competitive nature.
28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami Via Toronto): Jeremy Tyler
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With Kurt Thomas likely heading for retirement, the Bulls will need to add a big man to go along with Joakim Noah and Omer Asik.
Jeremy Tyler is the answer.
Not much is known about his game, but there is a lot of mystery surrounding this kid.
After high school he elected to play for a pro team in Tokyo.
He's a huge player at 6'10" and 262 pounds.
Tyler will surely be a fixture at both ends of the floor considering his size and rebounding ability.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Kyle Singler
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Singler is an extremely attractive option to the Spurs because he fits in perfectly to Gregg Popovich's system and is a young player who will help offset the aging roster.
Singler is a very intelligent player who possesses a great jump shot.
He has a knack for using an arsenal of moves, including a great head fake, to create shots for himself.
He has range out to the three-point line.
Singler lacks ideal quickness on the defensive end which could break him at the next level.
30. Chicago Bulls: Shelvin Mack
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The Bulls are looking for another scoring guard to complement Derrick Rose.
Shelvin Mack would be a good fit.
Mack is a complete and composed offensive player who has a high basketball IQ.
He is an extremely gifted athlete with a chiseled physique.
Mack is great at creating opportunities for himself off the dribble and has a fluid, consistent jump shot.
He is also a great defender, thanks in part to his size.
One of his only weaknesses is a lack of true speed to get by defenders and to the rim.
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