2011 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Mock, Will Timberwolves Pick Another PG?
The NBA draft is one of the most interesting sporting events in the world. Starting with a lottery (that is accused of being rigged), the draft becomes an event where bad teams hope to get lucky with their spot, and in turn, their pick.
One of the reoccurring questions is: should we take the best fit or the best player? The Minnesota Timberwolves are a great example of struggling with that balance. Two years ago, they selected three point guards. One has battled injuries. One is tremendous in Denver. One is in Spain.
That's not exactly a great resume.
This year, they will be looking to draft another piece to their puzzle. Will it be another point guard? Check out my mock draft and feel free to let me know what you think about any of my predictions.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG
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This is an easy pick for Cleveland. Even though this draft is considered weak, Kyrie Irving seemingly stands head and shoulders above the other prospects.
He can score, run the floor, defend and do just about anything a point guard should do. Due to injury, he didn't play much at Duke, but that shouldn't affect his transition to the NBA.
While he probably won't be a superstar right away, he has all the tools to become an elite point guard in the league. With some hard work and some help, he could bring the Cavs back to the playoffs.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Enes Kanter, PF
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For an answer to the headline, I'm thinking that the Timberwolves will manage to avoid falling for another point guard. There is a chance they trade this pick, but I think there is a good chance they stay put.
If they stay at this spot, the Wolves will go for a large need: a big-time center.
There are still some questions about Kanter's athleticism, but I think he could be a good complement to Kevin Love. He is a physical presence, and he has a tremendous passing ability.
Although the Wolves will be tempted to pick Derrick Williams, I think they will choose the bigger need over the bigger name. Kanter could be a force in Minnesota for many years to come.
3. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, PG
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The Utah Jazz traded Deron Williams for this pick, and they will use it to find themselves another franchise point guard.
Brandon Knight is a big guard and a good scorer, and his jump shot can take over for stretches at a time. He may not be the purist point guard, but athletic guards have the advantage in today's game.
Knight will be able to play right away, and he will gain experience fast. His body is ready for the NBA, and if his game can adjust; he could be the newest franchise point guard in Utah.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Williams, PF
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This is a no-brainer.
If Derrick Williams slips past the second and third picks, the Cavs have to take him. He is an explosive athlete, and he is considered one of the smartest players in the draft.
There is a concern for his position. He is a little undersized for a power forward, but it appears that he will attempt to play that position in the NBA.
Fact is, Williams can put the ball in the basket, and he can "wow" the crowd with his incredible athleticism. For a young team that struggle last season, he would be a perfect fit.
If the Cavaliers are able to pick him along with Irving, they could instantly become one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA.
5. Toronto Raptors: Jan Vesely, PF
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Foreign players are sometimes tricky to get a grasp of. Jan Vesely, however, seems to be high on a lot of boards. He is a big athlete that can score, and here isn't much more to ask from a lottery pick.
Vesely may not make an immediate impact, but he does have the necessary tools to become a star in the league. Toronto is looking for someone to bring them back to the playoffs, and in a few years, Vesely could become that necessary star.
He needs to bulk up, but Vesely does have the skills to score in the NBA. If he develops a better low-post game, he could become a force.
6. Washington Wizards: Kawhi Leonard, SF
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If you're looking for one of the hardest workers in the draft, look no further than Kawhi Leonard. The San Diego State forward rebounds like a machine, and he continues to work on his offensive game.
Scouts are incredibly impressed with his motor, for it is one of the most important intangibles in the game of basketball. Running alongside John Wall, Leonard could score consistently at the top level.
He needs to develop a more consistent perimeter game, but once he does, he will be a fantastic sidekick for Mr. Wall.
7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker, PG
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In March, Kemba Walker took the country by storm. Starting in the Big East tournament, Walker was the leader for a team that finished in the bottom half of their conference but still managed to win the Big East tournament and the national championship.
He is a charismatic leader, and any team would love Walker's ability to carry his team to a higher level. Sacramento needs something positive, and Walker would be just that.
With a Walker rejuvenation, the Kings may start looking like a better basketball team, and they could even start winning some games. Then again, they are a long way from that happening.
8. Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas, C
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The Detroit Pistons are at a crossroads. They still have some veterans on the squad, but it is clear that they are trying to get younger. Greg Monroe had a solid rookie season last year, and the Pistons will most likely be looking for a frontcourt partner for him
Jonas Valanciunas could be that partner. He can rebound, block shots and finish around the rim. He is another example of someone who needs to put on weight, but if he manages to bulk up, he could become a premier post player.
The Pistons are a long ways away from the playoffs, but Valanciunas could help them turn their fortune around.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Tristan Thompson, PF
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Tristan Thompson is one of the most athletic forwards in this draft class. He works hard, and he earns himself a lot of rebounds.
In addition, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways. Once he develops a perimeter game, he will become the scorer that Charlotte desperately needs.
Even if he doesn't develop his offensive game, however, he has the chance to become a dominant defensive forward. He can block shots, and his athleticism allows him to stop talented scorers.
At the end of the day, he may be undersized, but Thompson is a good enough athlete to find himself some role in the NBA. His work ethic will determine whether he is a star or simply a role player.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks, SG
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The Milwaukee Bucks are on the cusps of leaping into the playoffs, but they need a scorer along the wing. They will find that in Alec Burks.
The Colorado shooting guard has a knack for scoring. He can get to the paint, and he is a crafty finisher around the rim. Once he gets stronger, he will put up big-time scoring numbers.
The Bucks have good pieces, they just need someone to put them over the top. If they choose Burks, they may find themselves an elite perimeter scorer for years to come.
11. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris, PF
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I'll be honest. I would love nothing more than for the Warriors to choose Jimmer Fredette. How fun would it be to watch Fredette team up with Steph Curry and Monta Ellis?
Incredibly fun.
That being said, not even Golden State thinks that is a good idea. At least, it's not a good idea if they want to win games.
Marcus is considered the more developed of the Morris twins, and he can do a lot on the court. He can score in a variety of ways, and he can rebound as well as anyone.
Although he is a bit undersized for a power forward (according to Chad Ford, Morris is insisting he is a three in his interviews), Morris provides an athletic rebounder that the Warriors desperately need.
12. Utah Jazz: Klay Thompson, SG
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Klay Thompson would fit well in the Jazz backcourt. Along with Brandon Knight, the Jazz may find a good backcourt tandem.
Simply put, Thompson can shoot lights out. He has deep range, and he is one of the best shooters in the draft. Knight will be able to get into the paint, but he will need someone to kick out to.
Thompson could be that guy.
The two of them could be a very successful, high-scoring tandem for years to come.
13. Phoenix Suns: Bismack Biyombo, PF
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Phoenix has an odd situation. With Nash aging, the Suns will need a new point guard soon. That man could be Aaron Brooks, but no one can be sure. For now, I think the Suns will go with size.
I'm always wary about players who come out of nowhere. Biyombo, however, is an incredible athlete for his size. In addition, his length allows him to be a good shot blocker and rebounder.
He is considered an extremely raw talent (another raised flag), but I think his offensive game has the chance to develop alongside Steve Nash.
14. Houston Rockets: Jordan Hamilton, SF
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Jordan Hamilton is one of the best scorers in the draft.
He can shoot the ball, get to rim and handle the ball. His body is NBA-ready, and he could make an immediate impact for any team.
Unfortunately, there are some questions about his mentality. He has been noted as occasionally selfish, and his shot selection is poor, to say the least.
Kevin McHale is a hard-nosed coach, and he will have his hands full controlling Hamilton's willingness to shoot. If Hamilton can develop a better shot selection, he could become an efficient scorer, which would be a great addition to his outstanding talent.
15. Indiana Pacers: Josh Selby, PG
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Selby was considered a great talent before the college season. After a lot of struggling, he is ready to leave school and enter the NBA draft. I'm just not sure how the NBA will take him.
He is obviously one of the most physically gifted players in the draft, however, there are questions about his character, and he did not thrive under Bill Self.
Indiana is looking for help in their backcourt, and if he matures, Selby could provide them with the help they need.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Donatas Motiejunas, PF
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The Lithuanian forward is extremely gifted offensively. He is quick, he can score and he can pass as well as anybody. He can also stretch the defense by taking his man away from the basket.
Unfortunately, he needs to put on some weight. According to Chad Ford, he is "rail-thin." That is not a description you want to hear about a forward. If he doesn't put on weight, he will struggle to find success in the NBA; however, if he bulks up, he could become one of the top scorers in the league.
The 76ers could use an offensive force, and Motiejunas' various skills will allow him to make a difference for Philadelphia.
17. New York Knicks: Kenneth Faried, PF
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Although they have Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks could use someone to rebound for them. He is an unpolished offensive player, but he is an explosive leaper.
Luckily, Kenneth Faried already knows his role. No team will draft him looking for him to score. Instead, he will only be asked to rebound and defend.
With Carmelo Anthony and Stoudemire, the Knicks have scoring covered. If Faried is able to rebound and notch a few put backs, the Knicks could become a force in the Eastern Conference real soon.
18. Washington Wizards: Tyler Honeycutt, SG
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Tyler Honeycutt will be a fantastic role player in the NBA. He can defend, shoot and even handle the ball.
Although he can't create his own shot very well, he can knock down jumpers with the best of them.
With John Wall running the point, Honeycutt will be able to hang around the perimeter and hit jumpers all game long.
When you factor in his ability to pass to the open man and to defend, Honeycutt could make an instant impact for the Wizards next season.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Marson Brooks, SG
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The Bobcats need to start scoring. Last season, they were second to last in points per game. By adding Marshon Brooks, they will find a perimeter scorer that they desperately need.
They are in talks to acquire Chris Paul, but I wouldn't expect that to happen. Consequently, the Bobcats need to set their sights on young talent. Brooks can score in a variety of ways, but according to Chad Ford, he "thrives on getting to the basket."
He is a slasher who can finish, and he should be able to help out Charlotte, immediately.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Chris Singleton, SF
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I think Chris Singleton would fit perfectly for the Timberwolves.
They need some defensive toughness, and Singleton would provide just that. In recent weeks, he has been climbing people's draft boards, but I still think he will fall to the Wolves.
He does not have a great offensive game, but Minnesota scores plenty of points. By bringing his defensive toughness, he could help turn the Timberwolves into a strong defensive team, which would facilitate them becoming a rising team in the West.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Markieff Morris, PF
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With LaMarcus Aldridge, the Trail Blazers have all the low-post scoring they could ask for. In fact, Portland is in good shape at nearly every position.
By drafting Markieff Morris, they are drafting a hard-working, defensive-minded rebounder that would complement Aldridge extremely well.
Morris is still unpolished, and his upside looks good. If he develops an offensive game, this could become the steal of the draft.
22. Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris, PF
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This is a no-brainer for the Nuggets. They have an excess of wing players, and they need some low-post skill. Tobias Harris provides just that.
He is a well-rounded player, and he does a good number of things well. With him, the Nuggets could draw defenders in, which would allow their shooters to keep shooting.
Harris is a good (not great) athlete, which would allow him to run up and down the floor with Raymond Felton and Ty Lawson. When necessary, he can even shoot the ball.
At this point in the draft, he is one of the perfect matches.
23. Houston Rockets: Jimmer Fredette, PG
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At this point, we know everything we need to know about Jimmer Fredette. The man can shoot from anywhere.
Flat out, the man can shoot.
Whether or not he can play defense is another story entirely.
If he falls this far (which I think he will), Jimmer will make Houston fans happy.
Although they have Kyle Lowry as their point guard, bringing in Jimmer would encourage some good competition between them. Whoever emerges as the starter would only be a better player.
Although I'm not his biggest fan, I know better than to bet against Jimmer.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Mirotic, SF
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At this point, Oklahoma City does not need immediate help. If they could somehow draft someone to control Russell Westbrook's shot selection, then they would get him immediately. Unfortunately, there is no such player.
Nikola Mirotic can score in the low-post, and he has some range on his shot.
He has some contract issues, which could keep him out of the NBA for awhile, but that could work perfectly for Oklahoma City. They can sit tight while he continues to develop, and the Thunder could pull him out of their back pocket in a few years.
The Thunder draft well, and whomever is selected by them will most likely pan out at some point.
25. Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueira, C
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Lucas Nogueira is a hard-working rebounder that would provide the Celtics with some much-needed size.
Although he isn't a great offensive player, he could complement Kevin Garnett in the low-post. Without their patented toughness, the Boston Celtics were easily bounced from the playoffs. Enter Nogueira.
He has a great motor, which allows him to earn tough rebounds. If he develops quickly, the Celtics might have one last run in them.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans, SF
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Davis Bertans is regarded as one of the best shooters in the draft. He can sometimes shoot too much, but once he enters the NBA, that shot selection should improve.
A team that is in the NBA Finals is usually looking for a long-term project, and I think Bertans fits that mold perfectly. Like a lot of shooters, he needs to put on some weight, but that would make him even more effective.
He may not help the Mavs immediately, but he could be a star for them down the road.
27. Justin Harper, PF
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Justin Harper is a tremendous athlete that can step back and shoot.
Sounds like a pretty good pick and roll player to me, right?
Pairing him up with Deron Williams could do wonders for the Nets. If the two hit it off, they could become one of the most dynamic pick and roll duos in the NBA.
Harper is not the greatest rebounder, but he will be able to make that up by scoring a bunch for New Jersey.
I wouldn't be surprised if Harper becomes one of the best players from this draft.
28. Chicago Bulls: Darius Morris, PG
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The Chicago Bulls have one of the deepest frontlines in the NBA. Naturally, they will select someone for their one-man backcourt.
When Derrick Rose heads to the bench, the Bulls need a strong leader to come on the floor. While C.J. Watson sufficed last season, I think Darius Morris will eventually be an upgrade.
He sees the floor pretty well, and once he cuts back on his turnovers, he could become one of the best backup point guards in the league.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Vucevic, C
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However the San Antonio Spurs use their pick will probably be the right way.
I think they need to start looking for someone to replace Tim Duncan. The great forward looked a little old and slow in the playoffs, which is why the Spurs need to find the fountain of youth quickly.
Nikola Vucevic is a developing player who could really help the Spurs some day.
Duncan might have a few more years left in the tank, but he will need to start training a frontcourt heir.
With time, Vucevic could become a solid heir to Duncan.
30. Chicago Bulls: Travis Leslie, SG
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Travis Leslie is a fantastic athlete who would be a perfect complement to Derrick Rose.
According to Chad Ford, Leslie "puts on a dunk highlight reel on a nightly basis." Doesn't that sound like a great teammate for Rose.
He doesn't have great range, but with a shooter like Kyle Korver on the bench, Leslie won't have to be a great shooter. As long as he can get to the rim and take pressure off Derrick Rose, Leslie will be a successful guard for the Chicago Bulls.
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.
