2011 NBA Mock Draft: Full 1st Round Mock, Will Kemba Walker Start to Slip?

Kemba Walker was the most exciting player in college basketball last season, especially during the Big East and NCAA tournaments. He is a confident but not cocky superstar who is unselfish and will help his teammates grow.

When the time comes though, he knows when to take over the game and has the clutch gene everyone is constantly talking about. He will be a star in the league, but because he is not a true point guard, he is starting to slip on draft boards.

I believe he has top five talent, but he is no longer expected to be selected in the top five. As he begins to fall, he can only be declared a steal for certain teams.

Which superstar-needy lottery team will grab the UConn star?

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

Kyrie Irving is the premier superstar of the draft, despite his laid back, soft-spoken demeanor. He is not flashy on and off the court, but lets his solid all-around abilities lead the way.

He will become a young leader for this team immediately as a rookie and given fans hope for the future. He is an unselfish player with true point guard tendencies, but he also has the ability to create for himself and knock down shots.

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

Unlike Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams is the outlandish, outspoken star who is not afraid to talk himself up. He is an explosive talent with great leaping ability and a fine mid-range jumper. He is very good around the rim and will give Minnesota much needed star power.

Although the team already has Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Darko Milicic, general manager David Kahn would have trade chips to work with by selecting Williams.

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

I fully expect the Jazz to attempt to trade incumbent starter Devin Harris at some point during the season. Even if they fail to move him, he is not the long-term answer as his abilities are dwindling due to constant injury.

Brandon Knight can be a superstar for Utah and the face of the franchise in the wake of the Deron Williams trade and Jerry Sloan resignation. He is a dynamic talent who will attack the hoop.

He has a solid shot and is improving offensively, but we can expect to see him on multiple highlight plays throughout a season.

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

Class: Freshman

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 255 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Enes Kanter has No. 1 overall talent with his size, defensive and rebounding prowess, strength and offensive skills. He is extremely charismatic with a high-basketball IQ. He is already assimilated to the country and will be a fan favorite on and off the court.

This is a superstar in the making, and exactly who the Cavaliers need to move the organization into a new era following LeBron’s move to South Beach.

5. Toronto Raptors: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 240 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Bryan Colangelo seems determined to make Euroball work in Toronto, which is one of the reasons I’ve been putting Jan Vesely at the No. 5 spot.

Regardless, Vesely has unlimited potential and is a matchup nightmare for most. He is willing to attack the hoop with his quickness, but can also stroke it from long range.

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

Kawhi Leonard will provide the Wizards with another fantastic defender and rebounder for their front court. JaVale McGee is already one of the best centers in the league on the defensive side of the court, and on the glass and Leonard would make an amazing fit to help out.

He is also solid on the offensive side of the court with his leaping ability and post-up skills.

7. Sacramento Kings: Bismack Biyombo, Congo PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 243 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Sacramento has a fantastic core duo with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. Now, they add the third piece to the puzzle with the ultra-athletic Bismack, who has the talent to make a major difference as a rookie.

He is a monster on the glass and the defensive side of the court with his remarkable hops and wingspan.

8. Detroit Pistons: 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

Joe Dumars needs to increase the intensity up front on the glass and on defense. Tristan Thompson is one of the best in the class to meet both needs.

Although he is still improving offensively, he has quick hands, size, strength and agility. With Greg Monroe, the Pistons will have two great pieces to lock down the frontcourt.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: 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

Finally, Kemba Walker comes off the board. Michael Jordan has been desperately searching for a superstar to jump start this franchise and Kemba falls in his lap.

This is a dynamic player who, although not a pure point guard, is unselfish. More importantly, he has the clutch gene every general manager is looking for in his superstar. He will bring the excitement back to Charlotte.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 230 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Although it may take some time to get him to the Assocation, Valanciunas is a steal here for the Bucks. He has a great touch around the rim but can also spread the paint. He would make for a fantastic duo up front with Andrew Bogut. Milwaukee needs to keep bringing in depth up front, and Jonas could be a gem with his unlimited potential.

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

Golden State’s backcourt is set, now they need to secure the frontcourt. David Lee was a solid addition, but Marcus Morris has the athleticism and offensive skill set Golden State is looking for to help him out down low.

He has a solid mid range game, which will allow the team to keep stretching the court on fast breaks.

12. Utah Jazz: 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

It’s difficult to expect Andrei Kirilenko to stick around in Utah given the amount of injuries he has accumulated.

The Jazz will need to find somebody to lock down the perimeter players, and there is not a single better prospect in the entire draft than Chris Singleton. With his defensive prowess, he will step onto the court as a rookie and make a major impact.

13. Phoenix Suns: 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

Alec Burks could be drafted higher, but I have my reservations. Still, he is one of the top shooting guards in the draft and is the type of offensive prospect Phoenix needs as they begin rebuilding.

Vince Carter’s contract is set to expire and I predict that he will be traded at some point, which means Alec can step in and thrive in Phoenix’s up tempo scheme.

14. Houston Rockets: 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

Houston needs defense, but Jordan Hamilton is arguably the best scorer in the draft. He would team with Kevin Martin to create a potentially lethal offensive duo. As K-Mart demands defensive attention, Hamilton will be left to dominate from the perimeter quickly.

15. Indiana Pacers: 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

Although Jimmer Fredette is still on the board, the Pacers grab a deadly sniper in Klay Thompson. He will help stretch the court for this solid defensive squad. More importantly, he will take a ton of pressure off superstar Danny Granger, who has to take on the bulk of offensive responsibilities.

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

Philadelphia was good defensively last year and will only improve in that department with Markieff Morris. Of the Morris twins, he is the superior rebounder and defender.

He will give the 76ers another force up front in the emerging Eastern Conference. He is still developing his offensive skill set, but he will make an impact with his defensive and rebounding skills.

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

New York is constantly looking for superstar talent and big names to sell more tickets and get the fans rockin’ inside Madison Square Garden. Mike D’Antoni has never been one to harp on defense, and the Knicks will blow the roof off the Garden offensively by landing Jimmer Fredette.

The Jimmer has unlimited range and will thrive in D’Antoni’s high-octane offensive system. He will command less defensive attention in New York than if he landed on other teams because Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire are already there. This is a great destination for Fredette.

18. Washington Wizards (via Atlanta): 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

Washington is solidifying a fantastic frontcourt built on great defense and rebounding. They land a potential steal in Kenneth Faried, a power forward with a nonstop motor who will do the dirty work.

He is willing to run the floor and can jump through the arena roof with his hops. He would come off the bench in Washington to immediately become one of the best sixth men in the league.

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

If Tobias Harris was a bit more polished, he would be a lottery selection. He is still rapidly improving and could become a very good player in the league. He shows great promise with his all-around abilities and knowledge of the game.

Every team needs depth up front, and Harris will be a great addition to this young and developing team.

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

Now that Ricky Rubio is coming to the T’Wolves and the team is set up front, they need to focus on getting more shooters.

Marshon Brooks is a fantastic offensive talent with a ton of potential to become a scoring force in this league. As the bigs command defensive attention, Rubio will frequently hand the rock over to Marshon who can scorch defenses.

21. Portland Trail Blazers: Donotas Motiejunas, Lithuania C

Class: N/A

Height: 7’0"

Weight: 220 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Portland needs to rebuild its frontcourt after suffering injury after injury. Donotas has the size and can stretch the paint. He may not be the toughest or most physically imposing player, but the Trail Blazers have enough talent around him to help him succeed.

22. Denver Nuggets: Jeremy Tyler, Japan PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 263 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Jeremy Tyler is quickly rising up draft boards due to his immense athleticism for his size. He is a strong player and will add much needed depth up front for the Nuggets. Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario can never be relied upon for an entire season, so they need to address that.

Tyler has the ability to stretch the floor despise his size, which is always a plus for George Karl’s offense.

23. Houston Rockets (via Orlando): Josh Selby, Kansas PG

Class: Freshman

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 194 lbs

2010 Stats: 35.0 MIN, 7.9 PTS, 2.2 REB, 2.2 AST, 2.0 TO, .8 STL

Houston is building a solid foundation with Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and Jordan Hamilton earlier in the draft. They now land their next point guard of the future to create a solid tandem with Goran Dragic.

Although not a pure point guard, Selby has great size, athleticism and defensive capabilities. Going with the flow of this offensive theme, he is an aggressive scorer with solid range.

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

Honeycutt is an unselfish player who will be willing to get the ball in Kevin Durant’s hands. With only so many shots to go around between Durant and Russell Westbrook, Honeycutt is a solid addition as he will not be looking to shoot much.

He is a solid rebounder and great defender, which the Thunder need to get to the NBA Finals.

25. Boston Celtics: Jordan Williams, Maryland C

Class: Senior

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 247 lbs

2010 Stats: 32.5 MIN, 16.9 PTS, 11.8 REB, .6 AST, 1.6 TO, .7 STL, 1.4 BLK

Although Jordan Williams’ stock is dropping, he was still one of the premier rebounding and defensive centers in college basketball.

He can be a monster in the paint and I think Boston would be the prime destination for him to begin his career. This veteran team will push him to hone his abilities to help them succeed in the postseason.

26. Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans, Latvia SF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210 lbs

2010 Stats: N/A

Bertans resembles a young Dirk Nowitzki with his lights out shooting and unlimited range. There may not be a better mentor in the league for Davis than Dirk himself. He will help him assimilate to America and the Association.

Dallas needs young shooters, and Bertans is the perfect fit for this team. 

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

Reggie Jackson is not a pure point guard, so he will be able to stay on the floor with Deron Williams to stretch the floor with his range. If Deron decides to split, New Jersey would at least have a solid ball handler who is willing to distribute.

Jackson is improving offensively and defensively, but he has quick hands to swipe the ball away.

28. Chicago Bulls (from Miami): 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

Derrick Rose took on just about all of the offensive responsibilities this past season on his way to becoming the league MVP. Yet the Bulls need another option.

Harper is more of a shooting power forward than a defensive presence, although he is a solid shot blocker. He can help stretch the court for Chicago.

29. San Antonio Spurs: 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

Tim Duncan is aging rapidly, which means it's time Gregg Popovich begins to limit his minutes with young talent. DeJuan Blair and Tiago Splitter are great up front and JaJuan Johnson will be an amazing addition.

Johnson is a great rebounder and scorer as he can face or post up his opponents and stretch the floor with his shooting. He is one of the best defensive prospects in the draft with his quick hands and wingspan that allow him to block a ton of shots.

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

I stick by my belief that Chicago should draft Nolan Smith to backup Derrick Rose. He is a smart, experienced and unselfish player who would be able to guide this team when Rose is on the bench.

He and Rose could also play together at the same time because Nolan can play off the ball. He is a willing passer but can also shoot the rock.