2011 NBA Mock Draft: Will Trades Shake Up the First Round?
With the NBA Draft just over two weeks away, prospects are now fully engulfed in workouts with various teams.
Footage of past performances is obviously an excellent scouting tool, as are the measurements obtained at the Chicago pre-draft combine.
But these workouts allow teams the rare opportunity to see exactly how a player would fit into their specific schemes, both offensively and defensively.
They also provide coaches and executives a chance to learn more about the young men as human beings rather than just athletes.
As these meetings are completed, we gain a much better understanding about how teams feel about certain prospects, and conversations regarding draft speculation become much more educated.
However, the draft is an incredibly tricky event to predict, because it is a prime representation of the domino effect.
Each team's options (with the exception of the first overall pick) are completely dependent upon the actions of other teams, whether that means the actual selection of a player or the trades that will inevitably develop as the draft progresses.
With that said, let's look at possible first-round selections for all 30 teams.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving
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This one has been more or less locked up ever since the ping pong balls bounced in Cleveland's favor. The Cavs have long-term issues with each position as currently constructed and simply need to draft the best available prospect.
While some would argue that man is Derrick Williams, the general consensus is that Cleveland will be drafting Kyrie Irving.
Irving has good size (6-foot-3.5, 190 pounds) and better shooting ability than most point guards when they enter the draft.
He will not be Chris Paul, but Irving is as much of "sure-thing" as there is in this draft. I'm certainly not expecting him to be a perennial All-Star, but in this relatively weak class, he is the logical first overall pick.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams
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This is of course based on the assumption that Minnesota keeps the No. 2 pick, which isn't looking too likely at this point.
The Timberwolves simply have too many young players on the current roster and need quality veterans if they are to make any sort of substantial improvements.
They are certainly not short on assets (Michael Beasley, Wes Johnson, Anthony Randolph, the No. 2 pick) and will look to deal some of them in exchange for quality veterans that can help keep David Kahn employed and prevent Kevin Love from fleeing town.
Despite his insistence that he is a natural small forward, Derrick Williams measured well at the combine and will likely be drafted to play the 4.
He is a near guarantee to go second overall, but the mystery is which team will actually be selecting him.
3. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight
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Utah is clearly looking to add a point guard in this draft, as they will be entertaining Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette in the coming days.
Knight gets the nod here because the Jazz like point guards with size (something Walker is lacking) and Fredette at No. 3 would just be absurd.
However, the Jazz also have the 12th pick and would likely select Fredette if they go a different route with the third pick (assuming Fredette is still on the board).
If Utah falls in love with Jimmer and decides they can get him at 12, they will likely look at small forward Jan Vesely or power forward/center Enes Kanter in this spot.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter
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Anderson Varejao's future in Cleveland is uncertain and Enes Kanter is the logical long-term solution at center.
The 6-11, 260 pound Kanter impressed scouts at the Chicago combine and is perhaps the only potential superstar in this year's class.
However, he hasn't played legitimate five-on-five in over a year, and the only game he played in which the majority of NBA teams saw him was at the Nike Hoops Summit, which isn't exactly "real" basketball; it's an all-star game.
Kanter may turn out to be an excellent player in the league, but he also has the potential to be a Darko-like bust.
Still, he has too many positive attributes to slip past No. 4.
5. Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard
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Toronto may go with Kemba Walker here, but Jose Calderon has done a decent job, and small forward is a more pressing need.
Leonard is raw offensively, and has a hideous jump shot, but he has a 7-foot-3 wingspan, is incredibly athletic, and plays with relentless energy.
His offensive deficiencies can be improved upon and he'll be an excellent defender immediately. He has an NBA body and intangibles that simply can't be taught.
The Raptors may also look at Jan Vesely or Jonas Valanciunas, but their past failures with foreign players could cause them to shy away from international prospects.
6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely
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The Wizards have a promising young core, and Vesely would be a great fit at the small forward spot.
The 6-foot-11, 240-pound Vesely is a suspect shooter (48 percent on free throws. Ouch.) but has freakish athleticism and would undoubtedly connect with John Wall on more than a few fast break alley-oops.
With Wall and Jordan Crawford holding down the backcourt, and JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche up front, Vesely both fills a need and plays an entertaining brand of basketball, something that should have Wizards fans very excited.
7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker
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Sacramento is in desperate need of a point guard so they can move Tyreke Evans to shooting guard, and Walker is the logical pick at this point in the draft.
Walker measured just 5-foot-11 without shoes, but what he lacks in size he more than makes up for with speed, tenacity and heart.
He won't have as easy of a time beating defenders off the dribble like he did in college, but Walker will be able to find his way into the paint more often than not.
Walker is a fearless competitor and will bring some much-needed leadership to the dysfunctional Kings locker room.
8. Detroit Pistons: Jonas Valanciunas
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I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pistons trade this pick in order to add multiple assets, but Valanciunas would be a nice fit if they stay put.
The 6-foot-10 Lithuanian has some contract issues with his European team, meaning Detroit may have to wait a year or two before he slips on their jersey.
But he has perhaps the most potential of any international prospect and would be an excellent complement to big man Greg Monroe.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo
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Bobcats coach Paul Silas recently told the Charlotte Observer that they are looking for three-point shooting in the draft. The uncertain aspect is whether Charlotte will add an outside threat with the No. 9 pick, or hope one is available at No. 19.
The Bobcats need upgrades at just about every position, and I think they will look to add a defensive presence in the paint with the ninth pick.
Quality three-point shooters are easier to come by than elite defensive big men, which is exactly what Bismack Biyombo is. In addition to having a great name, the 6-foot-9 Biyombo is an elite athlete with unteachable defensive instincts.
Charlotte shouldn't expect much out of him offensively right away, but he can come in and defend immediately. Look for the Bobcats to select him here and use him similarly to how Miami utilizes Joel Anthony or the Thunder play Serge Ibaka.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks
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Milwaukee is in desperate need of perimeter scoring to help out Brandon Jennings, and Burks would be a perfect fit.
Burks is a gifted scorer and has the length and athleticism to be a quality shooting guard in the NBA.
He is very skinny and will be susceptible to getting bullied by stronger defenders, but he will add some muscle as the years progress.
The Bucks may also look at Klay Thompson or Marshon Brooks, but I think Burks is the right pick at No. 10.
11. Golden State Warriors: Tristan Thompson
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The Warriors are set in the backcourt and have more than enough scoring as of now. What they desperately need is athleticism and toughness in the post, and Thompson provides both.
Golden State could really use a quality center, but one won't be available at this point in the draft. They would be better served shopping around Monta Ellis to try to fill the gap at the 5 spot.
Thompson is needs to improve offensively, but his defense would be a welcome addition in Golden State. The Warriors were 27th in the league last season in points allowed per game, and David Lee couldn't guard his own shadow.
Drafting Thompson makes sense at No. 11.
No 12. Utah Jazz: Chris Singleton
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If the Jazz go point guard at No. 3, there next move will be to add a perimeter defender. Andrei Kirilenko is a free agent this summer and likely won't be retained.
The 6-foot-9 Singleton has excellent athleticism and defensive instincts. Several teams ahead of Utah are bringing him in for workouts, but he makes perfect sense at No. 12 if he is still available.
13. Phoenix Suns: Klay Thompson
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Thompson has good size and length at the 2-guard position and rivals Jimmer Fredette as the prospect with the sweetest shooting stroke.
He would be a perfect long-term replacement for the aging Vince Carter and would fit well next to Steve Nash on the perimeter.
The only question is whether or not he'll still be available at 13. Chad Ford of ESPN recently tweeted that the Bucks, Warriors, Pacers and Knicks all covet Thompson.
14. Houston Rockets: Marcus Morris
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SI.com is reporting that Houston is aggressively trying to move up in the draft to take either center Enes Kanter or small forward Kawhi Leonard.
Both players would fill a need for the Rockets, who have been looking to replace Yao Ming and Shane Battier.
If Houston keeps the pick, Marcus Morris could be a solid addition. He can play both forward positions and has an incredibly polished offensive game.
15. Indiana Pacers: Jimmer Fredette
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The Jimmer would be a perfect fit for the Pacers, who have a quality young core and the elite athletes necessary to mask Fredette's defensive ineptitude.
Fredette would come off the bench and could play the point with Paul George, or slide over to shooting guard with Darren Collison.
He would also provide some much-needed shot making from outside. Indiana's downfall in the playoffs was their inability to execute and knock down shots at the end of games. Fredette would be an excellent crunch time weapon on the perimeter.
Also—and I'm certainly not insinuating that race plays a role in their drafting process— but the Pacers have an undeniable tendency to draft white players. It's a fact. Hopefully a completely coincidental one, but a fact nonetheless.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Markieff Morris
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Philly's most pressing need is a big man to add to the promising core of Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams and Evan Turner.
Morris would be the best available option. Although not as good offensively as his twin brother, Markieff will be an immediate contributor.
Rebounding is an underrated aspect of the game and is perhaps the skill that best translates from college to the pros. Morris is an elite rebounder, averaging 8.3 boards per game in just over 24 minutes at Kansas.
17. New York Knicks: Marshon Brooks
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New York's biggest need is a defensive-minded center, but none worthy of being drafted in the top 20 will be around by the time the Knicks are on the clock.
The Knicks could trade down and select Jeremy Tyler, but if they keep the pick, I expect them to take shooting guard Marshon Brooks out of Providence.
Brooks is an aggressive offensive player and would be a solid third option behind Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.
18. Washington Wizards: Donatas Motiejunas
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If the Wizards select Vesely at No. 6, then they will have their small forward of the future. Washington's next biggest need is another big man to play alongside JaVale McGee when Andray Blatche decides he doesn't want to put forth any effort.
The 7-foot Motiejunas would make up for McGee's lack of offensive ability and give the Wizards a legitimate scoring threat in the post.
It would be a little odd for Washington to select two international players in the same draft, but both would fill holes in the Wizards roster
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Tyler Honeycutt
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If Charlotte drafts Biyombo ninth, then they will certainly look to add some outside shooting with the 19th pick.
Honeycutt is an excellent shooter and has good size for the 2-guard position.
UCLA has also produced plenty of quality NBA guards the last few years in Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday and Arron Afflalo. Honeycutt could be next in line.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nikola Vucevic
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Vucevic is a 7-footer who would provide some much needed size to the Timberwolves frontcourt.
He performed very well at the Chicago pre-draft camp and has good skill in the post. He could be a nice complement to Kevin Love down low.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Kenneth Faried
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The 6-foot-8 Faried is an absolute beast on the glass and would be a very nice complement to LaMarcus Aldridge in the post.
The Blazers don't have a lot of needs, but youth and size are two of them. Faried solves both problems.
22. Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris
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The Nuggets don't have any glaring weaknesses, and should therefore draft the best player available.
The versatile Harris averaged 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last year at Tennessee and is capable of playing multiple positions.
23. Houston Rockets: Reggie Jackson
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The Rockets already have a solid point guard in Kyle Lowry, but they should take a serious look at Jackson if they hold onto the 23rd pick.
Jackson is big (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), incredibly athletic, and has a Rondo-like wingspan that gives him the potential to become an elite perimeter defender.
Jackson is also a terrific shooter, averaging over 18 points per game on 50 percent shooting last year at Boston College.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Justin Harper
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The Thunder's biggest need is scoring from their interior players, as was evidenced in their playoff demise at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks.
Harper is an athletic 6-9 power forward with an excellent shooting touch.
25. Boston Celtics: Jeremy Tyler
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In the wake of the Kendrick Perkins trade, it has become quite obvious that Boston needs to add size in the frontcourt.
Tyler is a bit of a project, but showed signs that he could be an elite defender in the NBA. He's a lengthy 6-foot-11 and was great defensively at the Chicago camp, to the point that he actually made the other prospects look bad.
Under the tutelage of Kevin Garnett, Tyler could become a monster on the defensive end.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Josh Selby
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With Jason Kidd and Jason Terry aging, and J.J. Barea about to enter free agency, the Mavericks could use some youth in the backcourt.
Selby has shown a lot of potential and would be a solid addition in Dallas. He likely wouldn't contribute much right away, but could be a very good combo guard after a couple years of watching Kidd and Terry operate.
27. New Jersey Nets: Jordan Hamilton
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New Jersey could use some scoring on the perimeter after the failed $35 million experiment with Travis Outlaw.
Hamilton is very savvy at moving without the ball and can score in a variety of ways. He uses his strength and size to post up smaller defenders, and he is a knock-down shooter from outside.
He would be a nice complement to Deron Williams in the Nets backcourt.
28. Chicago Bulls: Charles Jenkins
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Jenkins is a physical specimen with great natural scoring ability. He would be an excellent backup for Derrick Rose and could also play alongside the MVP in crunch time.
The 6-3, 220 pound Jenkins would provide a scoring punch off the bench similar to Ben Gordon, O.J. Mayo and James Harden.
He was phenomenal at the pre-draft camp, and would be an absolute steal if he's still available this late in the first round.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Mirotic
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The Spurs have one of the best international scouting departments in the league and often find gems late in the draft.
Mirotic could be the next diamond discovered in the rough, although it will likely take a few years to get him to the states.
Like many European players, Mirotic has prior contractual obligations that require him to be bought out.
However, if the Spurs are patient, Mirotic could be an excellent long-term investment
30. Chicago Bulls: Davis Bertans
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Bertans is a smooth 6-foot-10 Latvian small forward with a beautiful outside shot (he also looks like he's in eighth grade).
He gained recognition by putting on an impressive shooting exhibition at the Nike Hoops Summit.
He likely won't contribute immediately, but Chicago doesn't need him to. This pick would be made strictly on upside and potential.
