2011 NBA Mock Draft: Projecting the Picks for Every Team in the 1st Round

The 2011 NBA Finals have given us nail-biter after nail-biter, which is exactly how some of the NBA prospects are feeling right now. Their stocks are dropping or raising by the minute it seems as every analyst is carefully nitpicking each prospect. We have seen players drop out of the first round entirely as the draft process continues to unfold.

The majority already believe the top four are set in some capacity with Duke’s Kyrie Irving, Arizona’s Derrick Williams, Kentucky’s Brandon Knight and Turkey’s Enes Kanter, but figuring out where they land is a bit trickier than most realize with Cleveland needing talent across the board.

After the first four, though, all bets are off—anybody can go anywhere. Will Connecticut’s Kemba Walker crack the top five?

Who will the Knicks, Celtics and Spurs draft to help them on their championship pursuit next season?

The following are the projections for every team in the first round.

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, 0.5 BLK

Kyrie Irving is the silent-but-deadly, Chris Paul-esque superstar. Although he can create for himself, he is an extremely unselfish player and wants to get his teammates involved. This is the type of humble man the city of Cleveland can get behind.

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, 0.7 BLK

Derrick Williams is one of the few "superstars" of the draft. Although not the toughest player, and clearly a "tweener" in this league, he will provide a spark to this franchise. David Kahn will most likely attempt to trade him or Michael Beasley, but at least the Timberwolves would have a great frontcourt to rely on with Williams, Beasley, Kevin Love and Darko Milicic.

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, 0.7 STL, 0.2 BLK

The NBA point guard is shifting to a highly athletic and hybrid performer. Knight is a fearless and explosive player who will look to penetrate the defense on his way to the hoop. His jump shot is improving and will be an instant spark for this offense. I fully expect the Jazz to try to move Devin Harris, so the starting reins will be given to Knight sooner than later.

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

Class: Freshman

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 255 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

Enes Kanter is the best international player in the draft and will be a superstar in this league—the superstar Cleveland fans will want to root for. He is a charismatic person with a high basketball IQ.

Kanter has the size and strength to play center or power forward in the NBA, but is an extremely talented big man. He can stretch the floor with his shooting range, but also has a great touch around the rim.

5. Toronto Raptors: 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, 0.2 BLK

The Raptors are in need of a point guard and a superstar to build around—why not kill two birds with one stone?

Walker will bring a winning mentality to Toronto after lighting up the NCAA tournament. This is a confident and clutch performer who will not shy away from the moment. He is not a true point guard, but Toronto clearly needs help on both sides of the court. He will become the new face of the franchise for the Raptors.

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, 0.6 BLK

The Wizards need help on both sides of the court and Kawhi Leonard fits all of their needs. He is an excellent rebounder and defender. He can post or face up his defender around the rim. Washington needs to find somebody to fill Rashard Lewis’ shoes once it trades him and Leonard is one of the safest bets in this class.

7. Sacramento Kings: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 240 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

Jan Vesely has a lot of untapped potential and will take some time to assimilate to the league, but he is by no means a project. He has dynamic abilities as he will attack the basket and take flight at any given notice. He also has a great shot with range to stretch the court. He will become an important piece for the Kings during their rebuilding phase as he can take pressure off Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins.

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, 0.9 STL, 2.4 BLK

Joe Dumars drafted a stud last year in center Greg Monroe. Now, he needs to continue bolstering his front and has the opportunity to do so with a defensive-minded stud in Tristan Thompson. He will make an immediate impact as a rookie with his defensive prowess. He is still improving as an offensive player, which will certainly come as he continues to grow as a ball player.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: 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, 0.8 STL, 0.6 BLK

Marcus Morris is one of the remaining stars on the board after lighting up the court at Kansas. He is a solid all-around ball player, though he can improve on the defensive side of the court. Still, he is a polished offensive power forward, which the Bobcats need.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 230 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

Valanciunas could stay overseas for another year, which would scare some general managers inside the top 10. He has the ability to stretch the floor, but also has a very soft touch around the rim. He and Andrew Bogut would make a great force down low for the Bucks as they aim to field a perennial playoff contender.

11. Golden State Warriors: Bismack Biyombo, Congo PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 243 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

The Warriors do not need any more offense with David Lee, Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. They desperately need a player who will crash the boards, run the floor and play tough-nosed defense. Bismack Biyombo is beginning to slip, but he looks like he can follow in Serge Ibaka’s shoes and become a major impact player for one lucky team.

12. Utah Jazz: 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

Most believe Utah is the perfect play for Jimmer. He could become one of the faces of the franchise and would become an instant fan favorite in the community. The Jazz could use another offensive threat and Fredette could play shooting guard. In one draft, the Jazz could solidify their backcourt for the next decade with Jimmer and Brandon Knight.

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, 0.3 BLK

Phoenix is another team looking for the next face of the franchise. I believe both Steve Nash and Vince Carter could be gone by midseason, which means the Suns will need a go-to scorer. Alec Burks is one of the top shooting guards in the class and would be an offensive threat in this high-octane offense.

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, 0.9 STL, 0.6 BLK

The Rockets need to put more points on the board, and Jordan Hamilton may be the best pure scorer in the class. After trading away Shane Battier last year, the Rockets need to fill the small forward position.  He and Kevin Martin would create a lethal duo and light up the offensive side of the court.

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, 0.9 BLK

I’ve penciled in Klay Thompson here for a few mocks and am sticking to my guns here. He is a deadly sharpshooter from the behind the arc and will take the offensive pressure off Danny Granger. The Pacers already have a great core with Granger, Roy Hibbert and Darren Collison. Now they will fill the shooting guard position with a sniper.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: 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

If the 76ers truly want to move Andre Iguodala, then they need insurance at the small forward position. Singleton is the best perimeter defender in the class, which Philadelphia needs in the Eastern Conference. He is a solid rebounder, though he is still improving offensively. The 76ers have other pieces to make up for on the offensive side of the court, but Doug Collins wants to build his team around strong defense, which Singleton will help improve immediately.

17. New York Knicks: 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, 0.8 STL, 1.1 BLK

This is the furthest I’ve had Markieff Morris drop in any of my mock drafts. He is a solid power forward but will help any team on the defensive side of the ball, which the Knicks desperately need. Although he is not the explosive player they might be looking for, he has fine intangibles and will help make the Knicks a more complete team.

18. Washington Wizards (via Atlanta): 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

Washington needs to give John Wall help in the backcourt and Marshon Brooks is one of the most underrated guards in the draft. He has unlimited offensive potential, especially if paired with a talent like Wall. He is a good rebounder at his position and a solid defender.

19. Charlotte Bobcats (via New Orleans): 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, 0.9 STL, 2.1 BLK

The Bobcats need to try to get something in return for Stephen Jackson, who is rotting away in Charlotte when he could help a contender win a championship. Michael Jordan needs another young talent next to D.J. Augustin and Honeycutt is the unselfish player who could help improve this team. He has a high basketball IQ and great intangibles, which allow him to assist his teammates offensively and defensively.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis): Donotas Motiejunas, Lithuania C

Class: N/A

Height: 7’0"

Weight: 220 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

Now that Ricky Rubio is coming to America, David Kahn can focus on building a dominant frontcourt. He already has Darko Milicic, Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Derrick Williams. Adding Donotas Motiejuans to the frontcourt will allow the T’Wolves to have an amazing rotation that will keep them all fresh to exploit other teams. He can stretch the court and a magician like Rubio will easily get him the rock.

21. Portland Trail Blazers: 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

Kenneth Faried is an exceptional athlete, rebounder and defender. The Trail Blazers have a solid frontcourt and need a center after the Greg Oden debacle, but Faried is too explosive to pass up. He would be incredible in this already stellar forward rotation with LaMarcus Aldridge and Gerald Wallace. He is willing to run the floor and can learn from one of the better defensive and rebounding forwards in Wallace.

22. Denver Nuggets: 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, 0.7 STL, 0.9 BLK

Harris is not as polished as the other power forwards, but he may have the most potential of the bunch. He is rapidly improving and is the type of intelligent player George Karl needs to bring in for this Nuggets team. Kenyon Martin is declining quickly so Denver must bring in a power forward to take his spot sooner rather than later.

23. Houston Rockets (via Orlando): 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, 0.5 BLK

I have the Rockets switching to a more offensive-minded team with the selection of Jordan Hamilton earlier to join star Kevin Martin. Reggie Jackson is a bit similar to Aaron Brooks, who they traded away last season, but he can be the spark plug they need off the bench. He has quick hands, can stroke it from behind the arc and is also a willing passer.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeremy Tyler, Japan PF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’11”

Weight: 263 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

Oklahoma City building a solid frontcourt with Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka, but they cannot overlook the opportunity to add depth up front. Tyler is an extremely athletic big man with great size and power. He is not as polished offensively and did not overwhelm overseas despite his superior natural abilities, but he can be a solid addition off the bench as a role player.

25. Boston Celtics: 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, 0.9 STL, 2.3 BLK

I used to have center Jordan Williams here, but JaJuan Johnson is one of my favorite players in the draft due to his versatility. He is amazing defensively with his quick hands and his size will allow him to play center at times for the Celtics. He will learn from one of the best defenders in the game in Kevin Garnett. Johnson is also a great scorer and rebounder, which makes him the total package for Doc Rivers.

26. Dallas Mavericks: Davis Bertans, Latvia SF

Class: N/A

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210 lbs.

2010 Stats: N/A

Davis Bertans may never leave this spot after hugging it tightly in my mock drafts. Dallas is the perfect fit for Davis as he resembles a young Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk would be the perfect mentor for this sharpshooter. Marc Cuban needs a sniper of his caliber to make it back to the Finals next season. Dallas could have two nightmares on the court at the same time with Dirk at power forward and Davis at small forward.

27. New Jersey Nets (via L.A. Lakers): 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, 0.8 STL

I fully expect Deron Williams to bolt from New Jersey as soon as possible. The Nets need to make sure they have insurance for such a strong possibility. Selby did not produce much at Kansas but has the talent to be a starting NBA point guard with his natural abilities.

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, 0.6 STL, 1.2 BLK

Justin Harper projects as a "tweener" in the league despite his size, which is fine for Chicago as the Bulls already have Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer starting. Harper is fine defensively, but will help this team on the offensive side of the court as he can stretch the floor with his range. He will give Derrick Rose another scoring option to take the pressure off him in 2011.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Trey Thompkins, Georgia PF/C

Class: Junior

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 245 lbs

2010 Stats: 31.2 MIN, 16.4 PTS, 7.6 REB, 1.4 AST, 2.5 TO, 1.1 STL, 1.7 BLK

Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess are on their last legs, so Gregg Popovich needs to limit their minutes in 2011. Trey Thompkins is a solid offensive and defensive talent and would fit in perfectly in this rotation. He would bolster a frontcourt that also boasts solid, young talents in DeJuan Blair and Tiago Splitter. Thompkins has the size and strength to play both power forward and center in the NBA and is the type of player Popovich needs to bring in to keep everybody fresh and healthy.

30. Chicago Bulls: Shelvin Mack, Butler

Class: Junior

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 215 lbs.

2010 Stats: 32.1 MIN, 16.0 PTS, 4.5 REB, 3.4 AST, 2.4 TO, 0.8 STL, 0.1 BLK

Derrick Rose needs help in the backcourt after being the focal point of the team in 2010. Shelvin Mack is the experienced, NBA-ready guard who can greatly help this team in a backup role. He has a big, strong body and is an unselfish player. He can play the 2 as well, which will allow him to stay on the court with Rose and knock down treys with his range.