2011 NBA Mock Draft: Which 2 Players Will the Cleveland Cavaliers Pick?
The NBA Draft is less than two weeks away, but the eventual picks of the first round are still widely unknown.
The Eurocamp occurred over the weekend, and workouts will be going on all week.
Teams have been narrowing down their choices. However, most, if not all, are still figuring things out.
This is a mock draft of the first round.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving
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The Cavs need a lot of work to put themselves back in the playoff race, and one of their biggest holes is at point guard.
While Kyrie Irving didn’t get much playing time—he only played in 11 games during his freshman year at Duke—he should be a phenomenal part of any team he joins.
If Irving can prove to be ready for the NBA, he could be the LeBron replacement that the Cavaliers need.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams
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When your team has the worst defense in the league, you’re going to look for a guy that can help you stop shots and get rebounds.
Derrick Williams is the answer to the T-Wolves’ prayers, averaging 8.3 rebounds a game. He also is aggressive offensively with almost 20 points per game.
While Williams is small for a power forward, his aggressiveness and instincts can help him be just what Minnesota was hoping for.
3. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight
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While the Jazz have Devin Harris, he hasn’t quite proven himself as a franchise point guard, and Brandon Knight could be the answer.
Knight showed his skill at the draft combine and averaged 17.3 points per game with the University of Kentucky. He also is a hybrid, so while he can handle the point so Harris can play off the ball, the roles can be switched, and the two guards could work well together.
He’s a big point guard, a good defender and someone the Jazz could really use.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jan Vesely
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Many drafts have Enes Kanter being taken ahead of Jan Vesely, but I see it the other way around.
Vesely is more NBA ready, and with his improving perimeter shooting and ability to run the floor, he can help the Cavs in more ways than one. He’s a good athlete and a decent ball handler for his size, and Cleveland needs help in pretty much every area. Vesely would do very well with them.
5. Toronto Raptors: Enes Kanter
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Enes Kanter is a stong, aggressive player. The 6’11" center has over a seven-foot wingspan, and at 260 pounds, can go up against anyone on the boards.
While he had to sit all last season, his NBA workout showed his promise as a center that anyone would want on their team.
6. Washington Wizards: Kawhi Leonard
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Kawhi Leonard’s specialties are rebounding and defense. Washington ranked fourth worst in rebounding and gave up the fifth most points.
While there may be more skilled players still available, the Wizards would be crazy to skip a guy who was practically created for them. Leonard can be shaky offensively, but his athleticism and energy will help him improve in that area.
7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker
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With the NBA as much of a point guard dominated league, the Kings need to choose someone that can measure up to the others already playing. Another thing they need is someone who is ready to play professionally. Right now.
Kemba Walker led his team to a championship this year, and his skill on the court can’t be debated.
8. Detroit Pistons: Tristan Thompson
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The Pistons need a lot of help, including a strong forward.
While Tristan Thompson may be on the shorter side at 6'9", he's been great inside, averaging 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.His energy allows him to run the floor and make plays on both sides of the court.
His height could be an issue if he continues to play as a power forward, but his wingspan and length helps him compensate.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton
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The Bobcats should look to build their defense with Chris Singleton. His wide wingspan allows him to cover more ground. His athleticism is something the Bobcats will like, and while Singleton isn’t great on offense, his has a good midrange jump shot and can get hot behind the arc.
His defense and ability to cover multiple positions are enough for the Bobcats to want to pick him up.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Bismack Biyombo
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Bismack Biyombo didn’t do as well as expected during the Eurocamp this weekend, but his stock isn’t likely to go down much because the NBA teams already know his strengths and weaknesses.
While Biyombo still has some work to do in order to produce quality offense, his 7’7” wingspan and athleticism are things the Bucks could use. His NBA-ready body will come in handy when he’s defending offensive veterans, and his averages of five rebounds per game and 2.3 blocks per game will help him as well.
With his offensive problems, Biyombo could be a risk, but a risk with a very possible high return.
11. Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson
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Many Warriors fans may be hoping for a strong power forward to join the team this season...however, with the almost inevitable trade of Monta Ellis, the Warriors need to look for a new guard that can also get some rebounds.
Thompson is a 6'7" shooting guard who ranked in the top 10 scorers in the nation this year with 22.1 points per game.
With his ability to create shots, both inside and around the perimeter, Thompson could be just what the Warriors need to continue their improvement.
12. Utah Jazz: Jonas Valanciunas
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For his 6’11" height, Jonas Valanciunas is agile and can run the floor well, and this 19-year-old center probably isn’t done growing yet.
Valanciunas can make plays around the basket, knock down shots and has good fundamentals.
For now, his strength is an issue and a big risk, but that may come as he gets older and continues to develop at the professional level. If it does, he could be the long-term answer in the middle for the Jazz.
13. Phoenix Suns: Alec Burks
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Alec Burks is one of the best scorers available and is great at getting to the basket and making opportunities.
With the aging Steve Nash becoming a free agent next year, the Suns might pick up Burks to keep moving through their rebuilding phase and into the playoffs.
14. Houston Rockets: Nikola Vucevic
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The Rockets will probably go big in the draft, as they are building around their shooting guard Kevin Martin and power forward Luis Scola.
Nikola Vucevic will be a legitimate NBA center with size, toughness and skill.
15. Indiana Pacers: Jimmer Fredette
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The Pacers’ biggest need is a shooting guard.
While they are set at point with Darren Collison and A.J. Price, they may pick up Jimmer Fredette for his shooting ability. He knows how to create shots, and that is something the Pacers are looking for.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Jordan Hamilton
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The Sixers have a lot of questions surrounding their lineup, but one of the things they need is a scorer.
Jordan Hamilton averaged 18.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and would be a great help in Philadelphia.
17. New York Knicks: Josh Selby
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Josh Selby is someone with a recognizable name, and that is more important to the Knicks than most franchises.
Selby should thrive in coach Mike D’Antoni’s system.
18. Washington Wizards: Marshon Brooks
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While Jordan Crawford is a good young scoring guard, the Wizards could ideally use an upgrade.
Marshon Brooks would be a good fit for Washington, as he’s athletic and can score.
19. Charlotte Bobcats: Marcus Morris
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After going with a scorer like Chris Singleton, the Bobcats will probably go for more shooting.
They would make a good choice with Marcus Morris. The Big 12 Player of the Year led the Jayhawks in scoring last season and is comfortable both in the post and around the perimeter.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nikola Mirotic
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The Timberwolves need another guy down low to help Kevin Love. If Nikola Mirotic stays in the draft, he would be a great addition in the post.
He and Love will be two great guys for Ricky Rubio to pass to inside.
21. Portland Trail Blazers: Reggie Jackson
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The Trail Blazers are loaded on the wings, but Andre Miller could be a free agent soon.
They could pick up Reggie Jackson as their future point guard.
22. Denver Nuggets: Tobias Harris
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Tobias Harris has been rising up the draft boards, and after trading Carmelo, the Nuggets need all the upfront strength they can get.
23. Houston Rockets: Donatas Motiejunas
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By adding the 7’0” Donatas Motiejunas, the Rockets will be adding even more size to their roster.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kenneth Faried
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Kenneth Faried came out of nowhere in the NCAA tournament.
While the Thunder doesn’t have a lot of weak spots, adding depth with Faried would be a plus.
25. Boston Celtics: Markieff Morris
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The Celtics need more help down low, and the 6’9" power forward is a big man that they need.
Markieff Morris is a solid player with skills in most categories. He plays with passion and aggression, and that strength would fit well in Boston.
26. Dallas Mavericks: Justin Harper
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He’s got agility and a good shot, shooting 53.4 percent from the field and averaging 17.9 points per game.
He handles the ball well, and his athleticism makes him a great pick for the NBA champs.
27. New Jersey Nets: JaJuan Johnson
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The Nets are only set at point and center. Every other position is unknown.
JaJuan Johnson can bring some definite power to New Jersey next year.
28. Chicago Bulls: Tyler Honeycutt
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Everybody knows the Bulls need a two guard.
Tyler Honeycutt made great strides in the end of the season and has a great basketball IQ.
29. San Antonio Spurs: Jordan Williams
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The Spurs need a future center to eventually replace Tim Duncan and play alongside Tiago Splitter.
Jordan Williams averaged 16.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game and will be a tremendous help to the Spurs.
30. Chicago Bulls: Nolan Smith
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Nolan Smith will come in to help Derrick Rose and the Bulls keep their energy going.
