2011 NBA Mock Draft: Complete First-Round Mock, Examining All the Options
The draft beckons, and with it, the intrigue thickens!
As every day passes, the rumors, misinformation and lies get spread thinner and thinner.
Basically, it is tough to believe anything that any team says these days.
But we can gain insight into their line of thinking based on the players, team needs and salary demands.
To top it off, with a new CBA on the horizon and the likelihood of a hard salary cap, potential franchise tag and smaller salaries, it changes what teams are likely to do.
For instance, if your team has a glut of big men that are taking up a lot of salary, are you going to draft another big man in the lottery given the amount of money that will surely be owed to said big man?
Or would you trade one of your vets? Or your draft pick?
There is a lot to think about with this draft, potentially more than any draft before.
So here is how the NBA Draft could shake out.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
1 of 30
The Likely Pick
Kyrie Irving is the consensus best player in this draft. He is quick, can score and can distribute the ball. Sure, he had a truncated freshman year, but in the time we saw him, he was electric.
Cleveland has a lot of holes, but Irving is the closest thing to a can't miss star in this very thin draft.
Other Options
There are rumors that Cleveland is thinking about making a move to pick No. 2 in addition to their first pick in order to grab Derrick Williams.
There are also rumblings that Cleveland could choose to grab Williams or even Enes Kanter No. 1 and then grab Brandon Knight at No. 4.
This should be a three-horse race, however, with Irving slightly ahead of Williams and Kanter.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
2 of 30
The Likely Pick
Derrick Williams is probably the best known commodity in this draft. He is not as electric as Irving, but he is steady, shows the potential to play either the 3 or the 4 at the next level and he is a very coachable player.
However, he is a tweener in a lot of ways and could get burned by quicker small forwards or stronger power forwards.
Additionally, the Wolves have Michael Beasley at the 3, and he had a great season.
There are rumblings, however, that Minnesota may elect to deal Beasley and draft Williams.
Other Options
Enes Kanter is an intriguing pick here. He is an unknown player in a lot of ways, but he has a ton of upside. Additionally, he could be groomed as a future center since Minnesota is fairly comfortable with Darko Milicic manning the middle.
Brandon Knight was an option before, but with Rickey Rubio heading stateside, this becomes less likely.
3. Utah Jazz- Enes Kanter, C, Turkey
3 of 30
The Likely Pick
Kanter is just too intriguing of a pick to let slip past No. 3.
He is big, strong, not afraid of contact and can rebound in traffic.
He absolutely tore Jared Salinger apart two years ago in an All-Star game, and his highlights litter the internet.
However, he has not played organized ball in nearly two years, and the Jazz are very much stacked up front.
This does, however, lend itself to the possibility that they could deal one of their current big men such as Memo Okur or Al Jefferson.
Other Options
There is a real possibility that Minnesota grabs Kanter at No. 2, leaving Williams as the ideal pickup for Utah.
Otherwise, Utah could reach for Brandon Knight, but they don't really have a need for a combo guard and it is way too early for one of the shooting guards, which is their biggest position of need.
Jan Vesely is also an option here.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers- Jan Vesely, SF, International
4 of 30
The Likely Pick
Electric. Dazzling. Impressive.
These are all adjectives used to describe Vesely.
The small forward is a powerful dunker, an underrated shooter and an impressive athlete.
If Cleveland wants to put butts in the seats, Vesely can certainly help with that.
Cleveland needs a small forward, and with Irving already picked, this could become a very fun team to watch.
Other Options
Well, if Cleveland skips on Irving at No. 1, this will most certainly be Brandon Knight.
Other than that, not a lot of other players that should be picked at No. 4.
5. Toronto Raptors- Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky
5 of 30
The Likely Pick
Brandon Knight is simply too talented to let slip past No. 5. He can shoot, he has good size and he is a solid playmaker.
Sure, Toronto doesn't exactly have a gaping hole at point guard, but this could lend itself to some interesting lineups.
The Raptors could play Knight at the 2, keep Calderon at 1 and move DeRozan to small forward for a very quick lineup.
Other Options
Toronto does love international players and could elect to take a chance on Jonas Valanciunas or Donatas Motiejunas.
Some people even have them reaching for a swingman like Kawhi Leonard or Alec Burks, but that seems too early for those two.
An interesting pick might be Tristan Thompson, but only if they have given up on Amir Johnson.
6. Washington Wizards- Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
6 of 30
The Likely Pick
Washington needs quite a bit of help. They have a very talented point guard in John Wall, but they have some question marks up front.
Thompson is a physical big man that can block shots and can get out on the break.
Other Options
Jonas Valanciunas seems like a real possibility here as well, but he is more of a project whereas Thompson can help out immediately.
7. Sacramento Kings- Kemba Walker, PG, UCONN
7 of 30
The Likely Pick
As much as it would break my heart to see this happen as a Pistons fan, Walker makes a lot of sense here.
The Kings have a lot of maturity and leadership issues. Furthermore, they really need a point guard.
Walker fills all these needs. He can score, but he can also distribute. He can defer to teammates, but he demands accountability.
The only question for Sacramento is with his size, but there are plenty of 6'0" players that have been effective at this level.
Other Options
Since Sacramento has questions in the middle with the continuing saga which is DeMarcus Cousins and the likely departure of Samuel Dalembert, they could take a chance on Jonas Valanciunas or even Bismack Biyombo.
Otherwise, they could reach for Jimmer Fredette, but I don't see that happening.
8. Detroit Pistons- Bismack Biyombo, C, International
8 of 30
The Likely Pick
Detroit undoubtedly has their sights set on Walker, but Biyombo is not a bad consolation prize.
Detroit is looking to change their culture. No longer is it going to be OK to defer accountability and on the defensive end.
The last time they built a champion, they did so behind an incredibly athletic big man that dominated the game without scoring.
That is the type of player that Biyombo projects to be. In a lot of ways, he should remind you of Ben Wallace but with a much longer wingspan.
Other Options
This will be a real testament to Dumars' confidence. Could he take a chance on a potential Darko Milicic in Jonas Valanciunas or Donatas Motiejunas? Sure, it is unfair, but he knows that that is what the fans will be thinking.
Quite frankly, those two are not sure things. And while Biyombo isn't either, he at least does one thing incredibly well right now (play defense), and that just so happens to be a need for Detroit.
Of course if Walker slips to them, he will be picked in a heartbeat.
9. Charlotte Bobcats- Jonas Valanciunas, F, International
9 of 30
The Likely Pick
Valanciunas is a big man with a big frame that will add a lot of bulk if he hits the gym.
He also has a lot of potential, and he plays a position that has plenty of question marks for Charlotte.
Other Options
This is about the time that teams will start thinking about drafting a shooting guard or small forward from the States. Kawhi Leonard is an option, as is Chris Singleton, Jordan Hamilton or Alec Burks.
10. Milwaukee Bucks- Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
10 of 30
The Likely Pick
It's time to admit that the Corey Maggette and John Salmons picks were mistakes. This team regressed quite a bit last year, and those are the biggest culprits.
Leonard plays tough defense, is a slasher and can get to the hoop.
He also gives the Bucks the option of dealing Maggette and try to shore up their bench.
Other Options
Bucks fans will tell you that Alec Burks is a better option here, and I can't argue too hard with that. But where Burks is a scorer exclusively, Leonard can play better defense, and the Bucks need that.
11. Golden State Warriors- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
11 of 30
The Likely Pick
I know what you are thinking, doesn't Monta Ellis play shooting guard for Golden State? Yes, but if you believe the word coming out of Oakland, not for long.
Ellis' name is being thrown around in trade talks, which makes a lot of sense. In reality, Ellis and Steph Curry play the same position and are the same type of player. They need more size at the 2.
Burks is a slasher that is more of a combo guard, but he is more natural as a shooting guard.
Other Options
Golden State is pretty stacked up front, and it doesn't seem likely that they would take another big man this early.
But Jordan Hamilton is a real possibility here.
12. Utah Jazz- Jimmer Fredette, PG, Brigham Young
12 of 30
The Likely Pick
Jimmer Fredette may be the most popular man in Utah these days. And with the team embroiled in what counts as controversy out there, they could use some good public relations.
That being said, Utah has a good point guard in Devin Harris, and they could use a shooting guard. They also have been adamant that they will not be pressured into taking the home town hero.
Other Options
If Burks or Leonard fall to them here, they would be solid picks. Otherwise, Jordan Hamilton could fill a need at small forward.
13. Phoenix Suns- Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
13 of 30
The Likely Pick
The Suns are old. I mean really old. Between Vince Carter, Steve Nash and Grant Hill, this is a team that could nearly qualify for AARP cards.
They need to get younger in a hurry, and they need someone that can step in immediately.
Hamilton could challenge for minutes at the 2 or 3 and provide physicality and scoring.
Other Options
Phoenix is praying that Fredette falls to them here. If he does, they could groom him as Nash's replacement.
Otherwise, they could take a chance on Motiejunas if he is still here or maybe Marcus Morris to provide some physicality up front.
14. Houston Rockets- Donatas Motiejunas, F, International
14 of 30
The Likely Pick
Motiejunas is dripping with talent, and NBA executives have been itching to get their hands on tape of this young man.
His offensive game is still raw, but he is big and has a frame that could carry much more weight.
Defensively, he attacks the game and will be a solid rebounder and shot blocker at this level.
Houston simply cannot pass on this talent at 14.
Other Options
Patrick Patterson was somewhat of a disappointment last year, but Houston likely is not giving up on him yet.
Otherwise, they could make a move on Hamilton if he slips or maybe Chris Singleton.
15. Indiana Pacers- Darius Morris, PG, Michigan
15 of 30
The Likely Pick
So this is probably a reach, but Morris' star is rising these days. He measured larger than expected and is potentially the best natural point guard in this draft.
Darren Collison was surprisingly disappointing last year (I thought he would take off in Indiana), and Indiana needs to shore up their backcourt.
Other Options
Indiana really needs a shooting guard, and they would pounce on Burks if he slips. Otherwise, they could reach for Klay Thompson or Marshon Brooks.
16. Philadelphia 76ers- Marcus Morris, F, Kansas
16 of 30
The Likely Pick
Granted, it seems unlikely that Morris will slip this far. But it isn't out of the question.
If he does, Philly will gobble up this professional player that can play both the small forward and power forward positions.
Philly likely will be dealing small forward Andre Iguodala, and Morris could slide right in.
Other Options
Philly really has a lot of talent, but they could also opt for Kenneth Faried or Chris Singleton.
17. New York Knicks- Kenneth Faried, F, Morehead State
17 of 30
The Likely Pick
The Knicks really need toughness and defensive playmakers.
Faried is a tough, defensive playmaker.
Enough said.
Other Options
The Knicks are set at small forward and Amar'e Stoudamire is the future of the franchise up front. Chauncey Billups is still effective, but if Darius Morris slips to them here, look for New York to take a long look at him.
18. Washington Wizards- Tyler Honeycutt, SF, UCLA
18 of 30
The Likely Pick
Washington is pretty set up front with their selection earlier, and their backcourt is up and coming. Now all they need is a defensive stopper that can run the court at the 3.
Honeycutt didn't exactly set the world on fire at UCLA considering how highly recruited he was, but he did prove to be a very effective defensive player with long arms and athleticism.
Other Options
Tobias Harris seems like a solid pick here, and Chris Singleton is still looming.
19. Charlotte Bobcats- Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence
19 of 30
The Likely Pick
Marshon Brooks has a ton of upside. The only downside is that he tended to have to take on too much of the load at Providence, and it is hard to tell if he is just the next coming of Eric Murdock.
That being said, he has the potential to be a steal here.
Other Options
Klay Thompson is a pure shooter, and it is not a stretch to see him taken here.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves- Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
20 of 30
The Likely Pick
Thompson is a pure shooter, and Minnesota will need to free up their bigs.
Thompson affords them the luxury of allowing Rubio to operate without constraints and gives him another option on the perimeter.
Other Options
This really has a lot to do with what they do earlier on. If they grab Williams, then they will look for a shooting guard or center. If they go with Kanter, they will probably look at someone like Singleton or Harris.
21. Portland Trail Blazers- Chris Singleton, F, FSU
21 of 30
The Likely Pick
Chris Singleton will be a very smart pick for Portland right here. Sure, they could use a possible replacement for Andre Miller, and they are deep at small forward, but SIngleton is just too talented to let slip here.
Singleton is big, physical and will be able to make an immediate contribution off the bench.
Other Options
If Darius Morris slips, he will be selected here in a second. Otherwise, Nolan Smith could get a look, as could local hero Kyle Singler.
Also, don't discount the possibility that they go international.
22. Denver Nuggets- Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee
22 of 30
The Likely Pick
Harris is athletic, quick and a good scorer.
Funny, it seems like Denver just had a guy like that.
If he is available here, it would be a smart choice for a Denver squad that could use more scoring.
Other Options
This team could also use some depth at shooting guard, especially if they let Arron Afflalo walk. If Klay Thompson slips here, I could see Denver taking him. Also Marshon Brooks could be an option if he slips as well.
23. Houston Rockets- Jeremy Tyler, F, International
23 of 30
The Likely Pick
Jeremy Tyler is gaining steam around NBA circles.
Like Brandon Jennings before him, Tyler went overseas to avoid the NCAA between high school and the NBA.
Tyler is huge with great athleticism and the potential to be a very good post player.
Other Options
Houston has plenty of options here. They are set at power forward, but Markieff Morris could be a nice bench player for them.
Otherwise, Nolan Smith might be a good fit here.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder- Davis Bertans, F, International
24 of 30
The Likely Pick
Bertans, like Morris and Brooks has become somewhat of a chic pick. He has great length, a solid stroke and the potential to be a good defender.
Additionally, the Thunder need some depth on the wings, and Bertans could be a nice backup to Kevin Durant.
Other Options
Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler will be options here, and each have their strengths. Additionally, Trey Thompkins could be a good pick to add depth up front.
25. Boston Celtics- Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
25 of 30
The Likely Pick
Ever since the Celtics dumped Kendrick Perkins, they have been looking to solidify their interior.
Thompkins can bring immediate help in this regard.
Sure, there are questions about his intensity and he doesn't exactly have a great college resume. But his size coupled with Kevin Garnett's guidance could make this a steal of a pick.
Other Options
Again, Nolan Smith would be an intriguing pick here. Ray Allen is nearing the end of his amazing career, and Smith is a solid replacement. That being said, depth on the wings could be in order, and that could make Travis Leslie an option.
26. Dallas Mavericks- Kyle Singler, F, Duke
26 of 30
The Likely Pick
Singler is a smart player that can shoot, grab crucial boards and score in a multitude of ways.
Dallas needs to get younger, and depending on what they do with Caron Butler, they should have some needs at small forward.
Other Options
If Dallas decides to let Tyson Chandler walk, they could look at Keith Benson here. If instead they allow Jose Barea to escape, Nolan Smith could be an option.
27. New Jersey Nets- JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
27 of 30
The Likely Pick
Johnson is a big guy that could immediately step in and replace the likely departing Kris Humphries.
Sure, he is raw in a lot of ways, but you can't teach height.
Other Options
Again, Keith Benson could be an option here but also Nolan Smith if he is still available. That being said, if Davis Bertans slips, look for New Jersey to be all over him.
28. Chicago Bulls- Josh Selby, G, Kansas
28 of 30
The Likely Pick
The Bulls have an obvious need at shooting guard. Sure, Selby could be gone by 28, but if he isn't, look for Chicago to take a long look at the Kansas swingman.
Other Options
Nolan Smith could be a nice pick here, but Selby is more of a shooting guard, whereas Smith is better suited as a combo guard erring on the side of point guard. Also, Chicago could look at Thompkins if he is still here or maybe Benson.
29. San Antonio Spurs- Nolan Smith, G, Duke
29 of 30
The Likely Pick
In a lot of ways, you could call Smith the poor man's Brandon Knight. He is a combo guard that looked impressive when Kyrie Irving went down. He can distribute the ball and can score in bunches.
Other Options
San Antonio could use some depth up front, and if Tyler is still here, consider that a lock. Otherwise, again, Keith Benson could be an option or Justin Harper.
30. Chicago Bulls- Keith Benson, C, Oakland
30 of 30
The Likely Pick
Chicago has needs at the wings, but at the same time they could use depth up front.
If Benson falls to them, they will have to make this pick, especially if Taj Gibson gets expensive.
Other Options
Chicago will no doubt address their shooting guard woes earlier, but if not, Travis Leslie or Malcolm Lee could be options here.
