NBA Draft 2011: 4 Reasons Derrick Williams Is Better Than Kyrie Irving

Arizona's Derrick Williams and Duke's Kyrie Irving are expected to be the top two picks in the NBA draft next week. 

Even though many believe that Irving will be taken first by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Williams is probably the better player. Here are the top five reasons why that may be and why the Cavs should think hard before pulling the trigger.

Versatilty

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against Mason Plumlee #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 i

Derrick Williams is built to play both of the forward positions. He has the 6'9" height and back-to-the-basket game to play in the post.

His shooting ability and slashing skills allow him to play on the wing as well. In the NBA, he'll likely spend most of his time playing small forward. But he will definitely slide over to the four on occasion.

Kyrie Irving is probably limited to just the point guard position. While he's tall for a point guard (6-3), he's still a little small to play shooting guard for extended time. He still needs to add some strength, so that will be a factor as well.

Experience

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on from the bench against the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 26, 2011 in Anaheim, Cal

When it comes to NCAA level experience Derrick Williams, has the massive edge over Kyrie Irving. Williams played two seasons at Arizona.

Not only did Irving spend twice as little time at Duke, he also missed a lot of games due to injury his freshman year. He only played 11 collegiate games to Williams' 69.

Williams has a lot more experience under his belt and that definitely helped strengthen his game. As a result, he is probably more NBA ready than Irving.

NBA Readiness

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts to a play against the Memphis Tigers during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Tom Penning

As stated before, Derrick Williams is probably more prepared for the professional level than Kyrie Irving.

Aside from his wider range of experience, his body is better constructed for NBA competition. He has enough muscle to match up against pro forwards.

Irving still has to bulk up a little before he becomes the best he can be.

Williams' athleticism will help his transition into the league as well. That will make him a competitor, even when he's still adjusting to NBA play. Irving isn't quite the athlete that Williams is, and he'll have to rely on his intangibles that are still developing early on.

More Polsihed Offensive Game

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats goes up for a shot against the Memphis Tigers during the second round game of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Rona

Derrick Williams can score in a number ways. He is a threat to score at all times at any capacity. His mindset to put the ball in the basket is really effective.

While his passing makes up for it a little, Kyrie Irving's scoring ability is not up there with Williams'. His jump shot is not super consistent and he occasionally loses control when driving into the lane.