NBA 2011 Mock Draft: The Year of the Unknowns
The NBA Draft is less than a week away and there is less known about this draft than any in recent memory. Typically this close to the draft the first several selections are pretty well known. This year, despite a general consensus Kyrie Irving will be the top selection, reports coming out of Cleveland are they are still exploring their options.
The second pick, despite reports are it will be either Irving or Williams based on who gets drafted number one, very little is known. Little is known because the T-Wolves do not have a need for Williams or Irving, yet reports say they will either take whoever is left and go from there or trade the pick to a number of teams reported to be in trade talks for the 2nd overall pick.
With this year's draft has a dearth of top-end talent, yet also has depth in solid prospects who won't change a franchise, but can certainly provide quality depth.
With this being said here is my mock draft according to how I see team needs as well as who will be available.
1. Cavs: Kyrie Irving
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The Cavs can say all they want they are still considering their options with the top pick. With Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions being openly shopped they have made it pretty apparent they are going after a PG. Yes they could select Williams with the top pick and go with a PG with their 4th pick.
Doing so would assume the Jazz pass on Brandon Knight with the third pick, or that they like Kemba Walker equally as much.
I personally just do not see them passing on Irving despite what is coming out of Cleveland. Any uncertainty on their part will be more about what they do with the fourth pick.
2. Timberwolves: Derrick Williams
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If the T-Wolves do not trade this pick reports are they are still going to take Williams, despite having Michael Beasley, who is a similar talent.
With Williams here the Wolves will have another piece to begin seriously building around Rubio and Love. Just think in a couple of seasons playing with each other T-Wolves fans may be in for a treat as their team may get over 30 wins!... maybe.
3. Jazz: Brandon Knight
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Enes Kanter is another possible option here, but the Jazz need a young PG to groom for the future. Insert Brandon Knight here.
He is a bit skinny and does not do anything great, but is solid in nearly every category. He started the season a bit turnover prone, but was taking much better care of the ball by seasons end.
One aspect that should really stand out to the Jazz front office is the character of Knight. He does not seem the type of kid who needs the bright lights of a big city and would be fine living in a conservative community. The culture in Utah is unique and Knight is a type of player who may actually enjoy the beautiful state of Utah.
4. Cavs: Enes Kanter
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I have heard some talk the Cavs may consider Kanter as the top pick, followed by Brandon Knight with the 4th pick, but I do not see that happening.
The Cavs could go a number of different ways with this pick by going with a few other Europeans, but they are bringing Kanter back for a second workout and that has to mean something.
He has not played organized basketball in over a year, but has impressed in every chance he has had to show his skills. His last organized game he was dominant against some of the premier big men in college basketball this past season.
5. Raptors: Kemba Walker
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I do not know how much the Raptors like Walker, but they are in need of a PG as Jose Calderon clearly is not the solution. Walker is a bona fide winner. He willed his UConn team to a National Championship despite not having the best team. Walker simply refused to lose. This cannot be underestimated as a winning attitude can go a long way.
Walker has the quickest first step in the draft, which will allow him to get into the lane. This will cause defenses to crash on him leaving the likes of Bargnani open to hit jump shots.
6. Wizards: Kawhi Leonard
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Leonard is a solid athlete and tough. This toughness could greatly help the Wizards, who for years have been seen as a soft defensive team.
Leonard can guard multiple positions and if the shooting he put on display for a few weeks can find any kind of consistency he could very well become the top player out of this years draft.
My only concern with Leonard is he seemed to disappear late in close games, rather than take over as SDSU's best player.
7. Kings: Jimmer Fredette
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I cannot really say anything about Jimmer's ability that has not already been said a few hundred times, but I personally believe this is a bit high for Jimmer despite the shooting clinic he put on through the year at BYU.
However, the Maloof's are apparently infatuated over Jimmer. I do not know how the rest of the front office feels about taking Jimmer this high, but owners tend to get what they want in these sort of situations.
8. Pistons: Jonas Valenciunas
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Jonas is arguably the best prospect out of Europe in this years draft. The Pistons drafted Greg Monroe last year who went on to have an excellent rookie season. Pairing Monroe with Jonas could shore up the Pistons frontcourt for years to come. They will provide an excellent tandem to build around and could help bring some respectability back to Detroit.
9. Bobcats: Bismack Biyombo
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Biyombo is the biggest risk/reward pick in this years draft. He could end up being a stalwart defensive presence every team covets, or he could be another Thabeet and not amount to anything.
The Bobcats need a C as their current center is Michael Jordan's biggest draft mistake Kwame Brown. Biyombo could be a player, who with a little work, could help the Bobcats become one of the best defensive teams in the league.
10. Bucks: Alec Burks
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Alec Burks is a good athlete, a fantastic slasher, and a shifty guard that can get to the paint in isolation. The problem is he only shot 29% from three point range. This, however, can be fixed as he did shoot a high percentage from the free throw line, which shows he has a good stroke. If he develops range on his jump shot he has the potential to be an All Star in the league.
The Bucks also need a replacement for Michael Redd, who has not been healthy for a while now. Burks can be paired up with Jennings to form a potentially dangerous backcourt.
11. Warriors: Jan Vesely
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If Vesely falls this far it would be a steal. He is another player who is very skilled and also arguably the best European in this year's draft. His contract issue is a bit of a concern, but the payoff for the Warriors patience could be huge.
Paired with Curry, Lee, and Udoh the Warriors will have some pieces in place that could help them get back to the playoffs.
12. Jazz: Chris Singleton
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With Andre Kirilenko entering free agency the Jazz are in need of a replacement. Singleton is a shutdown defender, who can guard multiple positions. The ability to guard 3 positions is invaluable for any team in the league. If he can find consistency in his offensive game he could be something special. He has great size, length, and strength. This can be used to shutdown opposing players much of the same way Lebron does defensively.
13. Suns: Tristan Thompson
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The Suns may trade up to the 2nd pick by offering this pick and Gortat.
If they stay put Tristan Thompson could be paired up with Lopez to form a young frontline. Thompson is raw offensively, but his hustle and athletic ability could really mesh well with the Suns up-tempo offense.
14. Rockets: Marcus Morris
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The Rockets do have Patrick Patterson, but Morris could still be valuable. Morris is a bit of a tweener, which could allow the Rockets to give him some minutes at small forward to exploit potential mismatches. It would also give the Rockets a chance to have a small lineup with Morris and Patterson on the court if they wanted to increase the tempo.
Morris can also help stretch the floor and at this point in the draft if he is still on the board, may simply be the best player available.
