2011 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-15

Here's a look at the first half of the 2011 NBA Mock Draft:


1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

The Cavs have Baron Davis, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know he’s not the future. Irving is the best of a shallow draft class.

2.  Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona

With Rubio agreeing to finally play for the Wolves, missing out on the No. 1 pick doesn’t sting as bad. They don’t need another four, but Williams is too good to pass up. Dealing the No. 2 pick remains a strong likelihood.

3.  Utah Jazz – Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

Kemba Walker made noise in the NCAA Tournament, but Knight has better size for the NBA game. Steph Curry is proving people wrong, but he’s more the exception than the rule. Devin Harris is an injury risk, but would allow Knight not to be rushed into too big of a role too soon.

4.  Cleveland Cavaliers – Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky

Talent out and talent in for Kentucky. After five first-rounders last year, two go in the top four picks.  The Cavs added their point guard with the first pick, now they add a solid big.

5.  Toronto Raptors – Kemba Walker, PG, UConn

The Raptors have Jose Calderon for two more years, and Jerryd Bayless looked solid at times. With shooting guard (DeMar DeRozan), center (Andrea Bargnani) and power forward (Ed Davis and Amir Johnson) situated, it’s a good time to add depth at point guard.

6.  Washington Wizards – Jan Vesely, SF/PF, Czech Republic

Besides looking like the dude (Jesse Eisenberg) that played the dude (Mark Zuckerberg) that invented Facebook, Vesely figures to be a solid small forward in the NBA. This year’s crop of players truly has an international feel.

7.  Sacramento Kings – Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo

Biyombo can help Cousins patrol the paint, allowing last year’s rookie sensation to focus more on his offensive game.

8.  Detroit Pistons – Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State

The Pistons will have a void at small forward if Tayshaun Prince does not return. Leonard has the athleticism to play the three and is rugged enough to slide over to the four. Leonard averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 years in his two years at SDSU.

9.  Charlotte Bobcats – Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

No offense to Kwame Brown, who played well at times last year, but the Bobcats need improvement in the middle. He is a bit of a project, but has great promise.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

The Bucks don’t have a particular hole to fill, but have their biggest need at the shooting guard position. Burks has ideal size and athleticism and a scoring touch, averaging 17.1 as a freshman and 20.5 as a sophomore.

11.  Golden State Warriors – Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU

Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis both have injury concerns. Fredette would give them a scorer that can hit from anywhere on the floor.

12.  Utah Jazz – Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas

Morris has the ability to play either forward positions, but is more suited for small forward in the NBA. He joins Paul Milsap, Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors to form a solid frontcourt.

13.  Phoenix Suns – Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State

Mychal Thompson’s son averaged 22.1 points per game in his junior year. He has good size and a pure jump shot. With an $18 million option on Vince Carter and 38-year-old Grant Hill entering free agency, the Suns have a void at the two-guard.

14. Houston Rockets – Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania

The Rockets don’t have any glaring holes, but the could use some more size in the middle. At seven-feet and a lefty he could give Houston a nice scoring touch on the offensive side and an interior presence on the defensive side.

15.  Indiana Pacers – Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State

There are some rumblings that Danny Granger could be moved in a draft day trade. Singleton could soften the blow and provide a defensive spark at small forward.


Click here to check out picks 16-30.