2011 NBA Mock Draft: The Caveliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz Shape the Draft

Brandon DennisJun 22, 2011

The 2011 NBA Draft is tomorrow. The top pick of most drafts is often decided weeks before the draft even takes place.

This year, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the top pick. It has been widely believed they will take Duke's Kyrie Irving with the top overall selection. The fact there are still reports that they are undecided (as well as those saying they've decided on Irving) leaves the possibility more and more likely they may decide to go in a different direction.

Will the Cavs take Irving or Arizona's Derrick Williams? Much will be debated and discussed from now until the draft, but the only thing certain is that the cloud of uncertainties hanging over the draft will be cleared tomorrow as the picks unfold.

1. Cavs: Kyrie Irving

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Even with all of the talk of what the Cavs will do, I do not see them passing on Irving. I believe the uncertainty has more to do with finding out potential options for the fourth pick.

By not saying they are taking Irving, the Cavs force teams to prepare for both scenarios, which allows the Cavs to explore all the possibilities and options they have with the fourth pick.

This may be to see if they can take Williams and still get Knight with the fourth pick, but that just seems a bit risky with the Jazz, who apparently are high on Knight, holding the third pick.

2. Timberwolves: Derrick Williams

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Multiple reports say that if the Cavs do, in fact, take Irving, and the Timberwolves are unable to receive a deal they like for the second pick, they will take Williams.

Taking Williams is a better pick for the Wolves than if the Cavs take Williams and they are left with Irving at the top of their board. Minnesota just brought Ricky Rubio over from Spain, and he is seen as their PG of the future. Michael Beasley is a nice piece for their team, but is expendable.

If Irving is on the board, I do not see the Wolves taking him. I see them scrambling to trade out of the pick or taking Enes Kanter. But then again, president David Kahn LOVES drafting PGs, so he may just be inclined to pick another one.

Possible trade scenarios include the Suns trading Marcin Gortat and the 13th pick for the second pick. It has also been reported that they have discussed Steve Nash for the second pick, which does not seem like it will happen.

The Wizards are in talks, but that seems dependent on whether they will add Javale McGee to the deal, which they seem reluctant to do at this point.

The Jazz could be another option, looking to move up one spot by offering the third overall pick and perhaps Raja Bell, whom Minnesota expressed interest in at the trade deadline last season.

The Cavs could also be in the hunt, but may not have the pieces Minnesota is looking for.

3. Jazz: Brandon Knight

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If Irving or Williams somehow drop here, it is a no-brainer for the Jazz.

If not, I see them taking Knight, who is the youngest player in the draft and has a lot of potential.

If the Jazz are not completely sold on Knight or another player, I see them looking to trade down.

Possible trade options for the third pick include the Wizards, who could offer up their sixth and 18th picks, and maybe a second round pick, to give them a chance at getting Kanter.

The Cavs could also be an option, depending on how high they are on a player and the chances they think the Jazz have of taking that player. They could offer their fourth pick and a second-rounder to be sure they get the player they want.

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4. Cavs: Enes Kanter

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The Cavs were also reportedly interested in Jonas Valanciunas, but his contract situation will most likely turn them away.

The Cavs reportedly are trying to trade up for the 2nd pick as well, but at this point it seems unlikely.

If the Cavs do happen to take Williams with the top pick, I do not see them taking Kanter here. They will be looking to add a PG, most likely Brandon Knight. This may require them to trade with the Jazz, or if they are equally high on Kemba Walker, they can sit back and see which one is available with the fourth pick.

Kanter would provide them with a center to play alongside J.J. Hickson. With both Irving and Kanter, the Cavs will have some solid pieces to begin getting over LeBron.

5. Raptors: Kemba Walker

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Brandon Knight, if he falls this far, will apparently not make it past the Raptors. If he doesn't, though, I do not see why they would not take Walker, who is a different type of player than Knight, but is rated just as high.

Jan Vesely is another option here, but with Ed Davis being drafted in the first round last year, I see PG as a bigger need than PF. I see Kawhi Leonard as a more likely scenario if the Raptors do not take Walker.

6. Wizards: Jan Vesely

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If the Wizards decide against trading up, or are unable to, I see Vesely as the pick.

He would provide the Wizards with a high-flying, throw-it-down-in-your-face player that could bring a lot of excitement to the fans. He cannot shoot, but he is athletic and versatile.

Leonard could also be a possibility. His defensive toughness is much needed in D.C., as the Wizards have been a terrible defensive team for years.

7. Kings: Jimmer Fredette

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I make this pick based completely on reports that the Maloof brothers are extremely high on Jimmer. As the owners of the team, if they want someone who is available with this pick, they can demand it and make it happen.

There are also reports the Spurs are dangling Tony Parker for a lottery selection. This could be enticing for the Kings, as both Knight and Walker are off the board, and Parker would provide them with a veteran PG with championship experience.

8. Pistons: Bismack Biyombo

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The Pistons have experience developing defensive talent that comes with zero production offensively. It worked out quite nicely with Ben Wallace, and could work out with Biyombo, who has the ability to dominate the paint defensively.

This pick does come with risks, as his age could drastically lower his ceiling, depending on how old he is. His complete lack of offensive skill puts all the risk on the defensive end. If he develops, he could be a great pick; if not, he could be Hasheem Thabeet 2.0.

9. Bobcats: Kawhi Leonard

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The Bobcats traded their do-it-all player in Gerald Wallace last season to the Blazers. If Leonard is still available with this pick, he should be able to fill that void.

Leonard is a tough, athletic defender and rebounder. He struggled at times offensively, but showed off a solid jump shot to scouts. If this jump shot was no fluke, Leonard would be a steal this late in the draft.

10. Bucks: Klay Thompson

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The Bucks need a shooter who can stretch the floor. Thompson is excellent from range, and has good size to go along with it.

The addition of Thompson could help the Bucks get back to the playoffs, with Jennings' ability to get into the paint, Bogut playing down low, and Thompson's ability to shoot giving them a solid deep option to keep teams honest.

There have been reports the Bucks have offered Bogut for the second pick, but I do not see this taking place, as Bogut has been solid on both ends of the floor when he has been healthy. The only concern may be how Bogut is able to play after coming back from his elbow injury. If they do not see him recovering, they may try to trade him now while his stock is high.

11. Warriors: Tristan Thompson

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Thompson is a bit raw offensively, but is solid on the defensive end. With Thompson's ability to grab offensive rebounds, it gives Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis (if he's still on the team) more shots, which could be dangerous for opposing teams.

With Thompson, Ekpe Udoh and David Lee, the Warriors will have a solid interior to compete with.

12. Jazz: Alec Burks

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There is a good chance Burks is off the board at this point, but if he is not, I see the Jazz quickly grabbing him. He is an athletic SG and a great slasher.

He only shot 29 percent from three, but his form and solid FT percentage (82.5) suggest he can quickly develop range on his shot, which would make him a dangerous option offensively.

If Burks is gone, I see the Jazz selecting Chris Singleton, who's ability to guard three positions would be a solid addition to the Jazz. Jimmer is also an option if the Jazz do go big with their first pick and he is still on the board.

13. Suns: Marcus Morris

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If the Suns are unable to trade up, Morris would be a great pick here. He would be able to step in right away and contribute. If the Suns decide they want to make one last run in the playoffs, Morris would contribute more than any other player available at this spot.

14. Rockets: Jonas Valanciunas

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Valanciunas would be a steal this late in the draft. The only reason he would still be available this late is other teams being scared off due to his contract situation.

He would provide the Rockets with a center to replace the oft-injured Yao Ming. Valanciunas may not be in a Houston uniform next season, but if he does, he has the ability to be one of the best players in this year's draft.