2011 NBA Mock Draft: Irving One, Williams Two, Who's Next?

The 2011 NBA draft has been labeled as one of weaker drafts. Kyrie Irving has been penciled in as the top pick with Derrick Williams to follow, but the rest remains a mystery.

Teams like the Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards face dilemmas regarding who they will select, while prospects such as Enes Kanter, Brandon Knight, and Kemba Walker can only wait restlessly as they ponder their futures. 

With trade rumors arising, the task of composing an accurate mock draft is virtually impossible. The NBA draft is upon us, but as draft day approaches the uncertainty only mounts.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers—Kyrie Irving, Duke

The prospect of Irving as the top pick remains imminent. While I have written Irving is no elite prospect, he’s the best player this draft has to offer, and the surest thing. Even though Irving may never become elite, it’s almost certain he’ll have a long career at the point guard position—which is necessary for a contending team, especially in this point guard driven league.

Irvin has been often compared to Hornet’s point guard Chris Paul, and while he’s a tier below Paul, he brings some of the same skills. Irving’s a facilitator, with great speed and a decent jump shot.

Irving should bring the Cavaliers what they need—young talent to build around and jumpstart the post LeBron James era.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves—Derrick Williams, Arizona

Williams is the most athletic player in the draft, and he’d certainly be the best player available when Minnesota picks.

Unlike Irving, Williams has taken an improbable route to the top of the draft. Relatively unknown, Williams wasn’t on any top 100 lists coming out of highschool. He rose to prominence as a sophomore, leading Arizona to impressive tournament wins against Texas and Duke, as well as an elite eight berth.

Williams shot the ball very well at Arizona—over 56% from behind the arc—and emerged as one of the most efficient players in the nation. Williams stands as a match-up nightmare, as he can post up those smaller than him, while blowing by bigger forwards and centers.

Williams has been adamant in saying he’s a small forward, but most scouts view him as a power forward. The Timberwolves will likely try to play Williams at small forward, but if it turns out that he’s stuck at the power forward position, they’ll have a problem. Kevin Love has played the position effectively since coming to the league.     

3. Utah Jazz—Enes Kanter, Turkey

This becomes the one domino that will shape the rest of the first round.

Utah is faced with the dilemma of drafting for need or taking the best player on the board. If Utah chose the former, Brandon Knight of Kentucky would be the pick. After the sale of Deron Williams the jazz were left with a void at the point guard position, and Knight could be an upgrade over Devin Harris.

When picking this high, however, you take the best player on the board, which would be Enes Kanter. Most scouts have had a difficult time evaluating Kanter—he hasn’t played an actual basketball game in over a year.

His last appearance was at the Nike Hoops Summit where he scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Kanter has a very strong frame, great size at 6’11” to play both big positions, and a great motor.

Kanter should fit in Utah’s backcourt playing alongside Derrick Favors, giving the Jazz a young backcourt to build around.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers—Jonas Valanciunas

The Cavs would be hoping that Kanter slides this far, but it seems they’re going after a big man regardless.

Valanciunas is one of many prospects we simply don’t know much about. A 19 year old Lithuanian who can play center, Valanciunas’ efficient play is what made him stand out in Europe. Valanciunas shot 70% in the Euroleague while playing for Rytas. His great motor and soft hands make him a terrific finisher who can play in the pick and roll with Kyrie Irving.

One concern regarding the Lithuanian big man is that his club, Rytas, would prefer to keep him. It is rumored that if he were granted a buy-out, it would allow him to play in the NBA a year from now, therefore missing a season. Granted, it could be a shortened year due to the lockout, but Cleveland needs help now.

If Kanter is available, the Cavs will take him—but Jan Vesely is also in the mix here.

5. Toronto Raptors—Brandon Knight, Kentucky

The Raptors are desperate for help at the point guard position. Knight emerged as a big shot maker during the NCAA tournament. He is also a big point guard whom some scouts compare to Rajon Rondo.

An upgrade over the current Raptors situation at point guard, Knight will need to improve his decision making if he wants to become a successful NBA point guard. Knight could pay dividends for the Raptors and eventually become their franchise point guard.

Kemba Walker is also a strong possibility here.

6. Washington Wizards—Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State

The Wizards need to add some toughness while also adding a skillful player to go along with John Wall.

Leonard fits the bill. Leonard will bring offensive versatility on both ends of the floor and he can play both forward positions effectively, scoring both facing up and posting up—while guarding several positions.

This Wizards team lacks a certain toughness that Leonard would certainly provide. The California native has drawn several comparisons to Portland Trail Blazers forward Gerald Wallace.

Leonard will serve as the perfect complementary piece to John Wall, while giving the Wizards a defensive presence both inside and on the perimeter.

7. Sacramento Kings—Kemba Walker

Drafting a point guard would allow the Kings to permanently move Tyreke Evans to his true position, shooting guard. At 6’1”, many view Walker as a third guard off the bench type, but Walker is a proven winner with all the desirable intangibles—it’s tough to doubt him. Walker would serve as a great complementary piece to Tyreke Evans, but he must improve his point guard skills and decision making.

Kings GM Geoff Petrie can’t afford to make a mistake here. Walker is the safest pick, but the Kings will also look at Jimmer Fredette and Kawhi Leonard if he’s available.

8. Detroit Pistons—Bismack Biyombo

An unproven big man whom many compare to Ben Wallace, Bismack Biyombo should immediately establish himself as a defensive presence. Biyombo could be the type of player the Pistons need in order to restore the much needed toughness past Pistons teams possessed.

Offensively, Biyombo’s game is virtually nonexistent, but whoever drafts the Congolese big man is likely more enamored with is defensive prowess. Slightly undersized at 6’9”, Biyombo still possess great shot blocking ability and the defensive athleticism which will make him the special defender the Pistons needs.

Listed at 18 years old, many claim Biyombo is a few years older. Regardless, Biyombo could be the defensive cornerstone the Pistons have been searching for. The Pistons could go for Kemba Walker if he slips, but Tristan Thompson is also in the mix here.

9. Charlotte Bobcats—Tristan Thompson, Texas

Charlotte needs to add size upfront. The young and raw Tristan Thompson should do just that.

Thompson’s offensive game is still very raw, and he lacks a true move in the post as well as a jump shot. Thompson can get to the free throw line at a very prolific rate—over a quarter of his possessions resulted in a free throw. However he knocks down less than half of his free throws.

The Bobcats believe they’re not too far from returning to the playoffs. Their last time around they were shut down by an Orlando team that overpowered them through size. Charlotte is thin upfront, and Thompson could instantly give them a defensive presence. With time, Thompson could develop an offensive game, while serving as Charlotte’s defensive anchor.

Marcus Morris is also a possibility here, as is Chris Singleton.

10. Milwaukee Bucks—Jan Vesely

Vesely is not your typical European big man.

Most would assume Vesely likes to play on the perimeter, struggles defensively, and shoots the ball effectively while shying away from contact. Vesely is in fact the opposite. Chad Ford described Vesely as more Anthony Randolph than Andrea Bargnani. Vesely is very athletic, not just for a European, and although he isn’t a great shooter, he’s a tough defender and he loves the contact.

The Bucks, like Charlotte, also feel that last year was an aberration. With Vesely the Bucks will get a tough defender who’s going to be able to score inside with Andrew Bogut. A Bogut—Vesely frontcourt gives the Bucks two athletic big men who could cause matchup problems.

With a void also at shooting guard, both Klay Thompson and Alec Burks are very strong possibilities here.

11. Golden State Warriors—Klay Thompson

Many have compared Thompson to Reggie Miller for the simple reason that Thompson can really shoot the ball. Thompson came into the season relatively unknown, but as the draft process got nearer he saw his stock skyrocket due to solid workouts and an outstanding junior season where he averaged 21 points per game, and shot about 40% from behind the arc.

As a pure shooter, Thompson will fit very well with the Warriors. A team that likes to push the ball and play fast, the Warriors will have two deadly shooters in Thompson and Curry. The Warriors could go a number of directions here,  and even though they have said they won’t trade Monta Ellis, they don’t consider him their answer at shooting guard.

The Warriors could also look to fill their defensive void and add Chris Singleton or a big man like Marcus Morris. Alec Burks is also a possibility, but it seems if the Warriors go the shooting guard route, Thompson is the pick.

12. Utah Jazz—Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young University

One of the biggest questions this draft has been where will Jimmer Fredette end up? Fredette could go anywhere, starting at Sacramento with pick number seven, although he likely doesn’t get past the Suns at pick thirteen.

A folk hero at Utah, Fredette will certainly attract many of the locals who were alienated this past season. On the court, Fredette will give the Jazz a true shooter and a potential point guard of the future. Many questions have surfaced regarding Fredette’s ability to play point guard, and that’s yet to be determined. Fredette poses a huge risk, however. By the end of the night, the Jazz will have come away a much better team, with both Fredette and Kanter.

13. Phoenix Suns—Chris Singleton, Florida State

The best overall defender this draft has to offer should immediately come in and bolster Phoenix defensively. Singleton wasn’t a prolific scorer at Florida State, only averaging 13 points, but Steve Nash should help him develop an offensive game and get comfortable in the Suns’ up—tempo system.

Singleton is a safe pick in that his defensive abilities will allow him to have a long, solid career.  The Suns need defense on the perimeter, and Singleton will certainly help. The Suns could go for a point guard to spell Steve Nash, but I don't see them going that route unless Fredette is on the board.

14. Houston Rockets—Marcus Morris, Kansas

The smaller and more offensively gifted of the Morris twins, Marcus developed as both Kansas’ team leader and go to guy this season. Averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds, Morris showed NBA scouts he has the ability to score effectively and efficiently. Morris has the ability to score facing up and posting up, and this past season he improved his midrange game by adding a midrange jump shot to his arsenal.

The Rockets have a void upfront, and Morris should be able to help with both his offensive efficiency and on court leadership. Morris should provide the Rockets with a long term answer at the power forward position, while relieving Luis Scola.

Morris’ twin, Markieff, is also a possibility here—as is Nicola Vucevic and Kenneth Faried.

15. Indiana Pacers—Marshon Brooks, Providence

The Providence shooting guard is rumored to have impressed the Pacers during workouts, but Marshon Brooks also has a solid body of work over his college career. Brooks averaged 24 points per game last season, while shooting 48% from the field.

Most scouts had Brooks pegged as a second rounder throughout the season. However, his impressive workouts for several teams and at the draft combine have led to his ascendance upon many team’s draft boards.

Brooks will give Indiana some much needed offensive punch. It was evident during the Chicago series that the Pacers could use some perimeter shooting. By adding Brooks they would have two wing scorers in Brooks and Paul George to build around. Brooks will have to improve his efficiency and his shot selection when he enters the league, and his defense is also a worry.

Indiana could opt for a big man in this slot and take Markieff Morris, Kenneth Faried, or Nikola Vucevic. Jordan Hamilton is also a possibility here.

16. Philadelphia 76ers—Jordan Hamilton, Texas

The Sixers could go in two directions here—they have huge holes at the shooting guard position and at the center position. They’ll likely take the best player on the board, which would be Hamilton. In his sophomore year at Texas, Hamilton drastically improved his shooting, and emerged as the team’s go to scorer. Hamilton is a dynamic scorer; he can shoot it from the outside, and get to the free throw line.

The Sixers need to add some scoring on the perimeter. Andre Iguodala struggled this past season, and Jrue Holiday is still a developing young talent. Hamilton should help the Sixers on the perimeter, as he shot 38 percent from behind the arc last season. Hamilton also has the ability of creating his own shot, plus he gets to the free throw line and converts at 78 percent.

The Sixers will take the best player on the board, and they’ll be more than pleased with Hamilton. The Sixers could opt for a center and take USC big man Nikola Vucevic, Kenneth Faried, or Philly native Markieff Morris.

17. New York Knicks—Kenneth Faried, Morehead State

Faried emerged with the reputation of being a tenacious rebounder. Averaging 17 points and 14 rebounds, Faried may not be able to contribute offensively immediately. But defensively he’ll make an instant impact wherever he goes—he also averaged 2 blocks per game. Despite the fact that he’s slightly undersized, Faried will be able to establish himself as a defensive force the minute he steps onto an NBA floor.

The Knicks are looking to get back to a tougher brand of basketball. Faried will help, especially on the offensive boards where the Knicks struggled last season. The Knicks are thin upfront, and with the addition of Faried, they could play Stoudemire at either big positions.

Faried’s presence would relieve Stoudemire. The Knicks could also opt for a shooter, so Donatas Motiejunas, Nikola Vucevic, Josh Selby, and Alec Burks are also options here.

18. Washington Wizards—Alec Burks, Colorado

Some consider Burks to be the best shooting guard in the draft, so this would be a major value pick for the Wizards. Burks isn’t a great shooter, but he’s very athletic. What separates him from other guards is that he has the ability to create his own shot.

Burks shot 47 percent overall, but only 29 percent from behind the arc. Burks also struggled defensively, but he credits that to his lack of interest in defense, something that he has vowed he will change.

According to this mock draft, the Wizards would have come away with Kawhi Leonard and Alec Burks, completely revamping their wing positions. The Wizards would have two offensive threats that can run with John Wall.

Burks fills a major hole for the Wizards at shooting guard, and could be a solid piece to go along with John Wall. The Wizards could also opt for a big man here, Nikola Vucevic, and Donatas Motiejunas.

19. Charlotte Bobcats—Markieff Morris, Kansas

Markieff is the bigger and more defensive minded of the Morris twins. Markieff made giant leaps his junior season and improved his efficiency, as he shot 59 percent from the field. Offensively Morris also improved his post-game, and added a perimeter game.

Morris’ efficiency comes from the fact that he’s a great finisher, while Markieff’s strengths come on the defensive end. He was able to guard most big men at the college level one on one, while averaging 8 rebounds. Markieff could end up being the better Morris.

The Bobcats would have come away a much better team after the draft, with the additions of two bruisers in Tristan Thompson and Markieff Morris. They would have a rebuilt frontcourt which they could further build around.

Both Morris and Thompson may take time to develop offensively, but they should immediately contribute on the defensive end, and add toughness.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves—Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania

Motiejunas is another one of the unknown European big men, and unlike Vesely and Valanciunas, Motiejunas plays much more like the typical European big man.

This left handed big man has excellent hands, three point range, and a post-game. All those tools combine to make the raw Motiejunas a potential matchup nightmare. Motiejunas is still a ways away from fully developing, but with some time, he could be a really solid pro.

21. Portland Trail Blazers—Nikola Vucevic, USC

A player who improved every year in college, Nikola Vucevic could go anywhere from the late lottery to the mid-20s.  Vucevic stood as the tallest player at the draft combine, and saw his stock rise throughout the draft process. Vucevic had a very impressive season at USC averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds. Vucevic has a terrific face up game, and a great outside game. His rebounding has improved every year he’s been in college.

Vucevic has the ability to play center in the NBA, and many have compared him to Mehmet Okur, who certainly played the position well.

22. Denver Nuggets—Tobias Harris, Tennessee

Harris came to Tennessee as a very coveted recruit, he played exceptionally well during his first year at Tennessee, averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds. Offensively, Harris will need to make major improvements regarding his jump shot, but Harris fancies himself more as a defensive player.

I could see him develop into a Tayshaun Prince type, a versatile player on both ends of the floor. Nuggets head coach George Karl should find a role for Harris. The Nuggets could also opt for a big man.

23. Houston Rockets—Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA

Honeycutt wasn’t as productive as some had hoped at UCLA, only averaging about 12 points and 7 rebounds, but he’s very athletic. Honeycutt stands at a slender 188 pounds. He must add some strength if he expects to play in the NBA, but he has very long arms, which greatly benefit him on the defensive end.

Honeycutt needs to improve his decision making—he had more assists than turnovers. He’s a project, but he could establish himself as one of the league’s better wing defenders.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder—Norris Cole, Cleveland State

Cole is a very quick guard who could find himself picked much higher on draft day. Some have labeled him as the Rodney Stuckey of the draft.

Cole improved his game each year he was in college, averaging 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists his senior year. The four year senior increased his scoring average eight points from his junior year to his senior year.  

Despite his size he has the ability to get his shot off and attack the basket. Cole could be a useful third point guard behind Eric Maynor and Russell Westbrook.

25. Boston Celtics—Reggie Jackson, Boston College

The Boston College product had a minor knee surgery in May, but it seems the Celtics covet the junior due to his ability to excel on both ends of the floor.

A very efficient player, Jackson shot 42 percent from behind the arc, and 50 percent overall. The Celtics need some depth at the point guard position as Rondo has played numerous minutes, and Nate Robinson doesn’t seem to be the answer off the bench.

26. Dallas Mavericks—Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech

The Serbian big man faced the highest level of competition in Europe, as he appeared in 56 games between both the ACB league and the Euroleague. Mirotic saw his stats decrease as he made the transition into the Euroleague, but he showed great promise to NBA scouts.

A typical European stretch-four, Mirotic is a very mobile big who can space the floor and shoot the ball. Only 20 years old, Mirotic has the physical gifts as well with a 6’10” frame and a 7’1” wingspan, causing intrigue amongst NBA scouts.

Facing the best competition in the world outside the NBA, Mirotic may not come over for a few years—but by then he may have developed into an NBA level talent.

27. New Jersey Nets—Nikola Mirotic, Serbia

The Serbian big man faced the highest level of competition in Europe, as he appeared in 56 games between both the ACB league and the Euroleague. Mirotic saw his stats decrease as he made the transition into the Euroleague, but he showed great promise to NBA scouts.

A typical European stretch-four, Mirotic is a very mobile big who can space the floor and shoot the ball. Only 20 years old, Mirotic has the physical gifts as well with a 6’10” frame and a 7’1” wingspan, causing intrigue amongst NBA scouts.

Facing the best competition in the world outside the NBA, Mirotic may not come over for a few years—but by then he may have developed into an NBA level talent.

28. Chicago Bulls—Josh Selby, Kansas

A McDonald’s All American, Selby came into Kansas with great hype. However, he was by far the most disappointing player in college basketball.

Missing ten games due to a suspension, Selby averaged 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Selby ignored the advice of many and decided to come out of the draft. Many see him as a late first rounder.

At 28, Selby is a real value pick for Chicago. He could spell Derrick Rose, and eventually develop into a decent back-up point guard. It’s unknown whether Selby is a point guard or a combo guard, but he needs to improve his decision making.

Selby is a very explosive athlete, but he needs to improve his point guard skills, and his midrange game. The Baltimore product has all the tools, but he needs to harness his talent.

29. San Antonio Spurs—Jeremy Tyler, Japan

The San Diego native once fancied himself as the top pick of the 2011 NBA draft, and therefore made the infamous decision to forgo his senior year of high school and play overseas.

The whole plan was a disaster. Tyler barely lasted in Israel, and didn’t even make a dent in the box score in Japan.

Tyler remains physically gifted with a 6’10” frame and 7’5” wingspan. He has impressed scouts in most workouts and interviews, but he needs to mature and learn how to play the game after two years of being a spectator overseas.

30. Chicago Bulls—Justin Harper, Richmond

The 6’9” forward from Richmond had a breakout senior year, and has been rising among draft boards into the first round.

Harper had the reputation of being a spot up shooter, but he’s improved his back to the basket game. Harper does need to add strength, improve his rebounding, and become more aggressive, but he’s a good athlete.

If Harper makes the necessary improvements, he could be a major steal for the Bulls.