Final Consensus 2011 NBA Mock Draft for Draft Night on Thursday
The 2011 NBA draft has finally arrived.
We've all been heavily anticipating draft night, and now that Thursday has finally arrived, we can all see where popular names like Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette will land.
There is a great amount of uncertainty in the 2011 NBA draft class, and it should be very intriguing to see how the picks play out on Thursday night.
Selections No. 1-No. 5
1 of 6No. 1 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have planned to pick Irving since they unexpectedly won the draft lottery, and I don't see any surprises in store here.
Despite the team bringing in Derrick Williams for a thorough look, they seem locked in on making Irving the face of the franchise moving forward.
No. 2 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves
There were reports that the T-Wolves are considering Enes Kanter with the pick here, but that's likely just a smokescreen to get one of his more interested suitors to move up in an effort to nab him.
Despite the logjam of wing players that Minnesota has on the roster, I can't imagine a scenario where the team doesn't take Williams and find a way to make it all work.
No. 3 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz
The Jazz could go with Brandon Knight in this spot, but they may feel that, with Devin Harris on the team, Kanter represents a more logical choice for the long haul.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the team go with a darkhorse choice of either Jonas Valanciunas or Jan Vesely in this spot either, but Kanter should be the pick barring something unforeseen.
No. 4 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Jonas Valanciunas, Cleveland Cavaliers
Valanciunas was considered a heavy favorite to land with the Cavs prior to their "secret" meeting on Tuesday, and as long as he's available, he should definitely be the selection here.
There are some reports indicating that the club is very interested in Tristan Thompson here, but I'm not buying it. Valanciunas has far more upside than Thompson, even if the club has to wait a full season for him to begin playing.
No. 5 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Brandon Knight, Toronto Raptors
In this scenario, the Raptors get the man that they've been known to covet and a legitimate point guard of the future in Kentucky's Brandon Knight.
He's been the top option for the team since the draft proceedings got underway, and it should take the team about 10 seconds to submit their pick, assuming Knight is still on the board.
Selections No. 6-No. 10
2 of 6No. 6 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Jan Vesely, Washington Wizards
The Wizards would ideally like to land Kanter, but that's not a possibility with the Jazz selecting him three spots prior to their selection.
Washington may or may not have assured Vesely that he'll be the pick, but even if they haven't given him a guarantee, there isn't a better fit for their club remaining.
No. 7 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Kawhi Leonard, Sacramento Kings
There has been building momentum for Jimmer Fredette in this spot, but the last thing that the Kings need is another undersized guard for the backcourt.
The club has had a terrible time trying to fill the void at small forward since the days of Gerald Wallace, and Leonard could be the second coming of the veteran.
No. 8 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Bismack Biyombo, Detroit Pistons
Biyombo salvaged his draft stock with a string of solid workouts recently, and it looks like he's established himself as a premier option atop Detroit's board.
The NBA issued him a last minute invite to the green room, so clearly they have a strong feeling that he'll be selected in the lottery.
No. 9 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Marcus Morris, Charlotte Bobcats
Morris provides a nice offensive arsenal for a power forward of his size, and his skill set would be readily welcomed in Charlotte.
The club still has another season of Boris Diaw after he picked up his player option, but Morris represents a very sound investment in this spot for a team that could desperately use his offense.
No. 10 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Alec Burks, Milwaukee Bucks
Burks didn't help himself much in workouts leading up to draft night, but his prolific scoring style is well known by every interested NBA club.
The Bucks are thought to be actively shopping the pick, but if they retain it, expect Burks to warrant strong consideration from the team.
Selections No. 11-No. 15
3 of 6No. 11 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
This is the ideal scenario for the Warriors, which have been known to be targeting Thompson through and through in the weeks leading up to the draft.
Donnie Walsh compared him to Reggie Miller, and this sharpshooter certainly won't disappoint in the Golden State backcourt.
No. 12 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Kemba Walker, Utah Jazz
The wait is over for college basketball's most prolific scorer from last season, as the Jazz finally grab him off the board at No. 12 overall.
He warranted some consideration from the team with No. 3, and after passing on Brandon Knight to take Enes Kanter, Walker makes perfect sense here if he slides.
No. 13 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Tristan Thompson, Phoenix Suns
The Suns need a power forward of the future to pair with Marcin Gortat down low, and Thompson is a nice value at the back end of the lottery.
He's interviewed very well, which has undoubtedly improved his draft standing, and his maturity is one characteristic that will fit well on a rebuilding Phoenix club.
No. 14 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Donatas Motiejunas, Houston Rockets
The Rockets are really trying to move up in the draft, but if they stand pat at No. 14, Motiejunas is an excellent option and a great value.
It wasn't long ago he was considered an elite European prospect, and Houston would attempt to mold him into the center of the future as he provides the team with some much-needed size in the middle.
No. 15 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Jimmer Fredette, Indiana Pacers
Fredette won't fall too far out of the lottery, and despite the slide to No. 15, Indiana represents a favorable landing spot for the BYU product.
He's got NBA range with his ability to shoot the rock, and he'd serve as an injection of energy off the bench for the Pacers in a sixth-man role.
Selections No. 16-No. 20
4 of 6No. 16 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Nikola Vucevic, Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are thought to really like Donatas Motiejunas, but he went off the board just two picks prior, to the Rockets.
Vucevic is one of the biggest sleepers in the 2011 draft, and his ability to stretch the floor while standing a legitimate seven-feet tall both definitely have to appeal to the Sixers.
No. 17 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Marshon Brooks, New York Knicks
Brooks has received a lot of hype leading up to the draft, and his impressive athleticism and seven-foot-plus wingspan have contributed greatly to that.
He is an impact scorer and provides the Knicks with a serious option at the shooting guard position, and they shouldn't hesitate to grab him immediately if available.
No. 18 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Chris Singleton, Washington Wizards
The Wizards went with Vesely at No. 6, and Singleton's defensive prowess should make him a definite option for a youthful Washington team just 12 selections later.
He'll prove to be especially valuable if the club decides to move Andray Blatche, and I expect them to pursue a deal for the veteran power forward sooner rather than later.
No. 19 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Jordan Hamilton, Charlotte Bobcats
Hamilton, like Brooks, can be an impact scorer immediately for the Bobcats who would absolutely steal him if he's still available this late.
He's got an NBA-ready body right now, and he should be capable of coming in and lighting it up immediately for a Charlotte team that desperately needs help on the offensive end.
No. 20 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Iman Shumpert, Minnesota Timberwolves
The T-Wolves need a shooting guard of the future, and Shumpert's combination of size (6'6") and raw athleticism make him extremely intriguing at No. 20.
The club definitely shouldn't reach in this spot to fill their need for a big man in the middle, and adding Shumpert would provide another young asset as they look to rebuild moving forward.
Selections No. 21-No. 25
5 of 6No. 21 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Markieff Morris, Portland Trail Blazers
This pick is more about value than need, as the Blazers would have a really tough time passing up Morris' skills if he's still available this late.
He's far more talented than Kenneth Faried, who will likely be the next power-forward prospect selected once Morris goes off the board.
No. 22 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Tobias Harris, Denver Nuggets
Harris has been the favorite target for the Nuggets throughout the draft process, and I'd be floored if he isn't the selection assuming he's available.
He would've gone a lot higher had he stayed in school for another year or two, but Denver would be happy to allow him time to develop and reap the rewards of their investment.
No. 23 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Tyler Honeycutt, Houston Rockets
The Rockets are not sold on Chase Budinger as the starting small forward, and they'd be wise to bring in some competition for the untested sniper.
He's not ready to play right away, but there's major upside here and the Rockets could afford to be patient in the early stages with him.
No. 24 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Nikola Mirotic, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mirotic would be a top-10 pick based on talent alone, but that's not how prospects are judged by NBA teams.
He's already said that he plans on staying overseas for a few years, but that's fine for the Thunder. They can allow him to develop his skills and don't have room for him in a young and crowded rotation.
No. 25 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Justin Harper, Boston Celtics
The Celtics are definitely in the market for a stretch four behind an aging Kevin Garnett and brittle Jermaine O'Neal, and Harper has incredible range for a power forward.
He could be a versatile asset for the C's and act as a replacement for Glen Davis if he signs elsewhere. Harper could provide meaningful backup minutes to Garnett so he doesn't have to play major minutes.
Selections No. 26-No. 30
6 of 6No. 26 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Kenneth Faried, Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks could use some rebounding help in the second unit, and that's exactly what Kenneth Faried does best.
He won't be asked to do too much for the defending champs, and that's an ideal way to ease his transition to the next level.
No. 27 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Chandler Parsons, New Jersey Nets
The Nets desperately need a small forward after swinging and missing with Travis Outlaw, and Parsons' stock has risen considerably as of late.
He's a perimeter-oriented player who can really strengthen the team's attack, and his impressive size at the position is a definite plus for New Jersey.
No. 28 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Charles Jenkins, Chicago Bulls
Jenkins is a sharpshooter out of Hofstra with a lot of Ben Gordon in him, and the Bulls would be wise to give him a long look here.
He can step in right away and anchor the scoring attack from the second unit, and Chicago was looking for perimeter help all season during the 2010-11 campaign.
No. 29 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Jeremy Tyler, San Antonio Spurs
Tyler's upside is too great to ignore in the first round, and if the Spurs' coaches can develop him properly, he represents an excellent way to usher in the post-Duncan era.
The big man already has legitimate size at just 20 years old, and if he can stay out of foul trouble, he could pay off rather soon for San Antonio as the team has a major deficiency in the middle.
No. 30 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pick: Travis Leslie, Chicago Bulls
Leslie has pretty solid athleticism for a prospect this late in the draft, and the Bulls really need to upgrade their attack at shooting guard.
He's got a bit more size than Jenkins, and with upside at both ends of the floor, he's not a bad gamble to take at the back end of the inaugural round.
