NBA Draft 2011: 5 No-Brainer Player Selections

NBA Draft 2011 Looks at 5 No-Brainer Picks in the First Round of the NBA Draft

There may not be a ton of elite talent in the 2011 NBA draft class, but there are a number of picks that make so much sense, we have to consider them "no-brainers" at this point.

There are two sure-fire players in this draft, but everyone else beyond that has almost as many questions marks as they do answers right now.

It is hard to look at international prospects and not be enamored with their skill set, but the number of players who actually develop is strikingly low.

Thus, in the top-ten of this year's draft we see could see as many as four international prospects come off the board; however, none of them are "no-brainers".

That being said, just because a college kid might play for four years—which is rare—it doesn't mean he should be an easy pick either.

The NBA draft is a very fickle process, and for every superstar there are twice as many busts.

There is a reason why there are only two rounds, that only the first-rounders are guaranteed contracts. The NBA draft is a complete crapshoot more often than not.

So, here's a look at five "no-brainer" picks in this year's first round that will be production for their respective teams.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers Take Kyrie Irving at No. 1

Even if you don't want to hear about it anymore, Kyrie Irving is a "no-brainer" pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 1.

Irving can do everything needed from a point guard. He has the ability to score when needed and is willing to work on the defensive end.

His small sample size at the collegiate level was enough to propel him to No. 1, especially in this year's draft class.

If the Cavaliers want to have a legitimate shot at replacing LeBron James, adding a true point guard like Irving is the best place to start.

And on top of his ability alone, the Cavs cannot risk passing on him and missing out on the second best point guard with the No. 4 pick.

Don't leave this to chance Cleveland, just take Irving. 

2. Toronto Raptors Take Brandon Knight at No. 5

The Toronto Raptors have a lot of needs, but things begin with the point guard position in the NBA. Brandon Knight has fallen just about as far as he can at this point.

The Utah Jazz will certainly be interested at No. 3, and if the Cleveland Cavaliers lose their head at No. 1, Knight will certainly be in play there. But if he somehow slides through, Toronto should be very happy.

As a freshman at Kentucky, Knight showed the ability to take over games when necessary. He has an NBA-ready body and will continue to develop. Early in his career he will be able to lean on his scoring ability to help himself as he adapts to the league.

The Raptors could opt to go international here, but that would be a mistake.

And if they weren't going to take Knight, then it should be Kemba Walker's name that they call instead.

3. Charlotte Bobcats Take Tristan Thompson at No. 7

The Charlotte Bobcats just made a bold move to get up in front of the Detroit Pistons, and we have to believe that it is for a player they are truly in love with.

Looking at the board and reading into the rumors, the Pistons were zeroing in on Tristan Thompson of Texas before this trade took place.

Charlotte, who picks at No. 9, also after sending away a number of players in effort to retain the pick, must have realized this. They have positioned themselves nicely to make the move.

Thompson is a defensive ace with great athleticism, size and rebounding ability. At 6'9", he is still coming into his game and could become a great player if his offensive game develops.

Early in his career he'll be expected to protect the rim, crash the boards and take care of any second-chance opportunities he gets.

The Bobcats might have shown their hand too early and Detroit could rally, but given the opportunity, we should see Thompson go to Charlotte at No. 7.

4. Sacramento Kings Take Jimmer Fredette at No. 10

The Sacramento Kings have been linked to Jimmer Fredette for some time now, and with the No. 10 pick, it looks like they could easily make a case for taking the BYU point guard.

The first big trade of the draft involved the Kings and moved them back from No. 7, and now they should not be worried about taking him at all.

Kemba Walker certainly deserves to be in this spot and could even go higher. But the Maloof brothers want Fredette, and they should take him.

With Beno Udrih now out of Sacramento after a trade, a shooter of Fredette's caliber becomes an even bigger need.

The Kings want him, he should be there, so Fredette to the Kings is a "no-brainer" if he is available.

5. New York Knicks Take Chris Singleton at No. 17

And this pick is "no-brainer" from the outside perspective, but it is one that the Knicks would surprise people with if made.

Chris Singleton has the potential go in the top 13, but with all the action from trades there is a chance that he falls down the board.

Singleton is a big, rangy three and does the one thing the Knicks don't: play defense.

New York has enough scorers, with an entire roster that can score the basketball. But they have one, maybe two, defensive-minded players.

If Singleton slides down the board, he would be a great value and a great fit.

He can guard big, he can guard small and the mere fact that we can say "Knicks" and "defense" is an exciting possibility.

But this is the Knicks, we shouldn't expect it to happen.