2011 NBA Mock Draft

With the NBA Draft just one day away, I figured I would take a go at an NBA Mock Draft.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke: Kyrie Irving is the best prospect in this draft and has drawn comparisons to Chris Paul. While I don’t think he will be that good, he will give the Cavs a face of their franchise and a future All Star.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, SF/PF, Arizona: Derrick Williams is a versatile forward who could pair with Wesely Johnson, Kevin Love, and Michael Beasly to give them a very deep and young front-court.

3. Utah Jazz: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky: This is the popular pick right now and it makes sense. Knight is a phenomenal player with tons of potential and could replace Deron Williams.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky: The Cavs are hoping that the Jazz pick Knight because that means that Kanter will be available here. He will give the Cavs a legitimate center to pair with J.J. Hickson.

5. Toronto Raptors: Jan Vesley, PF, Serbia: Vesley has an NBA body and his size would be a nice compliment to Bargaini in the front court. He could give the Raptors flexibility and skill in the front-court.

6. Washington Wizards: Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State: Leonard is a versatile SF that can provide defense and energy as well as a good mid-range game.

7. Sacramento Kings: Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut: Walker is the best leader in this draft and can pair with Tyreke Evans to give the Kings a talented back-court.

8. Detroit Pistons: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas: Thompson is a tenacious rebounder that can pair with Greg Monroe in the Pistons front-court.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State: Singleton is the best defensive wing in this draft and could replace Gerald Wallace at the SF spot.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alex Burks, SG, Colorado: Burks has a great offensive skill set that will pair nicely with Brandon Jennings.

11. Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State: Thompson can shoot the ball from anywhere and has a great game going to the basket. Defense is not his strength, but who says the Warriors play defense.

12. Utah Jazz: Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas: Morris is a good faceup PF that can also play some SF. He has good range and is a decent rebounder/defender.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jimmer Fredette, PG/SG, BYU: Fredette can provide a nice scoring threat off the bench and will sell a lot of tickets while also being groomed as the PG of the future.

14. Houston Rockets: Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania: With the reports that Jonas will be able to come to the NBA in 2012, his stock could go back up but I think he lands in a good situation. The Rockets need to move on from Yao and Jonas has a great skill set, similar to Yao’s.

15. Indiana Pacers: Markeiff Morris, PF, Kansas: Morris is a versatile PF who can step out and knock down jumpers as well as play with his back to the basket. He rebounds well and can also block a shot or two.

Read the rest of this entry »