The 2011 NBA Draft is less than a week away, and still nothing seems certain. There is even disagreement as to who the top pick will be. One thing looks certain, fans can expect the unexpected to happen on draft day, especially when it comes to trades.
Here is a final mock draft, speculating the outcome of June 23rd.
1st pick. Cleveland Cavaliers select PG Kyrie Irving. Irving is one of the few players in this draft with star upside, and it's especially intriguing that he plays the tough-to-find position of point guard. Derrick Williams is a possibility, but the Cavs are already grooming J.J. Hickson. Enes Kanter is a dark horse candidate to be the top pick after several great workouts.
2nd pick. Minnesota Timberwolves select F Derrick Williams. Don't be surprised if Enes Kanter is the pick here. The Wolves have greater need for a true center, and while Kanter has a history of injuries and may not have the longest reach, he is a legit 6-11 260lbs and very skilled in the paint. That said, if the Wolves do go with Williams, expect this pick to be traded, or expect Michael Beasley to be dealt.
3rd pick. Utah Jazz select C Enes Kanter. The web buzz still has the Jazz taking Brandon Knight, but don't be so sure of that. The Jazz have said they'll take the best talent available and while they're stocked with bigs like Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors, none of those three are true centers and Mehmet Okur may not be a Jazz for much longer. Don't be shocked if the Timberwolves through a curve ball by picking Kanter second.
4th pick. Cleveland Cavaliers select CFJonas Valanciunas. With his contract buyout issue, signs were pointing to him slipping. However, his upside is so great that it doesn't look like he'll slip past the fourth pick unless Kanter's available here. With a possible lockout, it wouldn't be the worst thing for him to miss a year in the NBA anyway.
5th pick. Toronto Raptors select PG Brandon Knight. Jose Calderon is approaching 30 years old and Knight could bring the athleticism and clutch scoring the Raptors need. Knight would be the perfect fit for Toronto.
6th pick. Washington Wizards select F Jan Vesely. Vesely is a bit raw, but his athleticism, toughness and length make him one of the more NBA-ready foreign players. The Wizards really like him and would nab him if he was available.
7th pick. Sacramento Kings select F Kawhi Leonard. This pick is almost impossible to predict, since it could end up being traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Rumor is the Spurs may be interested in Klay Thompson, which would be higher than most mocks have him going. If the Kings keep this pick, expect them to select either Leonard or Kemba Walker.
8th pick. Detroit Pistons select PG Kemba Walker. The Pistons need help in various areas, but Walker's athletlicism would be a nice fit. Rodney Stuckey is good, but he isn't working as Detroit's main point guard.
9th pick. Charlotte Bobcats select F Tristan Thompson. Word is that the Bobcats really like Thompson. He's similar to Tyrus Thomas, but could help Charlotte gain depth on the interior.
10th pick. Milwaukee Bucks select CF Klay Thompson. Thompson's stock is rising, and the latest buzz suggests he might not even be available at 10. If the Bucks keep the pick, Thompson would be an ideal replacement for Michael Redd. If they trade it to the Rockets as some rumors indicate, the pick could be for a big man.
11th pick. Golden State Warriors select F Chris Singleton. The Warriors would love for Thompson to slip, but Singleton would be a nice consolation prize. His length would immediately help them on the front line and his defense is badly needed.
12th pick. Utah Jazz select G Jimmer Fredette. Word is that his stock is climbing back up a bit. There are still a lot of question marks with him, but if the Jazz go big with their 3rd overall pick, they'll likely seek help in the back court with this pick.
13th pick. Phoenix Suns select FC Bismack Biyombo. Phoenix needs toughness and interior defense. Biyombo provides both.
14th pick. Houston Rockets select F Marcus Morris. Houston needs help inside, but Morris may be too much to pass on here.
Phil Partington - Phil Partington is a writing enthusiast of many years and has been published in national magazines, web publications and other media ...
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