While there isn't a John Wall or Blake Griffin type of star in the 2011 NBA Draft, there's plenty of talent to go around.
The 2010-2011 NBA season is winding down, and the NCAA March Madness pool has whittled down to a final four. Certainly there's enough perspective for early speculation on the 2011 NBA Draft. With several teams needing to mix things up and add some talent, this draft should be interest. That said, it does not come with any sure-fire superstars. Last year had John Wall. The year prior, Blake Griffin. This year has the likes of Derrick Williams, Perry Jones, Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes.
- 1st pick - Cleveland Cavaliers selects F Derrick Williams, 6-9 240lbs (Arizona)--The Cavs will feel some pressure to improve right away after an abysmal season without LeBron James. They'll surely move Antawn Jamison, and will rely on whomever they select here, along with J.J. Hickson to be the future of the franchise. Williams can score from anywhere on the court, and is the safest bet to produce right away. He's also hard working, and not egotistical, which would be a plus after having to deal with first Carlos Boozer and then James.
- 2nd pick - Minnesota Timberwolves selects PG Kyrie Irving, 6-2 180 (Duke)--Minnesota can go in a lot of different directions here. They have a bit of a logjam at the forward spot, but could use a reliable, defensive center and an athletic guard who can shoot from the outside (basically Martell Webster without the health issues). However, they badly need a point guard. If they're waiting on Ricky Rubio, they may waste a lot of time for nothing. Kyrie Irving would be a great fit for them right now.
- 3rd pick - Washington Wizards selects F Harrison Barnes, 6-9 220lbs (North Carolina)--Barnes has really come alive late in the season, and would be a fantastic fit for the Wizards. Washington is young and could use another athletic scorer for John Wall to pass to.
- 4th pick - Sacramento Kings selects F Jan Vesely, 6-11 240lbs (Czech Republic)--The Kings have a lot of needs, but in a draft such as this--where there's a lot of raw ability, but not a lot of sure fire picks--the Kings may opt for a player with upside whose athleticism would fit well with the team's other young talent.
- 5th pick - Toronto Raptors selects F Jared Sullinger, 6-9 280lbs (Ohio State)--The Raptors need interior toughness in the worst way. Reggie Evans is a one-dimensional rebounder, and while Ed Davis has a lot of skill and upside, he's not the rugged bruiser Sullinger is.
- 6th pick - Utah Jazz selects C Enes Kanter, 6-11 260lbs (Kentucky)--Kanter drops due to health concerns more than anything else. He's a skilled big man who could supplant Mehmet Okur in Utah's trio of bigs (Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap).
- 7th pick - Detroit Pistons selects F Perry Jones, 6-11 235lbs (Baylor)--Jones' versatility makes him a good pairing with Austin Daye, who'll likely step in as the starting small forward when Tayshaun Prince inevitably leaves. His stock has slipped lately. He doesn't dominate games like some think he should, and his work ethic has come into question. That said, he's a rare talent who could be better in the pros than he was in college.
- 8th pick - Cleveland Cavaliers selects FC Donatas Motiejunas, 7-0 225lbs (Lithuania)--After selecting Williams earlier, the Cavs look pretty good at the forward spots. However, with the top prospects available in this mock draft being forwards, it's hard to imagine the Cavs not going with another forward. They could afford to look for upside with this pick, and few have more upside than Motiejunas. His game resembles Andrea Bargnani's.
- 9th pick - Milwaukee Bucks selects F Terrence Jones, 6-8 240lbs (Kentucky)--Jones doesn't have a great shot, but can do a lot else. He has great size, athleticism and is versatile, which is something the Bucks can use.
- 10th pick - Charlotte Bobcats selects FC Jonas Valanciunas, 6-11 240lbs (Lithuania)--This skilled big gives the Bobcats some hope in the front court. He's a bit of a project, not because he lacks skill, but because he lacks bulk and strength. He'll get pushed around for a bit until he matures.
- 11th pick - Golden State Warriors selects F Marcus Morris, 6-9 220lbs (Kansas)--Morris is a solid scorer with good athleticism. He can also hit the outside jumper, which is a prerequisite for playing on the Warriors. Doesn't have the size to bang with the NBA's top power forwards, but in Golden State, he wouldn't need to.
- 12th pick - Utah Jazz selects G Alec Burks, 6-6 190lbs (Colorado)--Burks' athleticism and ability to create his own shot gives the Jazz something they've needed for a long time.
- 13th pick - Phoenix Suns selects F Kawhi Leonard, 6-7 225lbs (San Diego State)--Leonard gives Phoenix insurance at the small forward spot for when Grant Hill finally retires, and if Jared Dudley decides not to re-sign.
- 14th pick - Houston Rockets selects PG Brandon Knight, 6-3 185lbs (Kentucky)--He's a combo guard, but it's hard to pass on that type of offense, especially after losing Aaron Brooks. Knight would be a great spark plug off the bench.
Copyright Phil Partington. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Phil Partington - Phil Partington is a writing enthusiast of many years and has been published in national magazines, web publications and other media ...
Join the Conversation