HAPPY NBA DRAFT DAY! Here is our updated 2011 NBA Mock Draft with major changes after the 3-team trade that shakes up the late lottery. Be sure to check back throughout the day for more updates. Click on the players’ name for a complete scouting report and a NBA comparison, and make sure to check out our feature articles from the NBA Draft Combine. Click on the team name for a look at their off-season needs. Here is a list of outstanding trades for the 2011 NBA Draft. Check out a 2012 NBA Mock Draft and our 2010 NBA Draft Lottery Re-Do.
UPDATED: 6/23/11 (UPDATED 5:15 PM)
1. Cleveland (from LAC)- Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke, 6-1, Fr.
Right now, it appears 95/5 that Kyrie Irving will be the pick instead of Derrick Williams which makes sense since Irving is the best prospect in this draft. Need gets thrown to the side here since the Cavs already have Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions at the point but for a team in search of a new face of the franchise, Irving is a great place to start.
Go here for a feature profile on Irving.
2. Minnesota– Derrick Williams, F, Arizona, 6-9, So.
In this scenario, the T-Wolves settle for whoever the Cavs do not pick. There has been a ton of discussion about the T-Wolves trading out of this pick since Derrick Williams doesn’t fit as they already has Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph who are combo forwards. David Kahn did throw out the possibility of taking Enes Kanter but that appears to be a bluff in hopes of finding a trade partner.
Is Williams a power forward or small forward?
3. Utah (from NJ)- Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky, 6-11, Fr.
This pick will come down to Enes Kanter or Brandon Knight and it appears to be a toss-up at this point. I think Kanter is the better prospect and ultimately wins out either though Knight seems to fit the bigger need.
4. Cleveland- Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania, 6-11, 1992
If the Cavs go Irving at one, they are praying Utah takes Knight so Enes Kanter falls to them at four. Since I have Kanter going to the Jazz, the Cavs turn their attention to Jonas Valanciunas assuming they cannot trade down. Cleveland reportedly is very high on Valnciunas but will have to wait a year before he comes to the NBA.
5. Toronto– Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
The Raptors reportedly want to go defense with Kawhi Leonard and Bismack Biyombo both in play. However, Brandon Knight is the better long-term prospect and probably get the nod since he falls to this spot.
Go here for an interview with Knight from the NBA Draft Combine
6. Washington– Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic, 6-11, 1990
The Wizards really need a true small forward and should take a hard look at Kawhi Leonard. Jan Vesely. With Leonard already being taken, Vesely is the pick. He is probably more of a power forward but could also play the three, and Washington reportedly likes him a lot.
7. Charlotte (from SAC)- Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo, 6-9, 1992
The Bobcats traded up to reportedly grab Bismack Biyombo or Tristan Thompson with this pick. Biyombo is more of a center than Thompson which Charlotte needs so I’ll give him the edge.
Go here to see why Biyombo’s draft stock is blowing up.
8. Detroit– Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas, 6-9, Fr.
The Pistons likely turn their attention to Tristan Thompson or Bismack Biyombo, whoever Charlotte doesn’t take at seven. Biyombo is the pick because of his defensive abilities and toughness inside; the perfect compliment to last year’s first round pick, Greg Monroe.
Go here for an interview with Thompson from the NBA Draft Combine
9. Charlotte– Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State, 6-7, Jr.
Since the Bobcats traded Stephen Jackson, they suddenly have a hole at two guard. Corey Maggette gives them a viable option at the three so suddenly a scorer like Klay Thompson is more important than a small forward like Kawhi Leonard.
Go here for an interview with Thompson from the NBA Draft Combine
10. Sacramento (from MIL)- Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU, 6-2, Sr.
I hate that this looks like it is going to happen. But it appears the Kings are taking Jimmer over Kemba. Kawhi Leonard could be a possibility if he falls here.
Go here for an interview with Fredette from the NBA Draft Combine
11. Golden State– Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State, 6-7, So.
Golden State has been high on Klay Thompson for quite some time but since he is off the board, defensive-minded wings like Kawhi Leonard or Chris Singleton become the focus.
Go here for an interview with Leonard from the NBA Draft Combine
12. Utah– Kemba Walker, PG, UConn, 6-1, Jr.
STEAL OF THE DRAFT!
Go here for a feature profile on Walker
13. Phoenix– Iman Shumpert, G, Georgia Tech, 6-5, Jr.
The biggest riser in the draft. The Suns really like Shumpert and even though I cannot believe they would take him over Alec Burks, it is likely to happen.
Go here for a feature profile on Shumpert
14. Houston – Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State, 6-9, Jr.
The Rockets need a true center and will consider Nikola Vucevic. I think Chris Singleton is the better value here though as the gives Houston a lockdown, versatile defender.
Go here for a feature profile on Singleton.
15. Indiana- Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.
The Pacers could use some versatility in their frontcourt since they are very thin up-front and since Larry Bird tends to play it safe on draft night rather than take risks, I think Markieff Morris gets the nod. Marcus could also be in play, but Markieff is a little tougher on the inside.
Go here for an interview with Morris from the NBA Draft Combine
16. Philadelphia– Nikola Vucevic, F/C, USC, 7-0, Jr.
The Sixers are looking for size in the 2011 NBA Draft, and likely consider seven-footers Nikola Vucevic and Donatas Motiejnuas. Vucevic is more of a true center so he gets the nod. Jordan Hamilton and Marcus Morris are also options in case the 76ers deal Andre Iguodala.
17. New York- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado, 6-6, So.
Since the Knicks need depth all over, they’ll likely take the best available player. A lot of people would be in play here including Alec Burks, Marshon Brooks, Jordan Hamilton, Josh Selby, and Kenneth Faried, or Nikola Vucevic or Iman Shumpert if they fall. Burks is a great value here.
Go here for an interview with Burks from the NBA Draft Combine
18. Washington (from Atl)- Jordan Hamilton, G/F, Texas, 6-8, So.
With Nick Young a restricted free agent and the need for depth at small foward, this would be a great get for Washington. I really like Jordan Hamilton and think this could end up being one of the draft steals due to his ability to score the ball from anywhere on the floor and the Wizards needing upgrades on the wing.
Go here for an interview with Hamilton from the NBA Draft Combine
19. Milwaukee (from NO via Por via Char)-Marcus Morris, F, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.
The Bucks obviously moved down from #9 with a player in mind that would still be on the board. I am not sure that Marcus Morris was their target but since they dealt Corey Maggette, Morris is a solid replacement due to his physicality and ability to play inside or on the perimeter. Marshon Brooks would be other target I would guess.
Go here for an interview with Morris from the NBA Draft Combine
20. Minnesota (from Mem)- Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence, 6-5, Sr.
Minnesota could very well deal this pick but I think they should be thrilled if Marshon Brooks falls to them. He knows how to score the basketball and could grow into a great backcourt mate for Ricky Rubio in an up-tempo offense.
Go here for an interview with Brooks from the NBA Draft Combine
21. Portland- Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State, 6-7, Sr.
This pick should come down to a point guard since Andre Miller is entering the final year of his deal or a post player since Marcus Camby is getting up their in age and Greg Oden is walking wounded. Kenneth Faried is under-sized but a relentless rebounder who would be a rotation guy and a nice compliment up-front alongside LeMarcus Aldridge.
22. Denver- Donatas Motiejunas, F/C, Lithuania, 7-0, 1990
Considering he could be a late lottery pick, this is a very good value for a Nuggets team needing depth up-front since Nene holds an option on the final year of his contract and Kenyon Martin a free agent. Shooting guard is another option since J.R. Smith is an unrestricted free agent and Aaron Afflalo is a restricted free agent.
23. Houston (from PHX via ORL)- Nikola Mirotic, PF, Montenegro, 6-10, 1991
Since they already grabbed a small forward at #14 and there is no big here like Houston needs, Daryl Morey takes a player like Nikola Mirotic who has lottery talent, but will not come to the NBA for a couple of seasons due to the buyout situation with his European contract. Patience will be the key with whoever drafts Mirotic.
24. Oklahoma City- Kyle Singler, SF, Duke, 6-8, Sr.
I really like the fit between Kyle Singler and the Thunder since Singler would fit in perfectly chemistry wise and possibly play a valuable role off the bench. I have had this marriage since the ping pong balls were announced and feel even more confident about it with Nikola Mirotic off the board.
25. Boston- JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue, 6-10, Sr.
With Shaq retiring and Glen Davis and Nenad Kristic free agents, Boston would ideally like to a frontcourt player who can play right away. There are a lot of options with late first/early second round potential (JaJuan Johnson, Jon Leuer, Justin Harper, Trey Thompkins, Jeremy Tyler) and the Celtics will choose their favorite.
Go here for an in-depth feature on Johnson
26. Dallas- Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee, 6-8, Fr.
The Mavs have some key free agents in Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, Caron Butler, Peja Stojakovic, and DeShawn Stevenson so they could use depth all over. This is a bit of a drop for Tobias Harris but I think his tweener forward status hurts him on draft night. Davis Bertans and Tyler Honeycutt would also be options.
27. New Jersey (from LAL)- Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College, 6-3, Jr.
This pick will either come down to one of the top combo guards available like Reggie Jackson or Josh Selby or a power forward like Jeremy Tyler, Justin Harper, or Jon Leuer. There has been a ton of speculation about Reggie Jackson having a promise somewhere in the draft, but regardless, he would be a good value here for the Nets.
28. Chicago (from Mia via Tor)- Jimmy Butler, SF, Marquette, 6-8, Sr.
Jimmy Butler will make his mark in the NBA due to his versatility on the defensive end. Again, Tom Thibodeau preaches defense and Butler would fit well off Chicago’s bench. It is also very possible the Bulls could end up dealing one of their first round picks.
Go here for an interview with Butler from the NBA Draft Combine
29. San Antonio- Davis Bertans, F, Latvia, 6-10, 1992
The Spurs have found success in late first round sleepers in year’s past and could have another one here in Bertans who can stroke it from the outside. If San Antonio is looking for more immediate help, a back-up small forward or post player to replace the likely retiring Antonio McDyess would be options.
30. Chicago (from TOR via MIA)- Nolan Smith, G, Duke, 6-3, Sr.
The Bulls failed to add some scoring punch off their bench prior to the trade deadline and look to do so with one of their picks. Nolan Smith should be able to play either guard position and possibly find a spot in Chicago’s rotation right away.
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Here are the outstanding trades for the 2011 NBA Draft.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a fomer contributor at The Washington Times Communities. You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.