February 18, 2011

2011 NBA Mock Draft-First Round (2/18/11)






Team needs have NOT been taken into account with this 2011NBA Mock Draft.  We will begin to factor in team needs once the NBA trade deadline has passed later this month.  Click on the players’ name for a complete scouting report and an NBAcomparison.  Here is a list of outstanding trades for the 2011 NBA Draft.  Check out a 2012 NBA Mock Draft and The Sports Bank’s nfl-mock-draft-2-16-11/”>2011 NFL Mock Draft.  Also take a look at our 2010 NBA Draft Lottery Re-Do.


1. Cleveland- Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke, 6-1, Fr.
A tremendous play-maker, Irving is lightning fast with the basketball.  He is also a talented scorer who has made an early impression with his maturity while running the show for Coach K before suffering a toe injury that may cost him the rest of his freshman season.


2. Minnesota- Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State, 6-9, Fr.
A physical force down low with an NBA-ready body, Sullinger figures to be the next in the lineage of OSU big men to be one-and-done.  He may not be the best athlete in the world but is quicker than you would expect from a 6-9, 265 pounder.


3. Sacramento- Derrick Williams, F, Arizona, 6-9, So.
Williams is a tremendous athlete who lives around the rim.  He runs the floor well, is a solid rebounder, and has really improved his face-up and perimeter game since his freshman season.


4. Toronto- Enes Kanter, F/C, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
It looks like college hoops will not get a chance to see Kanter suit up for the Big Blue, but he is a talented big man who is a lottery lock regardless of whether or not he ever suits up for UK.


5. Washington- Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina, 6-8, Fr.
The prototypical NBA wing player, Barnes can stroke it from deep, create his own shot, handle the rock, and attack the basket.  He has not lived up to the hype so far at UNC but is still a great talent.


6. New Jersey- Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky, 6-9, Fr.
Jones is a smooth lefty who can take bigger defenders off the bounce or post up smaller opponents.  He will be able to play either forward spot at the next level and should be ready to contribute right away due to his impressive physique for a freshman.


7. Detroit- Perry Jones, PF, Baylor, 6-9, Fr.
Jones is a long, athletic, explosive forward who by every indication will be a one-and-done.  He needs to add strength and range to his outside game before he can be a factor in the league.


8. L.A. Clippers- Jonas Valanciunas, F/C, Lithuania, 6-10, 1992
A back-to-the-basket player, Valanciunas is not as versatile as most European big men but has plenty of up-side.  It will be interesting to see if he declares for the 2011 Draft or waits another year so he can continue his overall development.


9. Milwaukee- Jordan Hamilton, G/F, Texas, 6-7, So.
A pure scorer who can take you off the dribble and also has outstanding range on his jumper.  He has great size for an NBA wing player, but needs to improve his ball-handling, shot selection, and defensive tenacity.


10. Charlotte- Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic, 6-11, 1989
Vesely likely would have been a lottery pick in the 2010 draft but decided not to enter the draft.  Another year overseas should only benefit his all-around game and make him more NBA-ready in 2011.


11. Golden State- Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State, 6-6, So.
The Aztec sophomore has incredible athleticism and a non-stop motor that makes him a factor on the glass.  His jump shot is far from NBA ready, but based on potential, he is a sure-fire first rounder.


12. Houston- Donatas Motiejunas, F/C, Lithuania, 7-0, 1990
He pulled out of the draft process late this past off-season because he was likely falling out of the lottery.  Motiejunas is a versatile seven-footer who can vault back up the board if he shows some steady development in his all-around game and body.


13. Phoenix- Kemba Walker, PG, UConn, 6-1, Jr.
Walker has been on a tear this season.  He has improved his decision-making and outside shooting which were questions heading into the season. The Bronx native is lightning quick with the rock and has seen his stock soar since an outstanding performance at the Maui Invitational.


14. Memphis- Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU, 6-2, Sr.
An absolute sharp-shooter from downtown, Fredette runs the point at BYU but whether or not teams think he can handle that spot in the NBA will determine where he ends up getting drafted.


15. Indiana- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado, 6-6, So.
Burks is a big time scorer who thrives off the bounce.  He might be the best of a weaker class of true shooting guard prospects and still has room for development.


16. Philadelphia- Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State, 6-9, Jr.
One of the best defenders in college, Singleton’s offensive game is improving but still a work in progress.  He is not very effective attacking the basket and needs to improve his outside shot.


17. New York- Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
A great play-maker, Knight is also an effective outside shooter.  He is a scoring point guard who also knows how to distribute the rock.  Knight needs to learn how to be a true point guard before turning pro.


18. Utah- Marcus Morris, F, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.
A physical presence due to his strong body, Morris can also has range out to the three point line.  He will probably be able to play either forward position at the next level but needs to improve his ability to take defenders off the bounce in isolation situations.


19. Denver-Kyle Singler, SF, Duke, 6-9, Sr.
Singler surprised many by announcing he would return for his senior season.  His size and ability to shoot the rock are positives but lacks the ideal NBA athleticism to be a three.  If Gordon Hayward can go in the lottery though, so can Singler.


20. Portland- Trey Thompkins, F, Georgia, 6-9, Jr.
Thompkins has a nice variety of moves on the block including a good turnaround jumper.  He has a nice combination of physicality and athleticism.


21. Portland (from NO)- Josh Selby, PG, Kansas, 6-3, Fr.
After sitting out the first nine games of the season, Selby started his collegiate career with a bang but has slowed down lately.  He is a terrific athlete and scorer, but is more of a combo guard than a true point guard.


22. Phoenix (from ORL)-William Buford, SG, Ohio State, 6-5, Jr.
Buford is a talented scorer who needs to become more aggressive at attacking the basket instead of falling in love with his jumper.  He has played well of late which helps his stock.


23. Atlanta- Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas, 6-10, Jr.
Markieff is a little more of a low post threat than his twin brother Marcus, but not quite as polished with his perimeter game.  His outside shot is showing improvement and he stays active on both ends of the floor.


24. Oklahoma City- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Jr.
Joseph is at his best when attacking the basket but has shown strides with his outside shot.  Still, his athleticism should earn him a spot in the first round.


25. New Jersey (from LAL)- Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Soph.
What a horrible situation.  Robinson’s mother recently passed away suddenly within a month of his grandfather and grandmother’s deaths.  Robinson’s decision to turn pro may be purely financially based as he has a nine-year old sister who now needs to be looked after.  From a basketball standpoint, Robinson would be best served returning to Kansas, but he has shown the potential to be a solid NBA player and would be worth a first round pick.


26. Chicago- Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State, 6-8, Sr.
Faried is an outstanding rebounder but needs to work more on his face-up game.  He is a bit under-sized to be the ideal NBA power forward, but makes up for that with his non-stop work ethic on the inside.


27. Dallas- Nolan Smith, G, Duke, 6-3, Sr.
Smith has emerged into a legit Player of the Year candidate and his ability to play either guard position should get him first round looks.  He may not be a star at the next level, but could be a valuable role player off somebody’s bench.


28. Toronto (from MIA)- JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue, 6-10, Sr.
Johnson is a lengthy post player who runs the floor well and can consistently knock down 18-foot jump shots.  He has shown steady improvement during his time at Purdue.


29. Boston- Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt, 6-7, Jr.
Taylor is an extraordinary athlete and has improved his three-point shooting this season.  He needs to become more of a threat in driving to the basket, but should get first round looks due to his extraordinary athleticism.


30. San Antonio- Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence, 6-5, Sr.
Brooks’ stock is on the rise as he is averaging about 24 points and 7.5 boards per game for the Friars.  He has come out of nowhere to be one of the better wing scorers in the country and will garner late first round possibilities.

2011 NBA Mock Draft-First Round (2/18/11)
thesportsbank.net

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