ABL's 2011 Mock Draft

[AboveLegit]

Keep in mind, I'm hardly ever accurate with these, I think last year I got 3-4 right out of the entire first round (the first three were easy to predict too). I normally base my picks off of what I think is best (for example, Kemba going to Utah), but in some instances, I go with the player teams are most linked to (for example, Klay Thompson going to GSW). I kind of got lazy with some picks and NBA Comparisons, so take everything with a grain of salt.

 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

NBA Comparison: Rich man’s Mo Williams

You don’t pass on the #1 rated prospect, especially considering the situation Cleveland is in. They have absolutely no building blocks for the future, so what better way to rebuild than picking a PG with a ton of potential? Granted, he doesn’t have the ceiling John Wall or Derrick Rose had coming out of college due to their freakish athletic nature, he can still get to the rim and finish. He’s an efficient scorer, gets to the line often, and makes good decisions in transition. Playing under Coach K’s system in Duke, he was able to showcase his skills as a terrific isolation player, and a great threat off the pick and roll. This will translate well in the NBA, and makes him an even more enticing player to draft and build your franchise around. He has all the tools to be successful in this league.

 

2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Derrick Williams, PF/SF, Arizona

NBA Comparison: Jamal Mashburn

Often viewed as the most complete offensive player in the draft, Williams is able to score in a plethora of ways. He put up many remarkable performances in his time at Arizona, scoring effectively and efficiently in a wide range of offensive situations from isolations to pick and rolls, to transition dunks. Arizona did a great job utilizing Derrick in several sets to get him in space to dribble drive and use his quickness to blow by defenders. The thing that impressed me the most is when he gets the ball on the left wing behind the three point line, if the opponent gave him room, he knocked down the three, if they played on him, he drove using his left hand. If there was one facet of his offensive arsenal that needs work, it’s his pull up game which he really didn’t need to use in college.

 

The problem with drafting him is finding a true position for him to play at. Personally, I think he’s more than capable to play the 4 spot. He has a wingspan and standing reach larger than players such as Joakim Noah, Blake Griffin, a vertical reach higher than Lamarcus Adridge, and excelled with his bench press reps (19). He isn’t a great defender, we often find him taking plays off, but it is common with young players and he did have to carry a huge load on offense for his team to win. I see a lot of people criticizing him saying he’s only considered a second pick because of the weak draft he’s in, but let’s remember, he was being rated over Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, and Perry Jones before they took their names out of the draft.

 

3. Utah Jazz- Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut

NBA Comparison: A rich man’s Brandon Jennings

To put it simple, this guy is a winner and is exactly who you want to build your team around. He took a Uconn team that was projected by many to finish 10th in their conference, mostly due to the amount of freshmen on the roster, and carried them (and I mean that in every sense of the word) to a national championship. Most mocks I have read have the Jazz taking Brandon Knight, but I don’t find that to be the most logical pick. What they need is a playmaker, who can score the ball when needed to. This past season, Kemba was asked to carry the load on offense, and at one point, was leading the nation in scoring.

 

Having followed Kemba throughout his college career, I have always found him to be a rather underrated passer. He averaged fewer than 5 assists this year, but averaged over that the previous season. He has a great feel for the game, and has terrific court vision. He does seem to take risks every now and then and does force things, but for the most part, he plays smart. A reason I’m hearing as to why he may fall in the draft is because of his size, but he averaged 5 rebounds a game which is a testament to how tough he really is. He’s also very quick and will his stellar defensive abilities will definitely translate over to the next level due to his lateral quickness.

 

There are several rumors stating that the Jazz are shopping Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson in order to pick Enes Kanter, but unless it actually happens, I expect the Jazz to draft the best PG available.

 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers- Enes Kanter, PF/C, Kentucky

NBA Comparison: Al Horford

It is said that the Cavs have Jonas Valanciunas higher on their big board, but according to Chad Ford, buyout won't allow Valanciunas to play in NBA next season. This will definitely hurt his stock, and the Cavs will happily move on to drafting Enes Kanter. He doesn’t have a high ceiling, but will make an immediate impact on the team and will be great off pick and rolls with Kyrie Irving. He’s an old school big man, he possesses a well-developed frame and is very strong. He has great footwork and establishes post position whenever he wants, which allows him to be a good rebounder. On defense however, he relies heavily on his body to play positional defense. He can’t defend out of the paint, and takes plays off. This Cavs team needs to get tougher, drafting Enes will change the culture of this team.

 

5. Toronto Raptors- Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas

The latest one and done PG prospect of John Calipari’s is Brandon Knight. He is a player I believe benefitted greatly from being in a weak draft class. He’s far from a finished product and is most likely going to be drafted based on potential. He’s a score first PG, has great range on his shot, but also has the ability to get to the rim due to his speed and size. Being in Calipari’s motion offense, Knight didn’t really have the privilege to showcase his passing abilities (Wall and Rose also had that issue, but to their credit, they showed a more willingness to pass than Knight), but when he did, it was rather underwhelming. His assist to turnover ratio is terrible, and he isn’t a great defender. But as I said before, he has a lot of potential, and the flaws in his game can be corrected with good coaching.

 

6. Washington Wizards- Jan Vesely, SF, International

NBA Comparison: Andrei Kirleinko

The consensus is that the Wizards would need to trade up to either get Kanter or Williams, they are very high on both of them, and will probably part with multiple assets to move up. However, if the Wizards stay put at 6, there’s no reason to be upset as they have the chance to bring in a player who can be a great running mate to franchise point guard John Wall.

 

I view Vesely as a high risk, high reward player, mainly because he’s extremely raw and the team that drafts him has to be very patient with him. He relies heavily on his athleticism to make plays, he’s not a good shooter, and he’s not great in halfcourt sets on offense, and is foul prone. However, he loves to get out on the fast break, has a great work ethic and motor. The thing that intrigues me the most about him is his ability to play off the ball, the Wizards don’t have many guys that can stay productive on offense with the ball out of their hands. Far too often you see players just standing around while they watch a player go iso, it needs to come to an end if they want to change the outlook of this roster. He’s one of the best finishers off uts, post ups, and in transition, and loves to draw contact. If the Wizards coaching staff develops him properly, focusing on his ball handling and shooting skills, he will be a very productive player in this league for a long time. The key to his success is patience.

 

7. Sacramento Kings- Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State

NBA Comparison: Trevor Ariza

Kawhi is a 6’7 player with a 7’3 wingspan, who can cover multiple positions. He’s a gym rat, a ball hawk, and has his head on straight, all of which are great characteristics to bring into what is widely known as a dysfunctional locker room. He uses his wingspan to his advantage on the offensive and defensive glass; he can cause turnovers, and could be a very nice running mate to Tyreke Evans.

 

8. Detroit Pistons- Bismack Biyombo, PF/C, International

NBA Comparison: A more physical Serge Ibaka

I think the idea of pairing up Biyombo and Monroe in the frontcourt will be very appealing to Joe Dumars. Sure they will have some problems defending the taller centers in this league, but they complement each other very well. Monroe had a very strong rookie campaign, and has a bright future ahead of himself in this league. Biyombo brings a whole new dimension to this frontcourt, he’s an athletic freak that will bring toughness and rebounding to the table. I think Bismack has the most potential of any international player in this draft. His defense is already outstanding; he averaged 2.3 blocks per game in just 17 minutes per game, which is ridiculous.

 

9. Charlotte Bobcats- Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas

NBA Comparison: Jason Richardson

This may be a bit of a reach, but from what I’ve read, the Bobcats really like the idea of drafting Hamilton. He knows how to use his size, and is a gifted scorer. Charlotte is in desperate need of adding someone who can score at the wing as they finished almost dead last in PPG last season. However, while Hamilton’s scoring will translate to the NBA, his defense is very suspect at this point. He also takes questionable shots, but this problem will probably alleviate itself with him having a lesser role in the offense as opposed to the heavy burden he carried in Texas.

 

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

NBA Comparison: Evan Turner

Milwaukee is in dire need of a playmaker on offense and someone who can play alongside the shot-happy Brandon Jennings. Alec Burks has great point guard instincts, but is also a potent scorer. He can create his own shot, is great off iso’s, and likes to drive. Defensively, he hasn’t always put forth his best effort, but he has shown signs of a player willing to play D, an area the Bucks need to improve on.

 

11. Golden State Warriors- Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State

NBA Comparison- Marco Bellinili

I fully expect this to be the Warriors pick if he’s available. Monta Ellis is as good as gone in Golden State, and they need to find his replacement. He has great size at 6’7 and can play both wing positions, he’s terrific at spotting up or coming off ball screens, and has gotten more and more consistent throughout his collegiate career. He’s also shown a willingness to pass and doesn’t take as much ill-advised shots as he used to.

 

12. Utah Jazz- Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State

NBA Comparison: Bruce Bowen

The Jazz were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last year, and it will only change if they bring in more defensive minded players. Singleton is the best defender in this draft class, he can guard multiple positions, and he has improved as a spot up shooter, and is what I would call a “safe pick”. He needs to improve his offensive skillset, but for now, he will impact the defensive end of the court.

 

13. Phoenix Suns- Thristian Thompson, PF, Texas

NBA Comparison: Taj Gibson

All signs point to Phoenix selecting a big man, so this is an obvious choice here. Like Utah, they need more defensive minded player, Thompson will step in and be a force on the glass and in the paint. Because of his offensive deficiencies, it helps having a passer like Steve Nash to help give him the ball in areas where he can score.

 

14. Houston Rockets- Jonas Valanciunas, C, International

NBA Comparison: Nenad Krstic

Due to his buyout situation, I see him falling to Houston who would happily draft him. They’re in need of some size in the front court, their center is 6’6 and while he’s a serviceable big man, he’s not exactly starting material. Valanciunas has a lot of potential, but is extremely raw at this point. He plays aggressively, which generally leads him to fouling a lot, and is often beat to rebounds by quicker players, and has trouble finishing outside. He’s definitely a project, but I just cannot see Daryl Morey passing up on him.

 

15. Indiana Pacers- Markeiff Morris, PF, Kansas

NBA Comparison: Juwan Howard

Indiana needs more two way players to keep their style of play intact, as showcased in the playoffs, they are an unselfish team that executes their offensive sets and plays disciplined defense. Markeiff has made some great strides through his three years in Kansas, expanding his offensive game and improving his man to man defense. I see him having a long career as a quality player off the bench.

 

16. Philadelphia Sixers- Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Kansas

NBA Comparison: Al Harrington

With Iguodala seemingly gone, they’ll look to find his replacement. If Marcus can prove that he is able to play the SF position, he’d fit in nicely with this current Sixers team. He was extremely productive in Kansas, and is versatile enough to play either forward position.

 

17. New York Knicks- Jimmer Freddette, PG, BYU

NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon

About time Jimmer’s name gets called right? Two reasons for him falling, I just don’t see him fitting in with any of the teams listed above, and two, he’s a terrible defender. One of his biggest issues while translating his game to the NBA is playing playoff type basketball. He’ll be entering a situation where he’ll be watched 24/7, and will be expected to perform well. He’s also playing alongside three all-star veterans who are desperate to win. He’s not going to have the green light to shoot whenever he pleases, he’s not going to be able to launch 30 foot jumpers over multiple defenders, and he’s definitely not going to stay a starter in this league if he plays defense like he did at BYU. If you’re wondering why I (among many others) know this, Adam Morrison was in a very similar situation once he was drafted out of Gonzaga. He’s a good enough ball handler and passer to play the PG position, and his unlimited range will surely keep him in the league, it’s a matter of utilizing his talent properly.

 

18. Washington Wizards- Jimmy Butler, SF, Marquette

NBA Comparison: Modern day Grant Hill

If you haven’t read his incredible story by Andy Katz on ESPN, do so immediately. He’s my sleeper pick in this draft and one of my favorite prospects because he can do it all on the court. He’s an efficient scorer, a very good defender, gets to the foul line and can score in transition. He’s willing to do whatever a team needs him to do, he’s a high character player that would help change the culture of this locker room. Ernie Grunfeld has reached for players before in previous drafts, I can see him doing the same at #18 if he doesn’t buy a pick later in the first round.

 

19. Charlotte Bobcats- Kenneth Faried, PF/C, Morehead State

NBA Comparison: Kris Humpheries

Charlotte needs help everywhere, after drafting Jordan Hamilton with their first pick, they have to counter that by going with a big man that focuses on defense. He has a relentless motor, plays tough in the paint, and rebounds the ball at an effective rate. They were one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, they bring in Kenneth with hopes that he will improve that category.

 

20. Minnesota Timberwolves- Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence

NBA Comparison: Nick Young

While I’m not a huge fan of Marshon, I think Minnesota gets great value here at 20. He’s a proven scorer, can put the ball in the hoop in a variety of ways, and would be a good option off the bench. Many criticize him for playing a lot of isolation basketball at the college level, his teammates relied on him heavily to score the ball, and in turn, has made him out to be a selfish player who has inflated stats.

 

21. Portland Trailblazers- Nikola Vucevic, C, USC

NBA Comparison: Mehmet Okur

He’s a big body, was very productive in college, and you can’t go wrong with drafting based on size (which is a rarity in this draft). He’s one of the safer picks in the draft, has a good jump shot, and his face up game is very solid. He could be a very solid big off the bench if he works on his conditioning.

 

22. Denver Nuggets- Iman Shumpert, PG, Georgia Tech

NBA Comparison: Poor man’s Tyreke Evans

I’m not sure what Raymond Felton’s situation is in Denver, but I think Iman will be a great back up PG to Ty Lawson down the road. He’s a great athlete, a terrific defender, and excels in the open court.

 

23. Houston Rockets- Donatas Montiejunas, PF, International

NBA Comparison: Andrea Bargnani

I think this is a good place to take a chance on a guy like Donatas. He’s criticized by many to be an unmotivated player, doesn’t show a ton of progression since his name has been in the draft pool the past few seasons, but if there’s one coach that’s able to get the most out of him, it’s the newly hired Kevin McHale. Don’t let the lack of motivation fool you though, he has a tremendous offensive skillset. He can put the ball on the floor, can score in the paint as well as beyond the arc, can create his own shot, and is a very solid athlete. Defensively we know he’s a liability, but in the right system, he has the potential to be a very good option.

 

24. Oklahoma City Thunder- Tobias Harris, PF/SF, Tennessee

NBA Comparison: Boris Diaw

I see Tobias falling because he doesn’t have one facet of the game he’s great at. He’s a versatile player, and let’s the game come to him which I love. He has a lot of defensive upside, plays well off the ball, and is a good scorer in the paint. At 24, this is a terrific pick as always for Sam Presti.

 

25. Boston Celtics- Tyler Honeycutt, SF/SG, UCLA

NBA Comparison: Nic Batum

He’s exactly what Boston needs. A versatile forward who runs the floor well, is gifted athletically, and plays aggressively on defensively. If he continues to work on his jumpshot, he has a chance to be a solid bench player in this league down the road.

 

26. Dallas Mavericks- Kyle Singler, SF, Duke

NBA Comparison: Mike Dunleavy

With multiple forwards becoming free agents this summer (Peja, Caron, Cardinal), the Mavs will probably look to add a player who can step in and make an impact immediately. Fresh off a championship run, why not add a prospect who came off a championship just two years ago? Singler can do what the Mavs have done so well this past season, space the floor. He plays smart, rarely do you see him forcing things, and is excellent coming off screens. He’s a smart player and a willing passer, he knows what it takes to win, and would surely be a nice addition to an already stacked team.

 

27. New Jersey Nets- Justin Harper, PF, Richmond

NBA Comparison: Channing Frye

Nets desperately need someone who can come off the bench at the 4 position and stay productive. Harper is a terrific shooter which will most likely translate to the next level. He’s a liability on defense, and probably isn’t the best fit next to Lopez, but this is great value this far in the draft.

 

28. Chicago Bulls- Nolan Smith, PG, Duke

NBA Comparison: Jarrett Jack

Another great value this late in the draft, the reigning ACC player of the year will come into a great situation and thrive as a backup to Derrick Rose. Problem with the Bulls bench last season was that they had no one to control the offense once Rose came out of the game. This is a player who took over point guard duties for Kyrie Irving when he went down with the toe injury and ended up taking home the ACC player of the year award. The offense seemingly didn’t lose a beat, and Nolan was the reason why. He controls the game, he lets the game come to him, and makes great decisions. He can hit big time shots, is a national champion, and a willing defender.

 

29. San Antonio Spurs- Chandler Parsons, SF, Florida

NBA Comparison: Luke Walton

Parsons is a prototypical Greg Popovich player. He’s smart, is able to stay productive without the ball in his hands, and is a true team player. He’s a great catch and shoot player, can come off screens, and likes to crash the boards. Spurs need size, unfortunately they’re unable to get a decent center at this point in the draft, so their best bet is drafting the best player available.

 

30. Chicago Bulls- David Lighty, SG, Ohio State

NBA Comparison: Keith Bogans

This is a pick that will probably be sold, but if not, I like this pick for Chicago. He’s a versatile wing, decent size, and plays good defense. The Bulls need to get more players that can score and pass well in iso’s, and he’s an exceptional ball handler and athlete. He’s one of the more underrated prospects this late in the draft if you ask me.

[Cleveland State of Mind]

nice mock roach

[Jenneral]

Agree with most of it. We'll see what ends up happening on draft day.

 

[Flash]

Nice mock. Hopefully it plays out that way so Reggie Jackson falls to Miami.

[Make It Naaaashty]

Looks perfect to me. Nice job with all the comparisons and insight. Good stuff.

[Dash]

Good mock and the I love the comparisons too.

 

The Hamilton pick is a huge reach though and I think he should be available at the 19th pick.

[AboveLegit]

The Hamilton pick is a huge reach though and I think he should be available at the 19th pick.

Yeah I'm not even entirely impressed with him, I just figured he'd help the Cats a ton with his scoring.

[NomarFachix]

Very interesting, I'm actually really curious as to who the Knicks would take if Montiejunas, Shumpert, Jimmer, and Faried were all available when we pick.

[Dash]

Yeah I'm not even entirely impressed with him, I just figured he'd help the Cats a ton with his scoring.

 

Well if they're going to take a scorer that high it should be Alec Burks or Klay Thompson. I prefer the idea of taking Marcus Morris 9th and then scooping up one of Jordan Hamilton or Marshon Brooks with their next pick though.

[AboveLegit]

Very interesting, I'm actually really curious as to who the Knicks would take if Montiejunas, Shumpert, Jimmer, and Faried were all available when we pick.

Not a fan of Faried in New York, it would just force Amare to play more center.. There's really no point in looking for a center in this draft unless Valanciunas magically falls to you guys, Vucevic isn't athletic enough to play in Dantoni's system, and he's really not a good fit next to Amare.

[NomarFachix]

Not a fan of Faried in New York, it would just force Amare to play more center.. There's really no point in looking for a center in this draft unless Valanciunas magically falls to you guys, Vucevic isn't athletic enough to play in Dantoni's system, and he's really not a good fit next to Amare.

What if Biyombo falls and/or we trade up?

[AboveLegit]

Well if they're going to take a scorer that high it should be Alec Burks or Klay Thompson. I prefer the idea of taking Marcus Morris 9th and then scooping up one of Jordan Hamilton or Marshon Brooks with their next pick though.

I like Alec Burks, but he's a terrible three point shooter.

 

I like Jordan Hamilton over Klay Thompson because while both of them are very similar players (not great athletes, good scorers), Hamilton is bigger and is a better rebounder. I think they're better off getting a major need early (wing scorer), and then focusing on rebounding and defense with their 19th pick.

[AboveLegit]

What if Biyombo falls and/or we trade up?

In that case, I'd take him in a heartbeat. Not sure about others, but I'm absolutely thrilled about seeing Biyombo in the league next season. He's the one exception I have for Amare playing center because I think he's a true game changer on the defensive end. He plays with so much passion and intensity, but is also a very smart player that will pick up the nuances of todays NBA rather quickly.