Showing posts with label Mock Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mock Draft. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

My Mock Draft 2011

If any year's mock drafts are an exercise in futility, 2011 tops the list. When all is said and done, I wouldn't be surprised if 10-15 of the first round picks get traded. For this mock draft, I am not going to try to predict these moves. Also, I have just stuck to the first round, as most of the second round picks get moved as well.

Many analysts have described this as a two star draft. Almost every player beyond Kyrie Irving and Derrick Wiliams have major flaws or question marks. With that said, this is being the worst draft in years. Interestingly, this draft has a heavy international flavor, as 5 of these players will likely be drafted in the top 20.

Without further ado...

1. Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers This seems like a no brainer here. The Cavs obviously don't have Baron Davis in their future plans, and only have one "untouchable" in J.J. Hickson. What is interesting is how the times have changed. 5 years ago, it was almost imperative to go big with a number 1 pick. Coming off a year where former number 1 Derrick Rose won the MVP, teams now realize that just because a player may be the best big man in the draft class doesn't mean they need to go first. While I don't see Irving as being as explosive as Rose, I could definitely see him as an All-Star in 3-4 years.

2. Derrick Williams, F, Minnesota Timberwolves If Minnesota holds this pick, it will be Williams. Of course, this would mean that Michael Beasley needs to get traded again. Williams, an athletic monster, would become part of an interesting core with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love. What I am not sold on is Williams' jumpshot. I see him as a more powerful Josh Smith, who would be better at the 4, where he is not expected to shoot 15 times a game.

3. Brandon Knight, PG, Utah Jazz Utah has two options here, Knight or Enes Kanter. I personally don't see the dire need for another big man. If there was an elite SG in this draft, I have to believe that is who the Jazz would be taking. However, it is understood that the Jazz brass don't see Devin Harris as their franchise point, so Knight steps into this role. Keep in mind that the Jazz have a second lottery pick, which makes for interesting trade scenarios.