Mock Lotto w/ Notes
Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:39 pm
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAC): Kyrie Irving (6' 2" PG, Duke, Freshman)
Extremely talented, pure PG who played well at one of the best programs in the country. Derrick Williams might also be considered here, but I think in the end Irving is the best player overall.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Enes Kanter (6' 11" PF/C, Turkey, International '92)
Derrick Williams is probably the best player available, but there's just no room for him with Love, Beasley, Johnson and Randolph all on board looking for PT. Instead, they pick the young Turk, who could give them a potent inside threat to balance the team out, as well as an anchor in the middle.
3. Utah Jazz (from NJN): Derrick Williams (6' 9" F, Arizona, Sophomore)
The Jazz have a plethora of talented young big men, but Williams fills a big need as a scorer as well as being clearly the best player available. Stick him at SF and let him use his superior size and post moves to score at will.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas (7' 0" C, Lithuania, International '92)
Some people consider Jonas to be the most talented big man in the draft. He has a huge frame and has shown a lot of promise on both ends of the floor. He might not be in the league for a year or two, but the rebuilding Cavs can afford to wait for him.
5. Toronto Raptors: Brandon Knight (6' 3" PG, Kentucky, Freshman)
Toronto's two biggest needs are PG and C. With Kanter and Valanciunas off the board, this pick comes down to a decision between Knight and Bismack Biyombo. Knight is a strong defender, 3pt shooter, and a hard worker who has been described as very coachable. With all the question marks surrounding Biyombo, Knight is the safer, and likely better, choice.
6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely (6' 11" F, Czech Republic, International '90)
The Wizards have a history of gambling on high-motor athletes, and Vesely certainly fits the mold. A high-flier who looks to be a great defender, he would fit well in the SF spot next to a creator like Wall.
7. Sacramento Kings: Jimmer Fredette (6' 3" PG, Brigham Young, Senior)
The first major upset of the draft. Some would consider Fredette a reach at #7, but he brings a lot of what Sacto needs next to Evans. A good shooter and ball handler, surprisingly quick (according to his Sacramento workout) and a born leader, he would be a strong addition.
8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo (6' 9" PF/C, Congo, International '92)
Biyombo doesn't have a great offensive touch (or really, any at all). But he makes up for it with his defense, rebounding, athleticism, and ability to play PF or C. He would be a great compliment to Greg Monroe up front.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker (6' 1" PG, Connecticut, Junior)
Charlotte loves to draft winners, and Walker one it all with UConn. He's been linked to Charlotte in rumor a couple times, and he would fill in nicely for them at the PG spot, especially with good passers like S-Jax and Diaw on board.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks (6' 6" SG, Colorado, Sophomore)
Milwaukee could really use anyone at SG, SF, or PF. Burks is the best one available at this point in the draft, though they could also go with someone like Marcus Morris or Tristan Thompson. Burks is a high-upside SG who defends and can create his own shot.
11. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris (6' 9" F, Kansas, Junior)
The guy we've worked out a couple times. Has a good repetoire of offensive skills and would bring some much needed offense to the Warriors' big man corps.
12. Utah Jazz: Klay Thompson (6' 7" SG/SF, Washington State, Junior)
Continuting to add offense to the wings, the Jazz pick up a dead-eye 3pt shooter with underrated athleticism here in Klay. Between Thompson and Williams, they could be much improved offensively in 11-12.
13. Phoenix Suns: Markieff Morris (6' 10" PF, Kansas, Junior)
Continuing their trend of picking "the other twin," (Robin Lopez and Taylor Griffin), the Suns pick up the other Morris twin, Markieff. His size and defense at PF would be a welcome addition to a team trying to make a push for a playoff spot before Nash's career is over. They could also pick the less ready, but higher upside Tristan Thompson.
14. Houston Rockets: Kawhi Leonard (6' 7" F, San Diego State, Sophomore)
Leonard's athleticism, defense and all-around game would be a great addition to a Houston team pushing to make the playoffs.
Extremely talented, pure PG who played well at one of the best programs in the country. Derrick Williams might also be considered here, but I think in the end Irving is the best player overall.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Enes Kanter (6' 11" PF/C, Turkey, International '92)
Derrick Williams is probably the best player available, but there's just no room for him with Love, Beasley, Johnson and Randolph all on board looking for PT. Instead, they pick the young Turk, who could give them a potent inside threat to balance the team out, as well as an anchor in the middle.
3. Utah Jazz (from NJN): Derrick Williams (6' 9" F, Arizona, Sophomore)
The Jazz have a plethora of talented young big men, but Williams fills a big need as a scorer as well as being clearly the best player available. Stick him at SF and let him use his superior size and post moves to score at will.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas (7' 0" C, Lithuania, International '92)
Some people consider Jonas to be the most talented big man in the draft. He has a huge frame and has shown a lot of promise on both ends of the floor. He might not be in the league for a year or two, but the rebuilding Cavs can afford to wait for him.
5. Toronto Raptors: Brandon Knight (6' 3" PG, Kentucky, Freshman)
Toronto's two biggest needs are PG and C. With Kanter and Valanciunas off the board, this pick comes down to a decision between Knight and Bismack Biyombo. Knight is a strong defender, 3pt shooter, and a hard worker who has been described as very coachable. With all the question marks surrounding Biyombo, Knight is the safer, and likely better, choice.
6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely (6' 11" F, Czech Republic, International '90)
The Wizards have a history of gambling on high-motor athletes, and Vesely certainly fits the mold. A high-flier who looks to be a great defender, he would fit well in the SF spot next to a creator like Wall.
7. Sacramento Kings: Jimmer Fredette (6' 3" PG, Brigham Young, Senior)
The first major upset of the draft. Some would consider Fredette a reach at #7, but he brings a lot of what Sacto needs next to Evans. A good shooter and ball handler, surprisingly quick (according to his Sacramento workout) and a born leader, he would be a strong addition.
8. Detroit Pistons: Bismack Biyombo (6' 9" PF/C, Congo, International '92)
Biyombo doesn't have a great offensive touch (or really, any at all). But he makes up for it with his defense, rebounding, athleticism, and ability to play PF or C. He would be a great compliment to Greg Monroe up front.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker (6' 1" PG, Connecticut, Junior)
Charlotte loves to draft winners, and Walker one it all with UConn. He's been linked to Charlotte in rumor a couple times, and he would fill in nicely for them at the PG spot, especially with good passers like S-Jax and Diaw on board.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Alec Burks (6' 6" SG, Colorado, Sophomore)
Milwaukee could really use anyone at SG, SF, or PF. Burks is the best one available at this point in the draft, though they could also go with someone like Marcus Morris or Tristan Thompson. Burks is a high-upside SG who defends and can create his own shot.
11. Golden State Warriors: Marcus Morris (6' 9" F, Kansas, Junior)
The guy we've worked out a couple times. Has a good repetoire of offensive skills and would bring some much needed offense to the Warriors' big man corps.
12. Utah Jazz: Klay Thompson (6' 7" SG/SF, Washington State, Junior)
Continuting to add offense to the wings, the Jazz pick up a dead-eye 3pt shooter with underrated athleticism here in Klay. Between Thompson and Williams, they could be much improved offensively in 11-12.
13. Phoenix Suns: Markieff Morris (6' 10" PF, Kansas, Junior)
Continuing their trend of picking "the other twin," (Robin Lopez and Taylor Griffin), the Suns pick up the other Morris twin, Markieff. His size and defense at PF would be a welcome addition to a team trying to make a push for a playoff spot before Nash's career is over. They could also pick the less ready, but higher upside Tristan Thompson.
14. Houston Rockets: Kawhi Leonard (6' 7" F, San Diego State, Sophomore)
Leonard's athleticism, defense and all-around game would be a great addition to a Houston team pushing to make the playoffs.