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2011 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 16-30
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
2011 NBA Mock Draft – Walt’s
2011 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: C | PF | SF | SG | PG
2012 NBA Mock Draft
Updated: June 23, 2011, 7:25 p.m.
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke, 6-3, Fr. 
There have been rumblings that the Cavs will indeed take Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 pick instead of Derrick Williams. Cleveland already has Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions at the point, but it is hard to pass up a franchise point guard and Irving is the best prospect in this class.
We’ve already graded the Kyrie Irving pick in our 2011 NBA Draft Live Grades. Check back on draft night (Thursday) to see our live NBA Draft grades for each pick just moments after each selection.
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona, 6-9, So. 
In this scenario, the Timberwolves settle for whomever 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.
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Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky, 6-11, Fr. 
Utah owns this pick via the Deron Williams trade. Go here to see all of the outstanding 2011 NBA Draft Trades.
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 even though Knight seems to fit the bigger need.
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Valanciunas, PF/C, Lithuania, 6-10, 1992
If the Cavs go Irving at No. 1, they are praying Utah takes Knight so Enes Kanter falls to them at No. 4. 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.
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Toronto Raptors: 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.
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Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic, 6-11, 1989 
The Wizards really need a true small forward and should take a hard look at Kawhi Leonard and Jan Vesely. Vesely is probably more of a power forward but could also play the three, and Washington reportedly likes him a lot.
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Charlotte Bobcats: 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.
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Detroit Pistons: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas, 6-9, Fr. 
The Pistons likely turn their attention to Tristan Thompson or Bismack Biyombo; whomever Charlotte doesn’t take at No. 7.
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Charlotte Bobcats: Klay Thompson, SG, Wash St., 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.
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Sacramento Kings: 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.
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Golden State Warriors: 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.
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Utah Jazz: Kemba Walker, PG, UConn, 6-1, Jr.
STEAL OF THE DRAFT!
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Phoenix Suns: 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.
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Houston Rockets: 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. Marcus Morris could also be an option.
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Indiana Pacers: 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 over a player like Biyombo.
Go to 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 16-30
Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwith.
Go to 2011 NBA Mock Draft: Round 2
Go to 2012 NBA Mock Draft
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Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: [email protected].
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]
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