2011 NBA Mock Draft: First Round

We officially found out the order of selections for the 2011 NBA Draft last night, as the lottery took place in Newark, and produced some intriguing results.

And that made things a little clearer in terms of who could go where, with Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams seemingly being locks for the first two spots in this year’s draft.

But of course, there are more than just two picks in the draft, so it’s time to dig a little deeper and see what else could happen during the first round.

I’ve chosen to just do a first round mock, as there are usually so many different things that take place in the second round when it comes to trades and that kind of stuff. Yes, there will likely be trades in the first round as well, but it’s a little easier to gauge the possibilities in the Top 30 barring any unforeseen blockbuster deals than it is in looking at the second.

So without any further ado, here’s how my Top 30 shapes up in the 2011 NBA Draft:

1. CLE – Kyrie Irving, PG (6’2″, 180, Duke)

30. CHI – Travis Leslie, SF (6’4″, 200, Georgia)

Now, a few notes and comments:

• As mentioned, unless something crazy happens, Irving will likely go to Cleveland and Williams will go to Minnesota. Can’t really see anyone else moving into one of those top two spots.
• The third pick likely comes down to whether the Jazz like Knight or Walker more. I think it’s gonna be hard for them to pass up either one of these guys. Personally, I think Knight fits the “potential franchise point guard mold a little more.
• If and when Cleveland takes Irving at number one, they have to go big at the four spot. It’ll be a choice between Valancuinas and Kanter.
• Toronto fans are probably scratching their heads at the thought of another international big man, but they could certainly entertain the thought of taking whichever point guard Utah doesn’t take.
• I think the top seven picks of this draft are set in stone. May not be in the order I have them in, however, I just feel like these are the premier seven in the draft.
• Jazz fans should be salivating if Burks is there at number twelve. The guy can flat out score, as we saw at Colorado.
• Speaking of guys that can score, how about THE JIMMER to the Knicks? Think Spike Lee would like that pick?
• The most underrated player in this first round to me is Kenneth Faried. The Dennis Rodman comparisons aren’t unwarranted. He’s got Top 10 talent.

Well there you have it. My first attempt at a first round mock. Although this draft is considered weak, the actual draft itself should be a lot of fun since there’s a lot of unpredictability in it. Since there’s no consensus “can’t miss” pick, then that leaves open a lot of possibilities.

How do you see the first round shaking out? Any of these picks intrigue you?

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