The big day is finally here, so we’re rolling out the red carpet and falling back on our scouting reports and any breaking news to deliver our final mock draft for the 2011 NBA Draft.
This mock is our final mock of the year for this draft and reflects months of rumors, news, scouting, and team need research. Take a look at out full two-round mock draft with analysis over each pick, and come chat with us LIVE in our Live Draft Chat. Also, feel free to follow each trade and pick live with our Live NBA Draft Tracker!
Note: Once published, this FINAL mock will not be touched, regardless of trade rumors or official moves. We caught the big trade between the Bucks, Kings, and Bobcats in time before publishing, but we will not be editing after we publish this mock.
Round 1
1. 
Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
The Cavs aren’t letting anyone know for sure who their pick is at the top spot, but its been a foregone conclusion for at least the past week that Irving is the guy. He has the athleticism and skills to be an elite franchise point guard. In a point guard-driven league, Cleveland opts to start over from the bottom up and hopes it can land an impact big man with the fourth selection.
Other options: Derrick Williams
2. 
Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
I personally haven’t thought for a second that Minnesota drafts and keeps Williams at this spot, but he will get selected number two overall (by someone). What happens after that is anyone’s guess. Kanter is a possibility here, too, but I don’t think the Timberwolves want to keep adding young talent. They got Ricky Rubio and now they are dangling this pick in an effort to add an elite veteran and gain a lower pick in the first round.
Other options: Trade, Enes Kanter
3. 
Utah Jazz - Enes Kanter, F/C, Kentucky
Its between Kanter and Brandon Knight here, but the Jazz are rumored to be very high on Kanter’s potential. Knight would solve any point guard questions, but with Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette possibly available when they pick again at 12, this is a risk the Jazz brass will be willing to take.
Other options: Brandon Knight, Jimmer Fredette, Trade up for Derrick Williams
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania
Kanter is gone and Tristan Thompson is too much of a reach. Valanciunas has immense potential and the Cavaliers shouldn’t be too concerned about his contract buytout. By landing, Valanciunas, they get two great building blocks to help turn their franchise around quickly.
Other options: Jan Vesely, Tristan Thompson, Trade up for Derrick Williams
5. 
Toronto Raptors - Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
Jerryd Bayless is a scorer and Jose Calderon is a passer. Its high time the Raptors made a sound draft decision and make the right pick. Knight is a franchise point guard who can both score and pass, and has the potential to be the best lead guard in this class. Toronto will flirt with another foreign pick, but if Knight is here, they’d be crazy to pass him up.
Other options: Jan Vesely, Kemba Walker, Kawhi Leonard
6. 
Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely, SF, Czech Republic
Nick Young is going to be a restricted free agent and many feel he won’t be back, so the obvious need here is small forward. It just so happens two very good small forwards in Vesely and Kawhi Leonard will be available, and Washington will go with the guy with more potential. Vesely has insane athleticism and versatility, and while he’s quite raw, he could end up being the best player in this draft down the road if everything goes right.
Other options: Kawhi Leonard, Trade up for Enes Kanter
7. 
Charlotte Bobcats - Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
Charlotte is said to be very high on Thompson and made the three-team deal with the Kings and Bucks to get in position to snag him. If he’s here, he’s theirs.
Other options: Bismack Biyombo, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker
8. 
Detroit Pistons - Bismack Biyombo, C, Congo
Detroit might have liked Thompson, but they have also had their eyes set on Biyombo. He’s useless on offense, but his defensive stopper mentality could help remind fans of Ben Wallace and Detroit’s title team.
Other options: Kemba Walker, Kawhi Leonard
9. Charlotte Bobcats - Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
Charlotte did get Corey Maggette via their three-team trade and they could easily go after Kemba Walker here, but I think they like Leonard and defense and potential continues to be the name of the game for them here.
Other options: Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette, Donatas Motiejunas
10. 
Sacramento Kings - Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
The Kings swung a trade with the Bobcats and Bucks, landing the 10th picks and John Salmons. Salmons should cure their ails at small forward for now, allowing them to grab a point guard that can lead the offense and let Tyreke Evans slide over to his more natural shooting guard position.
Other options: Jimmer Fredette
11. 
Golden State Warriors - Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
Thompson is a great offensive player and one of the best shooters in this draft. He can replace Monta Ellis if the team decides to move him, or he can help out at small forward. This helps the Warriors keep their offensive mind-set, but also gives them a little more size and length on the wing.
Other options: Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton, Jimmer Fredette
12. Utah Jazz – Alec Burks, G/F, Colorado
After Milwaukee traded away their first-round, suddenly Burks doesn’t have a home. With Walker and Knight off the board, Fredette makes the most sense here, but I still think the Suns find a way to get their guy, and Utah will just grab Burks to improve their defense and shooting guard position.
Other options: Jimmer Fredette, Trade up
13. 
Phoenix Suns - Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
I’m not about to spend all day exploring trade scenarios, but one way or another, I think the Suns get their guy. Steve Nash is 37, and landing Fredette could open up trade options that could bring another shooter or big man in to help this team start over. Even if Nash sticks, Fredette will have a great teacher for a year or two, while offering elite offense off the bench.
Other options: Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton, Donatas Motiejunas
14. 
Houston Rockets - Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
Motiejunas is raw and shies away from contact, but he can be coached to be more assertive and Houston clearly needs to move on from Yao Ming. Motiejunas has to be a better option that Chuck Hayes or Brad Miller, even if he’s not a perfect fit at center. However, he definitely has the size and offensive skills to make the tranistion. It might take a little time, but this is the right pick for a Houston team that doesn’t have many glaring holes on the rest of its roster.
Other options: Chris Singleton, Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris
15. 
Indiana Pacers - Chris Singleton, F, Florida State
Indiana could go in a number of directions (especially if they end up swinging a trade early) but landing Singleton looks like their best option at this point. He’s athletic and versatile, and brings a defensive mind-set the team can lack at times. He’s unselfish and will adapt to any role, as well, so from a team stand-point, its a can’t-miss pick.
Other options: Jordan Hamilton, Marcus Morris, Tyler Honeycutt
16. 
Philadelphia 76ers - Jordan Hamilton, G/F, Texas
Philly is said to be in love with Hamilton’s size, strength, and offensive ability. He’s a versatile talent that could replace a possibly exiting Andre Iguodala, or give them team the answer Evan Turner hasn’t been able to yet. He gives them length, versatility, and size on the wing, which is something they could really use.
Other options: Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Tobias Harris
17. 
New York Knicks - Nikola Vuvecic, F/C, USC
It has to be common knowledge by now what New York intends to do in this draft. If they can somehow trade up, they’ll go after Jimmer Fredette, while they’d be content standing pat and taking their pick between Klay Thompson (if he fell) and Vucevic. Vucevic still has some work to do, but he’s a big inside presence who can let Amar’e Stoudemire work from his more natural power forward position. New York still needs a point guard of the future and another shooter or two, but they can address that in the second round or in free agency.
Other options: Trade up for Jimmer Fredette, Markieff Morris, Reggie Jackson
18. Washington Wizards - Marcus Morris, F, Kansas
I know the Wizards got a similar prospect with their lottery pick earlier, but they won’t be able to pass on the falling Morris. Morris has great strength and versatility, and is another big, athletic body to add to the mix. I wouldn’t be shocked to see this a draft and trade selection, either.
Other options: Tobias Harris, Marshon Brooks, Kenneth Faried
19. 
Milwaukee Bucks - Iman Shumpert, G, Georgia Tech
Brandon Jennings shoots horribly from the floor and Shumpert could offer nice competition at the point, or come in and play the two sport with his elite athleticism and scoring ability.
Other options: Nolan Smith, Reggie Jackson, Tobias Harris
20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence
Is Minnesota ever going to find a real answer at shooting guard? This is probably the best time to find out. Unless they already solve this problem with a trade earlier in the night, Brooks could be exactly what they’re looking for. He needs to practice better shot selection and will have to get more consistent, but his scoring ability could take the pressure off of Kevin Love and Michael Beasley, and could actually even help make Beasley expendable.
Other options: Tobias Harris, Tyler Honeycutt, Reggie Jackson
21. 
Portland Trail Blazers - Norris Cole, PG, Cleveland State
Portland looks to be done with the aging Andre Miller and Brandon Roy may not have the knees to help out at point guard anymore. That means its time to look for that next guy who can come in and compete for major minutes. Cole went to a small school and isn’t a very hyped prospect, but he can really score the ball on a high level and does a good job at getting his teammates involved. With better talent around him, he could flourish.
Other options: Kenneth Faried, Trey Thompkins, Darius Morris
22. 
Denver Nuggets - Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
Denver has been giving high praise to both Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari as future stars on their team, so you have to think they’ll simply go after a guy or two that can add some energy and fundamentals. Faried fits the bill, as he’ll go after every rebound and help make Denver a better defensive team.
Other options: Markieff Morris, Trey Thompkins, Tobias Harris
23. Houston Rockets - Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
Houston continues to add depth inside with a beast defensive presence in Morris. Morris also has an improving offensive game, which can further help fans forget about the deteriorating Yao Ming.
Other options: Trey Thompkins, Jeremy Tyler, JaJuan Johnson
24. 
Oklahoma City Ghunder - Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
There’s a decent possibility the Thunder add another shooter/scorer here, but I think after seeing in the playoffs how ineffective their bigs are on offense, getting a big man to put some points on the board from inside the paint has to be a priority. Thompkins will provide just that, and has the strength and size to help on defense, as well.
Other options: Kyle Singler, Reggie Jackson, JaJuan Johnson
25. 
Boston Celtics - Jeremy Tyler, PF, USA
Maybe I have tunnel vision, but Tyler has been the perfect guy for the Celtics in my eyes for quite some time. He has great size, strength, and athleticism, and he even has some solid experience overseas. He’s still a bit rough around the edges, but with the versatility to even play center, he could start to help make up for the loss of both Kendrick Perkins and Shaquille O’Neal.
Other options: JaJuan Johnson, Tyler Honeycutt, Kyle Singler
26. 
Dallas Mavericks - Tobias Harris, SF, Tennessee
Even with age and impending free agents, Dallas is still such a deep team that they could do nothing and possibly give it another go at the NBA Finals next year. Still, Dirk Nowitzki and co. are only getting older, so adding a versatile offensive talent like Harris is a great move. Harris is talented enough to go probably 10 picks earlier, so they get a steal here.
Other options: JaJuan Johnson, Justin Harper, Kyle Singler
27. 
New Jersey Nets - Tyler Honeycutt, G/F, UCLA
Another guy that had lottery value and has dropped off significantly is Honeycutt, despite his silky smooth offensive game and solid versatility. If the Nets are going to convince Deron Williams to stick with the team, they’ll have to surround him with some weapons. Honeycutt doesn’t have a killer instinct and is inconsitent, but he still has the potential to be an impact offensive player with time.
Other options: Kyle Singler, JaJuan Johnson, Justin Harper
28. 
Chicago Bulls - Kyle Singler, G/F, Duke
Chicago still might attack the area in free agency, but by landing the falling Singler, they get an underrated athlete who has the versatility to play both the two and the three. In addition, he’s just a smart team player who offers the one thing Chicago needs the most: shooting. Singler couldn’t have fallen into a better situation.
Other options: Davis Bertans, Reggie Jackson, Justin Harper
29. 
San Antonio Spurs - Nikola Mirotic, F, Montenegro
When is there a draft where the Spurs don’t pick a foreign player late in the first or second round? They know how to get great value late, and I think its going to come down between Mirotic or Davis Bertans at this pick. Bertans is an elite shooter, but with Mirotic they get a more balanced player. Mirotic brings more versatility and potential to the table, and is arguably more ready to contribute now than Bertans.
Other options: Davis Bertans, Justin Harper, Chandler Parsons
30. Chicago Bulls - Justin Harper, PF, Richmond
The final pick, in my opinion, will come down to two really gifted offensive players from two different worlds: Justin Harper and Reggie Jackson. Harper gives the Bulls some more size and inside offense, but also is blessed with an outstanding stroke with three-ball range, as well as a nice handle that makes him a multi-dimensional threat on offense. With Singler and now Harper, the Bulls dramatically improve their outside shooting and length in their rotation.
Other options: Reggie Jackson, Josh Selby, Davis Bertans
Round 2
31. 
Miami Heat - Reggie Jackson, PG, Boston College
I had Josh Selby here in my last mock and was really tempted to have him here again, but the more I look at Jackson, the more I think he’s a major steal in the second round. Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers are not the answer at the point for Miami, so maybe Jackson is.
Other options: JaJuan Johnson,
32. Cleveland Cavaliers - Davis Bertans, F, Latvia
Cleveland already got its stud point guard and big man, so why not grab some outside shooting with some potential? Bertans is a tall, lengthy small forward with lights-out shooting from long range. He’s a bit raw outside of his shot, but he has room to grow.
Other options: Chandler Parsons, Jimmy Butler, Jon Leuer
33. Detroit Pistons - Darius Morris, G, Michigan
After taking a bit of a risk with Bismack Biyombo in the lottery, Detroit settles down a bit and grabs some insurance at point guard in case they bail again on Rodney Stuckey. Even if Stuckey sticks as the starter, Morris has great size and overall skills to come off the bench as a reliable back-up.
Other options: Josh Selby, Malcolm Lee, Chandler Parsons
34. Washington Wizards - LaceDarius Dunn, SG, Baylor
A lot of people would say this is way too early for Dunn, and usually I’d agree, but if he’s not asked to lead a team or be the main source of offense, I think he can come in and fill a nice scoring role off the bench. Jordan Crawford shot horrible percentages last year, anyways, so the team may want to protect itself at shooting guard. Dunn is an explosive offensive talent that is a diamond in the rough here in the second round.
Other options: Malcolm Lee, Josh Selby, Nolan Smith
35. Sacramento Kings - Josh Selby, G, Kansas
After passing up on some nice point guard prospects early, the Kings get a second go-around when Selby (seen by some as a first-round talent) is available here in the second. He needs a ton of work as a lead guard, but he absolutely has the athleticism and talent to score effectively at the next level. If his vision and point guard skills progress, he could be the answer at the point for the Kings.
Other options: Malcolm Lee, Nolan Smith, Shelvin Mack
36. New Jersey Nets - Nolan Smith, PG, Duke
I felt for the longest time that Smith had the ability to be an NBA point guard, but so-called experts and GM’s around the league have led me to believe that no one making the big decisions really agreed. However, he does have the necessary talent and skills to give it a go at the point, and I think he could end up being a great back-up with the Nets, while possessing the versatility to help out at shooting guard where needed. Deron Williams could jet after this coming year, so the Nets have to add some more talent to protect themsleves.
Other options: Shelvin Mack, Malcolm Lee, Jimmy Butler
37. 
Los Angeles Clippers - Jimmy Butler, SF, Marquette
Los Angeles still doesn’t have a concrete answer at small forward, and might find it here in the balanced Butler. Butler brings solid offense and versatility to the table and has been a prospect that has been mentioned as a possible first-round pick.
Other options: Chandler Parsons, Jon Leuer, Shelvin Mack
38. Houston Rockets - JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
Houston catches the falling Johnson, who has the size and versatility to help on both ends of the court.
Other options: Shelvin Mack, Travis Leslie, Chandler Parsons
39. Charlotte Bobcats - Chandler Parsons, F, Florida
Charlotte grabbed an impressive big and a point guard with immense potential, so now its all about getting some fundamentals. Parsons is a solid athlete and a jack of all trades, so he’ll be able to come off the bench right away and help in a number of ways as an energy guy.
Other options: Shelvin Mack, Charles Jenkins, Andrew Goudelock
40. Milwaukee Bucks - Jon Leuer, F, Wisconsin
Milwaukee reels in a hometown hero in Leuer, while actually also addressing a need for some inside offense. Leuer isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s very versatile and brings reliable offense, both inside and out.
41. 
Los Angeles Lakers - Shelvin Mack, G, Butler
With four second-round picks, the Lakers can afford to take a few shots in the dark. Mack, a potential first-round pick, can provide instant offense off the bench or can develop into L.A.’s point guard of the future. Either way, its a solid value pick in the second round.
Other options: Andrew Goudelock, Demetri McCamey, Bojan Bogdanovic
42. Indiana Pacers – Jordan Williams, PF, Maryland
Scouts haven’t been too impressed with Williams’ athleticism or fluidity, but he’s still a big man with some nice upside. Indiana grabs this faller up and shores up an already solid and developing inside core.
Other options: Charles Jenkins, Demetri McCamey, Andrew Goudelock
43. Golden State Warriors – Charles Jenkins, PG, Hofstra
Jenkins is a very interesting offensive prospect that could easily rise into the top of the second round, but Golden State lucks out when he falls to them at 43. His elite offensive ability and solid size could help make Monta Ellis more expendable.
Other options: Andrew Goudelock, Rick Jackson, Bojan Bogdanovic
44. Chicago Bulls – Rick Jackson, PF, Syracuse
After grabbing elite offensive players late in the first round, the Bulls turn to defense and grab an inside presence who can defend well and hit the boards. Not overly gifted on offense, Jackson will work for a spot in the rotation to help improve Chicago’s already great defense.
Other options: Bojan Bogdanovic, Andrew Goudelock, Malcolm Thomas
45. 
New Orleans Hornets – Andrew Goudelock, SG, Charleston
If the Hornets are going to keep Chris Paul around, they’ll have to start surrounding him with better talent. Goudelock can shoot the lights out and offers some versatility, as well.
Other options: Bojan Bogdanovic, Cam Long, E’Twaun Moore
46. Los Angeles Lakers - Keith Benson, C, Oakland
Talk about adding to a position of strength. If the Lakers don’t get suckered into one of the trade rumors involving Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum (and hey, even if they do), they can make their inside offense and defense that much stronger by adding the impressive and growing Benson.
Other options: Greg Smith, Michael Dunigan, Travis Leslie
47. Los Angeles Clippers – Travis Leslie, G/F, Georgia
The Clippers add a freak athlete with improving offensive skills and the potential to be a defensive stopper.
Other options: Cory Joseph, Vernon Macklin, Greg Smith
48. 
Atlanta Hawks – Greg Smith, F/C, Fresno State
Regardless of whether or not the Hawks swing a trade for a big man, they’re likely to spend this pick on some inside depth. They have very little that is impressive past Al Horford, and Smith is a balanced player with room to grow.
Other options: Vernon Macklin, Michael Dunigan, Malcom Thomas
49. 
Memphis Grizzlies – Bojan Bogdanovic, G/F, Croatia
There are few sure things this late in the draft, and with Rudy Gay trade rumors still swirling about, its possible the Grizzlies grab a versatile wing just in case. Bogdanovic is a pretty special offensive player with some nice potential.
Other options: Scotty Hopson, Xavi Rabaseda, David Lighty
50. Philadelphia 76ers – Cory Joseph, G, Texas
Joseph’s fall finally ends when the 76ers add some depth to their guard corps. Joseph has immense potential at both guard spots, but left school too early and saw his stock take a major hit. Philly could have snagged a sleeper here.
Other options: E’Twaun Moore, David Lighty, Cam Long
51. Portland Trail Blazers – Vernon Macklin, PF, Florida
Macklin isn’t an elite talent by any means, but he’s a pretty balanced player that can bring energy and hustle; especially on the defensive end. With so many questions surrounding Greg Oden and Marcus Camby, this is a nice value/need pick for Portland.
Other options: Michael Dunigan, Scotty Hopson, Malcolm Thomas
52. Denver Nuggets – E’Twaun Moore, SG, Purdue
Denver has answers at most positions, but J.R. Smith’s attitude puts his future with the team in question, and they could use another scorer and defender at guard to add to the mix, regardless.
Other options: Cam Long, DeAndre Liggins, Ben Hansbrough
53. 
Orlando Magic – Michael Dunigan, F/C, USA
Dunigan is a project with great size and length. He’s spent some time overseas so he has some pro experience, and who knows what he could become playing along-side or just learning behind Dwight Howard. Orlando usually looks to add shooters, but they could really use a big body to build on.
Other options: Malcolm Thomas, Jacob Pullen, Jon Diebler
54. Cleveland Cavaliers – Xavi Rabaseda, G/F, Spain
Cleveland has made all the right moves up until this point, and grabs a luxury pick here in Rabaseda, who is a talented wing player with nice athleticism and versatility.
Other options: Scotty Hopson, Austin Freeman, Cam Long
55. Boston Celtics – Ben Hansbrough, PG, Notre Dame
The Celtics are a smart front office, so something tells me they’ll look at the player Hansbrough evolved into in a great season for the Fighting Irish, and they’ll grab a fellow “Celtic” and let him grow behind Rajon Rondo. Hansbrough may not be starting material, but he can offer a scoring punch and great energy and leadership with the second unit off the bench.
Other options: Julyan Stone, Austin Freeman, Scotty Hopson
56. Los Angeles Lakers – Malcolm Thomas, PF, San Diego State
I’m torn between the Lakers opting for a shooter or another big man to develop, but I think a big, talented inside presence like Thomas will be hard to pass up.
Other options: David Lighty, Cam Long, Scotty Hopson
57. Dallas Mavericks – Matthew Bryan-Amaning, PF, Washington
Bryan-Amaning isn’t all that polished or consistent, but he has gotten better each year at Washington, and if you only look at his size and athleticism, he’s definitely an NBA talent. Dallas gets bigger and more explosive inside with this pick.
Other options: Scotty Hopson, Austin Freeman, Steven Gray
58. Los Angeles Lakers – David Lighty, SG, Ohio State
Los Angeles grabs a two guard with excellent size and a nice shooting stroke. Going after a solid shooting guard helps them round out great depth with their four second-round selections.
Other options: Jacob Pullen, Steven Gray, Austin Freeman
59. San Antonio Spurs – Willie Reed, PF, St. Louis
The Spurs get a little bigger and explosive inside as they try to add depth behind the aging Tim Duncan. Reed is a bit of a project, but offers outstanding potential down the road.
Other options: Cam Long, Austin Freeman, Chris Wright
60. Sacramento Kings – Jacob Pullen, G, Kansas State
I think the Kings just add some plain old offense with the final pick of the draft. Pullen has some mild potential as a point guard, but at the very worst can flat-out shoot the ball and can bring instant offense off the bench.
Other options: Chris Wright, Steven Gray, Austin Freeman
