2011 NBA Mock Draft v6

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Jared Sullinger- F (Ohio State)

2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Perry Jones- F (Baylor)

3. Sacramento Kings- Derrick Williams- F (Arizona)

4. Washington Wizards- Harrison Barnes- F (North Carolina)

5. Toronto Raptors- Kyrie Irving- (Duke)

6. Utah Jazz (from NJN)- Jimmer Fredette- G (Brigham Young)

7. Detroit Pistons- Terrence Jones- F (Kentucky)

8. Cleveland Cavaliers (from LAC)- Jordan Hamilton- G/F (Texas)

9. Milwaukee Bucks- Enes Kanter- F (Turkey)

10. Charlotte Bobcats- Kawhi Leonard- F (San Diego State)

11. Golden State Warriors- Jonas Valanciunas- F/C (Lithuania)

12. Houston Rockets- Marcus Morris- F (Kansas)

13. Phoenix Suns- Jan Vesely- F (Czech Republic)

14. Utah Jazz- Alec Burks- G (Colorado)

15. Indiana Pacers- Donatas Motiejunas- F (Lithuania)

16. Philadelphia 76ers- Brandon Knight- G (Kentucky)

17. Denver Nuggets (from NYK)- Kemba Walker- G (Connecticut)

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from MEM)- Josh Selby- G (Kansas)

19. Portland Trail Blazers- Markieff Morris- F (Kansas)

20. Denver Nuggets- Tristan Thompson- F (Texas)

21. Charlotte Bobcats (from POR via NOH)- John Henson- F (North Carolina)

22. Washington Wizards (from ATL)- Lucas Nogueira- C (Brazil)

23. Houston Rockets (from PHO via ORL)- Tyler Honeycutt- F (UCLA)

24. Oklahoma City Thunder- Kenneth Faried- F (Morehead State)

25. New Jersey Nets (from LAL)- Tobias Harris- F (Tennessee)

26. Chicago Bulls- Nolan Smith- G (Duke)

27. Dallas Mavericks- Mason Plumlee- F (Duke)

28. Chicago Bulls (from TOR via MIA)- Trey Thompkins- F (Georgia)

29. Boston Celtics- JaJuan Johnson- F/C (Purdue)

30. San Antonio Spurs- Demetri McCamey- G (Illinois)

Carmelo-Knicks Reaction

New York Knicks:

The price was steep, maybe too steep considering Carmelo Anthony's well-documented intentions. It appeared to everyone outside of "the know" that upon opting out this summer Anthony would sign with the Knicks, and only the Knicks, making such a trade superfluous. However, as we've seen before (I'm looking at you, Carlos Boozer!), appearances aren't everything, and crazy things can (and do) happen. Donnie Walsh, James Dolan and (depending on who you believe) Isaiah Thomas did what they had to do in order to ensure Melo's long-term services, and no one can blame them for that.

The 2010-2011 Knicks may not be a "super team" according to the contemporary definition, but if the pending CBA cooperates, the 2011-2012 Knicks very well could be. For better or worse, this whole soap opera was nothing if not an illumination of the inherent gravity of the New York media market. That fact, along with the current landscape of the NBA, almost guarantees that a third "star" will inevitably and eventually land in The Big Apple. Whether it be Chris Paul, Deron Williams, or some other dark horse (my current favorite is Timberwolves' property Ricky Rubio), Walsh et. al won't be placated until they have their own "Big 3".

All four players headed to Denver had started for the Knicks during the '10-'11 season, but only two players heading back to Manhattan are first-team quality players, so depth (specifically in the frontcourt) really does become the issue. Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields will start in the backcourt, with Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and presumably Ronny Turiaf logging heavy minutes up front. New York will bring Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Corey Brewer (among others) off the bench, but Shelden Williams and Shawne Williams will have to hold down the frontcourt for the Knicks' second team.

The Knicks are currently 5 ½ games behind Atlanta for the 5^th seed in the East, slated to play the Chicago Bulls in the first round if the season ended today. While a meteoric rise is certainly possible over the season's last 27 or 28 games, it seems unlikely, especially with the Knicks' rotation changing so drastically. With that said, the current seedings are about the best the Knicks could imagine. As noted, the Knicks' biggest weakness is frontcourt depth, which would be the most vulnerable against Boston's deep frontcourt group and Orlando's Dwight Howard, two teams the Knickerbockers would avoid until at least the Conference Finals under the current standings.

Even if everything works out perfectly for New York's not-so-super team, their lack of depth would be exposed by the physicality of the elite teams in the West. The best-case scenario for the '10-'11 Knicks is a Conference Finals loss, while their worst-case scenario is a First Round loss.

Denver Nuggets:

The Nuggets aren't necessarily done wheeling and dealing, but they're already well on their way to rebuilding in the post-Carmelo era. Moving forward, it appears that Ty Lawson, Aaron Afflalo, Nene Hilario, and Chris Anderson are the only players Denver is truly committed to keeping. Kenyon Martin and Al Harrington are essentially untradeable because of their contract situations, but any and all of the incoming former Knicks are moveable. Sources say the Nuggets have moved their focus to working out an extension with Nene, the Nuggets de facto franchise player, who has an Early Termination Option this summer. There has also been speculation that Denver is fielding offers for newly-acquired forward Danilo Gallinari, with teams such as the Nets, Clippers, Cavaliers, and Raptors all interested. The compensation would likely be draft considerations rather than physical assets because of salary and luxury tax implications.

The remaining pieces in Denver may not be enough to secure a playoff spot in the very competitive Western Conference this season, but the Nuggets will save roughly $25 million in salary and luxury tax this year alone, along with the young pieces and draft picks acquired in the deal. After seeing Cleveland and Toronto lose their superstars last summer for pennies on the dollar, the Nuggets have to be ecstatic about their haul for Anthony.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

The Wolves' role in this deal is largely an afterthought, but in actuality, it may have been the most important domino to fall. Previous reports had the Timberwolves sending Corey Brewer and a first round draft pick in exchange for Anthony Randolph's services and Eddy Curry's fat gut. As it turned out, Minnesota was enamored with Randolph, but unwilling to part with an immensely valuable future draft selection. GM David Kahn realized that no Timberwolves' involvement meant no Carmelo for the Knicks, and was able to leverage that fact into a very favorable deal for the Wolves.

Brewer and Curry are eligible to become free agents after the season, and with New York picking up $3 million of Curry's cap number, the salary difference for the rest of the season is minimal (between $1 and $1.5 million). Randolph, on the other hand, has two years remaining on his deal, and is eligible for a qualifying offer in the summer of 2012.

In the end, the Timberwolves got the player they truly coveted for a below-average asset and under $2 million in cash, without sacrificing any future draft considerations, which has to be considered a success for a rebuilding, young franchise.

2011 NBA Mock Draft: All Star Edition

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-46): Perry Jones- F (Baylor)

2. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-43): Jared Sullinger- F/C (Ohio State)

3. Sacramento Kings (13-40): Kyrie Irving- G (Duke)

4. Toronto Raptors (15-41): Harrison Barnes- F (North Carolina)

5. Washington Wizards (15-39): Derrick Williams- F (Arizona)

6. New Jersey Nets (17-40): Terrence Jones- F (Kentucky)

7. Detroit Pistons (21-36): Enes Kanter- F/C (Turkey)

8. Los Angeles Clippers (21-35): Kawhi Leonard- F (San Diego State)

9. Milwaukee Bucks (21-34): Marcus Morris- F (Kansas)

10. Charlotte Bobcats (24-32): Jonas Valanciunas- F/C (Lithuania)

11. Houston Rockets (26-31): Jan Vesely- F (Czech Republic)

12. Golden State Warriors (26-29): Jordan Hamilton- G/F (Texas)

13. Phoenix Suns (27-27): Brandon Knight- G (Kentucky)

14. Memphis Grizzlies (31-26): Jimmer Fredette- G (Brigham Young)

15. Indiana Pacers (24-30): Donatas Motiejunas- F (Lithuania)

16. Philadelphia 76ers (27-29): Tobias Harris- F (Tennessee)

17. New York Knicks (28-26): Kemba Walker- G (Connecticut)

18. Utah Jazz (31-26): Alec Burks- G (Colorado)

19. Denver Nuggets (32-25): Tristan Thompson- F (Texas)

20. Portland Trail Blazers (via NOH- 33-25): Markieff Morris- F (Kansas)

21. Portland Trail Blazers (32-24): Corey Joseph- G (Texas)

22. Atlanta Hawks (34-21): John Henson- F (North Carolina)

23. Phoenix Suns (via ORL- 36-21): Tyler Honeycutt- F (UCLA)

24. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-19): Kenneth Faried- F (Morehead State)

25. Los Angeles Lakers (38-19): Nolan Smith- G (Duke)

26. Chicago Bulls (38-16): Josh Selby- G (Kansas)

27. Dallas Mavericks (40-16): Lucas Nogueira- C (Brazil)

28. Toronto Raptors (via MIA- 41-15): Trey Thompkins- F (Georgia)

29. Boston Celtics (40-14): Kris Joseph- F (Syracuse)

30. San Antonio Spurs (46-10): Mason Plumlee- F (Duke)

2011 NBA Mock Draft v4

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Perry Jones- F (Baylor)

2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jared Sullinger- F (Ohio State)

3. Sacramento Kings- Kyrie Irving- G (Duke)

4. Toronto Raptors- Enes Kanter- F (Turkey)

5. Washington Wizards- Jan Vesely- F (Czech Republic)

6. New Jersey Nets- Harrison Barnes- F (North Carolina)

7. Detroit Pistons- Brandon Knight- G (Kentucky)

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Kawhi Leonard- F (San Diego State)

9. Milwaukee Bucks- Terrence Jones- F (Kentucky)

10. Charlotte Bobcats- Kemba Walker- G (Connecticut)

11. Indiana Pacers- Derrick Williams- F (Arizona)

12. Golden State- Jonas Valanciunas- C (Lithuania)

13. Houston Rockets- Marcus Morris- F (Kansas)

14. Phoenix Suns- Jordan Hamilton- G/F (Texas)

15. Philadelphia 76ers- Tristan Thompson- PF (Texas)

16. New York Knicks- Jimmer Fredette- G (Brigham Young)

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (from MEM)- Alec Burks- G (Colorado)

18. Denver Nuggets- Tobias Harris- F (Tennessee)

19. Portland Trail Blazers- Markieff Morris- F (Kansas)

20. Utah Jazz- Josh Selby- G (Kansas)

21. Portland Trail Blazers (from NOH)- Tyler Honeycutt- F (UCLA)

22. Phoenix Suns (from ORL)- Kenneth Faried- F (Morehead State)

23. Atlanta Hawks- Jeff Taylor- SF (Vanderbilt)

24. Oklahoma City Thunder- Nolan Smith- G (Duke)

25. Los Angeles Lakers- LaceDarius Dunn- G (Baylor)

26. Chicago Bulls- Keith Benson- C (Oakland)

27. Dallas Mavericks- Mason Plumlee- F (Duke)

28. Toronto Raptors (from MIA)- Kris Joseph- F (Syracuse)

29. Boston Celtics- Chris Singleton- F (Florida State)

30. San Antonio Spurs- Corey Joseph- G (Texas)

2011 NBA Mock Draft v3 (2 Rounds)

All trade information was gathered from Hoops World's NBA Draft Pick Debt: (http://www.hoopsworld.com/DraftPickDebt.asp)

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Perry Jones- SF/PF (Baylor)

I'm not as high on Jones as most, but he has huge buzz and the highest ceiling in this class. He is very raw, but let's be honest, Cleveland is still several years away.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Kyrie Irving- PG (Duke)

Irving is a bit of an injury risk, but he was the best player in the country before he got hurt. Jonny Flynn hasn't proven to be an NBA starter, so the Wolves need a contingency plan if the rumors about Ricky Rubio's small market aversions are true.

3. Sacramento Kings- Harrison Barnes- SF (North Carolina)

The Kings could use a true point guard, but they also need to close the revolving door at the three. They have a promising young core, and Barnes could really tie it together nicely.

4. Toronto Raptors- Jared Sullinger- PF (Ohio State)

To steal a phrase from Dennis Green, the Raptors are who we thought they were. Their long losing streak included a convincing loss to Minnesota, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Raps in the top 3 come draft night. Sullinger has been very productive and is the perfect inside compliment to Andrea Bargnani's outside game.

5. Washington Wizards- Terrence Jones- PF (Kentucky)

Jones is extremely versatile, and if Rashard Lewis sticks around, the pair would be impossible to defend for opposing front courts.

6. New Jersey Nets- Jonas Valanciunas- C (Lithuania)

There's no one on the board who provides a great fit for the Nets here, so they tab Valanciunas, an 18-year old 7-footer with huge upside.

7. Detroit Pistons- Kemba Walker- PG (Connecticut)

I'm as confused as the next guy when it comes to Detroit's recent decision making, but one thing is for sure- starting Tracy McGrady at point guard is not a sustainable plan. Rodney Stuckey has been good, but he still hasn't proven that he has what it takes to run a team.

8. Indiana Pacers- Enes Kanter- PF (Turkey)

This is shaping up to be another power forward draft, and with Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts at the top of the depth chart, that appears to be a benefit to the Pacers. Kanter and Derrick Williams are the options here, but since the Pacers seem to like their power forwards white, they'll pick Kanter.

9. Los Angeles Clippers- Derrick Williams- PF (Arizona)

The Clippers could still use a point guard, but after going small in the 2010 draft, it's time to tab a big man. Williams is a great value at this spot, and his versatility may allow the Clips to play Williams and Blake Griffin at the three and four or the four and five.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

Motiejunas has been a heralded prospect for a while now, so it's hard to see him dropping out of the top 10. The Bucks biggest need is at power forward, and Brandon Jennings' penetration ability makes a stretch four a nice fit.

11. Golden State Warriors- Jordan Hamilton- SF (Texas)

It really is too bad that Valanciunas is off the board, because he would look great in Golden State. As it is, Hamilton will be a nice fit due to his length and ability to score the basketball.

12. Houston Rockets- Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)

Vesely is having a down year, but he's still young and could turn into a bargain at #12. The Rockets have a ton of depth at every position but small forward, so drafting a three to stash in Europe for a year or two makes a lot of sense.

13. Phoenix Suns- Brandon Knight- PG (Kentucky)

I love Knight's intangibles, and I'm much higher on him than most. Steve Nash is getting up there in age, and he's been reported to be on the trade block. In any event, the Suns will need a point guard sooner or later.

14. Memphis Grizzlies- Josh Selby- SG (Kansas)

O.J. Mayo appears to be on his way out of Memphis, leaving a whole at the two guard spot. Selby is a proficient scorer with great upside.

15. Charlotte Bobcats- Kawhi Leonard- PF (San Diego State)

Tyrus Thomas is quickly establishing himself as a bust, so the Bobcats could use some extra beef up front. Leonard is athletic and physical and has shown the ability to take on a leadership role on a winning team.

16. Philadelphia 76ers- John Henson- PF (North Carolina)

I like to think I know a thing or two about basketball, but for the life of me I can't figure out how the 76ers keep winning. Elton Brand has improved drastically, but the team still lacks depth and outside shooting, and 2010 first-rounder Evan Turner has done very little. Henson has great length, athleticism and versatility, which makes him a good fit on a team I don't understand.

17. New York Knicks- Alec Burks- SG (Colorado)

Who knows what the Knicks will look like in 2011-2012? All I know for sure is that they're looking for shooters, so if they're still picking at this spot, Burks will the the guy.

18. Portland Trail Blazers- Jimmer Fredette- PG (BYU)

Fredette doesn't look like the prototypical NBA player, but the guy can get the job done. He might not be a lottery guy as far as NBA scouts are concerned, but he's worth the risk at #18.

19. Utah Jazz- Tobias Harris- SF (Tennessee)

Andrei Kirilenko won't play forever, and adding a scorer like Harris will make Deron Williams' life much easier.

20. Denver Nuggets- Tristan Thompson- PF (Texas)

Thompson has been moving up draft boards, and could easily land in the lottery, but this draft is very deep in the middle of the first round, so falling a few spots isn't outside of the question either.

21. Atlanta Hawks- Marcus Morris- PF (Kansas)

I'm very high on Morris, a very well-rounded power forward with a winning pedigree. Atlanta is very thin, especially in the frontcourt, so Morris would have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

22. Portland Trail Blazers (from NOH)- Lucas Nogueira- C (Brazil)

If there are two things the Blazers love, they are centers and international prospects. Nogueira has both covered.

23. Oklahoma City Thunder- Kenneth Faried- PF (Morehead State)

Faried is one of the best rebounders in college basketball history, and rebounding is perhaps the most transferrable skill from college to the pros. Sam Presti knows exactly what he's doing, so grabbing a productive player like Faried seems right up his alley.

24. Phoenix Suns (from ORL)- Tyler Honeycutt- SF (UCLA)

Honeycutt is a versatile player who could benefit from a couple of years learning behind a proven veteran leader like Grant Hill.

25. Dallas Mavericks- Kyle Singler- SF (Duke)

Singler has been a consistent performer over an extended period. He may be the next Adam Morrison, but rolling the dice at #25 wouldn't be a terrible idea for the Fighting Cubans.

26. Los Angeles Lakers- LaceDarius Dunn- PG/SG (Baylor)

Dunn is a shot creator who could take some of the scoring load off of Kobe Bryant. He's less than a great guy, but maybe he can get hooked up with Ron Artest's psychiatrist.

27. Chicago Bulls- Markieff Morris- PF (Kansas)

The other Morris twin has really stepped into the spotlight over the last couple of weeks. He's moved into first round consideration, where the Bulls could use the services of a consistent, level-headed big man.

28. Toronto Raptors (from MIA)- Jeff Taylor- SF (Vanderbilt)

Taylor won't ever be a superstar in the NBA, but he's got good athleticism and intangibles. He appears to be an NBA "glue guy" in the making.

29. Boston Celtics- CJ Leslie- SF (North Carolina State)

Leslie was a big time recruit for the Wolfpack, but his season has been underwhelming to this point. Still, he has one-and-done written all over him, and the aging Celtics will be looking to hit a home run late in the first round.

30. San Antonio Spurs- Mason Plumlee- PF (Duke)

With Kyrie Irving on the floor, Plumlee looked like a lottery pick. Without him, he looks like a Euro Pro. However, his size and athleticism have to intrigue scouts. The Spurs front line is aging rapidly, and Plumlee would be a good fit alongside DeJuan Blair down the road.

31. Cleveland Cavaliers- Travis Leslie- SG (Georgia)

32. Miami Heat (from MIN)- Corey Joseph- PG (Texas)

33. Sacramento Kings- Kalin Lucas- PG (Michigan State)

34. Detroit Pistons (from TOR)- Chris Singleton- SF (Florida State)

35. New Jersey Nets- Rodney Williams- SF (Minnesota)

36. Washington Wizards- Nolan Smith- PG (Duke)

37. Los Angeles Clippers (from DET)- Keith Benson- C (Oakland)

38. Los Angeles Clippers- Elias Harris- SF (Gonzaga)

39. Indiana Pacers- Scotty Hopson- SG (Tennessee)

40. Los Angeles Lakers (from GSW via NJN)- Trey Thompkins- PF (Georgia)

41. Milwaukee Bucks- Chris Wright- SF (Dayton)

42. Atlanta Hawks (from HOU)- Patric Young- PF (Florida)

43. Chicago Bulls (from PHO)- JuJuan Johnson- PF/C (Purdue)

44. Houston Rockets (from MEM)- Aaric Murray- C (La Salle)

45. Charlotte Bobcats- Kris Joseph- SF (Syracuse)

46. Philadelphia 76ers- Tyshawn Taylor- PG/SG (Kansas)

47. Portland Trail Blazers- Jacob Pullen- PG/SG (Kansas State)

48. Los Angeles Lakers (from NYK)- Bojan Bogdanovic- SF (B & H)

49. Golden State Warriors (from UTA via CHI)- Mouphtaou Yarou- PF (Villanova)

50. Denver Nuggets- Malcolm Lee- PG (UCLA)

51. Atlanta Hawks- Demetri McCamey- PG (Illinois)

52. Miami Heat (from OKC)- Renardo Sidney- PF/C (Mississippi State)

53. New Orleans Hornets- JaMychal Green- PF (Alabama)

54. Orlando Magic- Doron Lamb- SG (Kentucky)

55. Dallas Mavericks- Arnett Moultrie- PF (UTEP)

56. Los Angeles Lakers- Pablo Aguilar- PF (Spain)

57. Los Angeles Lakers (from MIA)- Klay Thompson- SG (Washington State)

58. Sacramento Kings (from CHI via MIL)- Alex Oriakhi- PF (Connecticut)

59. Boston Celtics- Andrew Nicholson- PF (St. Bonaventure)

60. San Antonio Spurs- Nikola Mirotic- PF (Montenegro)

2011 NBA Mock Draft v2

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Harrison Barnes- SF (North Carolina)

2. Sacramento Kings- Perry Jones- PF (Baylor)

3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jared Sullinger- PF (Ohio State)

4. New Jersey Nets- Terrence Jones- PF (Kentucky)

5. Washington Wizards- Enes Kanter- PF (Turkey)

6. Detroit Pistons- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

7. Toronto Raptors- Kemba Walker- PG (Connecticut)

8. Los Angeles Clippers- Brandon Knight- PG (Kentucky)

9. Milwaukee Bucks- Derrick Williams- PF (Arizona)

10. Philadelphia 76ers- Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)

11. Golden State Warriors- Josh Selby- SG (Kansas)

12. Phoenix Suns- John Henson- PF (North Carolina)

13. Houston Rockets- Jonas Valanciunas- C (Lithuania)

14. Memphis Grizzlies- Kawhi Leonard- PF (San Diego State)

15. Charlotte Bobcats- Tristan Thompson- PF (Texas)

16. Indiana Pacers- Alec Burks- SG (Colorado)

17. Portland Trail Blazers- Jimmer Fredette- PG (Brigham Young)

18. Denver Nuggets- Jordan Hamilton- SF (Texas)

19. New York Knicks- Tobias Harris- SF (Tennessee)

20. Portland Trail Blazers (from NOH)- Mason Plumlee- PF (Duke)

21. Atlanta Hawks- Marcus Morris- PF (Kansas)

22. Chicago Bulls- Travis Leslie- SG (Georgia)

23. Orlando Magic- Chris Singleton- SF (Florida State)

24. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jeff Taylor- SF (Vanderbilt)

25. Utah Jazz- Tyler Honeycutt- SF (UCLA)

26. Dallas Mavericks- Kyle Singler- SF (Duke)

27. New Jersey Nets (from LAL)- LaceDarius Dunn- SG (Baylor)

28. Toronto Raptors (from MIA)- Trey Thompkins- PF (Georgia)

29. Boston Celtics- JuJuan Johnson- C (Purdue)

30. San Antonio Spurs- Patric Young- PF (Florida)

2011 NBA Mock Draft v1

1. Los Angeles Clippers- Perry Jones- PF/C (Baylor)

There isn't a clear cut number one pick right now, although Kyrie Irving's injury appears to have solved a bit of the puzzle. Harrison Barnes would be a great fit for the Clippers, but Jones's potential is off the charts. If he measures out as an NBA center, he could be a great fit with Blake Griffin for a long time.

2. Sacramento Kings- Harrison Barnes- SF (North Carolina)

Barnes has had some less than stellar performances, but he'll still be a top three pick regardless of his performance the rest of the season. The Kings have a young stud guard and a potential franchise big man, so Barnes would be a great fit on the wing.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Terrence Jones- PF (Kentucky)

Sooner or later the Timberwolves have to fall into a quality pick, right? Jones may have been the most impressive player in the country so far this season, so it's an easy pick for the Wolves. He isn't the best fit, but he's the best on the board by a considerable margin, and he'll be a really good NBA player.

4. New Jersey Nets- Jared Sullinger- PF (Ohio State)

It will be fun to see Sullinger and the Joneses (Perry and Terrence) face off in group workouts. Sullinger is very physical and would be a great fit between Brook Lopez and Carmelo Anthony. (?)

5. Washington Wizards- Enes Kanter- PF (Turkey)

Javale McGee and Andray Blatche have been good, but is either one a starter on a title contender? The Wizards need a youth infusion up front, and although Kanter is raw, he could develop into a big time NBA player. It's tough to say without having seen him in the NCAA, but Kanter could go down as the steal of this draft.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers- Brandon Knight- PG/SG (Kentucky)

The Cavaliers have one need and one need only- star power, and Knight provides it. He has as much upside as anyone in this draft, and I expect big strides from him between now and March Madness.

7. Detroit Pistons- Donatas Motiejunas- PF (Lithuania)

Motiejunas has had a lot of hype for a long time, and I'd be surprised if he dropped out of the draft again this year. He's still young, and very raw, but he has great size and physical tools, and the Pistons are nowhere near playoff contention, so they can afford to draft a project.

8. Toronto Raptors- Kemba Walker- PG (Connecticut)

Jose Calderon has been better, but the Raptors are still a long way away, and could use an upgrade at essentially every position. Walker is a fierce competitor and should be effective at the next level.

9. Golden State Warriors- John Henson- PF (North Carolina)

Henson definitely has some holes in his game, but his length and athleticism have a lot of scouts intrigued.

10. Charlotte Bobcats- Jan Vesely- SF (Czech Republic)

Vesely made a head-scratching move by dropping out of the 2010 draft, but he should still land in the lottery, barring a huge drop in production. He has good size and is tougher than past elite European prospects.

11. Philadelphia 76ers- Derrick Williams- PF (Arizona)

Williams is another guy off to a great start this season, and I expect him to help bring Arizona back into the national spotlight by the time the NCAA tournament rolls around.

12. Houston Rockets- Jeff Taylor- SF (Vanderbilt)

Taylor seems like the type of under-the-radar player Darryl Morey always seems to find. He's had a solid career at Vanderbilt and has the toughness to have a long career in the NBA.

13. Memphis Grizzlies- Marcus Morris- PF (Kansas)

Morris has been a steady performer and is off to a great start this season. I expect him to be in lottery contention by March Madness.

14. Portland Trail Blazers- Jonas Valanciunas- C (Lithuania)

Portland loves two things- international players and centers. Valanciunas covers both for a team which is stocked on the wings, and without a quality PG option at this draft slot.

15. Milwaukee Bucks- Josh Selby- SG (Kansas)

I, for one, am really excited to see Josh Selby join an already stacked Kansas squad. If he's integrated properly, Kansas may be 1b to Duke's 1a.

16. Indiana Pacers- Trey Thompkins- PF (Georgia)

The Pacers are trotting out Josh McRoberts and Tyler Hansbrough as their starting power forward, and that has to change. Thompkins is a big body with good hands, and I expect Georgia to make waves come tournament time.

17. Phoenix Suns- Jordan Hamilton- SF (Texas)

Hamilton is a spectacular value at this spot, so the Suns will probably trade this pick for pennies on the dollar. Hamilton has good length and can fill it up in a hurry.

18. Portland Trail Blazers (From NOH)- Jimmer Fredette- PG (BYU)

Fredette reminds me of Stephen Curry in a way. They both put up huge numbers in college, but were never really taken seriously because they (1) played at mid-majors and (2) didn't look like NBA players.

19. Atlanta Hawks- Tobias Harris- SF (Tennessee)

Harris is raw, but very talented. He could probably use another year in college, but is still a top 20 pick based on potential.

20. New York Knicks- Mason Plumlee- PF (Duke)

The Knicks made some sneaky picks last year and now appear to be set on the wings as well as the center position. Plumlee has good size and is athletic enough to play in Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system.

21. Denver Nuggets- Tyler Honeycutt- SF (UCLA)

This just in: Carmelo Anthony will not be a Nugget in 2011. Denver has some depth, but very little at the small forward spot, and Honeycutt would be a nice addition. He can rebound and score in bunches and he'll have plenty of opportunities to fill Melo's shoes.

22. Orlando Magic- Alec Burks- SG (Colorado)

Vince Carter won't be able to play forever, and Burks is just what the Magic are looking for- a go-to scorer with a reliable outside jump shot.

23. Chicago Bulls- Scotty Hopson- SG (Tennessee)

Hopson has really vaulted his stock so far this season, and should be a first round lock because of his ability to score and create his own shot. The Bulls would love to land Burks, but they'll settle for Hopson.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder- Tristan Thompson- PF (Texas)

This would be a huge find for the Thunder. Thompson is one of the most gifted big men in college basketball and could develop into a Chris Bosh-type player.

25. Utah Jazz- Kalin Lucas- PG (Michigan State)

Lucas has been a consistent performer for Tom Izzo for a long time, and appears to be the prototypical NBA backup point guard. He's quick, he's smart, and he's capable of making a big play if called upon.

26. Toronto Raptors (from MIA)- Kyle Singler- SF (Duke)

Singler almost has to be a first round pick based on reputation alone. The Raptors need a lot of help, and with a point guard already picked, a wing makes a lot of sense.

27. New Jersey Nets (from LAL)- LaceDarius Dunn- SG (Baylor)

Dunn has made it clear that he is less than a great guy, but he's a gifted scorer who can get his own shot and maybe run the point from time-to-time. If the Melo trade goes through and the draft goes as I'm projecting, imagine a lineup of Devin Harris, Dunn, Melo, Sullinger, and Brook Lopez. Not too bad.

28. Dallas Mavericks- CJ Leslie- SF (North Carolina State)

Leslie has been inconsistent so far, but that is to be expected from a young player. He has good size and upside, but may not have a set position at the next level.

29. Boston Celtics- JuJuan Johnson- C (Purdue)

Boston could potentially lose half of its roster to retirement in the off-season, so an NBA-ready big man like Johnson makes a lot of sense.

30. San Antonio Spurs- Elias Harris- SF (Gonzaga)

Harris exploded onto the season as a freshmen last year. He has slumped as a sophomore, but I doubt that the Spurs have forgotten. Harris is a hard worker and has good upside, which are usually traits of Spurs' draft picks.