SportsBank's NBA Lottery Mock Draft 1.0 Picks (1-5)

The lottery is over... and the Cleveland Cavaliers are this years big winners.  With the 1st and 4th pick in this years draft, Dan Gilbert's club, still reeling from last seasons loss of a certain superstar, stands to gain the most from this years rookie class.  Yet, despite the fact that most analysts consider the 2011 class to be relatively weak, every team will spend the next month trying to figure out who their next franchise player may be.  Numerous workouts, interviews and camps will alter predictions again and again, but as it stands today, here's how I see it going.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

The Cav's are in desperate need of star power, and Irving might be the closest thing this draft has.  In a league driven by point guards, Irving will give Cleveland something to rebuild around.  Although some consider him a 'poor man's Chris Paul', Irving will be a solid long-term answer at the point.  Having a few seasons to learn from Baron Davis won't hurt either.

Also in consideration: Derrick Williams





2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona

Minnesota would have been in quite a situation if they had won the number 1 overall pick this year.  With Jonny Flynn and Luke Ridnour currently holding down the point, and Ricky Rubio set to join the squad next year, you would think the last thing the Wolves would want is another point guard.  Yet Irving's talent will be tempting if he somehow slips past the Cavaliers.  

In all likelihood, however, the Timberwolves will need to choose between Arizona's Williams and the unproven Enes Kanter.  And while Kanter may be a physical inside presence the Wolves would love, Williams fits in better with the current roster, and is much more proven.  Another option may be to trade down to fill multiple of the Wolves many, many holes.  

Also in consideration: Enes Kanter, Bismak Biyombo

3. Utah Jazz - Enes Kanter, PF, Turkey

At 6'10'', 255 Kanter has the size to play both PF and Center for the Jazz next season.  While he is somewhat of a risk (after not playing in 2010-11), his toughness, basketball IQ and strong work ethic give him tremendous upside.  In fact, many experts think if he had played at Kentucky last season, he may be the consensus number one pick.  His offensive skills will need improvement to succeed at the next level, but he should definitely be worth the risk at number 3.  

Also in consideration: Brandon Knight, Jonas Valanciunas

4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jonas Valanciunas, PF, Lithuania

With their second pick, the Cav's will likely look to add some talent inside to go along with their new leader at the point.  They would be ecstatic if Kanter or Williams somehow falls to them, but the next best option might be the 6-10 Lithuanian with a ton of upside.  In fact, some scouts believe he is the top international player in the draft.  The reason he may slip down to 4 is because of some contract buyout issues that he may have with his current team "Lietuvos Rytas"(See: Rubio, Ricky). He needs to improve his strength to succeed.  


While Valanciunas may be the next best PF available, I think the Cavaliers are better suited to trade away this pick.  They have already gotten one great talent, Kyrie Irving, and with Williams & Kanter likely gone, they should at least consider the option of trading away the number 4 pick for future picks (next year's draft should be much, much, stronger) or perhaps even a decent player from a team doing some rebuilding themselves.

5.  Toronto Raptors - Kemba Walker, PG, UConn

Well we know a few things about Kemba after watching him countless times this May.  First, the guy can flat out score.  At the rate he did in college? Obviously, not.  But this kid will put the ball in the basket for you.  His historic tournament run shows us one thing... he is a winner.  Something this Raptor organization could use.  He will never live up to his collegiate prestige, but Walker could prove to be a very valuable 6th man on a contenting team.

Also in consideration: Brandon Knight 

PICKS 6-10 COMING IN THE NEXT 2 DAYS!
CHECK BACK OFTEN!