2011 Early First Round Mock Draft - The Draft

[MANoICE]

With the 28th pick in the NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select:

Darius Morris, PG/SG, Michigan, 20 yo, 6'4", 195lbs.

From what I have read and seen his shot has improved from last year and he has the skills to eventually play both positions at the next level. I could see him ending up like a slightly taller Ben Gordon (Chicago years.) An excellent sparkplug combo gaurd off the bench. Taking a bit of a gamble here (and maybe even a bit of a reach) but I am using the Spurs model and taking guys that I think will help me in a year or two. With picks this late in the draft, for a team that is already pretty darn good, I go for the guys that has the most potential for the future.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

The San Antonio Spurs have a couple of ways to go with this pick - try to get somebody to help out right now before Duncan et al. fade into irrelevancy, or try to find that next late-round jewel (e.g. Parker, Ginobili) for their next rise. Unfortunately for them, I just don't see any currently-ready talent that can push them over the top. Klay Thompson, Reggie Jackson, and Darius Morris all would have been tempting here, but with them gone I think it's time to take a flyer on Keith Benson, 6'11" 225 C, 22 y.o., from Oakland. Benson played in a small conference, but he did basically everything well. Great shotblocker, good rebounder, good scorer in the post with a legitimate jump shot (39% from three on about 28 attempts on the season). He won't be the star the Spurs rebuild around, but he's got a chance to be a solid piece when they find that star.

 

[MANoICE]

In keeping with building furture talent, bear with me here. This one is out of left field. With the 30th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft the Chicago Bulls select:

Davis Bertans, SF, 6'10", 210lbs, 18 yo, from Union Olimpija Ljubjana (International). AKA Latvia

This guy is young and big and a teriffic shooter. I see a more athletic Toni Kukoc in him.

Peep the specs: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Davis-Bertans-6320/

 

[Capt. Factorial]

In keeping with building furture talent, bear with me here. This one is out of left field. With the 30th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft the Chicago Bulls select:

Davis Bertans, SF, 6'10", 210lbs, 18 yo, from Union Olimpija Ljubjana (International). AKA Latvia

I'm not sure that's entirely out of left field - DX has him going even higher than 30, and they often base their rankings on conversations with NBA decision makers, so I think he's definitely got a shot at the late first.

 

[MANoICE]

Another guy I think would be a great fit for Chicago is Marshon Brooks, but I think they could still pick him up with a second round pick. Solid shooter, great rebounder for his position and a senior, so he will be a little more mature for this top tier team.

 

[MANoICE]

Bertans is actually a guy I would like to see slip to the kings (first) second round pick. Someone to hold onto for a while (overseas) and see how he develops. Peja 2.0, with athleticism?

I'll take it.

 

[MANoICE]

Are we gonna "run this back" now that we have the order? I think it would be fun to see how things have changed.

 

[sterö]

Yeah, let's just wait till after the combine and the first workouts

 

[sterö]

So who's interested in another 2 round mock? I'd like to wait a little longer but I'm afraid we won't get it done in time then...

 

[Vlade4GM]

Lets just wait, and if we don't finish the 2nd round, no big deal.