2015 NBA Mock Draft: Karl-Anthony Towns Still 1st to T'Wolves

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We are now less than 24 away from the 2015 NBA Draft, which will be held tomorrow night at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, NY.

With that said, here is my latest 2015 NBA mock draft:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky

More of a well-rounded prospect than Duke's Jahlil Okafor, once considered a lock for the top pick, Towns has become the consensus option for Minnesota based on the mock drafts in our database. And it makes plenty of sense.

No team allowed more points per game than Minnesota (106.5/G) last season and Towns ranked first in the nation in both Defensive Rating (78.1) and Win Shares Per 40 Minutes (.311), per Sports Reference. Averaging just 21.1 minutes per game last year, Towns averaged 19.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per 40 minutes and shot 81.3 percent from the free-throw line.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke

Okafor is a skilled back-to-the-basket player on the offensive end of the court that averaged 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as he led Duke to a national championship -- over Towns and Kentucky -- as a freshman. The only Lakers currently under contract beyond next season are Julius Randle, last year's first-round pick, and Nick Young although three players including Jordan Clarkson will be restricted free agents in 2016.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State

The best-case scenario for the Sixers in the NBA Draft Lottery was the No. 1, 6 and 11 picks, but instead they ended up with the most-likely scenario of only the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. That also means that the Sixers will go into the 2016 NBA Draft with the possibility of having four first-round picks.

The Sixers got nothing out of their two first-round picks -- Joel Embiid and Elfrid Payton, subsequently traded for Dario Saric -- last year and it's possible that they may get nothing from them this upcoming season as well. Not only will Saric stay in Turkey, but Embiid's foot is not healing as fast as expected and there's the potential that he misses another season if he has surgery once again.

Compared to a month ago when most believed this pick would be either Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay, it will likely come down to Russell or Latvia's Kristaps Porzingis. With the ability to facilitate for others or create his own offense, Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while knocking down 41.1 percent of his three-pointers as a freshman in Columbus.

4. New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia

Only 19 years old (turns 20 in August), Porzingis is a skilled seven-footer that has drawn some comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol. As his Sevilla teammate Derrick Byars said, "Kristaps has a Nowitzki-like offensive skill set. He's 7-1, can shoot, can put the ball on the floor, can block shots, he's mobile and athletic. There's not much he can't do on the floor."

5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Croatia

With three lottery picks in the past two drafts, the Magic have added three elite defenders -- Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton (via Philly). That said, the Magic were just 27th in the league in Offensive Rating (99.6).

Hezonja has excellent size (6-8) and athleticism to attack the basket but he also possesses outstanding range. And it's clear that Hezonja does not lack confidence.



6. Sacramento Kings: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China

Viewed by many as the top high school recruit in the country last year, Mudiay opted to play professionally in China after committing to Larry Brown and SMU. Mudiay possesses all of the attributes to develop into an elite point guard in the league. With great size (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) and strength for the position as well as speed and quickness, Mudiay averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 boards and 5.9 assists in China.

7. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke

Small forwards Wilson Chandler and Danilo Galinari will both become unrestricted free agents after the upcoming season. An athletic and strong wing player with an excellent motor, Winslow, son of Phi Slamma Jamma's Ricky Winslow, has scored in double digits in all but one of his final 20 games. During that 20-game stretch, Winslow averaged 14.6 points, 8.25 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game and connected on more than half (24 of 47) of his three-point attempts. One knock on Winslow, however, is that he measured under 6-foot-5 at the NBA Scouting Combine.

8. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona

Excelling as a defender and rebounder, Johnson already has an NBA body and has drawn some comparisons to Metta World Peace and Kawhi Leonard. Johnson averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game at Arizona this season. Improving as a shooter, Johnson knocked down 37.1 percent of his three-pointers this season.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

The Hornets made only 31.8-percent of their three-point attempts and that ranked dead last in the NBA last season. Booker is the best shooter in this year's draft class so he obviously fits a team need. The youngest prospect in this year's draft class (turns 19 on October 30th), Booker also had an impressive showing at the NBA Combine with the fastest times in lane agility (10.2 seconds) and shuttle run (2.75 seconds).

10. Miami Heat: Myles Turner, PF, Texas

Turner has plenty of upside although he was inconsistent in his lone season in Austin. An athletic seven-footer that can rebound and block shots (2.6 per game), Turner also has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from behind the three-point line.

11. Indiana Pacers: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky

Cauley-Stein may be the most unique prospect in this year's draft in that the seven-footer has the versatility to defend all five positions on the floor. Although he runs the floor well and is an excellent athlete, he has plenty of limitations on the offensive end at this point in his development, however. I could see "Trill" going higher than this (he was sixth in my previous update), but there are reports of teams being concerned with Cauley-Stein's foot.

So, Larry Bird get's his "$100 million dollar player" after all:

WCS on his meeting w/ #Pacers: "Larry (Bird) told me, ‘I think you’re a $100 million dollar player.’ I hear that and I’m like, ‘Really?!’"

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 15, 2015

12. Utah Jazz: Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin

Not only do the Jazz have a solid young core including a pair of talented bigs in Rudy Gobert (a.k.a. Stifle Tower) and Derrick Favors, but all of their key players are under contract for at least the next two seasons. Ultimately, I'd expect them to go best player available, but Frank the Tank makes sense as a big that can stretch the floor. The versatile Kaminsky led the Badgers in scoring (18.8/G), rebounding (8.2/G), assists (2.6/G, tied) and blocks (1.5/G) in addition to connecting on 41.6-percent of his three-pointers last season.

13. Phoenix Suns: Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas

Someone may roll the dice earlier based on his tremendous upside, but Oubre had an up-and-down freshman season at Kansas. With excellent athleticism and length (7-2 wingspan), Oubre has the potential to become a really good defensive player and is also a decent shooter.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State

On a loaded team with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook & Co., Billy Donovan and the Thunder will likely go with the best player available, but Payne would also make sense. Few players have generated as much draft buzz and seen his draft stock rise as Payne has over the past couple of months and he may creep into the top-10 picks. As a sophomore at Murray State, Payne averaged 20.2 points, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

15. Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets): Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky

Power forward Paul Millsap is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The fourth Wildcat selected in the top half of my mock, Lyles may have been overshadowed some on such a star-studded team as he mostly played out of position (small forward). That said, Lyles has the ability to score inside as well as consistently knock down mid-range jumpers and he would contribute towards filling Millsap's void if he departs in free agency.

- Continue to picks 16-30 in our 2015 NBA Mock Draft

For more mock drafts, check out our 2015 NBA Mock Draft Database.

In addition, check out our 2016 NFL Mock Draft and/or 2016 NFL Mock Draft Database.

Follow our basketball updates: Twitter - Facebook - Google+

Collaborative 2015 NBA Mock Draft

With the 2015 NBA Draft fast approaching (Thursday, June 25th in Brooklyn, NY), Brendan Donahue and Kevin Hanson collaborated for this NBA Mock Draft.

[View Kevin's 2015 NBA Mock Draft]

For this collaborative mock, we alternated picks -- Kevin picked for odd-numbered teams and Brendan picked for even-numbered teams. Both of us made the comments for our own picks.

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Here is our collaborative 2015 NBA mock draft:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky

Kevin: While there may be some debate whether this pick should be Towns or Duke's Jahlil Okafor, I still believe that Towns makes the most sense. A more well-rounded prospect overall, Towns is clearly much better than Okafor on the defensive end and Minnesota ranked dead last in scoring defense (106.5/G) last year. Towns ranked first in the country in Defensive Rating (78.1) and Win Shares Per 40 Minutes (.311), via Sports Reference.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke

Brendan: I'm not buying the D'Angelo Russell-to-Lakers rumors. I don't see how the Lakers can pass on a big man that also fills a big need. The Lakers have been most successful when they've had a dominant big man, i.e., Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, etc. And while I'm not saying Okafor is in that same ilk, he is clearly the most dominant inside player still in the draft and will be too hard to pass up. Yes, I understand the game is evolving but Okafor is a rare talent offensively and also a great passer that will create his own mismatches and problems for opposing defenses.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State

Kevin: With Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid already on the roster, the decision may have come down to Emmanuel Mudiay or Russell even if they held a top-two pick in this year's draft. That said, the Sixers are reportedly enamored with Latvian seven-footer Kristaps Porzingis and the healing process of Embiid's foot could potentially sideline the seven-footer for another season.

While I think Mudiay has a higher ceiling and could ultimately develop into the better pro, it's close and Russell fits better. With the ability to facilitate for others or create his own offense, Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while knocking down 41.1 percent of his three-pointers as a freshman in Columbus.

4. New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia

Brendan: I have a feeling if Adam Silver announces this name as the Knicks selection, it will most likely draw a chorus of boos from Knicks fans. However, Porzingis has drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and I think well-versed Knicks fans would be very excited that they could land a player that projects to have that kind of impact in this league and give them a lot of hope for the future even though he may not have a huge impact on day one.

5. Orlando Magic: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, Congo

Kevin: If Porzingis were available here, he'd be a slam-dunk, no-brainer selection. With Brendan (i.e., the Knicks) swiping him with the No. 4 pick, there was some serious debate here. I strongly considered Mario Hezonja, a 6-foot-8 wing with great athleticism, range and confidence as well.

Even though there is duplication here with Elfrid Payton, a player that I like a lot, Mudiay is the best player available and at least needs to be seriously considered here by Orlando's front office. Viewed by many as the top high school recruit in the country last year, Mudiay opted to play professionally in China after committing to Larry Brown and SMU. With all of the attributes to develop into an elite point guard in the league, Mudiay has great size (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) and strength for the position as well as speed and quickness. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 boards and 5.9 assists in China.

6. Sacramento Kings: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky

Brendan: I compare Cauley-Stein to Tyson Chandler, which certainly isn't a bad thing, but does suggest that he will be limited offensively at the next level. Heck, he was limited offensively in the SEC so that says something, but he was such a dominant defender and can guard pretty much any position on the floor that he will be able to have an immediate impact at the next level. Since DeMarcus Cousins is already a great offensive player who demands the ball, Cauley-Stein will be a nice complement to him for Sacramento.

7. Denver Nuggets: Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Croatia

Kevin: Hezonja has excellent size (6-8) and athleticism to attack the basket but he also possesses outstanding range as well. And it's clear that Hezonja does not lack confidence. And this selection would certainly have the approval of Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic.

8. Detroit Pistons: Justise Winslow, SF, Duke

Brendan: Once thought to be a contender for the 1st overall pick after a great showing in the NCAA tournament, Winslow has slipped a bit based on his measurements at the combine. Winslow has a high ceiling, but he's still a good enough defender and talented enough to make an impact as a rookie.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

Kevin: The Hornets made only 31.8-percent of their three-point attempts and that ranked dead last in the NBA last season. Booker is the best shooter in this year's draft class so he obviously fits a team need. The youngest prospect in this year's draft class (turns 19 on October 30th), Booker also had an impressive showing at the NBA Combine with the fastest times in lane agility (10.2 seconds) and shuttle run (2.75 seconds).

10. Miami Heat: Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona

Brendan: With an NBA body, Johnson is an outstanding defender and rebounder that averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game at Arizona this season. He needs to improve as a shooter, but he made more 37-percent of his three's last season.

11. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State

Kevin: Few players have generated as much draft buzz and seen his draft stock rise as Payne has over the past couple of months and he may creep into the top-10 picks. Either way, it's unlikely that he falls out of the lottery. As a sophomore at Murray State, Payne averaged 20.2 points, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game. The Pacers have a number of guards that are about to hit free agency -- Rodney Stuckey, Donald Sloan and C.J. Watson.

12. Utah Jazz: Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas

Brendan: Oubre's stock is all over the place. With undeniable talent and superior defensive skills, Oubre was wildly inconsistent last season, but he has a high ceiling.

13. Phoenix Suns: Myles Turner, PF, Texas

Kevin: Turner has plenty of upside to warrant a selection higher than this even though he was inconsistent in his lone season in Austin. An athletic seven-footer that can rebound and block shots (2.6 per game), Turner also has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from behind the three-point line.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin

Brendan: With the acquisition of Enes Kanter and the assumption that Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka are all healthy next year, the Thunder are in position to go best player available that can help them win right away. The versatile Kaminsky led the Badgers in scoring, rebounding, assists and blocks while shooting 41.6-percent from three-point range.

15. Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets): Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky

Kevin: Power forward Paul Millsap is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The fourth Wildcat selected in the top half of my mock, Lyles may have been overshadowed some on such a star-studded team as he mostly played out of position (small forward). That said, Lyles has the ability to score inside as well as consistently knock down mid-range jumpers.

- Picks 16-30 in our collaborative 2015 NBA Mock Draft

- Check out Hanson's 2015 NBA Mock Draft and/or 2016 NFL Mock Draft For more mock drafts, check out our 2015 NBA Mock Draft Database.

Follow our basketball updates: Twitter - Facebook - Google+

2013 NBA Mock Draft Updated (Baillargeon)

With the 2013 NBA Draft only three days away, Kyle Baillargeon has updated his mock draft.

Here is his updated mock:  

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Nerlens Noel, PF/C, Kentucky

No signs of a trade by Cleveland, so expect Noel to go No. 1 as we have all expected.  

2. Orlando Magic: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

If the Magic trade Afflalo for Bledsoe, McLemore can slide in as the starting SG and the Magic will suddenly have their backcourt of the future.  

3. Washington Wizards: Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV

High upside and potential superstar ability for a team that can afford to wait.  

4. Charlotte Bobcats: Alex Len, C, Maryland

Len gives the Bobcats the size that they desperately need.  

5. Phoenix Suns: Otto Porter Jr., SF, Georgetown

Some consider Porter the best player in the draft. He'd be a great building block for the Suns.  

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

Could instead go with Burke if the Pelicans feel Rivers isn't their man at the point.  

7. Sacramento Kings: Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana

Fills a hole at PF for the Kings.  

8. Detroit Pistons: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

National Player of the Year will let the Pistons slide Knight to two-guard.

 9. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, SG, Lehigh

Excellent shooter from long range goes to a team that desperately needs it.  

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

Great compliment to LaMarcus Aldridge's skills in the front court.

See rest of his first-round projection

More mocks: Kevin Hanson - Brendan Donahue - Mock Database

Nerlens Noel out for year with torn ACL

When Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel left last night's game with a knee injury, it did not look good.

And it wasn't.

The results of Noel's MRI shows that he has a torn ACL and he will miss the remainder of the college season.  He will have surgery in the next two to three weeks and the rehab will take at least six to eight months.

While it's certainly unfortunate that he has suffered the injury, he appears to have the right attitude.

Noel tweeted earlier today,"Minor setback for a MAJOR comeback! I love you all and can't thank y'all enough for the prayers."

Projected as the top pick in my NBA mock draft before the injury, it's less clear if he will enter June's NBA draft.  If he does, however, he won't be able to participate in any of the pre-draft workouts and it's highly unlikely that he would be ready for the start of the 2013 NBA season.

Before last night's game, Noel had three consecutive double-doubles and he finishes the season averaging 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.4 blocks per game.

Nerlens Noel left tonight's game with a knee injury

Kentucky freshman power forward Nerlens Noel left tonight's loss to the Florida Gators with a potentially serious knee injury.

Noel landed awkwardly after a blocked shot attempt, screamed in pain and had to be carried off the court by teammates.

Coming into tonight's game, Noel was nearly averaging a double-double (10.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game) in addition to 4.5 blocks per game, which leads the country.

Before tonight's loss, the Wildcats had won five consecutive games and made their way back into the AP Top 25 for the first time since November 26th.

In my latest NBA mock draft, Noel is the top overall pick going to the Bobcats.  While he is not the consensus top choice, he will certainly be a top-five pick depending on the status of his knee injury.

Nerlens Noel blocks school-record 11 shots

Coming into tonight's matchup against Ole Miss, Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel was ranked second in the country in blocked shots with 4.32 per game.  Plus, he was averaging nearly a double-double: 10.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.

In tonight's game, Noel took only one shot, and missed it, in addition to converting on only two-of-eight free throws, but he blocked a school-record 11 shots.

As a team, Kentucky had a total of 12 blocked shots.

The previous school record was nine set by both Sam Bowie and Andre Riddick.

Noel should be a top-five pick (at least) and has a shot at being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.  Aside from Noel, freshmen Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein all have a chance to be lottery picks if they declare.

Hanson: 2012 NBA Mock Draft, 2.0

With just slightly more than a month before the 2012 NBA Draft, I updated the first round of my mock draft.

The NBA lottery will be held on May 30th, which means the order will (likely) change and I will update my mock at that point to reflect that change and then at least weekly until the NBA Draft.

Here is how I see things shaking out:

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

This is such a no-brainer pick that, as Kyle Baillargeon points out in his mock, GM Michael Jordan "can't mess this up."

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Aside from his outside shooting, there are virtually no holes in Kidd-Gilchrist's game. MKG is a tough-minded, versatile defender with good size and strength on the wing. With intangibles, leadership and a great feel for the game, MKG will make his teammates better.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn

Drummond has the ability and physical tools to dominate yet the propensity to disappear at times as well. With plenty of upside, Drummond has the size, strength and athleticism to contribute right away on the defensive end but is a work-in-progress on the offensive end.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Like Drummond, Robinson has good strength, size and athleticism. Unlike Drummond, there is no questioning Robinson's motor and his offensive game is much more advanced.

5. Sacramento Kings: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Both of my counterparts -- Kyle Baillargeon (view mock) and Brendan Donahue (view mock) -- have Beal going within the top three picks as do many other sites. If he is still on the board at this spot, Beal gives the Kings a shooter with great range and a good all-around offensive game.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

Rivers, the son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers, can provide the Blazers with instant offense. Many of Portland's guards become free agents or can opt out this year: Nicolas Batum, Jamal Crawford, Raymond Felton and Johnny Flynn.

7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Barnes did himself no favors in the tournament, but I don't have him slipping as far as Kyle has in his mock. Barnes has plenty of offensive skill, but often settles for jumpers and does not get to the line as much as you would expect for a wing player with his size and strength.

8. Toronto Raptors: John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Although he needs to add strength and bulk to his frame, Henson is an NBA-ready defensive player with the wingspan (7-foot-4) and athleticism to alter, affect and block plenty of shots. He will need to continue to improve his game offensively, however, but he has continued to improve on the offensive end at Carolina.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Returning for his sophomore season means Sullinger will likely be selected (much) lower than he would have been in 2011. While he is not the most athletic player (or tallest for his position), Sullinger has great strength, polished moves in the post and was a dominant rebounder in college.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn

Lamb has all the physical tools to be successful at the next level and he led the Huskies in scoring with the departure of Kemba Walker. That said, Lamb disappeared at times for a team that was a major disappointment given its talent and expectations.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

A skilled seven-footer, Zeller improved his game in all four seasons in Chapel Hill posting career highs across the board last year: 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 0.9 steals per game with 55.3 percent from the field and 80.8 percent from the line.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

One of the more naturally-gifted players in the draft, Jones has the length and athleticism you can't coach. On the other hand, Jones has been often criticized, and rightfully so, for his inconsistent motor.

13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

With Steve Nash, the former "MP3," about become a free agent, the Suns may need to find his replacement. Marshall is arguably the best point guard in this year's draft class.

14. Houston Rockets: Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

Jones, who was a point guard early in high school, has the versatility to play and defend a variety of positions due to his length and athleticism.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

After sitting out a year since he transferred from UTEP, Moultrie averaged a double-double (16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game) for the Bulldogs last year. Athletic with a high motor, Moultrie would fit well with the athletic Sixers squad.

Click here to see picks 16-30.

For more mock drafts, check out our mock draft database.

2012 NBA Mock Drafts and Mock Draft Database Updated

The 2012 NBA Draft will be held in New York City on June 28th, which is exactly two months after Day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Not only did we update our 2012 NBA Mock Draft Database this morning, but we also released our first two NBA Mock Drafts for 2012.

For draft order, we used the inverse of our NBA Consensus Power Rankings.

Brendan Donahue's top five picks are:

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
2. New Orleans Hornets: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
3. Washington Wizards: Michael Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
4. Detroit Pistons: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
5. Toronto Raptors: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

See all of his first-round mock here.

Kevin Hanson's top five picks are:

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
2. New Orleans Hornets: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
3. Washington Wizards: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
4. Detroit Pistons: Michael Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
5. Toronto Raptors: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor

See all of my first-round mock here.

2011 NBA Mock Draft, 1.0

The NBA Finals will end June 14th (or earlier if the series does not go seven games) and then all attention will turn to the 2011 NBA Draft, which will happen in Newark (NJ) on Thursday, June 23rd.

At least, it will be all of the good attention considering the NBA's current labor deal ends on June 30th and there is the threat of a shortened 2011-2012.

Back to the good stuff, here are the first ten picks of our 2011 NBA mock draft from Kyle Baillargeon, our NBA Draft guru:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving, Duke (discuss pick): Irving has the potential to be an all-star caliber point guard. In an era of great point guards, Cleveland would be smart to start rebuilding around one of their own.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Enes Kanter, International (discuss pick): We can't predict trades, but we expect Minnesota to trade out and someone else to come in and take Derrick Williams. Assuming Minnesota stays with this pick, however, Kanter is the guy here, as the Wolves are already set at SF and PF.

3. Utah Jazz - Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State (discuss pick): The Jazz would rather have Kanter, for sure. But he's gone. Andrei Kirilenko will be gone soon, and the Jazz can use this pick to get their SF of the future.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Derrick Williams, Arizona (discuss pick): A dream scenario for Cleveland, this will allow them to not only build around two potential studs, but also trade J.J. Hickson for some help elsewhere.

5. Toronto Raptors - Jonas Valanciunas, International (discuss pick): Colangelo loves international players, and with his recent extension he has the kind of security to make this pick. Also, Toronto doesn't have a good center on the roster.

6. Washington Wizards - Tristan Thompson, Texas (discuss pick): The Wizards can pair Thompson up with JaVale McGee and potentially trade Andray Blatche for some help elsewhere. The team is still in the early rebuilding stages, and Thompson is a good building block here.

7. Sacramento Kings - Brandon Knight, Kentucky (discuss pick): Knight gives the Kings a chance to move Tyreke Evans to the SG position where he belongs. Kemba Walker is an option, but Knight looks to have the bigger upside.

8. Detroit Pistons - Bismack Biyombo, International (discuss pick): The Pistons will hope that Biyombo can be another Ben Wallace. Thankfully, the original Ben Wallace is already in Detroit and hopefully he can take the beast from Congo under his wing.

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Kemba Walker, Connecticut (discuss pick): The Bobcats have a penchant for taking known collegiate products in the draft. It hasn't really worked out for them, but Walker is an immediate upgrade over D.J. Augustin.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Chris Singleton, Florida State (discuss pick): The Bucks could use a strong permimeter defender, and Singleton would help immediately. He needs to work on his offensive game, but that could come with time and hard work.

Click here to view the rest of the first round in our 2011 NBA Mock Draft. Or, to see more mocks from around the internet, check out our 2011 NBA Mock Draft Database.

Jared Sullinger to return for another season at Ohio State

In a mock draft by DraftExpress, Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger was the third player off the board to Minnesota. In this one by HoopsHype, he was the top overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Based on Sullinger's comments after last night's loss to Kentucky, there is no chance of either of those happening.

“I did make a decision and I’m definitely coming back next year,” Sullinger said, per Clifton Brown of Sporting News. “I need to work on a lot of things. I have to come back. I’m coming back to win."

“I’m going to be an Ohio State Buckeye next year,” Sullinger said. “This isn’t why I came here, to come in here and see my seniors in here crying. I came here to win a national championship.”

What about the possibility of the freshman having a change of heart?

"Jared Sullinger ... said he won't change his mind. 'I'm a man of my word'," tweeted Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Sullinger had 21 points and 16 rebounds last night and averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on the season.