1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
Analysis: For the second year in a row a point guard goes first overall, and it's the right selection. Irving was clearly the best player in the draft, including Derrick Williams, and can be the face of a franchise in Cleveland that desperately needs it. There is a bit of a logjam at point guard, where Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions sit on the depth chart. However, one of them will most likely not be with the team when the 2011 season begins, leaving the door open for Irving to log major minutes right away.
Depth Chart: Baron Davis, Kyrie Irving, Ramon Sessions
Projected Stats: 16 ppg, 5 apg, 3 rpg, 1.0 3pg, 90.0 FT%
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona
Analysis: Williams was the best remaining player on the draft board after Irving went to the Cavs, and it is again the right pick. Williams made his name known after a strong run in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and has all the measurables to become a face-to-the-basket power forward. He shoots a strong percentage from outside and can bang down low, which should make him valuable offensively next season. Defensively, he has the potential to become a lockdown forward. He has nobody around him on the depth chart and should log major minutes right away. With Ricky Rubio now in the mix, Williams should be fantasy-worthy.
Depth Chart: Derrick Williams, Anthony Randolph, Anthony Tolliver
Projected Stats: 13 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 48.0 FG%
3. Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky
Analysis: Not much is known of Kanter, who sat out his only collegiate year, but the Jazz clearly liked him enough to pull the trigger. What will be interesting to see is how Utah uses him, because the Jazz currently have Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors on the roster. Just 19 years old, Kanter is more of a project at this stage and will most likely not have much fantasy value in 2011. Still, the Jazz have to be very pleased to get a player of Kanter's talent level.
Depth Chart: Al Jefferson, Mehmet Okur, Enes Kanter
Projected Stats: 6.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 bpg
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
Analysis: The first "wow" pick of the draft comes with the fourth pick overall. With just one year of college ball under his belt it will be interesting to see if he can succeed in 2011. He is as raw as any major prospect in the draft and is a bit undersized for a power forward, but his 9-foot, 1-inch wingspan will help him in that area. Defensively he is ready to play but still needs to work on a jump shot in order to see big minutes in the rotation.
Depth Chart: J.J. Hickson, Tristan Thompson, Samardo Samuels
Projected Stats: 4.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.0 bpg
5. Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas, PF, Lithuania
Analysis: General Manager Bryan Coangelo goes international again, but it very well could be the best player on the board. He is going to need time to improve his game, but there's no denying his talent level and size is already there. Valanciunas may have to wait a year overseas due to contract issues, but when he comes he will give the Raptors a body down low who can rebound better than former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani.
Depth Chart: Andrea Bargnani, Jonas Valanciunas, Joey Dorsey
Projected Stats: None
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