NBA Mock Draft: Version 3.0

Note: LISTEN to my detailed draft breakdown with the Gordon Monson Show on 104.7 FM and 1280 AM The Zone in Salt Lake and WATCH my video analysis.

We are a week away from draft night and the only thing we know for sure is ... nothing!

Devoid of top-heavy star power, this first round is perhaps the most challenging one I've ever had to project. Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams are all but locked in at 1 and 2, but after that, it's anyone's guess.

Enes Kanter has been solid in workouts, as have fellow Euro's Jan Vesely and Jonas Valanciunas, all of whom are highly unlikely to slide out of the top eight.

The highly anticipated Jimmer vs. Kemba workout took place in Salt Lake City yesterday, to which Fredette drew rave reviews with his improved lateral quickness and ability to create off the bounce against Walker, one of the most explosive players around. If The Jimmer truly impressed the Jazz as much as I'm hearing, than he could play a pivotal role in how the lottery shapes up.

As of now, I have Brandon Knight coming off the board at three to Utah, but GM Kevin O'Connor could feasibly nab Kanter at three and wait to take Jimmer at 12, with Knight slipping to seven.

Late in the first round, look for a couple new names, including sharpshooting guard Andrew Goudelock (College of Charleston) and Nolan Smith, who has crept back into the first after solid workouts.

Email me or ask me questions about anything NBA Draft related at @206Child as I will be covering the event live from the Madison Square Garden Theater.

Plus, check out my brand new Huff Post sports blog, The Schultz Report, for a fresh and daily outlook on all things sports.

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1). Cleveland Cavaliers -- Kyrie Irving, Duke

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I'd be shocked if Kyrie lost the first spot, but Derrick Williams isn't necessarily ruled out here for the simple reason that Cleveland believes it can land a quality point guard (i.e. Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker) at No. 4. Cleveland could also potentially trade down and nab Jimmer Fredette. But Irving -- still just 19 years old -- is a prototypical point and one of the few guys in this draft you can build a franchise around.

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I'd be shocked if Kyrie lost the first spot, but Derrick Williams isn't necessarily ruled out here for the simple reason that Cleveland believes it can land a quality point guard (i.e. Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker) at No. 4. Cleveland could also potentially trade down and nab Jimmer Fredette. But Irving -- still just 19 years old -- is a prototypical point and one of the few guys in this draft you can build a franchise around.

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Comments

[abaybay]

06:00 PM on 06/16/2011

I really don't see the Suns going with Singleton, just doesn't make too much sense for the future. True, he's a solid defender, but the last thing the Suns need is a minimal role player -- we have far too many of those.

[Dan Danson]

04:40 PM on 06/16/2011

Everyone keeps looking for excuses NOT to draft Jimmer. 1) He's not a "true" point guard 2) He's not athletic enough 3) He can't play defense. Yet, he's a great passer, tested as one of the best athletes at the combine, and tenaciously defended Kemba Walker in his recent workout. NBA, you're running out of excuses.

The only player who should be considered about Jimmer is Kyrie Irving. And I'm not convinced on that. Jimmer is the only player in the NCAA that led his team the same way Kobe has. He was that team. Commentators have said Jimmer will be chosen so he can score off the bench. The same commentators will say he's the best scorer in the draft. Hello? Isn't scoring the most points how you win a basketball game?

A lot of people will be eating their words. A lot.

[plzchuteme]

10:11 AM on 06/17/2011

Last I heard, there are two ways to win basketball games. One is to score more points than the opponent, and the other is keep them from scoring more points than you. The second choice is probably more consistently successful. If Jimmer can defend at this level, he'll be okay. If not, he'll be coming off the bench to do his thing. Kemba Walker is not necessarily the acid test.

[kwoodberryesq]

12:02 PM on 06/17/2011

I doubt anyone will be eating their words regarding Jimmer... He will be a great role playing shooter that will get his shots from kick outs, please don't allow yourself to believe he is going to beat anyone off the dribble!

[frank day]

03:46 PM on 06/16/2011

This is the weakest draft in memory.

[OutAtFirst]

02:25 PM on 06/16/2011

The Jazz usually like to pick at least one obscure Euro, but maybe they'll take Jimmer instead.

[Christopher Murphy]

01:16 PM on 06/16/2011

The suns are going to draft a small forward when they are flooded at that postion. FAIL

[igotbanned6]

01:55 PM on 06/21/2011

And none of those forwards are dominant NBA players.