2011 NBA Mock Draft: Point Guard Prospects

With the pick of Kentucky's John Wall as the #1 overall NBA draft choice in the 2010 NBA draft, the event marked two of the last three years that a point guard has been taken number one overall in the draft. Although most 2011 mock drafts have incoming North Carolina freshman, Harrison Barnes, as the number 1 overall pick for 2011, there is still a large talent pool at the position forecast to be picked in the first round. Top rated point guards for the draft are highlighted by incoming freshmen Kyrie Irving of Duke, Brandon Knight of Kentucky, and sophomore Maalik Wayns of Villanova.

Top 5 2011 NBA Point Guard Prospects

#1 2011 NBA Mock Draft Point Guard Prospect - Kyrie Irving

6-2, 172lbs

Duke, Fr.

Kyrie Irving comes to Duke with a solid reputation for being able to handle the ball and run a team from the point. Other strengths include his quickness, finishing drives, and above average range from 3 point. Areas of improvement include over-dribbling leading to less than optimal team possessions. Also, at 6'2", he is considered to be average height for an NBA point guard. Irving is considered to be a solid lock for a high NBA lottery pick in the 2011 draft.

#2 2011 NBA Mock Draft Point Guard Prospect - Brandon Knight

6-3, 185lbs

Kentucky, Fr.

Brandon Knight has already made some Kentucky basketball fans say "John Who" after completing a three game exhibition trip to Canada in August. He has size, is just about as fast as John Wall, and has shown the ability to both score and run the point. He is assessed as having better range than Wall, but does not have as great of a leaping ability and has to work on his floater over the course of the season. Knight is expected to be a lottery pick after the 2010-11 Kentucky basketball schedule and season wrap up.

#3 2011 NBA Mock Draft Point Guard Prospect - Kalin Lucas

6-0, 180 lbs

Michigan St., Sr.

Kalin Lucas has shown the ability to lead a team to success over his career at Michigan State. He has speed, strength, and a high basketball IQ. Lucas has also averaged a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio over his college career and converts more than 80% of his free throws. Weaknesses include lack of size and explosiveness off of the dribble. Lucas is expected to be taken in the first round of the draft

#4 2011 NBA Mock Draft Point Guard Prospect - Kemba Walker

6-0, 179lbs

Uconn, Jr.

Kemba Walker has speed that rivals John Wall and is assessed to be an excellent ball handler. Walker still has to work on his 3 point shot to perform at the NBA level, but is considered to have the right form to grow into a good outside shooter. Walker is considered a tad undersized at 5'11"/6'0", but he has averaged at least 6 free throws a game during his career at Uconn and has demonstrated an NBA-level defensive game.

#5 2011 NBA Mock Draft Point Guard Prospect - Corey Fisher

6-1, 185

Villanova, Sr.

Corey Fisher is assessed as being a powerful point guard with above average quickness and body control. His ability to handle the ball is considered NBA ready and one of his strengths during his career at Villanova has been the ability to draw contact and finish when attacking the basket. Weaknesses include the tendency to sometimes be too aggressive on offense and his on-ball defense.

References:

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/kalin-lucas

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/brandon-knight

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/kemba-walker

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/kyrie-irving

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2011/

http://www.collegehoopsvideo.com/2010/07/2010-11-uk-basketball-schedule/