Tom Ziller of SB Nation has posted a new 2011 NBA mock draft. Once again, the draft is only 14 deep, so we're not projecting a Dallas Mavericks pick yet. This one is organized by tiers, with the top tier - labeled Top O' The Cake - comprised of Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams. He's still projecting Irving to the Timberwolves.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
The Wolves are, predictably, in a tough spot. They don't have a good point guard on the roster -- Jonny Flynn's story has been written, but he's been unproductive in two seasons. Luke Ridnour is aging and struggled with injury last season. But if David Kahn really thinks Ricky Rubio is coming stateside, can you pick another lottery point guard? Irving's the best prospect on the board, but taking him would complicate the Ricky relationship, at least at the onset.
But I'm not sure Minnesota could take Derrick Williams No. 1, given the presence of Kevin Love and Michael Beasley. Love-Williams could be a deadly combo, provided the Arizona product can guard small forward and Love can learn how to guard, period.
Tristan Thompson makes the lottery in this version, to an interesting fit in Phoenix.
13. Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
Thompson could very well zip up mocks as we approach June. Phoenix needs more frontcourt help, and could probably also use a solid two-guard prospect. This draft is light on the latter, though.