NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Here's an update to our first NBA mock draft of the year. Harrison Barnes is out, Tristan Thompson is in, and I moved several players around. The actual draft takes place on June 23, while the lottery will likely cause the Top 14 picks to change slightly.

1. Timberwolves - Kyrie Irving PG Duke

He's the best point guard in the draft and while he's not as fast as Derrick Rose or John Wall, he's quick enough to keep defenses honest. The Wolves may skip him if Ricky Rubio is really coming to the NBA next season, but they really don't need a big forward like Derrick Williams, either. David Kahn seems to have a thing for drafting point guards, and could easily do so again if they land the No. 1 pick. Jonny Flynn won't be back next season, and Irving would make sense to back up Luke Ridnour if that's the case.

2. Cavaliers - Derrick Williams F Arizona

Williams recently announced he was entering the draft and he could go No. 1, depending on who gets the pick. The Cavaliers would happily take point guard Kyrie Irving to back up Baron Davis next year, but if they don't have a shot at him, Williams is too good to pass up. Playing time would be an issue in Cleveland with J.J. Hickson and a healthy Anderson Varejao around.

3. Raptors - Kemba Walker PG UConn

He became a household name during the NCAA tournament and while his size is an issue (6-feet, 180 pounds), plenty of other small men have succeeded in today's NBA. Think Brandon Jennings. And with Jose Calderon always injured and Jerryd Bayless looking more like a permanent backup point guard, Walker makes sense in Toronto.

4. Wizards – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic

With Josh Howard always hurt and Rashard Lewis on the downside of his career, the Wizards greatest need is at small forward. Vesely might be a bit of a reach this high, but the Wiz don't need much guard help and have several young bigs on the roster. Vesely makes sense in Washington and would be a nice addition to the rest of their young guns, which include John Wall, JaVale McGee, Andray Blatche and Jordan Crawford.

5. Kings – Brandon Knight PG Kentucky

Beno Udrih has done a serviceable job as point guard in Sacramento and even exceeded expectations. Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton are also already in the guard stable and the Kings' real need is a small forward. But Knight is going to be a pretty good NBA point guard and Paul Westphal might enjoy having someone with a more up-tempo game running his offense. If Harrison Barnes falls, the Kings would probably grab him, but if it doesn't happen, Knight could be their guy. The Kings will also probably give SF Jan Vesely a close look as well, while I could also see Knight end up getting drafted by the Jazz a pick later.

6. Jazz (via Nets) – Enes Kanter C Turkey

With Mehmet Okur's lost season in the rearview mirror the Jazz could use a solid back up center. Kanter is one of the most intriguing players in the draft, especially since we really haven't had a chance to see him much. Kanter was ruled ineligible to play for Kentucky after receiving more than $30,000 from his Turkish team, although the money was used mostly for furthering his education. Therefore, we haven't seen much of Kanter over the last year as he was serving as a student assistant coach at UK. Kanter is 6-11, 265, meaning he clearly has the size to play center in the NBA.

7. Pistons – Terrence Jones SF Kentucky

The Pistons are a mess and the futures of Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince are up in the air. Jones made a big jump from my first draft to this one, and in reality will probably end up somewhere in between the No. 7 and No. 16 picks. Many folks think Jones should stay at Kentucky for another year to develop, but he's got enough upside to be a lottery pick this year.

8. Cavaliers (via Clippers) – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania

The Cavs have Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson, but neither is a true center. I originally had Kanter going here, but I think he'll be gone before the Cavs pick. Valanciunas is a skinny center, built in the mold of Andris Biedrins, but is also possibly the best one in the draft.

9. Bobcats – Bismack Biyombo F/C Congo

The Cats seem to be set at PG (D.J. Augustin), SG (Gerald Henderson), SF (Stephen Jackson) and PF (Boris Diaw/Tyrus Thomas), but they start Kwame Brown at center. That's obviously a problem, although Kwame actually exceeded some expectations for the first time in his career in the second half of this season. If Kanter or Valanciunas are gone, this seems like the perfect spot for little known Bismack Biyombo of the Congo. He's got points/rebounds/blocks triple-double potential and a relatively simple buyout from his professional team, clearing the way for him to play in the NBA once the lockout issues are resolved.

10. Bucks – Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State

Leonard has had a pretty tough life thus far, but really turned heads with a great freshman year at San Diego State. He could be a tweener in the NBA, but several guys without a true position have found a home. I don't know if he'll really be a Top 10 pick, but if his workouts go well, I could see the Bucks taking a flier, as they don't really need guards or big men.

11. Warriors – Tristan Thompson PF Texas

The Warriors have both David Lee and Ekpe Udoh, but clearly don't need any backcourt help at this point. Small forward is probably their greatest need and it's possible they reach for a guy like Jordan Hamilton, but Thompson is too good not to be a lottery pick. And the Warriors could certainly use another big body around, as Andris Biedrins was MIA for most of the season.

12. Jazz – Alec Burks SG Colorado

Burks is a true shooting guard and would fit in very well with the Jazz. He's one of the smoothest scorers coming out of college and most importantly, can create his own shot. He could end up being taken in the Top 10, but No. 12 feels right as of now.

13. Suns – Donatas Motiejunas F/C Lithuania

Motiejunas surprisingly pulled out of last year's draft and then tore it up in the Italian league this season. He's a great shooter, both from the floor and beyond the arc, and appears to be one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft. The Suns could use another power forward besides Channing Frye, and Motiejunas looks like a nice complement to Marcin Gortat. He's another guy I could easily have in the Top 10 in a future column.

14. Rockets – Jordan Hamilton SF Texas

Like Alec Burks, Hamilton is a smooth scorer and plays best when he's the main cog in a team's offense. That means it could take him a while to get going in the pros, but he might be the best pure shooter in the draft, and his quick release will be a key to his success in the pros. The Rockets have some needs at the wing and Hamilton makes sense – especially since he's already in Texas.

15. Pacers – Jimmer Fredette G BYU

The Pacers actually have a well-rounded team with solid players at most positions, with shooting guard being the most obvious need. Mike Dunleavy hasn't been healthy, Brandon Rush hasn't lived up to the hype, Paul George is more forward than guard, and Dahntay Jones was locked up like the gimp in Pulp Fiction until Frank Vogel finally unleashed him in the playoffs. Jimmer is a household name, would fit in well in the heartland and might even sell some tickets for the team that allowed Bulls fans to take over Conseco and basically give Chicago an extra home game in the first round of the playoffs. He's an amazing shooter and could easily end up as a starting shooting guard in the NBA (if he's for real).

Here's an update to our first NBA mock draft of the year. Harrison Barnes is out, Tristan Thompson is in, and I moved several players around. The actual draft takes place on June 23, while the lottery will likely cause the Top 14 picks to change slightly.

1. Timberwolves - Kyrie Irving PG Duke

He's the best point guard in the draft and while he's not as fast as Derrick Rose or John Wall, he's quick enough to keep defenses honest. The Wolves may skip him if Ricky Rubio is really coming to the NBA next season, but they really don't need a big forward like Derrick Williams, either. David Kahn seems to have a thing for drafting point guards, and could easily do so again if they land the No. 1 pick. Jonny Flynn won't be back next season, and Irving would make sense to back up Luke Ridnour if that's the case.

2. Cavaliers - Derrick Williams F Arizona

Williams recently announced he was entering the draft and he could go No. 1, depending on who gets the pick. The Cavaliers would happily take point guard Kyrie Irving to back up Baron Davis next year, but if they don't have a shot at him, Williams is too good to pass up. Playing time would be an issue in Cleveland with J.J. Hickson and a healthy Anderson Varejao around.

3. Raptors - Kemba Walker PG UConn

He became a household name during the NCAA tournament and while his size is an issue (6-feet, 180 pounds), plenty of other small men have succeeded in today's NBA. Think Brandon Jennings. And with Jose Calderon always injured and Jerryd Bayless looking more like a permanent backup point guard, Walker makes sense in Toronto.

4. Wizards – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic

With Josh Howard always hurt and Rashard Lewis on the downside of his career, the Wizards greatest need is at small forward. Vesely might be a bit of a reach this high, but the Wiz don't need much guard help and have several young bigs on the roster. Vesely makes sense in Washington and would be a nice addition to the rest of their young guns, which include John Wall, JaVale McGee, Andray Blatche and Jordan Crawford.

5. Kings – Brandon Knight PG Kentucky

Beno Udrih has done a serviceable job as point guard in Sacramento and even exceeded expectations. Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton are also already in the guard stable and the Kings' real need is a small forward. But Knight is going to be a pretty good NBA point guard and Paul Westphal might enjoy having someone with a more up-tempo game running his offense. If Harrison Barnes falls, the Kings would probably grab him, but if it doesn't happen, Knight could be their guy. The Kings will also probably give SF Jan Vesely a close look as well, while I could also see Knight end up getting drafted by the Jazz a pick later.

6. Jazz (via Nets) – Enes Kanter C Turkey

With Mehmet Okur's lost season in the rearview mirror the Jazz could use a solid back up center. Kanter is one of the most intriguing players in the draft, especially since we really haven't had a chance to see him much. Kanter was ruled ineligible to play for Kentucky after receiving more than $30,000 from his Turkish team, although the money was used mostly for furthering his education. Therefore, we haven't seen much of Kanter over the last year as he was serving as a student assistant coach at UK. Kanter is 6-11, 265, meaning he clearly has the size to play center in the NBA.

7. Pistons – Terrence Jones SF Kentucky

The Pistons are a mess and the futures of Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince are up in the air. Jones made a big jump from my first draft to this one, and in reality will probably end up somewhere in between the No. 7 and No. 16 picks. Many folks think Jones should stay at Kentucky for another year to develop, but he's got enough upside to be a lottery pick this year.

8. Cavaliers (via Clippers) – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania

The Cavs have Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson, but neither is a true center. I originally had Kanter going here, but I think he'll be gone before the Cavs pick. Valanciunas is a skinny center, built in the mold of Andris Biedrins, but is also possibly the best one in the draft.

9. Bobcats – Bismack Biyombo F/C Congo

The Cats seem to be set at PG (D.J. Augustin), SG (Gerald Henderson), SF (Stephen Jackson) and PF (Boris Diaw/Tyrus Thomas), but they start Kwame Brown at center. That's obviously a problem, although Kwame actually exceeded some expectations for the first time in his career in the second half of this season. If Kanter or Valanciunas are gone, this seems like the perfect spot for little known Bismack Biyombo of the Congo. He's got points/rebounds/blocks triple-double potential and a relatively simple buyout from his professional team, clearing the way for him to play in the NBA once the lockout issues are resolved.

10. Bucks – Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State

Leonard has had a pretty tough life thus far, but really turned heads with a great freshman year at San Diego State. He could be a tweener in the NBA, but several guys without a true position have found a home. I don't know if he'll really be a Top 10 pick, but if his workouts go well, I could see the Bucks taking a flier, as they don't really need guards or big men.

11. Warriors – Tristan Thompson PF Texas

The Warriors have both David Lee and Ekpe Udoh, but clearly don't need any backcourt help at this point. Small forward is probably their greatest need and it's possible they reach for a guy like Jordan Hamilton, but Thompson is too good not to be a lottery pick. And the Warriors could certainly use another big body around, as Andris Biedrins was MIA for most of the season.

12. Jazz – Alec Burks SG Colorado

Burks is a true shooting guard and would fit in very well with the Jazz. He's one of the smoothest scorers coming out of college and most importantly, can create his own shot. He could end up being taken in the Top 10, but No. 12 feels right as of now.

13. Suns – Donatas Motiejunas F/C Lithuania

Motiejunas surprisingly pulled out of last year's draft and then tore it up in the Italian league this season. He's a great shooter, both from the floor and beyond the arc, and appears to be one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft. The Suns could use another power forward besides Channing Frye, and Motiejunas looks like a nice complement to Marcin Gortat. He's another guy I could easily have in the Top 10 in a future column.

14. Rockets – Jordan Hamilton SF Texas

Like Alec Burks, Hamilton is a smooth scorer and plays best when he's the main cog in a team's offense. That means it could take him a while to get going in the pros, but he might be the best pure shooter in the draft, and his quick release will be a key to his success in the pros. The Rockets have some needs at the wing and Hamilton makes sense – especially since he's already in Texas.

15. Pacers – Jimmer Fredette G BYU

The Pacers actually have a well-rounded team with solid players at most positions, with shooting guard being the most obvious need. Mike Dunleavy hasn't been healthy, Brandon Rush hasn't lived up to the hype, Paul George is more forward than guard, and Dahntay Jones was locked up like the gimp in Pulp Fiction until Frank Vogel finally unleashed him in the playoffs. Jimmer is a household name, would fit in well in the heartland and might even sell some tickets for the team that allowed Bulls fans to take over Conseco and basically give Chicago an extra home game in the first round of the playoffs. He's an amazing shooter and could easily end up as a starting shooting guard in the NBA (if he's for real).

16. Sixers – Klay Thompson G/F Washington State

The Sixers would love to see one of the top centers take a fall to 16 so they could get a possible replacement for duds like Spencer Hawes, Tony Battie and Marreese Speights, but a pick this low won't get it done – at least as of now. Andre Iguodala always feels a step closer to a departure out of Philly and Thompson has the potential to replace him down the line, although shot selection could be an early issue for him.

17. Knicks – Marcus Morris PF Kansas

The Knicks could use a center, but can also slide Amare Stoudemire there and play a real power forward. They've got one in Shelden Williams, but it's pretty clear he should not be starting in the NBA. Morris is ready for the NBA, is going to be a nice rookie and reminds me a bit of Greg Monroe, who was a very pleasant surprise this season. As of right now, No. 17 feels right for him, but I wouldn't be surprised if I have him in the Top 10 by Draft Day. The Knicks need a big man who can score besides Stoudemire and I think they will have a steal on their hands if they can get Morris this late.

18. Wizards (via Hawks) – Chris Singleton SF Florida State

The Wizards are set with three young guards and a couple solid big men, but as I stated earlier, are lacking at small forward. It wouldn't surprise me to see them use both of their first-round picks on that position. And Singleton has the potential to be another Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace, which I'm pretty sure would make John Wall and company happy. I think he's another potential steal for such a late pick in this draft.

19. Bobcats (via Hornets) – Nikola Mirotic PF Spain

This 6-10 big man can score, rebound, block shots and steal the ball, and the Bobcats need more bigs. He's been extremely efficient in Europe and while there's a chance he won't still be on the board this late, I think Michael Jordan would take the bait if he is.

20. Timberwolves (via Grizzlies) – Nolan Smith G Duke

Smith is a combo guard and it's still unknown whether he can be turned into a real NBA point guard given his turnover issues. But he was able to run Duke's offense when Kyrie Irving was out and played well enough last season to be a lock for a first-round pick. The Timberwolves have a thing for point guards, and if Ricky Rubio isn't coming to America, Smith is a guy they'll look at. The Wolves also have a bit of a hole at shooting guard, making him look like an even more logical choice with this pick.

21. Trail Blazers – Justin Harper PF Richmond

With all the Blazers' centers on the verge of their next knee surgery, LaMarcus Aldridge has been playing a lot more center than they planned on. Gerald Wallace is getting to old to play much more power forward, making Harper a good fit in Portland. While he's truly a power forward, he's one of the best shooters in this draft, if not the best, and his jumper, combined with his size and strength, are going to be NBA assets. His game also seems to suit what the Blazers need and he looks like a great fit.

22. Nuggets – Markieff Morris PF Kansas

The Nuggets are still looking to find a replacement for Carmelo Anthony, although Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler should have solid futures in Denver. Their true need is power forward, making Justin Harper and Morris solid options. Morris is not as good as his twin brother, Marcus, just yet, but he's not too far away. He's already got NBA size (6-10, 235) and is a physical rebounder, but can also knock down an 18-footer if left open. Kenyon Martin is (literally) on his last leg and Chris Andersen isn't getting any younger. Morris looks like a great fit in Denver.

23. Rockets (via Magic) - Jeff Taylor SF Vanderbilt

Taylor developed a 3-point shot in his junior season and is an amazing athlete, able to run the floor at will. He's another guy who might imitate Gerald Wallace and Josh Smith, and the Rockets could use someone who can run the floor with Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin. Chase Budinger will likely start at small forward, but they're certainly not deep at the position, making Taylor a nice fit.

24. Thunder – Travis Leslie SF Georgia

Leslie might be the best athlete in the draft and is a dunk highlight reel waiting to happen. There are questions about his outside shooting, and while the Thunder could really use someone to hit threes, Leslie would be an excellent replacement for Jeff Green, whom they traded to the Celtics this year. He won't see much playing time in OKC due to playing behind the guy who led the league in scoring for the second straight year, but given time to develop, could turn into a very solid (and exciting) NBA player at some point in the future.

25. Celtics – Reggie Jackson PG Boston College

Jackson showed an improved jumper last season and would make for a nice-sized point guard at 6-3. He has shown playmaking skills and is unselfish, while also able to play off the ball. The Celtics have many needs as one of the oldest teams in the league, but getting another guard who could play both spots makes sense.

26. Mavericks – Trey Thompkins PF Georgia

Dirk Nowitzki isn't getting any younger and the Mavericks would be wise to get a young PF they can start grooming for the future. Thompkins had a nice season at UGA, averaging 16.4 points, 7.6 boards and 1.7 blocks per game. The knock on him is that he isn't all that athletic and didn't show much improvement last year, but he's a guy that could stick in the NBA as he learns how to play the game.

27. Nets (via Lakers) – Kenneth Faried PF Morehead State

Faried has a great nose for the ball, is one of the best rebounders in college history and will dive for loose balls without hesitation. Hustle is a word that best describes him and the Nets could use a solid blue-collar guy to do the dirty work that Brook Lopez isn't capable of.

28. Bulls (via Heat) – Josh Selby SG Kansas

Selby has all kinds of potential but hasn't really lived up to the hype as of yet. The Bulls are lacking at shooting guard, which is really their only glaring need. They've got time to wait, as they certainly didn't struggle with a hole at the 2 during the regular season.

29. Spurs - Tobias Harris F Tennessee

At 6-8, 210 he's going to be an undersized power forward, but can shoot it well enough that he might be able to play some small forward in the NBA. Gregg Popovich doesn't seem to trust DeJuan Blair and they've got plenty of young talent in the backcourt. Richard Jefferson will have to be replaced at some point, and Harris wouldn't be a bad place to start.

30. Bulls – JaJuan Johnson, F/C Purdue

He was the best scorer in the Big Ten and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. He averaged 20.5 points, 8.6 boards and 2.3 blocks per game and would learn a lot playing behind Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. He may fall into Round 2, but I bet he performs well in workouts and ends up in the first round.