Mock Draft, Version 5

Here's the fifth update to our NBA mock draft. The latest news is that guys like center Jonas Valanciunas, and forwards Tyler Honeycutt and Tobias Harris are seeing their stock rise. The NBA Draft takes place on June 23.

1. Cavaliers (via Clippers) - Kyrie Irving PG Duke

With some help from owner Dan Gilbert's son, Nick, the Cavaliers turned their trade of Mo Williams for Baron Davis into Davis AND Kyrie Irving by landing the No. 1 pick. I still think they'll take Irving, as he currently looks like the No. 1 pick, hands down. 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 and is considered by most as the clear first pick this year. The Cavs already have Baon, but he's far from reliable, while his career is also starting to wind down. If they decide to pass on Irving, which seems unlikely at this point, Derrick Williams would be the next logical selection. As for Ramon Sessions, who can also play point guard? If they take Irving, expect Sessions to be traded on draft night.

2. Timberwolves - Derrick Williams F Arizona

Williams could go over Irving at No. 1, but as of now, we're guessing he ends up in Minnesota. Unfortunately, they've already got Kevin Love and Michael Beasley, but Williams would have time to develop off the bench in Minnesota, and appears to be the only option they have at No. 2. Then again, David Kahn is running the show, which means anything is possible here, including trading the pick.

3. Jazz (via Nets) - Brandon Knight PG Kentucky

The Jazz could take Kemba Walker at No. 3, which would leave the Raptors with Knight at 5, but Knight looks like the better prospect at this point, which is why I flipped Knight and Walker in this edition. And with Devin Harris often banged up, they could use another PG, as backups Earl Watson and Ronnie Price aren't great NBA point guards. They could also go with Enes Kanter here, but my guess is they grab a guard and then try to get another big man with the No. 12 pick, which they also own.

4. Cavaliers – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania

The Cavs are feeling some pressure to come through with the No. 1 and 4 picks, but the bottom line is that they're using a pair of power forwards to play center (J.J. Hickson & Anderson Varejao). He's a skinny center, built in the mold of Andris Biedrins, but is also possibly the best one in the draft. He could be a steal this late and looks even safer now that we know his Euro contract can be bought out with relative ease. The real question is whether or not the Cavs would really pass on Enes Kanter here.

5. Raptors – Kemba Walker PG UConn

Walker 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. It makes sense the Raps would look for a back up for Jose Calderon at point guard. They also have Jerryd Bayless, but Walker or Knight look like a great way to spend this pick. And once again, if they're finally done with Andrea Bargnani at center, they will also give Enes Kanter a serious look if he's still on the board. And with late word that the Raps are open to trading Bargnani, Kanter (as well as Valanciunas) is a real possibility here.

6. Wizards – Enes Kanter C Turkey

The Wizards have two talented young bigs in JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche, but Kanter might be the best center in this draft and has stated that he'd love to play for Washington. He's also got a great personality and would be a PR win as well. We really haven't had a chance to see Kanter much, as he was ruled ineligible to play for Kentucky after receiving more than $30,000 from his Turkish team. Kanter ended up serving as a student assistant coach at UK. He's 6-11, 265, meaning he clearly has the size to play center in the NBA, but is not projected to be a shot blocker due to a limited wingspan. Many mock drafts have Kanter going at No. 3 or No. 4, and we could end up with him there before next month's draft. But for now, we like Valanciunas slightly more than Kanter. If the Wiz pass on Kanter, or he's off the board, SF Kawhi Leonard makes a lot of sense, filling a clear need.

7. Kings - Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State

The Kings have been struggling to find a suitable small forward since they let Gerald Wallace go and Leonard appears to fit a big need. The biggest question is whether or not Leonard is really worth the No. 7 pick. We'll find out in less than a month.

8. Pistons – Alec Burks SG Colorado

Burks is a true shooting guard and with the future of Rip Hamilton up in the air, as well as the constant struggles of Ben Gordon, getting a shooting guard (or small forward) makes sense for Detroit. Burks might be a reach at No. 8, but the Pistons could easily roll the dice on him.

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 – Tristan Thompson PF Texas

Thompson is a lock for the lottery and the Bucks are pretty deep across the board. However, they could use a more athletic power forward, making Thompson look like a great fit. Donatas Motiejunas is also a possibility here.

11. Warriors – 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 Warriors can always use help up front and Motiejunas could get some nice run at center for GSW next year. Ekpe Udoh may or may not be their starting center of the future, but Motiejunas will likely push him if he ends up in Golden State. They could certainly use another big body around, as Andris Biedrins was MIA for most of the season.

12. Jazz – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic

The Jazz have plenty of big men and could really use a shooting guard. Jimmer Fredette is going to get a strong look here, but Vesely is very talented, and would make for a nice tag-team partner with Gordon Hayward. No. 12 just seems a little high for Jimmer, so Vesely makes sense here. It's also not out of the question that Hayward and Vesely could play shooting guard.

13. Suns - 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 Suns could use a rebounding power forward to complement the 3-point shooting of Channing Frye.

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 aren't exactly deep at SF 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 big enough).

Here's the fifth update to our NBA mock draft. The latest news is that guys like center Jonas Valanciunas, and forwards Tyler Honeycutt and Tobias Harris are seeing their stock rise. The NBA Draft takes place on June 23.

1. Cavaliers (via Clippers) - Kyrie Irving PG Duke

With some help from owner Dan Gilbert's son, Nick, the Cavaliers turned their trade of Mo Williams for Baron Davis into Davis AND Kyrie Irving by landing the No. 1 pick. I still think they'll take Irving, as he currently looks like the No. 1 pick, hands down. 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 and is considered by most as the clear first pick this year. The Cavs already have Baon, but he's far from reliable, while his career is also starting to wind down. If they decide to pass on Irving, which seems unlikely at this point, Derrick Williams would be the next logical selection. As for Ramon Sessions, who can also play point guard? If they take Irving, expect Sessions to be traded on draft night.

2. Timberwolves - Derrick Williams F Arizona

Williams could go over Irving at No. 1, but as of now, we're guessing he ends up in Minnesota. Unfortunately, they've already got Kevin Love and Michael Beasley, but Williams would have time to develop off the bench in Minnesota, and appears to be the only option they have at No. 2. Then again, David Kahn is running the show, which means anything is possible here, including trading the pick.

3. Jazz (via Nets) - Brandon Knight PG Kentucky

The Jazz could take Kemba Walker at No. 3, which would leave the Raptors with Knight at 5, but Knight looks like the better prospect at this point, which is why I flipped Knight and Walker in this edition. And with Devin Harris often banged up, they could use another PG, as backups Earl Watson and Ronnie Price aren't great NBA point guards. They could also go with Enes Kanter here, but my guess is they grab a guard and then try to get another big man with the No. 12 pick, which they also own.

4. Cavaliers – Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania

The Cavs are feeling some pressure to come through with the No. 1 and 4 picks, but the bottom line is that they're using a pair of power forwards to play center (J.J. Hickson & Anderson Varejao). He's a skinny center, built in the mold of Andris Biedrins, but is also possibly the best one in the draft. He could be a steal this late and looks even safer now that we know his Euro contract can be bought out with relative ease. The real question is whether or not the Cavs would really pass on Enes Kanter here.

5. Raptors – Kemba Walker PG UConn

Walker 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. It makes sense the Raps would look for a back up for Jose Calderon at point guard. They also have Jerryd Bayless, but Walker or Knight look like a great way to spend this pick. And once again, if they're finally done with Andrea Bargnani at center, they will also give Enes Kanter a serious look if he's still on the board. And with late word that the Raps are open to trading Bargnani, Kanter (as well as Valanciunas) is a real possibility here.

6. Wizards – Enes Kanter C Turkey

The Wizards have two talented young bigs in JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche, but Kanter might be the best center in this draft and has stated that he'd love to play for Washington. He's also got a great personality and would be a PR win as well. We really haven't had a chance to see Kanter much, as he was ruled ineligible to play for Kentucky after receiving more than $30,000 from his Turkish team. Kanter ended up serving as a student assistant coach at UK. He's 6-11, 265, meaning he clearly has the size to play center in the NBA, but is not projected to be a shot blocker due to a limited wingspan. Many mock drafts have Kanter going at No. 3 or No. 4, and we could end up with him there before next month's draft. But for now, we like Valanciunas slightly more than Kanter. If the Wiz pass on Kanter, or he's off the board, SF Kawhi Leonard makes a lot of sense, filling a clear need.

7. Kings - Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State

The Kings have been struggling to find a suitable small forward since they let Gerald Wallace go and Leonard appears to fit a big need. The biggest question is whether or not Leonard is really worth the No. 7 pick. We'll find out in less than a month.

8. Pistons – Alec Burks SG Colorado

Burks is a true shooting guard and with the future of Rip Hamilton up in the air, as well as the constant struggles of Ben Gordon, getting a shooting guard (or small forward) makes sense for Detroit. Burks might be a reach at No. 8, but the Pistons could easily roll the dice on him.

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 – Tristan Thompson PF Texas

Thompson is a lock for the lottery and the Bucks are pretty deep across the board. However, they could use a more athletic power forward, making Thompson look like a great fit. Donatas Motiejunas is also a possibility here.

11. Warriors – 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 Warriors can always use help up front and Motiejunas could get some nice run at center for GSW next year. Ekpe Udoh may or may not be their starting center of the future, but Motiejunas will likely push him if he ends up in Golden State. They could certainly use another big body around, as Andris Biedrins was MIA for most of the season.

12. Jazz – Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic

The Jazz have plenty of big men and could really use a shooting guard. Jimmer Fredette is going to get a strong look here, but Vesely is very talented, and would make for a nice tag-team partner with Gordon Hayward. No. 12 just seems a little high for Jimmer, so Vesely makes sense here. It's also not out of the question that Hayward and Vesely could play shooting guard.

13. Suns - 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 Suns could use a rebounding power forward to complement the 3-point shooting of Channing Frye.

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 aren't exactly deep at SF 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 big enough).

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 he could easily end up being a Top 10 pick. 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) – Tobias Harris F Tennessee

The Wizards' greatest need is at small forward given the disastrous seasons for Rashard Lewis and Josh Howard, and while it's possible they go with another big like one of the Morris boys here, Harris fills a clear hole. He also appears to be trending up, which caused me to move him from the back of the pack to the middle.

19. Bobcats (via Hornets) – Markieff Morris PF Kansas

At 6-8, 210 Morris will be an undersized power forward, but can shoot it well enough that he might be able to play some small forward in the NBA. The Bobcats have no shortage of power forwards, with Boris Diaw and Tyrus Thomas leading the list, but Thomas is still unproven, while Diaw is on the downside of his career. They really need a center after starting Kwame Brown for much of the season, but the good ones will be long gone by this pick. Which is another reason why they'd like to get one with the ninth pick.

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. If the Blazers, who just let their GM go, decide they don't want a true PF here, Duke's Kyle Singler is a possibility and could back up Wallace at SF. I seem to be alone in thinking Harper can go this high, so there's a decent chance he could be bumped in the next update.

22. Nuggets – Chris Singleton SF Florida State

Singleton has the potential to be another Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace, which I'm pretty sure, would make George Karl and company happy. I think he's another potential steal for such a late pick in this draft, and the Nuggets are still trying to find a replacement for Carmelo Anthony, as Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler struggled a bit in Denver this season.

23. Rockets (via Magic) – Tyler Honeycutt SF UCLA

Honeycutt is a nicely sized for a SF at 6-8 and should end up being a silky-smooth NBA player. He has decent athleticism and the Rockets have a need at his position with Chase Budinger and Terrence Williams floundering in and out of the lineup. He could end up being a solid pick despite going this late in the draft.

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) – Charles Jenkins G Hofstra

Jenkins played in mere obscurity for Hofstra over the last four years, but is a dynamic scorer and the true definition of a sleeper pick. He may not end up being taken in Round 1, but we're guessing after teams get to know him via workouts, his stock will rise.

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 – Nikola Mirotic PF Spain

This 6-10 big man can score, rebound, block shots and steal the ball, but the Spurs already have Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair, not to mention Tiago Splitter. If they do take a flier on Mirotic, look for him to ride the pine as a rookie, just like Blair and Splitter did.

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.