We're back to the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 4 pick in our SB Nation 2011 NBA Mock Draft, and Fear The Sword's Conrad Kaczmarek is up. After taking Kyrie Irving at No. 1, the Cavs go big at No. 4, taking Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas. Here's Conrad with the explanation.
NBA Mock Draft 2011: Cavaliers Pick Jonas Valanciunas At No. 4
With the second of the Cavaliers’ two lottery picks, there are several likely candidates. The two prospects that have garnered the most interest from the Cavs are Enes Kanter and Jonas Valanciunas.
If both are on the board when Cleveland is picking at the four spot on draft night, they may have a difficult decision to make. In this case, however, the decision appears to be made for them. With Kanter having already been drafted, the Cavs will happily select another international center in Valanciunas.
Valanciunas does not fit the traditional European big man stereotype. He shows exceptional energy on both ends of the court and looks to finish strong at the rim. While Kanter provides a more polished offensive game, Cleveland scouts have raved about Valanciunas’ upside as an NBA center as well. While the Cavs have bigger needs at the SG and SF positions, combining an active big man with point guard, Kyrie Irving, would be a solid foundation for their rebuilding efforts.
Follow this StoryStream to see our entire SB Nation mock draft play out over the next couple days. See our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage.
See More:
