Derrick WilliamsThe 2011 NBA Draft is finally over and what a draft it was. There were plenty of big surprises, some good and some not. With the draft process now over, these players can get to work with their respective teams and start working towards the 2011-2012 season. Here’s a rundown the picks and my thoughts on how they fit with the team that drafted them.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Point Guard, Duke

It was a pretty clear cut decision when the Cavaliers were put on the clock. Irving is an elite talent who should be a facilitator as well as a premier scorer from the point guard position. Given some time and the proper weapons, I can see him turning Cleveland into contenders again.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams, Small Forward, Arizona

Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, they were unable to pull off a trade before it was their turn to pick. They ended up with Williams, who should be a tremendous talent in the future, but I’m sure they would have preferred to find a battle-tested veteran via trade instead.

3. Utah Jazz, Enes Kanter, Center, Turkey

With the No. 3 pick, the Jazz landed themselves the most dynamic big man in this year’s class. He isn’t going to be a blockaholic and he won’t put up 25 points per game, but he will outwork anyone that comes into the low post using strength and tenacity. Excellent addition to the Jazz’s rebuilding roster.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson, Power Forward, Texas

Although this pick was a bit of a surprise, it’s wasn’t surprising that the Cavaliers were tempted enough by Thompson’s offensive talents to spend the No. 4 pick on him. When Thompson is on his game, he’s unstoppable in the low post. The Cavaliers need more offense, and he fits the bill perfectly.

5. Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas, Center, Lithuania

The fact that the Raptors landed Valanciunas is huge. That fact that he may not be able to play for them for another year or two is a huge concern. Valanciunas has some lingering contract issues with his European team, which could setback his NBA plans for at least a year.

6. Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely, Small Forward, Czech Republic

Vesely could easily be one of the most athletic players to come out of this draft. The biggest thing that he brings to a young Wizards team is his hustle and relentless motor, which will hopefully be contagious throughout the locker room. The Wall-Vesely combo will be a hard one to defend this upcoming season.

7. Charlotte Bobcats (acquired from Sacramento Kings): Bismack Biyombo, Power Forward, Spain

With this pick, the Bobcats get one of the most intriguing players and names in the draft. Biyombo is a big, ambitious player who will outwork just about anyone else on the court in order to give his team the advantage. I also love the fact that he’ll be playing under Michael Jordan, the Bobcats’ owner.

8. Detroit Pistons: Brandon Knight, Point Guard, Kentucky

Knight fell victim to the largest slide of the draft, falling from the Top 4 as projected, all the way to No. 8. However, it may just be a better fit than he could have asked for. The Pistons have been disappointed with the recent production of Rodney Stuckey, which means Knight might start sooner rather than later.

9. Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker, Point Guard, UConn

As if Biyombo wasn’t enough, the Bobcats also watched Walker fall right into their laps. He’s a talented point guard who has proven that he knows how to win. If the Bobcats can find a way to implement him early and often, they may have come away with one of the steals of the draft.

10. Sacramento Kings (acquired from Milwaukee Bucks): Jimmer Fredette, Point Guard, BYU

With the selection of Fredette, the Kings come away with one of the most questionable picks in this year’s draft. Either Fredette is going to exceed expectations and blow everyone away, or he’ll be the next Adam Morrison of the NBA. One thing that’s clear: the boy can shoot.

11. Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson, Shooting Guard, Washington State

It’s still unclear whether or not the Warriors will be shipping out Monta Ellis before the beginning of next season. If they do, they’ve already found a worthy replacement in Thompson, who is arguably one of the best deep threats in this draft class.

12. Utah Jazz: Alec Burks, Shooting Guard, Colorado

With the No. 3 pick, the Jazz got their paint anchor in Kanter. With their No. 12 pick, they pulled in a talented shooting guard who should team up well with point guard Devin Harris. He’s a great shooter and gifted defender who will push for immediate playing time in Utah.

13. Phoenix Suns: Markieff Morris, Power Forward, Kansas

I was a bit surprised to see Markieff of the Morris brothers go first in the draft, but it seems like he may have been the better fit for the suns anyway. He’s a big, strong power forward who also has the ability to shoot from the perimeter, something that the Suns love out of big men.

14. Houston Rockets: Marcus Morris, Small Forward, Kansas

The second Morris twin drafted will bring some immediate versatility to the Rockets’ lineup. He possesses great strength and range for a player of his size to go along with his tenacious defense. The thing that impresses me is his ability to face up. He’ll be a welcomed addition in Houston.

15. San Antonio Spurs (acquired from Indiana Pacers): Kawhi Leonard, Small Forward, San Diego State

This a perfect player for head coach Gregg Popovich who could end up being the biggest steals of the draft. Leonard possesses a relentless motor whenever he’s on the court, and is a nightmare on the boards. One way or another, Leonard is going to find a way to make his mark on the NBA.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Nikola Vucevic, Center, USC

The 76ers just found the next big fixture in the middle of their lineup. Vucevic will immediately bring a new level of scoring to the offense using his strong post moves and impressive driving ability for a player of his size. His defense definitely needs some refinement, but there’s plenty of potential to be unlocked.

17. New York Knicks: Iman Shumpert, Point Guard, Georgia Tech

With this pick, the Knicks bring in their future at the point guard position while doing their best to upgrade what was a horrendous defense down the stretch. This was one of the most perplexing picks to me considering Shumpert wasn’t really a first-round talent in my eyes. Only time will tell.

18. Washington Wizards: Chris Singleton, Small Forward, Florida State

Although I don’t understand why the Wizards drafted the same position twice in the first round, I understand how hard it would be to pass up a defensive talent like Singleton. He’s arguably one of the best defenders in this draft class, and they will undoubtedly find a way to get him on the court.

19. Milwaukee Bucks (acquired from Charlotte Bobcats): Tobias Harris, Small Forward, Tennessee

Harris may be one of the rawest players selected in the first round, but there’s still plenty of talent still left to be realized in this guy. He’s a strong, agile player with scoring potential who will add a new dimension to the worst offensive in the NBA.

20. Houston Rockets (acquired from Minnesota Timberwolves): Donatas Motiejunas, Power Forward, Italy

With Yao Ming’s time as a Rocket running out and an undersized starting power forward in Chuck Hayes, the Rockets were looking to add some size to their roster. Especially with new head coach Kevin McHale, a former NBA big man himself, Motiejunas was a perfect fit for the Rockets’ upsizing movement.

21. Portland Trail Blazers: Nolan Smith, Point Guard, Duke

Some will argue that No. 21 was a bit of a reach for a player like Smith, but his potential can’t be ignored. He was a play-maker for Duke after taking over the point guard position when Irving went down with an injury. Considering the Blazers traded for Raymond Felton, he could see time as a SG.

22. Denver Nuggets: Kenneth Faried, Power Forward, Morehead St.

With the looming possibility that Nene could be leaving Denver this off-season, the Nuggets needed to find some insurance for their rebounding department. When they drafted the NCAA’s all-time leader in rebounds, I think they did exactly that and more. Faried will dominate the boards for years to come.

23. Chicago Bulls (acquired from Minnesota Timberwolves): Nikola Mirotic, Power Forward, Spain

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, the Bulls struggled with big man depth due after injuries struck the starting lineup. Although the Bulls won’t see Mirotic anytime soon considering his new contract overseas, he will bring an interesting dynamic to their lineup when he’s finally in the NBA.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Reggie Jackson, Point Guard, Boston College

There’s a very likely chance that the Thunder could be looking to trade one of their point guards away, causing them to go for Jackson. He’s a tremendous talent who brings shooting to a team that already has a knack for putting big numbers up on the scoreboard.

25. New Jersey Nets (acquired from Boston Celtics): MarShon Brooks, Shooting Guard, Providence

Brooks is considered the next Kobe Bryant, so why wouldn’t the Nets be willing to take the risk? He was a superb scorer during his time at Providence, using impressive penetrating ability as well as a deadly jumper. Deron Willliams and him will make a dynamic duo in New Jersey’s backcourt.

26. Denver Nuggets (acquired from Dallas Mavericks): Jordan Hamilton, Small Forward, Texas

Despite some inconsistency, Hamilton will provide the Nuggets with a promising new scorer to put points on the board in Denver. He’s a willing and capable defender who has the athleticism to get the job done, but will need to continue to refine his game if he hopes to shine in the NBA.

27. Boston Celtics (acquired from New Jersey Nets): JaJuan Johnson, Power Forward, Purdue

The best part about Johnson going to Boston is that he’ll be learning the NBA ropes from Kevin Garnett. He already has a terrific post game that is highlighted by his tremendous athleticism and relentless motor. If he can reach his potential, he’s going to usher in a new era for the aging Celtics.

28. Miami Heat (acquired from Minnesota Timberwolves): Norris Cole, Point Guard, Cleveland St.

With Cole now in Miami, Mike Bibby may have just become a bench player. Cole is a terrific scorer as well as a facilitator who will make plays from anywhere on the court. He does a good job of getting to the line and should be eager to learn with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh mentoring him.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Cory Joseph, Point Guard, Texas

Unfortunately for Joseph, he’s going to have to immediately replace George Hill, who they traded away for Leonard. Luckily, he has proven himself to be a very mature player who does best under pressure. He’s a great fit for the Spurs who should see plenty of early playing time.

30. Chicago Bulls: Jimmy Butler, Small Forward, Marquette

The first thing that stands out with Butler is the heartwarming story of how he got here (refer to the movie, Blindside for a similar story). Looking past his past, though, we see a terrific athlete who’s smart has the smarts and tenacity to succeed in the NBA. He’ll bring terrific energy and character to their locker room.

Photo: Neon Tommy, Creative Commons 2.0