The 2011 NBA Draft is just over a week away and the various mock drafts are stating to hone on on their picks. Chad Ford, Draft Express and SB Nation's Tom Ziller all have all (still) have Kyrie Irving going first to the Cleveland Cavalier and Arizona's Derrick Williams going second to the Minnesota Timberwolves. From there, the various 2011 NBA Mock Draft boards start diverging.
This year's draft darling, Jimmer Fredette, is on the board anywhere from seventh (Kings) to 15th (Pacers). Jimmer worked out for the Phoenix Suns this week and, of course, reports being liked. Who doesn't like him?
Twitter / @jimmerfredette: The workout with the suns ...
The workout with the suns was another good one. I think they like me but we will see what happens.
A couple of the mock drafts have the Suns taking Texas forward Tristan Thompson. Kemba Walker is another surprise name but it's difficult to imagine him falling that far. Here's a round up of four 2011 NBA Mock Drafts for the Suns 13th pick.
2011 NBA Mock Draft: Uncertainty Reigns In Final Sprint To Draft Day - SBNation.com
13. Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas Thompson is an interesting fit for Phoenix because he both looks like the anti-Sun in that he's more a defender than scorer, but he's also the type of player who could benefit greatly from a year or two with Steve Nash.NBADraft.net
13 *Phoenix Kemba WalkerDraftExpress - NBA Draft, NCAA/International Basketball Website.
13 Suns Tristan Thompson PF Texas, Freshman2011 NBA draft: Chad Ford's NBA Mock Draft 4.0 - ESPN
Tristan Thompson. Analysis: The Suns are in that awkward spot between pushing for the playoffs and rebuilding. Lon Babby says the team will be emphasizing defense and Thompson takes them decidedly in that direction.He is a solid athlete, an excellent rebounder and gives the Suns some desperately needed toughness in the paint. Pair him in the frontcourt with Marcin Gortat and the Suns finally have some swagger. Burks, Fredette and Biyombo are all possibilities here as well.