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No. 1 • Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers; 6-foot-3, 190 pounds; Guard, Duke
Instant analysis • The safe pick for the Cavs. Irving isn't an athlete at point guard in the mold of Derrick Rose or John Wall. But he's very good off the dribble, he gets into the paint with ease and he scores in a variety of ways close to the basket. He missed 26 games at Duke because of an injured toe.
Verdict • Cleveland fans shouldn't expect another LeBron James, but Irving is a potential All-Star and a guy the Cavs can build a team around. This selection immediately makes Baron Davis expendable, so a trade may be forthcoming.
No. 2 • Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves; 6-foot-9, 250 pounds; Forward, Arizona
Instant analysis • Kudos to Minnesota for drafting Williams over need. You always take the best player available, and Williams fits that mold here. He's a small forward, is really athletic, can dribble and can shoot. He may be looked upon as the best player in the draft when this haul is looked back on 10 years from now.
Verdict • A good pick, but Williams is a bit redundant with Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson, both of whom are small forwards. Williams, however, has a chance to be better than both of them, so how the Timberwolves deal with this logjam will be interesting to see.
No. 3 • Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz; 6-foot-11, 260 pounds; Center, Turkey
Instant analysis • The Jazz do the right thing by picking Kanter over Brandon Knight. Kanter is the third best player in the draft by a good margin. He can score in the paint, and from 15-18 feet from the basket. Kanter hasn't played competitively in over a year, but he's young, strong and has a good margin for improvement.
Verdict • Kanter's selection creates a crowded frontcourt in Utah. So is anyone expendable? It may be Paul Millsap, with Derrick Favors being the future at power forward. Good pick for the Jazz. A safe pick. He's the best player available.
No. 4 • Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers; 6-foot-9, 230 pounds; Forward, Texas
Instant analysis • In the first real surprise of the draft, the Cavaliers take Thompson, who was solid, but not great in his freshman season at Texas. No doubt, Thompson has a lot of potential. But this is a guy Cleveland could've traded down and gotten a bit later. With Kanter off the board, the Cavs clearly went for the best big man left.
Verdict • Thompson plays the same position as J.J. Hickson, whom Cleveland dubbed the future when they refused to trade him for Amare Stoudemire a few years ago. Thompson may take a few years to truly be ready to contribute, but it's a pick that may pay dividends down the road.
No. 5 • Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors; 6-foot-11, 240 pounds; Center, Lithuania
Instant analysis • He's long, athletic, and can rebound the ball. He's a versatile big man who likes playing facing the basket. Why wouldn't the Raptors take Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker when they clearly need a point guard to direct their franchise? It's a curious selection in that regard, but that's not a knock on Valanciunas. He can play.
Verdict • Will Valanciunas play in the NBA next year? There's talk that he may not fully be committed to coming across waters this season. If he does, he may wind up being a steal. He makes the Raptors bigger and longer in the middle, and Toronto's a team that sorely needs both attributes.
No. 6 • Jan Vesely, Washington Wizards; 6-foot-11, 240 pounds; Forward, Czech Republic
Instant analysis • An athlete on the frontline is just what the Wizards need. Vesely has been dubbed the "European Blake Griffin". He's a high-flyer and he dunks on people with ease and he can step out to hit a jumper as well. He fits in well with the youth movement in Washington. He can play two positions on the frontline, and he's going to be able to fill the lanes with John Wall and Jordan Crawford.
Verdict • Love his selection here. He's got a chance to make himself known in one of the NBA's better markets. Washington sorely wanted Enes Kanter, but there was no way he was going to fall to the sixth pick. Vesley is a pretty good consolation prize in this spot.
No. 7 • Bismack Biyombo, Sacramento Kings; 6-foot-9, 240 pounds; Forward, Congo
Instant analysis • This pick is supposed to go to the Charlotte Bobcats in a three-team proposed trade with Milwaukee as the third team. Biyombo is a great defender, is a very good athlete and can rebound on both ends. Still, this is too high for him. He can't score, you can't run plays for him and he's a complete liability on the offensive end at this point of his career.
Verdict • Not a great pick for Michael Jordan. Biyombo fills a need, but Charlotte didn't need to trade up in order to get him. The Bobcats are very thin up front, and Biyombo should get plenty of chances to make an impact. Still, Biyombo's stock was sliding in the days leading up to the draft.
No. 8 • Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons; 6-foot-3, 180 pounds; Guard, Kentucky
Instant analysis • Now THIS is where Knight's talent should've landed him, not in the third spot where the Jazz flirted with him. Knight is smart, has a high basketball IQ, can shoot it, and has outstanding size for his position. At this point, he plays more like a shooting guard than a point guard, and that's something that has to balance out a bit as his career progresses. Still, a nice value pick for the Pistons.
Verdict • Does this spell the end to the Rodney Stuckey era in Detroit? Stuckey really isn't a point guard, and neither is Knight. Of course, you can say Knight will be surrounded by plenty of veterans. And of course, the veterans were a big part of the problem in Detroit last season.
No. 9 • Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats; 6-foot-1, 185 pounds; Guard, Connecticut
Instant analysis • This is a good pick for Charlotte. Walker is a flat winner. He can go end-to-end on the break as well as any guard in this draft. He's tough off the dribble, he's improved in each of his three years at Connecticut and he's a national champion. Walker may be the best point guard in this draft, despite him going behind Brandon Knight.
Verdict • Walker is going to be NBA ready. He's very mature, and has accepted tough coaching from Jim Calhoun at Uconn. He will fit in with Charlotte's running style and there's a need for him now that the Bobcats traded point guard Shaun Livingston. Solid selection for sure.
No. 10 • Jimmer Fredette, Milwaukee Bucks; 6-foot-2, 195 pounds; Guard, BYU
Instant analysis • This pick is going to the Sacramento Kings. And that scream you just heard is coming from EnergySolutions Arena from heartbroken Jazz fans. Fredette is a great scorer. He can shoot it from deep, he's good off the dribble and he can put points on the board in a hurry. Underrated about Fredette is his heart, and his ability to get to the basket. He's much tougher than people give him credit for.
Verdict • Fredette is a perfect fit for the Kings. He's a shooter who complements the slashing style of Tyreke Evans. He insures that DeMarcus Cousins doesn't get double-teamed in the post. If he can play well defensively, he will be a solid professional for years to come.
No. 11 • Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors; 6-foot-7, 205 pounds; Guard, Washington State
Instant analysis • One of the best shooters in the draft, Thompson is also 6-foot-8 and a pure shooting guard. He has the range and the athleticism to get his shot off. He fits in with Golden State and the new agenda of head coach Mark Jackson. Thompson reportedly showed extremely well in a workout with the Warriors. So his selection was easy to call here..
Verdict • Thompson can play either shooting guard or small forward. His ability to shoot the ball fits in well with Stephon Curry and Monta Ellis. Those three should put plenty of points on the board. Thompson is a very good pick here.
No. 12 • Alec Burks, Utah Jazz; 6-foot-6, 195 pounds; Guard, Colorado
Instant analysis • Best player available for the Jazz, Burks can do a little bit of everything, from handling the ball, to getting to the basket, to finishing at the rim. Burks is 6-6 and a great athlete. He can step in and command minutes right away, which is what the Jazz need. His one knock? Not a shooter. But his ability to create off the dribble meant that Utah couldn't pass him up here.
Verdict • Do the Jazz bring back C.J. Miles? That's a valid question after the selection of Burks. Still, Burks is good here in the sense that he upgrades the athleticism drastically. He makes Utah longer on the perimeter and he's a potential defensive stopper on the perimeter, something they haven't had since Ronnie Brewer.
No. 13 • Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns; 6-foot-9, 230 pounds; Forward, Kansas
Instant analysis • A surprise that he was drafted before Marcus Morris, his more celebrated twin brother. But Markieff measured out at a legit 6-10, while his twin brother is 6-8 and may be stuck between the small and power forward positions. Markieff can block shots, can hit jumpers and can move well in the post. He has improved steadily in three years at Kansas, and has played his way into a first round selection.
Verdict • Morris fills a need for Phoenix. Still, this is a surprise because he was projected to be picked in the lower teens. As a shotblocker, this is yet another sign that the Suns are going away from the run and gun style that defined them throughout the last decade.
No. 14 • Marcus Morris, Houston Rockets; 6-foot-9, 230 pounds; Forward, Kansas
Instant analysis • Was a power forward in college and is working on becoming a small forward in the pros. The skills are there. Morris has great footwork in the post, has three-point range, is a complete offensive player and can create off the dribble. He's not as good as his brother defensively, but he's far superior on offense. He can step in and play for the Rockets right away.
Verdict • With a guard-dominated team, there is a huge need for a guy who can come in and score in the post. Marcus Morris fills that need, and with Patrick Patterson forms a nice tandem down low. Morris will have the opportunity to play for Houston. If he can handle it, expect him to make an instant impact.
No. 15 • Kawhi Leonard, Indiana Pacers; 6-foot-7, 225 pounds; Forward, San Diego State
Instant analysis • Can rebound the ball, can handle the ball and is a very good defensive player. But what position does he play? Can he smoothly transition to small forward? He will step in with a team that's currently placing a premium on youth and athleticism, and Leonard has both. Is pound-for-pound one of the best rebounders in this draft. His huge hands allow him to get rebounds someone his size has no business securing.
Verdict • Leonard was the best player available here. Rumor has it that this pick is going to San Antonio for George Hill. If so, Leonard will get the chance to learn from Richard Jefferson for a few years before getting the chance to take over on a permanent basis.
No. 16 • Nikola Vucevic, Philadelphia 76ers; 6-foot-11, 260 pounds; Center, USC
Instant analysis • Vucevic has the size of a true low-post center. He has a variety of skills on offense, including the ability to step away from the basket and make pick-and-pop jump shots. Most of the questions involving Vucevic revolve around his general lack of athleticism, which translates into shaky one-on-one defense. He's not a shot-blocker or rim-protector, either..
Verdict • The 76ers had to get bigger and addressed the need by drafting Vucevic. He averaged 11.1 points and eight rebounds as a junior at USC, where he played 87 games over three seasons. He has a big upside.
No. 17 • Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks; 6-foot-5, 209 pounds; Guard, Georgia Tech
Instant analysis • Shumpert is an athletic combination guard who should fit well in Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's wide-open style. His 42-inch vertical leap opened eyes at the NBA Draft Combine. So did his effectiveness in the open court. He must improve his ballhandling, passing and decision-making to play point guard, but looks capable of doing so.
Verdict • Shumpert's scoring ability makes him a good fit for the uptempo Knicks. He averaged 17.3 points during his junior year at Georgia Tech. Is he an eventual replacement for veteran All-Star Chauncey Billlups in D'Antonio's rotation?
No. 18 • Chris Singleton, New York Knicks; 6-foot-9, 230 pounds; Forward, Florida
Instant analysis • Singleton was expected to go a little higher in the first round, but his limitations fromt he perimeter on offense likely cost him a spot in the lottery. Still, he is an outstanding athlete who is regarded as one of the most versatile defenders in the draft. He is good in the open court and can finish at the rim.
Verdict • Singleton fractured his foot last season and some worry if he will hold up during an 82-game regular season? Still, taking him seems like a good gamble for the Wizards, who will benefit from his versatility.
No. 19 • Tobias Harris, Milwaukee Bucks; 6-foot-9, 210 pounds; Forward, Tennessee
Instant analysis • Harris doesn't turn 19 for another three weeks, but he still averaged 15 points as a freshmen last season at Tennessee. He needs to mature physically, but few players in this draft are as skilled. He can slash to the basket and is clever around the rim. He must improve his perimeter jumper to maximize his effectiveness.
Verdict • Harris started in 33 of his 34 games as a freshman in the Southeast Conference and got better as the season progressed. He averaged 22.5 points in the SEC tournament and the Bucks need some offensive fire power.
No. 20 • Donatas Motiejunas, Minnesota Timberwolves; 7-foot, 215 pounds; Forward, Lithuania
Instant analysis • Motiejunas is a seven-footer with potential to be a hard-to-guard scorer. He can hit a medium range jumper but is also strong enough to play inside, which makes him a difficult match-up for the defense. He played on the 2010 Lithuanian national team and averaged 13.2 points for Benetton Treviso in the Italian League.
Verdict • The Timberwolves took combo forward Derrick Williams with the No. 2 pick. With emerging star Kevin Love already on the roster, there could be a logjam for playing time. Still, Motiejunas is a value this late in the draft.
No. 21 • Nolan Smith, Portland Trail Blazers; 6-foot-3, 189 pounds; Guard, Duke
Instant analysis • Smith played 134 games during his four-year career at Duke. He averaged 20.6 points as a senior, but some wonder if his ceiling is too low for a first-rounder. Smith has the size (6-3, 185) to play point guard and shooting guards. He is not a great standstill shooter but did make 37 percent of his three-pointers in college.
Verdict • Questions remain about All-Star Brandon Roy's balky knees, so the Trail Blazers can't go wrong adding depth to their backcourt. Smith is a proven winner, too. Duke won over 30 games during his final three seasons.
No. 22 • Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets; 6-foot-9, 240 pounds; Forward, Morehead State
Instant analysis • Faried is a relentless rebounder who plays with high energy. He was the two-time Ohio Valley Conference's Player of the Year. He is an outstanding athlete who can run, jump and defend. In the NBA, he will have to face the basket more than he did at Morehead State and some scouts wonder if he can do so.
Verdict • Some small power forward-types like the Jazz's Paul Millsap have made a fluid transition to the NBA recently, and that's what Faried must do. But the Nuggets' up-and-down style will help give him a chance for success.
No. 23 • Nikola Mirotic, Houston Rockets; 6-foot-10, 225 pounds; Forward, Montenegro
Instant analysis • Mirotic just turned 20. He won a bronze medal while playing for Spain in the Under-20 European Championships last year. In the tournament, he averaged 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. He spent this season with Euro power Real Madrid, where he averaged seven points and 3.2 rebounds. He's a good athlete, but must get stronger when he gets to the NBA.
Verdict • The Rockets continue to prepare for life without injury-plagued All-Star Yao Ming, who probably won't be returning. They also have good depth in their backcourt, so taking a young forward with potential like Mirotic makes sense.
No. 24 • Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City Thunder; 6-foot-3, 200 pounds; Guard, Boston College
Instant analysis • Jackson is quick and explosive to the basket. With the wingspan of a seven-footer, he has the tools to be an outstanding on-the-ball defender. But Jackson must improve his jumper, otherwise opponents will back off and keep him away from the basket. His point guard skills — reading defenses and making the right pass — must also get better.
Verdict • The Thunder reached the Western Conference finals and must keeping adding pieces to their foundation of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Jackson could be a perfect complement to those three scorers, if his shot continues to improve.
No. 25 • Marshon Brooks, New Jersey Nets; 6-foot-5, 190 pounds; Guard, Providence
Instant analysis • Brooks finished second in the country in scoring last season (24.6). He poured in 52 points in a game against Notre Dame. At 6-foot-5, he is a prototypical size for an NBA shooting who has the ability to break down the defense or create his own shot. Brooks must improve his strength or risk being overpowered on the defensive end.
Verdict • Taken by Boston and traded to New Jersey, Brooks' scoring ability can take pressure off ex-Jazz point guard Deron Williams, if he decides to re-sign. Brooks was not asked to share the ball in college. That must change.
No. 26 • Jordan Hamilton, Denver Nuggets; 6-foot-8, 225 pounds; Forward, Texas
Instant analysis • Hamilton is an athletic wing prospect with three-point range and confidence in his ability to score. He played 70 games in only two seasons at Texas, meaning he has more experience than most players his age. Like many scorers, Hamilton's shot selection needs work. He's not great at getting to the basket, either, which makes him easier to defend.
Verdict • Hamilton was drafted by Dallas and traded to the Nuggets. With uncertainly over the size and depth in their backcourt, the Nugget get a young prospect. Hamilton averaged 18.6 points last season and shot 38 percent on three-pointers.
No. 27 • JaJaun Johnson, Boston Celtics; 6-foot-10, 215 pounds; Forward/Center, Purdue
Instant analysis • Johnson was selected by New Jersey and traded to Boston. He is a Kevin Garnett-type forward with athleticism and jumping ability. He is good in the open court and improved his scoring average during each of his four seasons at Purdue, where he started 120 of his 140 games. He can make a 17-footer and play in the low post.
Verdict • Johnson weighs 220 pounds and must get stronger so he can play close to the basket, which is his strength. But he averaged 20.5 points last season. The Celtics can use his athleticism along their thin, aging front line.
No. 28 • Norris Cole, Miami Heat; 6-foot-2, 170 pounds; Guard, Cleveland State
Instant analysis • Cole played four season at Cleveland State, which plays in the same conference at Butler, so the competition might be better than it looks at first. He averaged 21.7 points and 5.8 assists per game as a senior, but he shot only 32 percent on three-pointers during his career. His perimeter game must improve in the NBA.
Verdict • Taken by Chicago and traded to Miami, Cole could be a perfect fit for the point guard-challenged Heat. His ballhandling and presence on defense should take considerable pressure off Dwyane Wade, which can only help the All-Star's effectiveness.
No. 29 • Cory Joseph, San Antonio Spurs; 6-foot-2, 184 pounds; Guard, Texas
Instant analysis • Jospeh was a projected second-round pick, but the Spurs obviously like him. Last season, he started all 36 games as a freshman at Texas. He enjoyed some of his best performances against top competition, including a 21 points and a game-winning jump shot against North Carolina. He also had 11 points and nine rebounds against Kansas.
Verdict • The Spurs are clearly looking to rebuild their backcourt, given the draft day trade of George Hill to Indiana and other rumors involving point guard Tony Parker. If he improves, Joseph might find a home.
No. 30 • Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls; 6-foot-7, 222 pounds; Forward, Marquette
Instant analysis • Like former Jazz guard Wesley Matthews, Butler is a versatile player who might be undervalued coming out of Marquette. He averaged 15.7 points and 6.1 rebounds last season. He started 69 games over the last two years in the Big East. He is a good athlete with enough athletic ability to play shooting guard or small forward.
Verdict • Most teams envision Butler as a role player who can come off the bench with energy and enthusiasm. He is good getting to the basket and can defend who adds depth to a guard line anchored by Derrick Rose.