2021 NBA Mock Draft
Buckle up NBA fans! Tonight’s NBA Draft could be a wild one with lots of surprises and draft day trade movement!
1Detroit Pistons — Cade Cunningham: Speaking recently about the upcoming draft, Pistons GM Troy Weaver recently stated that every position is a need based on last season’s record. While he’s certainly not wrong, Weaver can hope to clean up 2 needs with the selection of Cunningham #1 overall. For starters Detroit needs a playmaker after all they were the team that recently ran almost their entire offense through Blake Griffin. Secondly the team desperately needs a ball handler that can take some pressure off last year’s lottery pick Killian Hayes.
2. Houston Rockets — Evan Mobley: The idea that the Rockets wouldn’t consider selecting Mobley because they already have Christian Wood is mind boggling. That’s absolutely no shade at Wood too as both bigs could compliment each other and cause some havoc for opposing teams. The young USC product is arguably the best prospect in this draft class, passing on a 2-way talented as good as Mobley is would be a mistake for a team that definitely needs to focus on taking the most talented player available. Despite what other mocks might say, I think Houston comes to their senses when on the clock.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers- Scottie Barnes: With Mobley off the board (who I believe would be their choice if available) the Cavaliers turn their attention to one of the biggest draft stock risers of the past month in Barnes. The defensive versatility and strong leadership traits possessed by Barnes would be vital to a young Cavs team still trying to find their identity. Snagging Barnes at #3 likely comes as a surprise to other ball clubs also opening avenues for enticing trade packages that could come later on draft night or in the near future.
4. Toronto Raptors- Jalen Green: Toronto is now in a Jalen predicament, do they go with Suggs who makes the most sense on paper or do they call an audible now that the player with the highest ceiling is left available? If Green somehow falls to #4 as he does int his mock expect Toronto’s phone lines to blow up, but before the Raptors 5 mins are up expect them to take Jalen Green.
5. Orlando Magic- Jalen Suggs: Considering both the strength of this draft class and the state of the Orlando Magic they’re pretty much already winners, selecting here with the 5th pick. Each of these top 5 immediately gives them some immediate impact and hope that they desperately need to turn things around. Suggs certainly brings strong leadership, a winning pedigree, and fills an immediate need at their shooting guard position.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder — James Bouknight: Nobody’s draft stock has soared more than Bouknight’s going from a projected mid to late 1st rounder to a Top 10 pick. But that comes with good reason, Bouknight is one of the most athletic guards in this draft and has showcased strong shooting performances in his workouts. The Thunder have plenty of picks to take some big swings if they wish to do so in this draft but this shouldn’t be labeled as one of them as Bouknight would pair well with SGA in their backcourt.
7. Golden State Warriors- Jonathan Kuminga: With 2 lottery picks this year, the Warriors have the luxury to use one pick to take the best available and the other pick to take the best fit. Obviously you’d want to use your top pick to take “best available” pick. Kuminga is super young and very raw but has one of the highest ceilings in this draft class. Warriors decide to bet on themselves (player development) with this pick and also realize Kuminga could easily become a very intriguing young piece in future trade talks to acquire a solid piece to help them win now.
8. Orlando Magic- Joshua Giddey: With Kuminga off the board and Suggs already on board. The Magic use their 2nd lottery pick to take a swing. Giddey has been a major talk around the draft as of recently and supposedly could even be a reason the Grizzlies were so interested in securing the 10th overall pick from New Orleans in their recent trade. Giddey is a very unique blend of size and playmaking that with time/development could seamlessly be flexible in future lineups in Orlando.
9. Sacramento Kings- Alperen Sengun: This young man recently won the Turkish league MVP at the mere age of 18. With both Marvin Bagley and Richaun Holmes already halfway out the door the Kings could certainly use some future pieces at their 4 and 5 positions.
10. Memphis Grizzlies- Chris Duarte: With Giddey off the board, the Grizzlies pivot and decide a different type of swing. They elect to go with the wing most NBA ready to help contribute now in Duarte. Grizzlies look to go 2-for-2 on drafting solid NBA wings with Duarte following in the footsteps of Dillion Brooks.
11. Charlotte Hornets- Kai Jones: It’s no secret that the Hornets need to figure out how to improve their future frontcourt. While Jones might be a reach here, he certainly fits the profile for a big that would excel playing alongside LaMelo Ball for years to come. The top rim running, athletic lob threat big in this year’s draft makes a whole ton of sense for the Hornets. If the take Jones here Charlotte continues to improve their exciting brand of basketball.
12. San Antonio Spurs- Franz Wagner: A match made in heaven. Wagner not only fits a Spurs need at their 3 and/or 4 position but also seems to be a guy that would do best in gelling within a structured system. Wagner possesses the IQ and skills that just fits Spurs basketball so perfectly.
13. Indiana Pacers- Davion Mitchell: It’s yet to be determined what the market might look like for free agent TJ McConnell. But grabbing Mitchell here seems like a no brainer whether McConnell may return or not. The Pacers message is clear, they expect to win and compete now which is why they brought in Rick Carisle. Adding Mitchell gives them a high quality backup point guard that can contribute right away and should be able to start some games if/when Brogdan hits the occasional IR.
14. Golden State Warriors- Keon Johnson: Earlier in this mock I had mentioned the Warriors likely taking one big swing and one safer pick. With how the draft has shaken out, the Warriors elect to take 2 huge swings selecting the extremely athletic Johnson who they are reportedly very enamored with.
15. Washington Wizards: Moses Moody
16. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ziare Williams
17. New Orleans Pelicans: Corey Kispert
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Johnson
19. New York Knicks: Trey Murphy
20. Atlanta Hawks: Jared Butler
21. New York Knicks: Isaiah Jackson
22. LA Lakers: Cameron Thomas
23. Houston Rockets: Usman Garuba
24. Houston Rockets: Isaiah Todd
25. LA Clippers: Joshua Primo
26. Denver Nuggets: Jayden Springer
27. Brooklyn Nets: Day’Ron Sharpe
28. Philadelphia 76ers: Nah’Shon Hyland
29. Phoenix Suns: Ayo Dosunmu
30. Utah Jazz: Josh Christopher
