Welcome to my first and final mock draft for the 2021 NBA Draft. I see this being one of the deepest drafts in the history of drafts. This draft could potentially also have the most star-studded players.
Juan Ocampo/Getty Images - Jalen Green (Left), Jonathan Kuminga (Right)
July 24th, 2021
1. Detroit Pistons - Cade Cunningham | 6’8 G | Oklahoma State
This pick should come to no surprise as the Pistons take the best player in the draft. Cunningham could easily speed up this rebuild and have the Pistons potentially fighting for at least a play-in spot next season alongside Jerami Grant. With a very young core of Cade-Hayes-Bey-Sekou-Stewart the Pistons could have their hands full for the future.
2. Houston Rockets - Evan Mobley | 7’0 F/C | USC
There has been some buzz lately that the Rockets could possibly take Green here but I hope the Rockets are just trying to play teams like a fiddle. Looking at the Rockets' roster, Mobley is who they need at this point and the best available at this spot. We could possibly see Mobley’s game truly expand in this Rockets system and playing with a guy like Kevin Porter Jr could help his game a lot. Also having a frontcourt that consists of Mobley-Wood-Martin Jr. could prove to be very good defensively.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jalen Green | 6’6 G | G-League
There has been speculation that Collin Sexton could be on the move for the Cavs. With that, Green could come right in and be a great fit for the Cavs playing alongside Darius Garland in the backcourt. Green is one of the best pure scorers in this draft and him bringing his knack for scoring could help this Cavs team in many ways as they were ranked in the bottom in majority of team-offensive stats last season.
4. Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs | 6’4 G | Gonzaga
Even if it’s not clear where the top 3 guys are going I think it’s obvious that Cade-Green-Mobley are those top 3, and after that there’s possibly alot of smoke that needs to be cleared. I don’t see the Raptors not taking Suggs here if they do decide to stay here at 4. With the uncertainty of Kyle Lowry’s future in Toronto, Suggs would fit right in and make an immediate impact. The Raptors aren’t necessarily looking to entirely rebuild yet even if Lowry is gone as they still have an all-star player in Pascal Siakam and very solid pieces around him. Suggs would be the safest pick here.
5. Orlando Magic - Jonathan Kuminga | 6’7 F | G-League
With the Magic having 2 of the top 8 picks they can take a risk here and take Kuminga who has the most upside in this draft. Kuminga is also the biggest high-risk high-reward guy in the draft, but for a Magic team that’s still very deep in their rebuild, swinging on a guy like this could turn out to be great. The thing is that the Magic will have to be patient with Kuminga while in this rebuild and let him go through the necessary trials of his early career before we could really see that potential he has.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder - Scottie Barnes | 6’9 F | Florida State
The Thunder could look to trade out of this pick as it’s just not the best spot for them with the guys who’ve already been taken and guys who they might want to draft. If they don’t trade out of this spot though, Barnes, who is a very intriguing prospect could be the guy here. Bringing in his length and versatility would help OKC and be part of the rebuild that I don’t see lasting very long with the slew of picks the Thunder have possibly trading for a superstar or drafting one in the very near future.
7. Golden State Warriors(via MIN) - James Bouknight | 6’5 G | UConn
With the Warriors trying to get back healthy and make a title run next year, they’ll look to use this pick to find a guy who can come right in and contribute. Not knowing if Klay Thompson will be ready by the time the season starts I think they’ll look to take the dynamic scorer in Bouknight. Even when Thompson comes back, Bouknight could find himself still in a good portion of the offense when the Warriors use a 3-guard lineup.
8. Orlando Magic(via CHI) - Moses Moody | 6’6 G | Arkansas
Moody has already been thought of as a forsure 3-and-D type of guy which might not be wrong but there’s still a lot more to his game that we could see translate over to the NBA game. As a two-guard, Moody can score the ball and play excellent defense. Moody’s length and versatility will help this Magic team as they already have some very long guys who’re versatility in the front court.
9. Sacramento Kings - Jalen Johnson | 6’9 F | Duke
With Marvin Bagley III not able to live up to expectations and could be seeing his way out of Sacramento, the Kings could look to try again and find their guy at the Power Forward spot. Johnson’s upside as a playmaker and defender could really make it easier on a guy like De’Aaron Fox who’s the future for Sacramento. Johnson’s size and athleticism is something that’ll help him be a lift from the start.
10. New Orleans Pelicans - Davion Mitchell | 6’2 G | Baylor
There’s a lot of unknowns with this Pelicans roster on what it’ll look like before next season. With the Pelicans most likely not matching an offer sheet for Lonzo Ball as a restricted free agent and looking to possibly trade Eric Bledsoe, bringing in Mitchell and having a guard rotation of Mitchell-Lewis Jr-Hart-NWA could be fun for the future.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Kai Jones | 6’11 F/C | Texas
I see the Hornets to look to add a guy who can elevate Lamelo’s playmaking game even more and with the athletic 6 '11 Jones, Lamelo-Jones PnR’s could be really fun to watch. Hornets are starting to get desperate in the frontcourt positions and Jones could fill that hole. Jones athleticism and upside will help on both ends of the court for a Hornets team that was already fun to watch last season with the addition of Lamelo Ball.
12. San Antonio Spurs - Josh Giddy | 6’8 G | International
Someone who I think fits the Spurs culture and is one of the smoothest players in this years’ draft. His size and feel for the game is remarkable for his age and he’s one of the smartest at his age when it comes to his approach to the game. The improvements he’s made as a jump shooter are a big positive sign and I could very well see Giddy as one of those guys who we'll look back on and wonder why he didn’t get drafted higher.
13. Indiana Pacers - Jaden Springer | 6’4 G | Tennessee
Springer has an NBA ready body and work ethic that I see taking him far. Springer’s passion and motor for the game truly can show on the court. Springer could be that secondary ball-handler and playmaker for Malcolm Brogdan and would be a great fit for the Pacers defensive scheme as Springer is one of the best defenders in this class as a Guard.
14. Golden State Warriors - Corey Kispert | 6’7 F | Gonzaga
Another one of those ‘safe pick” type of guys who doesn’t have much upside but will come in and contribute and be a glue guy. If the Warriors are looking to make another run for a title it wouldn’t hurt to add a sharpshooter like Kispert who can also play defense. Kispert’s winning DNA and experience will be perfect for the Warriors.
Lottery Recap:
1. DET - Cade Cunningham
2. HOU - Evan Mobley
3. CLE - Jalen Green
4. TOR - Jalen Suggs
5. ORL - Jonathan Kuminga
6. OKC - Scottie Barnes
7. GS - James Bouknight
8. ORL - Moses Moody
9. SAC - Jalen Johnson
10. NO - Davion Mitchell
11. CHA - Kai Jones
12. SAS - Josh Giddy
13. IND - Jaden Springer
14. GS - Corey Kispert
15. Washington Wizards - Keon Johnson | 6’5 G/F | Tennessee
Hard-nosed guy who broke the NBA Combine vertical jump record with a vertical jump of 48 inches. The explosiveness he has and impact on the defensive side of the ball would be a pleasure for the Wizards. Playing behind the likes of Westbrook and Beal could really kickstart Johnson’s career and be pivotal going forward.
16. Oklahoma CIty Thunder(via BOS) - Usman Garuba | 6’8 F/C | International
Second international prospect to come off the board the undersized big in Garuba is a prospect the Thunder would seem very attracted to. The versatility that Garuba brings on the defensive side of the ball is phenomenal and there’s upside to look forward to offensively. The Thunder would be very happy picking up Garuba at this spot.
17. Memphis Grizzlies - Franz Wagner | 6’9 F| Michigan
Wagner became one of my favorite prospects after watching him this past season at Michigan. He didn’t have the best postseason but I still love the versatility he brings. A guy who understands the game and makes winning plays on both ends of the court. Think could fit the gritty culture of Memphis.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder(via MIA) - Ziaire Williams | 6’9 G/F | Stanford
Having picks left and right in this draft, if there's any team that wouldn’t mind taking a chance on Williams it’s the Thunder. Williams has some of the most upside in this draft but so much about him and his game remains unclear. With the rebuilding curve the Thunder are on, being patient with Williams is something they can do, and if they were able to find a gem in Williams they could seriously be a dangerous team in the near future.
19. New York Knicks - Trey Murphy III | 6’9 F | Virginia
Murphey III’s stock has risen over the past month and it makes sense considering the type of player he’ll be in the NBA. Murphey is looked at as a 3-and-D guy who’ll make an impact on both sides of the ball. For a team like the Knicks who just came off a season where they made it to the playoffs, you could say they’re star away from really taking that next step. Murphy won’t be any star but he’ll make an immediate impact for the Knicks which is what they’ll be looking for in this draft.
20. Atlanta Hawks - Isaiah Jackson | 6’10 PF/C | Kentucky
This isn’t necessarily a “safe pick” but for the Hawks, drafting Jackson for insurance just in case is what I would consider safe. John Collins is headed to free agency as a restricted FA and is expected to get a pretty hefty amount from teams, and the Hawks will have the chance to match any offer sheet that comes to Collins. For a team that just made the Eastern Conference Finals, I think they'll do what they have to do to keep Collins but just in case, I’d take Jackson who has plenty of upside to him.
21. New York Knicks(via DAL) - Sharife Cooper | 6’1 PG | Auburn
If you’re the Knicks and Cooper is still available here you have to take him. Cooper’s playmaking alone will take so much stress off of Julius Randle and RJ Barett. Cooper is a guy who elevates all his teammates and that’s someone the Knicks are in desperate need for. Defensively, there’s some work to do for Cooper as he has to stay engaged on that side of the floor if he wants to stay on the court under Tom Thibodeau.
22. Los Angeles Lakers - Chris Durate | 6’6 G | Oregon
For the Lakers, they’ll be looking to make another title run next season so a prospect who’s game is more complete than the younger guys and come in right away to help is what they’d be looking for. Durate is already 24 but that won’t pay the Lakers no mind as they’ll look to him to bring shooting and be able to create his own shot. He should also be able to make a positive impact on the defensive side of the ball.
23. Houston Rockets(via POR) - Nah’Shon Hyland | 6’3 G | VCU
Hyland has really caught the eye and has become a really attractive prospect to scouts. Hyland can shoot it from NBA range and is great at creating his own shots. With the uncertainty of John Wall and his future as a Rocket, picking up Hyland would do wonders for this young and talented Rockets squad.
24. Houston Rockets(via MIL) - Joe Wieskamp | 6’7 G/F | Iowa
Wieskamp possibly played himself into a first-rounder at the combine, showing his ability to shoot the ball and be impactful on defense with his 6’10 wingspan. You could say this is a stretch taking Wieskamp in the 1st like this but the Rockets have no more picks after this so if they want to get their guy, they’d have to do it right here.
25. Los Angeles Clippers - Jared Butler | 6-3 G | Baylor
Butler, who led Baylor to a national championship and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding player, is a very good playmaker with good handles and a reliable defender. With Reggie Jackson being an Unrestricted Free Agent, taking a guard like Butler is very important. Even if Jackson stays with the Clippers, Butler could still make an impact and jump up to be the full-time backup PG with Rajon Rondo not really fitting in with the Clippers, especially defensively.
26. Denver Nuggets - Josh Christopher | 6’4 G | Arizona State
When Jamal Murray went down in April with a knee injury, the Nuggets had absolutely no one to look to to get them a bucket when needed at the guard position. Morris, Campazzo and Dozier are all guys who are more known as facilitators and Rivers' role just seemed like too much for him to try to handle. Christopher can come in and be a major factor on the offense with his ability to create his own shot and has shown flashes of being a playmaker. There’s also a lot of potential there for Christopher as a defender. I chose Christopher at this spot over some of the other guys just for the fact that Christopher has the ability to do more than just score the ball.
27. Brooklyn Nets - Cameron Thomas | 6’4 G | LSU
For the Nets I think this pick comes as a pick of whoever you see as best available for you. For the Nets, Thomas would be that guy. Thomas is one of the best scorers in this draft. I know with the Nets that have A TON of offensive firepower with Kyrie-KD-Harden but as it showed in the playoffs, when those guys can’t be out there for whatever reasons whether that's injuries, foul trouble, etc, the Nets had really no pure scoring options to look to for their bench. Thomas could absolutely come off the bench and light it up with no hesitation.
28. Philadelphia 76ers - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | 6’9 F | Villanova
There’s alot to like about JRE. He’s a guy who’s solid at mostly everything. For the 76ers, I think they’ll be intrigued with his upside on the perimeter being able to shoot the outside shot and guard out there beyond the three-point line. If the 76ers elect to go small when Joel Embiid isn’t on the court I’d see JRE being a very good small-ball Center.
29. Phoenix Suns - Miles McBride | 6’2 G | West Virginia
McBride will bring that hard-nosed defense and intensity at the guard spots for Phoenix which wasn’t there for them this past season. Defensively, McBride plays way bigger than his height and is very strong. McBride will definitely be able to see time on the court with his defense alone but there is some upside offensively.
30. Utah Jazz - Tre Mann | 6’5 G | Florida
Mike Conley Jr is an Unrestricted Free Agent this year and it could hurt the Jazz tremendously if they can’t keep him. The Jazz need playmakers, desperately, and Tre Mann in his second year at Florida showed all the playmaking potential that was seen back in High School. Mann showed that he has the ability to score almost anywhere on the court with his shiftiness and handle.
Rest of 1st Round Recap:
WAS - Keon Johnson
OKC - Usman Garuba
MEM - Franz Wagner
OKC - Ziaire Williams
NYK - Trey Murphy III
ATL - Isaiah Jackson
NYK - Sharife Cooper
LAL - Chris Durate
HOU - Nah’Shon Hyland
HOU - Joe Wieskamp
LAC - Jared Butler
DEN - Josh Christopher
BKN - Cameron Thomas
PHI - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
PHX - Miles McBride
UTA - Tre Mann
For the second round I’ll briefly talk about a few prospects who I see could make an immediate impact or my favorite prospects in this round.
2nd Round
31. Milwaukee Bucks(via HOU) - Ayo Dosumnu | 6’5 G | IIIinois
With how deep this class is, there is going to be some first-round talent that slips into the 2nd round. Dosumnu could be one of those guys.
32. New York Knicks(via DET) - Alperen Sengun | 6-9 F/C | International
Don’t see Sengun dropping this far in the draft but if he does this could be an absolute steal for the Knicks.
33. Orlando Magic - Isaiah Todd | 6’10 F | G-League
34. Oklahoma City Thunder - Juhann Begarin | 6’5 G | International
35. New Orleans Pelicans(via CLE) - JT Thor | 6’10 F | Auburn
Became a draft favorite after watching film. Could be a versatile forward who can stretch the floor.
36. Oklahoma City Thunder(via MIN) - Josh Primo | 6’5 G | Alabama
37. Detroit Pistons(via TOR) - Isaiah Livers | 6’7 F | Michigan
38. Chicago Bulls(via NO) - Joel Ayayi | 6’5 G | Gonzaga
39. Sacramento Kings - Daishen Nix | 6’4 G | G-League
40. New Orleans Pelicans(via CHI) - Brandon Boston Jr | 6’7 F | Kentucky
Didn't benefit at all with the covid-season in CBB, once was ranked as high as No.5 on Big Boards. Still oozing with potenital as a three-level scorer. I'm still a firm believer than Boston will pan out just fine in the NBA.
41. San Antonio Spurs - Day’Ron Sharpe | 6’11 F | North Carolina
Stock dropped after completely seeming to go MIA after North Carolina’s season ended, still alot of upside and potential to his game.
42. Detroit Pistons(via CHA) - Jericho Sims | 6’10 F/C | Texas
43. New Orleans Pelicans(via WAS) - Filip Petrusev | 6’11 C | International
44. Brooklyn Nets(via IND) - Aaron Henry 6’6 | G/F | Michigan State
45. Boston Celtics - Kessler Edwards | 6’8 F | Pepperdine
46. Toronto Raptors(via MEM) - Herbert Jones | 6’8 F | Alabama
47. Toronto Raptors(via GS) - Neemias Queta | | 7’0 C | Utah State
48. Atlanta Hawks(via MIA) - David Duke | 6-5 G | Providence
49. Brooklyn Nets(via ATL) - Charles Bassey | 6’11 F/C | Western Kentucky
50. Philadelphia 76ers(via NYK) - Rokas Jokubaitis | 6’3 G | International
51. Memphis Grizzlies(via POR) - Aaron Wiggins | 6’6 G | Maryland
Has become one of my favorite guys in this draft that isn’t considered first-round talent, would love to see him in this system as a part of such a young franchise.
52. Detroit Pistons(via LAL) - Justin Champagnie | 6’6 F | Pittsburgh
53. New Orleans Pelicans(via DAL) - Jason Preston | 6’4 G | Ohio
54. Indiana Pacers(via MIL) - Matthew Hurt | 6’9 F | Duke
55. Oklahoma City Thunder(via DEN) - Greg Brown | 6’8 F | Texas
56. Charlotte Hornets(via LAC) - David Johnson | 6’5 G | Louisville
57. Charlotte Hornets(via BKN) - Luka Garza | 6’11 C | Iowa
58. New York Knicks(via PHI) - Quentin Grimes | 6’5 G | Houston
59. Brooklyn Nets(via PHX) - Marcus Garrett | 6’5 G | Kansas
60. Indiana Pacers(via UTA) - DJ Stewart | 6’2 G | Duke
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