The 2021 NBA Draft is loaded with standout prospects. Though it might appear top-heavy at first glance, there’s a ton of players with value beyond the 1st 20 or so picks. Selecting the right player is always an unpredictable practice - the age old adage: go for team need, best available or some combo of both?
Since multiple teams (GSW, HOU, OKC) hold a number of different picks, expect trades to play more of a factor than in recent years. With just a week away, here’s my first attempt at a mock draft.
-Delaybaro
ROUND 1
1. PISTONS
CADE CUNNINGHAM
PG•6'7, 220•Oklahoma State•Freshman
Cade Cunningham is as consensus as it gets in 2021 - Detroit could have a future superstar on its hands if everything goes right.
Cunningham’s combination of playmaking, high volume long-range shooting, athleticism & takeover ability is way too much to pass on.
Expect teams to be calling til the final buzzer trying to pry away the #1 pick on draft night.
2. ROCKETS
JALEN GREEN
SG•6'6, 180•G League Ignite
Jalen Green’s an über-athletic two guard w/ incredible upside as a go-to shot maker. Pairing him in a backcourt w/ Kevin Porter Jr. has dynamic potential - both have size and great breakdown ability at an early stage.
USC’s Evan Mobley & Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs could also be in play but Green’s tantalizing perimeter game could prove the difference for Houston.
3. CAVS
EVAN MOBLEY
F/C•7'0, 215•USC• Freshman
Evan Mobley “falling” to #3 is a best-case scenario for Cleveland. Not only does he provide some insurance for free agent Jarrett Allen, Mobley’s advanced skill set & two-way versatility (can score, handle & defend the basket at high levels) at 7-feet automatically makes him a candidate for best long-term prospect - true, superstar upside.
Not much of a chance he falls past Cleveland - expect teams like Toronto & OKC to try and jump into this spot to covet Mobley.
4. RAPTORS
JALEN SUGGS
G•6'4, 205•Gonzaga•Freshman
Jalen Suggs’s impressive run to a 2021 championship appearance with Gonzaga was likely just a precursor to a career filled with big time moments. Suggs has a primetime feel to his game - Toronto could use another clutch, defensive-minded “combo guard” with upside.
Suggs fits the bill & should contribute immediately regardless of his situation.
5. MAGIC
JONATHAN KUMINGA
F•6'8, 210•G League Ignite
A high-level prospect who chose the G League route like his teammate Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga presents a swing for the fences (in a sense) for any team picking early. His great athleticism & potential go-to status on both ends is tough to pass on but his game needs to make sense for your team.
A fit on the rebuilding Orlando Magic makes sense as they normally desire top-level athletes w/ incredible room to grow. (i.e. Jonathan Isaac & Aaron Gordon)
6. THUNDER
SCOTTIE BARNES
PF•6'8, 225•Florida State•Freshman
With 3 first round picks, OKC is one of the squads that could shake up the draft, especially at the top half. If available, Scottie Barnes is an excellent pick to pair next to emerging talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Darius Bazley.
Barnes’s ability & willingness to lock up and budding, do-it-all versatility could be lethal at some point in the near future.
7. WARRIORS (VIA WOLVES)
DAVION MITCHELL
G•6'1, 202•Baylor•Junior
Davion Mitchell’s rise up the draft boards should land him somewhere in the lottery, possibly the top 10. With picks #7 & #14, Golden State is in prime position to try and trade up, trade back or package for established talent.
If they stay at #7, Mitchell reps a dynamic, two-way playmaker that would undoubtedly take pressure off Stephen Curry & the returning Klay Thompson.
8. MAGIC (VIA BULLS)
KEON JOHNSON
SG•6'5, 185•Tennessee•Freshman
Orlando could go in a number of different directions with picks #5 & #8. This pick, acquired in the Nikola Vucevic trade at the deadline, could be used to bolster the perimeter or add depth to the front line.
Going along with the theme of elite athleticism, Tennessee’s Keon Johnson is another “upside” selection who could hit big as an attack-minded scorer in the league.
9. KINGS
ALPEREN SENGÜN
C•6'10, 240•Turkey
Sacramento’s done a solid job in recent years with De’Aaron Fox & Tyrese Haliburton serving as foundational pieces acquired through the draft.
Is Alperen Sengün next to join?
Though not much of a perimeter scorer yet, Sengün plays an efficient brand of ball & competes with energy defensively. At #9, he’s more of a flier than a safe selection but expect him ready to play from Day 1.
10. PELICANS
FRANZ WAGNER
6'8, 205•Michigan•Sophomore
Surrounding Zion Williamson with more playmaking & shooting is priority #1 this summer.
Franz Wagner’s game seems even more suitable in the league, where he won’t be tasked with tremendous responsibility as a shot-maker from the jump. New Orleans desperately needs another sized wing that can handle a bit, score & space the floor - Wagner checks all boxes.
11. HORNETS
MOSES MOODY
SG•6'6, 211•Arkansas•Freshman
A few years ago, Charlotte was in this exact spot & had the opportunity to pair Shai-Gilgeous Alexander w/ Kemba Walker in the backcourt - they opted for Miles Bridges instead, an emerging player (in his own right) who took a positive steps in 2021.
This time, however, Charlotte should pivot & pair their (future) star PG, reigning Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball, with a sized shot-creator w/ two-way potential in Moses Moody. Moody’s readiness & ability to make plays will stand out w/ other playmakers like LaMelo, Terry Rozier III & Devonte’ Graham.
12. SPURS
JALEN JOHNSON
F•6'9, 210•Duke•Freshman
Though most might expect San Antonio to opt for an international prospect like Sengün (if available) or Josh Giddey, Jalen Johnson’s intrigue makes him an interesting pick. DeMar DeRozan is likely gone next season & the Spurs could use another, athletic + versatile forward to pair with Keldon Johnson & Dejounte Murray.
Johnson is a potential steal in the right situation.
13. PACERS
JOSH GIDDEY
PG•6'8, 205•Australia
With rumors surrounding the immediate future of the team’s core, Indiana should go for the highest upside player available at #13 - Josh Giddey might be their guy. A 6’8 playmaker w/ pro experience heading the league, Giddey could have a beat as one of Indy’s secondary ball-handlers early on.
Even if he doesn’t earn heavy minutes as a rook, Giddey’s upside + fit w/ Indy’s other, tall decision-makers (Domantas Sabonis - 6’11, Caris LeVert - 6’6 & Malcolm Brogdon - 6’5) makes sense.
14. WARRIORS
COREY KISPERT
SF•6'7, 224•Gonzaga• Senior
Corey Kispert is an interesting prospect. He projects as an efficient, high-volume multi-level scorer from the perimeter. However, if tasked to do too much on a team without many other pieces, there’s a chance his value & efficiency drops the first couple of years.
I’d love to see him thrive on a team like Golden State: already features established stars - Kispert would instantly slot in as another high-volume shooter & has a great chance of finding a real niche on how to defend on an already established, defensive-minded unit.
15. WIZARDS (VIA CELTICS) • Chris Duarte (SG • Senior, Oregon) -- underrated 6’6 guard w/ makings of a long-term, high-level role player; should contribute to a playoff team in 2022
16. THUNDER • James Bouknight (SG • Sophomore, UConn) -- huge upside at this spot, might not fall this far; athletic shot-creator/maker who could outperform expectations
17. GRIZZLIES • Ziaire WIlliams (SF • Freshman, Stanford) -- “Top 5” upside, could develop into a perennial, two-way star at his peak; homerun swing for Memphis if Williams is available at 17
18. THUNDER (VIA HEAT) • Kai Jones (F/C • Freshman, Sophomore) -- OKC likely won’t keep all of their 1st round picks but look for them to target another “upside” big like Kai Jones if they do
19. KNICKS • Usman Garuba (F • Born in '02, Spain) -- sleeper pick?; tough, defensive-minded big w/ untapped potential offensively - patience & correct development is key
20. HAWKS • Jared Butler (PG • Junior, Baylor) -- 2021 NCAA Champ w/ nice poise & playmaking instincts on both ends; (more than) steady backup option for Trae Young
21. KNICKS (VIA MAVS) • Ayo Dosunmu (G • Junior, Illinois) -- NYK will look for another shot-creating guard at either #19 or #21; Dosunmu seems like a fit for Coach Thibs: works hard defensively, checks multiple boxes at PG & SG
22. LAKERS • Sharife Cooper (PG • Freshman, Auburn) -- Lakers would be thrilled to add a young playmaker like Sharife Cooper - quick, cerebral PG w/ a mature game that will cultivate quick around DIFF. BREED talent
23. ROCKETS (VIA BLAZERS) • Cameron Thomas (G • Freshman, LSU) -- Eric Gordon’s replacement?; Cam Thomas is a natural scorer w/ high-volume & efficiency from downtown…sounds like a perfect fit in Houston
24. ROCKETS (VIA BUCKS) • Trey Murphy III (G/F • Junior, Virginia) -- Rising up draft boards; two-way wing in the future?; might be better suited for a playoff team, Murphy could play a nice role in Year 1
25. CLIPPERS • Isaiah Jackson (F/C • Freshman, Kentucky) -- LAC would benefit from developing another big, especially one as athletic & untapped as Isaiah Jackson
26. NUGGETS • Quentin Grimes (SG • Junior, Houston) -- Grimes’s range is all over the place, don’t be surprised if he lands even higher than #26 on draft night. Whoever lands him gets a skilled spot-up shooter, off-the-dribble scorer & driver w/ instant-offense potential from Day 1.
27. NETS • Josh Christopher (SG • Freshman, Arizona State) -- Josh Christopher learning under (fellow Sun Devil) James Harden would be dope, I’m here for it. Plus, he presents a need for Brooklyn: an additional shot-creating, heat it up scorer w/ size & fearlessness to make plays.
28. SIXERS • Greg Brown (PF • Freshman, Texas) -- Philly could use a “readier” prospect but they’ve also done well drafting later on (Shake Milton, Matisse Thybulle). Greg Brown can be special at the 4 spot if given enough time to develop.
29. SUNS • Jaden Springer (PG • Freshman, Tennessee) -- Couldn’t envision a more perfect fit for Jaden Springer - could grow w/ a young team fresh off a Finals appearance; could potentially grow into a starting spot down the line
30. JAZZ • Filip Petrusev (F/C • Born in '00, Serbia) -- Skilled, inside-out big outta Serbia; UTA needs more size & spacing next to Rudy Gobert
ROUND 2
31. BUCKS (VIA ROCKETS) • Tre Mann (PG • Sophomore, Florida)
32. KNICKS (VIA PISTONS) • Neemias Queta (C • Junior, Utah State)
33. MAGIC • BJ Boston (SG • Freshman, Kentucky)
34. THUNDER • Vrenz Bleijenbergh (G/F • Born in ‘01, Belgium)
35. PELICANS (VIA CAVS) • Daishen Nix (PG • Born in ‘02, G League Ignite)
36. THUNDER (VIA WOLVES) • Isaiah Todd (F/C • Born in ‘02, G League Ignite)
37. PISTONS (VIA RAPTORS) • Joel Ayayi (G • Junior, Gonzaga)
38. BULLS (VIA PELICANS) • Miles McBride (PG • Sophomore, West Virginia)
39. KINGS (VIA KNICKS) • Herbert Jones (SF • Senior, Alabama)
40. PELICANS (VIA BULLS) • JT Thor (F • Freshman, Auburn)
41. SPURS • Rokas Jokubaitis (PG • Born in ‘01, Lithuania)
42. PISTONS (VIA HORNETS) • Isaiah Livers (SF • Senior, Michigan)
43. PELICANS (VIA WIZARDS) • Aaron Wiggins (SG • Junior, Maryland)
44. NETS (VIA PACERS) • Kessler Edwards (SF • Junior, Pepperdine)
45. CELTICS • Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (PF • Sophomore, Villanova)
46. RAPTORS (VIA GRIZZLIES) • Aaron Henry (SF • Junior, Michigan State)
47. RAPTORS (VIA WARRIORS) • Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland (SG • Sophomore, VCU)
48. HAWKS (VIA HEAT) • Matthew Hurt (PF • Sophomore, Duke)
49. NETS (VIA HAWKS) • Day’Ron Sharpe (C • Freshman, North Carolina)
50. SIXERS (VIA KNICKS) • Marcus Zegarowski (SG • Senior, Oklahoma)
51. PISTONS (VIA LAKERS) • Joshua Primo (SG • Freshman, Alabama)
52. GRIZZLIES (VIA BLAZERS) • Jason Preston (PG • Junior, Ohio)
53. PELICANS (VIA MAVS) • David Johnson (PG • Sophomore, Louisville)
54. PACERS (VIA BUCKS) • Jay Huff (F/C • Senior, Virginia)
55. THUNDER (VIA NUGGETS) • Makur Maker (F/C • Freshman, Howard)
56. HORNETS (VIA CLIPPERS) • John Petty (SG • Senior, Alabama)
57. HORNETS (VIA NETS) • Jericho Sims (C • Freshman, Texas)
58. KNICKS (VIA SIXERS) • RaiQuan Gray (PF • Junior, Florida State)
59. NETS (VIA SUNS) • Juhann Bégarin (SG • Born in ‘03, France)
60. PACERS (VIA JAZZ) • Charles Bassey (C • Sophomore, LSU)