The 2021 NBA Draft is finally here!
There has not been this much excitement surrounding an NBA Draft, especially in Orlando, in quite some time. This draft class is being considered by Jay Bilas as the deepest draft class since the legendary 2003 class that included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. This draft not only will have a huge impact on the future of the Orlando Magic but also to that of possibly every other team based on the rumors leading up to today.
With that being said, let’s get started… the Detroit Pistons are on the clock first!
Round 1 – Pick 1 Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham (6’8”, 220 lbs)
(PG, Oklahoma State, Freshman) (20.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 43.8 FG %, 40.0 3PT %)
Despite several reports that Detroit is looking to possibly trade this pick for the right package or rumors that they may look to select Jalen Green number one overall, their pick here is going to be Cade Cunningham. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski on the Woj and Lowe offseason special, he stated that the Pistons have brought in Jalen Suggs and Jalen Green for workouts and are hoping to get Evan Mobley in for one as well. That is just the Pistons doing their due diligence in exploring all options with the number one pick, as they should. However, Cade has been the best prospect of this class since coming out of high school and nothing has taken place to change that. He is considered the best prospect in a decade by ESPN’s Mike Scmitz and has drawn comparisons to Luka Doncic and his all-around game is exactly what the Pistons need to accelerate their rebuild with their already promising young core including the likes of Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Isiah Stewart and Killian Hayes to get back to playoff contention soon.
Round 1 – Pick 2 Houston Rockets: Jalen Green (6’6”, 178 lbs)
(SG, G-League Ignite, 19) (17.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 46.0 FG %, 37.0 3pt %)
Coming into draft season the debate for who was the number two overall prospect behind Cunningham was strong between Jalen Green and Evan Mobley, and it has only gotten more intense as we approach the draft. While both players have a strong case to be drafted at this spot, the Rockets select Jalen Green here based his star potential as a three-level scorer and maturity he has shown in his game while playing for the NBA G-League Ignite at just 19 years of age. He is considered by many scouts the most NBA ready prospect based on his time and success playing against NBA level talent in the G-League and has the athleticism and scoring potential to be an All-Star guard similar to the likes of Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal. Adding Green to the core of Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood will give Coach Silas some strong building blocks for the future.
Round 1 – Pick 3 Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley (7’0”, 210 lbs)
(C, USC, Freshman) (16.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 57.8 FG % 30.0 3pt %)
While a potential Collin Sexton trade or even the possibility of them trading down looms in the air, the Cavaliers must select Evan Mobley if the Rockets do indeed value Green more and they still wind up keeping the pick. Reports from Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com state that “sources say Cavaliers believe Mobley can thrive at the 4 or the 5 and that versatility would give head coach J.B Bickerstaff some intriguing lineup combinations.” Not only can he guard multiple positions on defense his offense game is good enough to be considered and legit two-way threat. This versatility should eliminate any debate as to whether he can play alongside Jarett Allen, giving them two good building blocks in the front-court to go along with their young core. Mobley would be number one in any other draft and could still possibly go as high as number two.
Round 1 – Pick 4 Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs (6’4”, 205 lbs)
(PG, Gonzaga, Freshman) (14.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 50.3 FG %, 33.7 3pt %)
The Toronto Raptors made the most significant jump in the draft lottery by moving up from the 7th to the 4th pick. They have a multitude of options they can do with this pick including trading it, however, with the uncertainty surrounding Kyle Lowry’s free agency, the Raptors would be smart to secure their point guard of the future here with this pick. While Fred VanVleet is still on the roster, he has shown the capability of playing the shooting guard position alongside Lowry in the past, especially during their championship year. In his lone season at Gonzaga, especially during the NCAA tournament, Jalen Suggs showed that Alpha dog mentality and leadership that would bode well on any team. the Raptors are in an unexpected position here and could possibly trade down if they like another prospect more and feel they can get good compensation from a team wanting to trade up and target Suggs. Suggs is considered the best player available at this point in the draft, and the final of the “big four” prospects due to his strong two-way capabilities scoring and defending. It’s hard to see the Raptors or anybody that may trade up for that matter pass on Suggs here.
Round 1 – Pick 5 Orlando Magic: Scottie Barnes (6’9”, 227 lbs)
(G/F, Florida State, Freshman) (10.3 ppg, 4.0 rbp, 4.1 apg, 50.3 FG %, 27.5 3pt %)
This is where the draft really gets interesting. If there is no trades up to this point, who the Magic will pick at number five has been one of the toughest debates amongst scouts, analysts and fans alike. Up until about four days ago, after much back and forth between Barnes and Jonathan Kuminga, ultimately, most agree the Magic will draft Scottie Barnes and keep him home in Florida. He has been praised for his high character and motor plus his ability to play the guard position at a 6’9” frame with a 7’3” wingspan and guard 1-5 on defense make him a fit in any lineup combination the Magic may have, which would bode well in continuing to gather the right talent for a rebuild back into playoff contention once again.
Round 1 – Pick 6 Oklahoma City Thunder: James Bouknight (6’5”, 190 lbs)
(SG, UConn, Sophomore) (18.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 44.7 FG %, 29.3 3PT%)
The NBA combine and the entire draft process is a great chance for players to either raise their stock or risk lowering it. This years combine had a huge positive impact for former UConn Guard James Bouknight. His stock has risen perhaps the most since the draft process started and OKC seems enamored with the potential fit of Bouknight alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as does Bouknight himself. He mentioned in an interview with Ryan Stiles of Fansided.com that “Me and Shai in the backcourt I feel like that could be deadly… us being so young that could be real special.” After also confirming a good workout and even Dinner with GM Sam Presti, Bouknight seems like the pick here.
Round 1 – Pick 7 Golden State Warriors (Via MIN): Davion Mitchell (6’2”, 205 lbs)
(PG, Baylor, Junior) (14.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.5 apg, 51.1 FG %, 44.7 3PT %)
Since the draft lottery last month reports have the Warriors have been shopping their two lottery picks along with other players in order to get a star caliber player to help Steph, Klay, and Draymond in the quest for another championship. Should the Warriors keep the pick however, Davion Mitchell is the best pick here. He is a two-way guard who shoots the 3-ball at a high percentage and can defend either guard position despite his smaller frame. He is the best defender in the country and is fresh off the Defensive Player of the Year winning the NCAA Championship with Baylor. Mitchell has shown he is a strong leader and has that killer instinct that would fit perfect with the Warriors. He has the skillset to have a long career as a point guard in the NBA and potentially even an All-Star.
Round 1 – Pick 8 Orlando Magic (Via CHI): Jonathan Kuminga (6’8”, 210 lbs)
(SF, G-League Ignite, 18) (15.8ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 38.7 FG %, 24.6 3PT %)
Assuming they do not trade this pick in efforts to move up in the draft, this would be a dream scenario for the Magic. Despite being looked at as 5th best prospect for majority of the year, he has seemed to have fallen amongst most team’s draft boards which could benefit the Magic. While Drafting Barnes and Kuminga does not seem like a perfect fit due to their lack of shooting, Kuminga’s upside as an overall scorer and potential All-Star is too much to pass up on here. Moses Moody gets strong consideration due to his elite shooting and strong defense, but the pick will ultimately be Kuminga if he falls to them here.
Round 1 – Pick 9 Sacramento Kings: Franz Wagner (6’9”, 220 lbs)
(G/F, Michigan, Sophomore) (12.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 47.7 FG %, 34.3 3PT %)
The younger brother to NBA Big man Mortiz or “Mo” Wagner, Franz plays on the wing unlike his brother and can defend multiple positions effectively along with nice scoring touch from the perimeter and around the basket. He has definitely made a name for himself with his versatility and will give the Kings many lineup combinations and will help them stretch the floor and even possibly go small ball with him in the post. His versatility should be very attractive to go along with De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Marvin Bagley III.
Round 1 – Pick 10 Memphis Grizzlies (Via Pelicans): Josh Giddey (6’8”, 205 lbs)
(G, Adelaide (Australia), 18) (10.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 7.4 apg, 42.5 FG %, 29.3 3PT %)
Memphis will now pick at number 10 after making a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Grizzlies sent C Jonas Valanciunas along with the 17th overall pick in this draft in exchange for C Steven Adams, G Eric Bledsoe, the 10th overall pick and and 2022 1st round pick (LAL, Top-10 protected.) It is even reported they are looking to move up even more in the lottery though that is unlikely. Assuming they remain here though it seems their target will be Australian guard Josh Giddey. Giddey is a 6’8” guard in a similar mold to LaMelo Ball and his ball handling and playmaking will help ease the Burden on Ja Morant and allow him to focus more on scoring the basketball. After the success of the aforementioned LaMelo who comes from the same league in Australia, do not expect him to slip beyond this spot.
Round 1 – Pick 11 Charlotte Hornets: Moses Moody (6’6”, 205 lbs)
(SG, Arkansas, Freshman) (16.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 42.7 FG %, 35.8 3PT %)
Moses Moody would be a perfect fit alongside LaMelo in the backcourt or on the wing. He is considered the best 3 and D prospect in the entire draft and has a style of play that can lead him to a long NBA career. Considered a top 10 pick by most, the Hornets would get a franchise cornerstone in Moody.
Round 1 – Pick 12 San Antonio Spurs: Alperen Sengun (6’9”, 243 lbs)
(C, Besiktas, 18) (19.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.6 bpg, 63 FG %)
A bit of a surprise this early in the draft compared to most mock drafts, however, if he manages to reach his potential, He can easily be the steal of the draft. He has some Nikola Jokic, and Domantas Sabonis in his game, which is something the Spurs can definitely use when looking at their current roster. The MVP last season of the Turkish Basketball Super League, Sengun has and old school style game who thrives in paint with a multitude of post moves, efficiency around the basket, and displays a nice shooting touch despite his lack of attempts. In his recent workout with the Spurs he mentioned the fact that they are an important team due to Coach Popovich and not to mention the fact they have the most international players. Every team is looking for that next euro star and Sengun has the potential to be one despite how the game has favored his style of play less over the years.
Round 1 – Pick 13 Indiana Pacers: Keon Johnson (6’5”, 186 lbs)
(SG, Tennessee, Freshman) (11.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 44.9 FG %, 27.1)
This would be a great pick for the Pacers here at 13. Johnson’s recent showing at the combine where he recorded at 48-inch max vertical jump, breaking the record by 2.5 inches set by Kansas’ Kenny Gregory in 2001 with a max of 45.5, he will be the pick here. Although considered a longer term project by some scouts, he has already shoot up higher on certain teams’ draft boards due to his athleticism alone, however he displayed is overall game during the combine workouts. He is probably the biggest winner of the draft combine.
Round 1 – Pick 14 Golden State Warriors: Chris Duarte (6’6”, 190 lbs)
(SG, Oregon, Senior) (17.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 53.2 FG%, 42.4 3PT%)
While it is likely they trade this pick, they should be targeting a player who can contribute right away and Duarte can come right in and contribute scoring off the bench from the all three levels and take pressure off of Steph having to make every play. The only real knock on Duarte has been his age and lack of upside as he is 24 years old, however for the Warriors his maturity should be a perfect fit in their system.
Round 1 – Pick 15 Washington Wizards: Cameron Thomas (6’4”, 210 lbs)
(G, LSU, Freshman) (23.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 40.6 FG%, 32.5 3PT %)
Cameron Thomas showed an ability to score from all three levels right from the start and put up some impressive scoring numbers as a freshman. His scoring ability will help bolster a Wizards bench which truly lacks in a go-to scorer and could even act as an insurance policy in the event Bradley Beal of Russell Westbrook get traded.
Round 1 – Pick 16 Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Johnson (6’9”, 220 lbs)
(SF, Duke, Freshman) (11.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 52.3 FG%, 44.4 3PT%)
Originally projected as a top-10 pick, Johnsons’ stock certainly has fallen after leaving Duke midway through the season in order to focus on the draft. Scouts are questioning his commitment due to the early departure but at this spot his upside will be too promising to pass up on for the Thunder. With their massive haul of picks to come in the future, it is worth for them to take the risk here.
Round 1 – Pick 17 New Orleans Pelicans: Corey Kispert- (6’7”, 220 lbs)
(F, Gonzaga, Senior) (18.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 52.9 FG %, 44.0 3PT %)
After trading down from number 10 with Memphis in order to shed salary, this would be a perfect scenario for the Pelicans as this was likely their target at number 10. The Pelicans desperately need surround Zion with some shooting and drafting the best shooter in the draft is a perfect way to start. Kispert has drawn comparisons to Klay Thompson and will be able to contribute right away for a Pelicans team desperate to make the playoffs.
Round 1 – Pick 18 Oklahoma City Thunder: Isaiah Jackson (6’11”, 206 lbs)
(PF/C, Kentucky, Freshman) (8.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 54 FG%, 70 FT%)
With their third pick in the first round the Thunder can go a number of ways here. With that being said it is more likely they trade this pick in effort to move, however if they stand pat and make their selection, Isaiah Jackson seems like the likely choice due to his potential versatility on both the defensive and offensive end of the floor. Jackson is definitely more of a project, however OKC needs some more size down low and of the remaining big men, Jackson has the most upside.
Round 1 – Pick 19 New York Knicks: Sharife Cooper (6’1”, 180 lbs)
(PG, Auburn, Freshman) (20.2 ppg, 4.3 reb, 8.1 apg, 39 FG %, 22.8 FG%)
As one of the top scoring guards in the country during his freshman season, Cooper should get looks in the lottery. He also averaged 8.1 assists per game showing he also one of the drafts top passers. Unfortunately, it seems his size and inefficiency scoring the basketball will make some teams pass up on him. Despite his size however, this would a great pick for the Knicks. Although there are reports that the Knicks are trying to move up into the lottery to potentially draft Chris Duarte, should they not be able to and keep this pick, Cooper would be a great consolation prize for them. His ability to score and play make at a high level could be exactly what they need with the uncertainty of Derrick Roses’ free agency and the disappointment of 2018 draft pick PG Frank Ntilikina.
Round 1 – Pick 20 Atlanta Hawks: Kai Jones (6’10”, 218 lbs)
(PF, Texas, Sophomore) (8.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.9 bpg, 58 FG%, 38.2 3PT %)
After a surprising postseason run there is not one particular glaring need for the Hawks. With that said due to the uncertainty of John Collins’ and Clint Capelas’ future with the team, it would benefit them to draft some insurance for their front-court in Jones. He is a high energy player who is very mobile moving up and down the court on both offense and defense at a high rate. Not to mention he has good three–point range for a big man, shooting at a 38% clip in his last season.
Round 1 – Pick 21 New York Knicks: Usman Garuba (6’8”, 229 lbs)
(PF, Real Madrid, 20) (4.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.9 apg, 47.9 FG%, 31.5 3pt %)
Considered by most to be the best defender in the draft, Garuba would be a great fit on the Knicks as an insurance policy to Mitchell Robinson and two-way contributor down the line in his own right. Garuba will be a perfect fit in Coach Thibodeas’ defensive system and should thrive on that end out of the gates.
Round 1 – Pick 22 Los Angeles Lakers: Ziaire Williams (6’8”, 175 lbs)
(SG, Stanford, Freshman) (10.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 37.4 FG%, 29.1 %)
Despite being looked at as more of a project to develop for the future, Ziaire has the skills contribute for a Lakers team that desperately needs playmaking and scoring, which happen to be his best attributes. While his numbers were low on Stanford the talent at this point in the draft will be too much to pass up on.
Round 1 – Pick 23 Houston Rockets: Jared Butler (6’3”, 195 lbs)
(PG, Baylor, Junior) (16.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.8 apg, 47.1 FG %, 41.6 3PT%)
With back to back picks here and 3 overall in the first round the Houston Rockets have some flexibility when it comes making these selections. The future of John Wall does not line up well with the Rockets current timeline so a trade or buyout in the future seems inevitable. Drafting Butler here would allow him the opportunity to learn behind a former All-Star which could potentially help speed up his development. After winning the NCAA Championship with Baylor, he would be a great addition to this team still building an identity after trading away James Harden at the trade deadline last season.
Round 1 – Pick 24 Houston Rockets: Trey Murphy III (6’8”, 206 lbs)
(SG, Virginia, Junior) (11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 50.3 FG%, 43.3 3PT %)
As one of the best catch and shoot players in the draft, Murphy is going to contribute to any team right out of gate. It is his size and two-way ability that has him climbing up draft boards. These later picks should be less about fit and about finding the best players available, especially when just restarting the rebuild.
Round 1 – Pick 25 Los Angeles Clippers: Tre Mann (6’5”, 190 lbs)
(PG, Florida, Sophomore) (16.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 45.9 FG%, 40.2 3PT%)
Based on their current guards Tre Mann would seem like a great fit for the Clippers. Out of the available guards at this stage due to his size, ball handling and scoring ability. He has an array of step backs and pull back moves that give him the ability to score on all three levels and showed improvement passing the ball, especially off of the pick & roll.
Round 1 – Pick 26 Denver Nuggets: Josh Christopher (6’5”, 215 lbs)
(SG, Arizona State, Freshman) (14.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.4 apg, 43.2 FG%, 30.5 3PT %)
Probably the most surprising selection in the first round would be the Nuggets selecting Josh Christopher here. His draft stock has seemingly fallen out of nowhere as he was originally projected to be a lottery pick. The Nuggets can do what they have always been good at and draft another sleeper that many teams passed on for one reason or another.
Round 1 – Pick 27 Brooklyn Nets: Day’Ron Sharpe (6’11”, 265 lbs)
(C, North Carolina, Freshman) (9.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.9 bpg, 51.9 FG%)
The selection for the Nets is obvious here. They desperately need more size and defense and Sharpe fits both of those needs immediately. While still raw offensively, the Nets will value what he brings on the other side of the table due to their already high-powered offense.
Round 1 – Pick 28 Philadelphia 76ers: Quentin Grimes (6’5”, 205 lbs)
(G, Houston, Junior) (17.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 apg, 40.6 FG%, 40.3 3PT %)
The 76ers need more scoring regardless of what happens with Ben Simmons and Grimes can provide consistent shooting not to mention is solid on the defensive end as well, A transfer from Kansas after his sophomore season in order to be able to show more of his skills, he can be exactly what the 76ers need to help bolster scoring off their bench.
Round 1 – Pick 29 Phoenix Suns: Ayo Dosunmu (6’4”, 200 lbs)
(G, Illinois, Junior) (20.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 48.8 FG%, 39.0 3PT%)
As a consensus first-team All-American and winner of the Bob Cousy Award for best point guard in the nation, this would be a fantastic outcome for both the Suns and Dosunmu. Should they keep this pick. The Suns get a steal here as Donsumu has an all-around me that would be very helpful as the Chris Paul situation has not been set in stone yet. Ideally Paul will resign and Dosunmu can learn behind one of the greatest point guards of all-time.
Round 1 – Pick 30 Utah Jazz: Nah’Shon Hyland (6’3”, 173 lbs)
(PG, VCU, 173 lbs) (19.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 44.7 FG%, 37.1 3PT%)
With the final pick in the first-round the Utah Jazz select Nah’Shon Hyland for his scoring and playmaking prowess which would bode well in giving Donovan Mitchell more help offensively. Hyland can find his own shot and create for others, two issues that were evident when Mitchell sat.
Good Luck to all 30 teams in this years draft!
By Jay Serrano
