The 2021 NBA Draft takes place on July 29th at the Barclays Center. Most people in the basketball world view Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham as the best player available and expect the Detroit Pistons to select him
1. Detroit Pistons- Cade Cunningham, Guard, Oklahoma State
Cunningham is coming off of an exceptional season where he led the Cowboys to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 4 years.
2. Houston Rockets- Jalen Green, Guard, G League Ignite
Green opted to go a non-traditional way to the NBA by forgoing college and instead playing in the G League. Green played in 15 games against NBA level competition and displayed scoring from all 3 levels along with his freakish athleticism.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers- Evan Mobley, Forward/Center, University of Southern California
Mobley has an elite skill set on both sides of the ball that not many big men can match in today’s league. When watching him, I see a little bit of Anthony Davis. The shot blocking, switching onto faster guards, popping for jumpers, catching lobs, he does everything and more.
4. Toronto Raptors- Jalen Suggs, Guard, Gonzaga
Suggs doesn’t stand out as much as the 3 players listed ahead of him, but he could still be a great player. In his lone season at Gonzaga, he displayed his scoring ability and elite defense which are both highly valued in today’s game. He could also be a replacement for Kyle Lowry who most people are expecting to leave.
5. Orlando Magic- Scottie Barnes, Wing, Florida State
Barnes will be drafted solely based on potential. He didn’t exactly stuff the stat sheet at FSU, but scouts are falling in love with his ball handling and vision to run an offense at 6’9, as well as his size, strength and instincts to guard nearly every position.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jonathan Kuminga, Wing, G League Ignite
Kuminga’s size can create a mismatch for opposing guards as he stands at 6’8. Combine that with his mix of power, speed and perimeter skill and it gets even scarier. His 3 point shooting leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s well worth the risk.
7. Golden State Warriors- James Bouknight, Guard, UConn
Bouknight has shot up in mock drafts the closer we get to the draft. The combo guard gained buzz after a video of him shooting 3s at the combine was released. Teams love his sneaky bounce and ability to get to the rim.
8. Orlando Magic- Josh Giddey, Guard/Wing, Adelaide 36ers
Giddey is another one of the tall guards that are becoming more common in today’s game. Orlando is in desperate need of someone that can orchestrate an offense and as a rebuilding team, have to be willing to take risks like this.
9. Sacramento Kings- Franz Wagner, Wing, Michigan
Wagner is a 6-foot-9 wing who excelled in mismatch situations last season. He ranked in the 94th percentile in post-up situations, averaging 1.2 points per possession, according to Synergy Sports.
10. New Orleans Pelicans- Davion Mitchell, Guard, Baylor
Mitchell is probably the most pro-ready guard in the draft and shot up draft boards during the NCAA Tournament. He’s an excellent defender and an exceptional passer. With the Pelicans most likely moving on from Lonzo Ball, Mitchell should be their 1st option if available at 10.
11. Charlotte Hornets- Kai Jones, Center, Texas
Jones would be a great addition to a frontcourt that could use his athleticism. He’s also great in transition making him a perfect fit next to the fast paced LaMelo Ball.
12. San Antonio Spurs- Moses Moody, Guard, Alabama
Moody showed his scoring ability from all 3 levels during his lone season at Alabama. He has all the tools to be a solid defender at the next level with his 6’6 205 lb frame and 7 foot wingspan.
13. Indiana Pacers- Corey Kispert, Wing, Gonzaga
Kispert is one of, if not the best shooters in the draft. At 6’7, he will be able to knock down 3s over most defenders. In his final 2 seasons at Gonzaga, Kispert shot 50% from the field and 44% from 3. Pacers fans will fall in love with his sweet shooting stroke and he will quickly become one of the best shooters in the league.
14. Golden State Warriors- Chris Duarte, Guard, Oregon
After taking Bouknight at 7, the Warriors will look to add one of the best 3&D players in the draft in Duarte. With the Warriors hoping to contend again next season, Duarte would be an instant impact player at 14. With his lack of burst and athleticism, it’s hard to see him as more than a 3&D player on the NBA level.
Post Lottery
- Washington Wizards- Trey Murphy III, Wing, Virginia
- Oklahoma City Thunder- Alperen Sengun, Center, Besiktas
- Memphis Grizzlies- Keon Johnson, Guard, Tennessee
- Oklahoma City Thunder- Jalen Johnson, Wing, Duke
- New York Knicks- Isaiah Jackson, Center, Kentucky
- Atlanta Hawks- Sharife Cooper, Guard, Auburn
- New York Knicks- Jared Butler, Guard, Baylor
- Los Angeles Lakers- Cameron Thomas, Guard, LSU
- Houston Rockets- JT Thor, Forward, Auburn
- Houston Rockets- Ziaire Williams, Forward, Stanford
- Los Angeles Clippers- Miles McBride, Guard, West Virginia
- Denver Nuggets- Tre Mann, Guard, Florida
- Brooklyn Nets- Jaden Springer, Guard, Tennessee
- Philadelphia 76ers- Nah’Shon Hyland, Guard, VCU
- Phoenix Suns- Usman Garuba, Center, Real Madrid
- Utah Jazz- Jason Preston, Guard, Ohio
For more NBA coverage, click here.
