The 2021 NBA Draft that took place on July 29 was one for the books. Draftees had the opportunity to shake NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand, show off the finer detail of their wardrobe, and best of all share an unforgettable moment with their families. Something that the 2019 NBA draft class was not able to partake in due to Covid-19.
Many teams acquired players with immense potential in the draft, but no team did better in adding to their organization than the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons crossed off a multitude of their needs with their four picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, including Point Guard Cade Cunningham who was selected as the number one overall pick.
Cunningham, who is 6’8” 220lbs was on every NBA team’s Radar since his first game at Oklahoma State. He has excellent size for a point guard, and he possesses outstanding physical tools defensively that allow him to cover guards, wings, and bigs. He has excellent timing, feel, intensity and is a much-improved shooter who confidently knocks down pull-up jumpers from midrange and three, says NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony.
The Pistons also added more height to their team to go along with Jerami Grant by acquiring 6’7” power forward Isaiah Livers, 6’10” power forward TJ Thor, and 6’11” center Luke Garza, who fell to the bottom of the second round, even after he was the 2021 Consensus national player of the year.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks, who made it to the Eastern Conference Finals after starting the season off with a 14-20 record, knocked it out of the park in this years NBA Draft. It was clear after the series with the Milwaukee Bucks that the Hawks needed playmakers in the second unit for when Trae Young is not on the court and that’s exactly what they got.
In the first round, the Hawks Selected a two-way combo forward Jalen Johnson from Duke University. Johnson was a potential candidate for the number one overall pick before his troubling season at Duke.
The 6’9” 220lbs power forward, is a fluid ball-handler for his size and a crafty passer. He has an impressive combination of strength and explosiveness. Johnson is a versatile defender that can guard 1-5, with good off-the-ball instincts for blocks and charges says NBA Draft analyst, Mike Schmitz.
Sounds a lot like John Collins, right? This is exactly why I believe Johnson along with Sharife Cooper will fit seamlessly into this Hawks offense.
6’1” 180lbs point guard Sharife Cooper, who many believe is the steal of the draft was acquired in the second round. Cooper is coming off a stellar season at Auburn University where he averaged 20.2PPG and 8.1APG.
The Hawks were just recently involved in a three-team deal with the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics that involved PG Kris Dunn going the Celtics and PG Delon Wright. joining the Hawks, giving Sharife Cooper an opportunity to earn a spot at the backup PG.
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