2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0 – Full First Round
The NBA Draft is tomorrow, so it’s time for my third and final mock draft of the year. This mock draft will have the full first, all 30 picks as we get to see how many picks I can predict for tomorrow night’s draft. This should end well.
#1 – Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham
Yeah, there’s no need for an explanation here. We all know who’s going #1 and why.
Oh, and the Pistons better turn of their phones. The Rockets and Thunder apparently want the #1 pick pretty badly. Guess what? Don’t give it to them under any circumstances. Don’t mess this up Detroit.
#2 – Houston Rockets
Evan Mobley
I really don’t think anybody but Mobley should be going at #2. While Cade Cunningham is the clear #1 player as of right now, the player who is closest to him is Mobley. He’s very versatile, a very good defender, and his offense features shooting, ball-handing, and playmaking unlike most other centers. Sure, the fit with Christian Wood is weird.
But Mobley is a generational talent. As much as Kevin Porter Jr says he’s a point guard, with John Wall on the team, he’s the shooting guard for right now. He played most of last year at the 2 guard, so even though he says one thing, it’s pretty contradictory. I like Mobley a lot and he could be a cornerstone down low for Houston and their future rebuilding seasons.
#3 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Suggs
{Incoming Jalen Green comments).
Look, I think Jalen Green will be a good player, maybe even a great one in the NBA. But I think Suggs is the better fit for the Cavs. Suggs is a great athlete, a guy who can run and offense and score well. His defense is solid, he’s got great size and his defense is solid. The only thing missing is a jumpshot, which he should be able to develop with time.
The Cavs are still rumored to be shipping young guard Collin Sexton around the NBA, also hoping to trade what’s left of the massive Kevin Love contract with it. This would mean that Garland would get the keys and giving him a guy like Suggs would make that backcourt have a lot higher ceiling than they currently do right now.
#4 – Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes
{MORE INCOMING JALEN GREEN COMMENTS}
Look, hear me out. Not only am I not nearly as high on Jalen Green as others, this isn’t even a stretch. There was a report that the Raptors either wanted to trade down or take Scottie Barnes 4th overall. Don’t believe me? Here’s some proof;
So the Raptors might want to take Scottie Barnes, either at #4 or maybe at #5 or #6 with a trade down. Taking Barnes isn’t a bad idea. Barnes is a great athlete who can maybe play small-ball center in the NBA. A very versatile defender who can ball-handle very well for his position. Not much of a shooter, but he could be like a mini Draymond Green in a way. There is a real possibility that Barnes ends up heading north.
(Or he could be staying in Florida, depends on if Canada lets the Raptors comeback and play).
#5 – Orlando Magic
Jalen Green
Alright, fine, I’ll talk about Jalen Green.
I get he’s talented, he’s probably going to be a great player in the NBA. But I just don’t get why there are actual basketball fans who think he’s going #2 overall. I get that people think that Mobley and Christian Wood won’t fit together, I do get that. But Mobley is miles and I mean miles better than Jalen Green right now, and if I had to bet, he’d have the better career when it’s all said and done.
But this isn’t a section to just hate on Jalen Green. He still could be the best scorer from this draft. Very good size and length, an explosive athlete. Solid ball-handler who can make tough shots. Can get to the rim, a pure scorer in every sense of the way. But he just doesn’t offer a whole lot more other than scoring.
Not a playmaker, settles for tough shots, doesn’t do much off-ball, and he’s certainly not a defender. I don’t get why some Rockets fans are serious considering drafting this guy over the much more complete and dynamic Evan Mobley. I just don’t get it. Jalen Green is good, but he’s much more suited to go in the 4-7 range than the 1-3 range, in my opinion.
#6 – OKC Thunder
Jonathan Kuminga
The Thunder have a lot of picks and while in this lottery they didn’t get so lucky with their odds, they can still snag a really good player for their rebuild. With this pick I have them taking Jonathan Kuminga from the G-League.
Kuminga is another lengthy scorer who can shoot very well and can make tough shots. He has shown defensive promise with his amazing physical traits. But he’s eerily similar to Jalen Green.
He takes tough shots and usually settles. Doesn’t offer much as a playmaker or off-ball as of right now. His defensive technique is poor, bites on fakes and his effort on that end fluctuates. Kuminga is a very raw player who will have to become less of a loose, relaxed player if he really wants to be successful.
I think Kuminga can be successful, but like Jalen Green, he has to add things to his game to be successful. The defense is a given if he wants to stay on the floor, but being more of a team player offensively. Kuminga is very raw, but he has a lot to add to his game.
#7 – Golden State Warriors
Davion Mitchell
The Warriors are still actively trying to trade their two lottery picks at #7 and #14. Pascal Siakam is “apparently” very available in trade markets and Bradley Beal “apparently” wants to get traded after the draft. Now, these are just rumors, but it could happen, you never know. But assuming that the Warriors have their #7 pick on draft night, I have them taking Davion Mitchell from Baylor.
I have done 3 mock drafts this year. All of 3 of them have Mitchell going at this spot and for good reason. An elite defender, perhaps the best on-ball defender in the draft this year. Plays with 100% effort defensively, very physical, Mitchell should be an excellent defender from day one in the NBA.
But his offense is also very good. A very good shooter who shot 45% from 3 during his championship season with Baylor. A very good shooter who can play off the ball well. Good playmaker who rarely makes poor decisions. Can make shots off the dribble and in isolation. Good, fluid ball-handler who can get to the rim well.
Mitchell is one of the most complete prospects in the draft. He is an excellent defender and his offense isn’t too far behind. He’s experienced and one of my favorite prospects in the draft. I know that it’s likely that the Warriors trade this pick, but if they don’t, they’re getting a very good player in Mitchell.
#8 – Orlando Magic
Moses Moody
The Magic have another lottery pick because they capitalized on Vucevic’s value (and the Bulls are dumb). The Magic have a chance to add a lot of talent in this draft and with this pick I have them taking Arkansas guard Moses Moody.
Moody has very good size for the shooting guard position and is a very good scorer in the halfcourt. Very good 3-PT and FT shooter. Shot nearly 7 free throws per 40 minutes in college, so he has a knack for drawing fouls.
Moody is long and lengthy, so the defensive upside is certainly there. As long as he puts his best foot forward, really no reason he can become a great two-way wing/guard in the NBA.
Moody does have some short-comings as a shot-creator and in his ability to score at the rim against better defenses. But he has the tools to be a very good role player in the NBA with his off-ball shooting capabilities and his physical attributes. Moody could be a really solid piece for the rebuilding Magic.
#9 – Sacramento Kings
Franz Wagner
The Kings need defense. Franz Wager offers defense. It’s really that simple.
Wager is one of the youngest players in the draft, meaning his slim 6-9 frame has a chance to fill out. But even though he’s only 19 right now, he has played 59 games in Europe and this past season, Michigan was a powerhouse in college basketball. So Wagner has some experience under his belt, certainly more than other 19 year-olds.
Very good defender on or off ball. Plays with intensity and is just a smart defender. He was a big reason Michigan was a stout defense last year. In addition to that defense, Wagner is a great passer for a forward. Very crafty at finding open teammates and driving with his head up. Soft touch around the rim and he shot 81% from the free throw line.
Wagner isn’t exactly athletic and his jumpshot is a question mark. But the Kings desperately need his defense and passing. If the Kings want to win, they need defense. Wagner offers that and more for a Kings team desperately trying to be relevant for the first time in a long time.
#10 – Memphis Grizzlies
Corey Kispert
The Grizzlies traded up for this pick in the Valanciunas deal. They need shooting, so why not take the best shooter in the draft? Seems like a good pick to me.
Kispert is a big wing at 6-7, 220 pounds, so he won’t struggle with physicality like other prospects will. He shot 48% from 3 on 6 attempts last season, arguably the best shooter in the draft. Can make shots on the catch and on the move, a weapon in transition when defenses can’t find him. Very deep range. Decent ball-handler when going straight, decent floater if run off 3-PT line.
Very smart player who doesn’t turn the ball over often. Very efficient player, doesn’t take bad shots, and can play very well off-ball with his cutting ability. Decent team defender.
While Kispert isn’t some lockdown defender, the Pelicans desperately need his shooting. Lonzo Ball might not be coming back this offseason and as much as Steven Adams wants to become a stretch big, they need a pure shooter and they can get that with Kispert. Keeping Zion happy is now the Pelicans #1 priority.
#11 – Charlotte Hornets
Keon Johnson
The Hornets broke through with a surprisingly good season. They have their core pieces like Ball, Hayward, Rozier, Bridges, and Malik Monk. But their short-comings defensively really hurt them and they need to add defense in the draft or in free agency. Keon Johnson can definitely help them on the defensive side of the ball.
Keon is one of the best athletes in the draft, putting on one of the best combines in recent history. His 48″ vertical was a combine record. He also recorded a 41.5″ standing vertical, also a combine record. So Miles Bridges, somebody else has a ticket to the skies.
Johnson loves to get downhill and to the rim. Very versatile defender with his length and quickness, can guard 1-3 and maybe even 1-4 if he fills out his frame. Has shown flashes of playmaking and shot-making while at Tennessee.
Johnson isn’t very polished. He’s not the best shooter and his half-court offense needs some work. But his physical traits are so enticing. He’s only 186 pounds right now, but if he can get to like 200-205, he can be a very good defender in the NBA, a very swiss-army knife that can help any team. The Hornets really don’t need his offense, if Johnson can develop offensively, great. But the Hornets desperately need what he brings to the table defensively.
#12 – San Antonio Spurs
Josh Giddey
The Spurs are a team with no direction, like a chicken with it’s head cut off. They are almost 100% losing DeMar DeRozan this offseason and they just need to rebuild. With this pick, they can get an excellent player for their rebuild, Josh Giddey.
Giddey is a supersized point guard at 6-9. One of the youngest players in the draft, so his 185 pound frame should fill out. He led the NBL in assists with 7.4 per game, perhaps the best passer in the draft. Very good in the pick and roll, has great vision, and feel for the game. Outstanding ball-handler who can play at different speeds and can manipulate defenses very easily.
Not the best defender, but showed signs of being a crafty defender, making up for his lack of physical tools on that end with his high basketball IQ. Very good rebounder despite slim frame, filling out his frame will only make him a better player.
Giddy isn’t a scorer, he’s not a defender, he’s not really a shooter. But the Spurs are very good at developing players. He’s young and he can pass and rebound very well for somebody who is only 18 years old and playing in Australia, a pretty tough place to play, certainly a step above the NCAA. He could definitely become a point-forward and I think him going to the Spurs is a match made in heaven.
#13 – Indiana Pacers
James Bouknight
The Pacers were a mess last year. They fired Nate Bjorkgren after just one season and Nate McMillan, the guy they fired, was two games away from the NBA Finals with the Atlanta Hawks. But the Pacers need to be aggressive if they want to win. They have a talent and they brought Rick Carlisle back to Indiana. But they lack depth and with this pick they can add a key contributor. With this pick, I have Indiana taking UConn’s James Bouknight.
Bouknight is one of the best scorers in the draft. He’s a smooth player with great athleticism. He can change speeds and directions very well, who can make tough shots off the dribble. Very good hesitation going left. He’s a creative finisher who can finish with either hand, also has a floater in his bag.
Bouknight is inconsistent. Not the best shot selection, jumpshot is inconsistent. Not a great off the catch shooter. More turnovers than assists, most likely to be a scorer than a lead guard in the NBA.
Bouknight could be very good, or he could be like most great one-sided college players who just don’t work out in the NBA. Bouknight is a pure scorer but doesn’t offer much else at this point. But Indiana could definitely use a player like that as they try and finally make it past the first round in the Eastern Conference.
#14 – Golden State Warriors
Jalen Johnson
The Warriors are trying to become a contender and they’re likely going to trade this pick, simply because they’re in win now mode. But if they did keep this pick, I have them taking Duke’s Jalen Johnson.
Johnson is a great athlete, at 6-9, 220 pounds. He’s got a strong lower body and he’s a physical player down low. He’s a very versatile defender, with the ability to guard all 5 defenders if need be. Good off-ball defender, who can rotate over for blocks. Solid rebounder on both ends.
Johnson doesn’t really have a half-court game. His jumpshot is basically nonexistent as of right now and he doesn’t exactly have the length that you would think a guy at 6-9 would have. Don’t know if the offense is going to ever be good enough where he can be a 3rd/4th option on a playoff team.
Johnson is a very intriguing player. He has the length and versatility defensively, but his lone season at Duke was a mess and his offense is a big question mark. He’s similar to Draymond Green in a lot of ways, but he could definitely be a sleeper pick in this draft, one a good team could get to shore up a bench unit.
#15 – Washington Wizards
Usman Garuba
The Wizards need to rebuild. Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook should be traded for assets and the Wizards should just refresh. This team isn’t that good, maybe good enough for a 6-8th seed at best. But is settling for being decent the goal? I don’t think it should be. The Wizards should rebuild and getting a guy like Usman Garuba can help them a lot.
Garuba may only be 19, but he’s been playing in some of the best leagues in Europe for a while. He played with Real Madrid this past season, the best team in Spain. He’s been very good as a young teen in Europe, so he shouldn’t struggle as much with the jump to the NBA.
Garuba is one of the best defenders in the draft. Has a 7-3 wingspan while only being 6-8. He has quick feet, excellent hands, and great intensity and hustle. He guarded the top point guards in Europe, but can bang with most big guys down low (pause). Should prove to be a good pick and roll defender, very versatile defender overall.
Showed perimeter shooting promise at the end of the season. Knows his role and plays it to a T. Beloved by teammates and coaches for his hustle and work ethic.
Garuba would be perfect for the Wizards. They already have Thomas Bryant and Daniel Gafford. While Bryant rehabs from injury, Garuba would be perfect. I doubt the Wizards trade Westbrook and Beal (unfortunately), but Garuba is perfect for Westbrook. Good rebounder and excellent defender, pick and roll threat, good screener, and of course he plays like every play is his last, something that should rub off well with Westbrook. The Wizards should definitely look to take Garuba if he’s on the board.
#16 – OKC Thunder
Sharife Cooper
The Thunder have a lot of picks, so seeing them in the first round should be something of a formality in the coming years. With the 16th pick, I have them taking a flyer on Auburn’s Sharife Cooper.
Cooper was incredibly productive as a freshman last year. Averaged 20 points and 8 assists per game. One of the best foul drawers in the country, averaged better than 10 free throws per 40 minutes during his lone season at Auburn. One of the best ball-handlers in the draft, has the ball on a string. Great change of pace, so even though he’s 6-1, 180 pounds, he can get anywhere he wants to on the court.
One of the best passers in the draft, shades of Trae Young in terms of his small frame but incredible passing abilities in the pick and roll. Can make every read in the book, can pass with either hand, good at finding open guys, great passer off the dribble. But of a gunslinger like Brett Favre with his passes, certainly not afraid to thread the needle to find somebody down low.
Now the obvious knock on Cooper is the height. Unless he becomes Fred VanVleet or Kyle Lowry, he’s going to get picked on like Darius Garland or Collin Sexton (notice how both of those duos are on the same team). Only shot 23% from 3 in college, definitely has to add an outside shot to be more dangerous. Can’t just allow them to go under screens every time. Turnover prone and most of his offense came from pick and rolls (46%). Definitely going to have to get more in isolation, catch-and-shoot, off-ball, things of that nature to find more success at the next level.
I think Cooper is a very good player. A very good passer and pick and roll player, is definitely built to be a floor general. But he needs to diversify his offense from just pick and rolls, like add an outside jumpshot, something like that. Defense is always (likely) going to be a problem for short kings like Cooper, but his offense is very enticing for an OKC team that doesn’t really have a PG. As much as I like SGA, he’s better as the SG. But I definitely think a team taking Cooper will be getting a good player who can really help an offense hum.
#17 – New Orleans Pelicans
Chris Duarte
The Pelicans traded down from #10 to #17 in the Valanciunas trade. They still need shooting and there are still good shooters available, like Chris Duarte from Oregon.
Duarte is one of the best shooters in the draft, 42% from 3 on 5.5 attempts per game last season. Very good technique, but he can do more than just shoot off the catch. Great at creating space with his step-backs and excellent balance on his pull-ups. Made 44 pull-ups in just 26 games last season. Comfortable with side steps or mid-range pull ups when run off the 3-PT line. Very efficient player, shot 63% from 2-PT land last year.
His TS% is over 66%, very high for a perimeter oriented player. Solid ball-handler and passer. Solid in the pick and roll. Very good instinctual defender with good feet and strong anticipation off-ball. Averaged 2.3 steals per game last season per 40 minutes, so defense isn’t a weakness either.
Some problems with Duarte aren’t really problems, more questions. He’s 24 years old, how much of his success at Oregon was due to the fact that he was much more physically mature than most of the other guys there? He’s 6-6, but not long enough to be a 3&D Wing and he’s not a point guard? What’s his roll in the NBA? Doesn’t get to the free throw line much and is going to have to become a better finisher. Again, not problems, more questions.
With that being said, I think Duarte is a great player and one of the steals of the draft. He can shoot, handle, and pass well. He plays solid defense and has solid size. He’s older, so he has experience and is physically mature. The Pelicans need his shooting and for Zion to be happy. Taking Duarte would be killing two birds with one stone.
#18 – OKC Thunder
Alperen Sengun
Again? Yeah, you’d better get used to that. The Thunder have yet another pick inside the top 20 and they have a hole down low. They shipped off Moses Brown and Al Horford in the Kemba Walker trade, so they don’t really have an inside presence, unless you count Tony Bradley. The Thunder don’t really have a future at center and unless they can get their hands on Evan Mobley, they aren’t getting some sort of generational talent. But they can get a solid player, like Turkish center Alperen Sengun.
When he was 18, Sengun was one of the most productive guys ever in European basketball. He averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds per game with 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals on 65% shooting from the field and 81% from the free throw line. Sengun is a very good interior scorer who is quick off his feet with outstanding footwork, hands, and touch. Good at creating for teammates for the position and is a solid rebounder.
Started to show a perimeter shot towards the end of the season. But with him only being 19 right now, there’s a lot of room for improvement in this area.
But there are question marks defensively. Too slow for power forwards and doesn’t have great size or length for centers. Sometimes struggles with pick and roll defense, covering space. Still no outside shot yet, was just 4/21 from 3 this past season.
Sengun is going to be a solid player, but he’s not going to be some sort of generation talent. He’s solid offensively down low with his various post moves. Solid all-around offensive player, but his defense raises questions about whether or not he can be very successful at the next level.
#19 – New York Knicks
Tre Mann
The Knicks need offense. Tre Mann gives you offense. Really easy logic for this pick.
Mann is a pretty tall point guard at 6-5. He’s a smooth ball handler who can change directions/speeds very well. Good at creating space on his pull-up jumper, also has a step-back in his arsenal. Great footwork. Mann is a very good shooter as well. Shot 40% from 3 as a sophomore in Florida, has deep range on his 3-PT shot. Very good pull-up shooter, has a nice floater.
His ball-handling and 3 level scoring abilities make him dangerous in the pick and roll. Improved passer in the pick and roll, using his height to see over defenses.
Defense isn’t a weakness, but it’s not like a strength either. He has a negative wingspan (6-4), so he lacks length which limits his versatility defensively. Only 190 pounds, going to have to bulk up to survive at the NBA level. Still a little turnover prone and because of his lack of bulk, takes awkward shots instead of powering through a defender.
Even with his defensive short-comings, the Knicks have defense. That was their recipe for success last season, now they need offense. They’re getting a good shooter who can make shots from all over the floor. Mann will help a Knicks team that struggled with offensive punch last season.
#20 – Atlanta Hawks
Jared Butler
The Hawks made an unlikely run to the Eastern Conference Finals with Nate McMillan at the helm. They are young and ready to win. One of their few weaknesses is depth. Okungwu is going to miss a big chunk of next year and off the bench, there isn’t must depth behind Trae Young at guard. With the 20th pick, they can sure things up down low with Jared Butler.
Butler has one of the most impressive resumes of any player in this draft. Won a national title this past season at Baylor and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. Played 3 years in college, so he’s not going to be stunned by the NBA’s big leap in physicality and speed.
A very versatile, efficient offensive player who can score at all 3 levels as well as facilitate for others. Good ball-handler, a play who can play with or without the ball. Versatile shot-maker with his feet set or using his step-back, shot 42% from 3 last season. Decent free throw shooter. Solid defender for his lack of size (6-3, 195 pounds), a guy who can disrupt opposing guards.
But that lack of size has it’s problems. Butler isn’t physically imposing, so paint scoring at the next level is a question mark. Not big or long, so probably can’t guard anybody expect most point guards. Is he a PG or a SG? Or worse, is he in-between both positions? He only shot 48% on two-pointers in college, going to have to improve to diversify his offense.
Butler is a solid player who should help the Hawks behind Trae Young. I expect Lou Williams is staying but they just need another solid body. Butler can score and pass well enough and his defense isn’t some sort of major issue. So, the Hawks can definitely get their backup guard behind Young for the future.
#21 – New York Knicks
Kai Jones
The Knicks are here again. Say thank you to Dallas for this pick. Along with offense, the Knicks need frontcourt depth. Mitchell Robinson is great but he was injury prone last year. Taj Gibson is older and Nerlens Noel, their excellent replacement for Robinson when he was hurt, is a UFA this summer. So the Knicks frontcourt needs some insurance and that comes in the form of Kai Jones.
While Jones is 6-10, he’s incredibly agile. Able to run the floor very well in transition. Good footwork defensively, good enough to switch onto guards and wings. Should be able to hold his own in a switching defense. Can play above the rim in the pick and roll. Energetic player, active on the offensive boards, flies around the court for blocks and steals.
Offensively, he showed some glimpses. Shot 38% from 3 as a sophomore on 34 attempts in 26 games. Will attack a closeout into a finish, drop off or kick out. Has potential as a shooter and ball handler as he develops more.
Jones is somewhat of a new-comer to the game and it shows at times. His decision making on both ends is questionable because of that lack of experience, 59 turnovers to 26 assists during two years at Texas. Foul prone, again, something that comes with simply not having the same amount of reps as the guys around you. Little bit on the lighter side at 218, might have to bulk up to become a brick wall in the post.
Kai Jones is a blank canvas. That’s a good and bad thing. With good coaching, something the Knicks have, he could become a very good player on both ends. But sometimes not having one distinct skill right off the bat hurts a player, as you don’t really have a defined role for him. With that being said, I like Jones. He has shown a lot of versatility offensively with his shooting and ball-handling abilities. With more reps, his game will polish on both ends and I think Tom Thibodeau can definitely make him a good defender with the energy levels that he plays at. I think Jones is a real boom or bust player in the draft.
#22 – LA Lakers
Cameron Thomas
The Lakers aren’t very good. Lebron is getting up there in age and Anthony Davis is fragile, simply not there enough to lead the Lakers the way they need him to. The team doesn’t have a center who can play defense outside of AD, they have no shooting, what do you do about Dennis Schroder? So many questions and problems, not a whole lot of answers as of right now. To try and help their floundering offense, I have them taking LSU guard Cameron Thomas.
Thomas is a pure bucket getter. He can score in bunches all over the floor and he does it pretty efficiently thanks to his large dosage of free throws. Good shot-maker with deep range on his jumper. Can get his own shot in isolation, can score out of the pick and roll. Array of weapons to generate space, powerful first step, polished footwork, outstanding body control, strong frame.
Never really been asked to do much outside of scoring, which might be a problem. Not a great defender, especially off-ball. Plays casually, bites on fakes, gives up on plays. Offensively he’s prone to be selfish because he’s a scorer and nothing else. Can be frustrating to play with, averaged more turnovers than assists in college.
While Thomas may have his problems, the Lakers need his scoring. Their window for a title is rapidly closing and they need to rejuvenate this offseason so they can hold their own against teams like Brooklyn or Milwaukee. I just think that passing up on a scorer like Thomas would be a mistake for the Lakers.
#23 – Houston Rockets
Isaiah Jackson
The Rockets are rebuilding. They have 3 first round picks in this draft as they just try and build a winning team without James Harden. They have back-to-back picks here in the tail end of the first round, so they can take whoever they want, regardless of consensus draft boards. With this pick, I have them taking Isaiah Jackson from Kentucky.
Very good physical profile at 6-11 with a 9-5 standing reach. A very good athlete, one of the best in the draft. Good at running in transition and is quick off of his feet. Elite timing makes him a great rim protector, as well as a very good rebounder. Shows flashes offensively with his ability to handle, pass, and shoot the ball. Still at an early stage with those things, but there is some potential for growth in those areas.
Weighs 206 pounds, definitely going to have to beefen up with Tatis. Decent defender but isn’t very consistent on that end. Lacks lower body strength. Sometimes gets lost on defense. Not much of a scorer on his own yet, can also be mistake prone as his decision making can be questionable at times.
I think Jackson can be a really good player in the NBA, because he’s similar to Robert Williams in a lot of ways. Very athletic and with some decent playing time, he can be good. His defense looks to be his strength as of right now but if he can develop a jumpshot of some sorts, he could be a nice complimentary big guy for the Rockets.
#24 – Houston Rockets
Ziaire Williams
You can read what I said above, it still applies here. With the 24th pick and the Rockets 3rd and final first rounder in this draft, I have them taking Stanford’s Ziaire Williams.
Williams is a big wing player, 6-8 with a 6-10.5 inch wingspan. Good at finishing above the rim in space and can change directions and speed very well for somebody that big. Has shown shot-making potential both off the catch and off the bounce. Good enough footwork to do pull-ups and step-backs. Along with his ball-handling, there is a lot of upside for Williams as a creator at the next level. Good off-ball defender, good anticipation in the passing lanes.
Williams is like a twig, only 185 pounds. Definitely doing to have to bulk up a little to add to his potential defensive versatility. Lack of strength also limits his ability to score inside. Still trying to find that balance between scoring and passing. Doesn’t get to the free throw line much, likely due to that lack of strength. Relatively streaky shooter given his reliance on perimeter shot-making.
I think Williams can be a very good player. He was, for the most part, a disappointment at Stanford, but the talent is there. He’s a big guard who can score on the perimeter and even has defensive upside once he gains some weight. He’s certainly a guy who is going to need a lot of development time and a long leash. But the Rockets could be getting a really unique and talented player in Williams.
#25 – LA Clippers
Trey Murphy III
The Clippers aren’t going to be contenders next season without Kawhi, but that could mean two things. Kawhi could become a free agent this summer and leave, the worst case scenario for LA. Or Kawhi could stay with LA for one more season and rehab his partially torn ACL and become a free agent in 2022 (slightly better scenario). But the Clippers time is ticking for them to win. They don’t have a lot of youth and they can certainly add it with the 25th pick. With this pick, I have them taking Trey Murphy III.
Excellent physical profile for a combo forward at 6-9, 206 pounds with a 7-0 wingspan. Resembles guys like Cam Reddish and Jayson Tatum with those physical attributes. Good athlete who can play in space. As he continues to fill out his frame, should be able to stay with guards and wing players on the perimeter very well.
Very good catch and-shoot shooter. Ranked in the 89th percentile of catch and shoot jumpers, shot 43% from 3 and made 93% of free throws as a junior. Shot over 40% over his 3-year collegiate career at Virginia. He’s a very efficient player, very smart player. Good off-ball as a cutter, makes the extra pass.
While Murphy is a very good catch and shoot shooter, he isn’t off the dribble yet. Didn’t shoot many pull-ups as a Junior, certainly not comfortable taking them as he only took 42 pull-up jumpshots in his sophomore and junior seasons. Not a physical driver or finisher despite his size. Doesn’t get to the free throw line much, ball-handling and facilitating need some work. Frame also needs some filling out.
I think Murphy is a great player. He’s a lethal catch-and-shoot shooter and he has so much defensive versatility with his size. If he fills out his frame, he can become a better scorer at the rim and become a better driver. I really think Murphy could be a really nice complimentary player to a Clippers team desperately searching for firepower with Kawhi likely missing all of next season.
#26 – Denver Nuggets
Miles McBride
The Nuggets were swept in the 2nd round of the playoffs without Jamal Murray. Murray is going to miss a portion of next season, so the Nuggets need offense outside of Jokic and MPJ while he’s gone. They have to bring guys like Barton and JaMychal Green back but to solidify the bench, getting a good player with this pick would help a lot. With this pick I have them taking Miles McBride.
McBride is a defensive stopper. He’s a very physical defender who can push opposing ball handlers very far away from the basket because of this. Very good, quick feet that allow him to cut of driving lanes. 6-5 wingspan allows him to contest shots very well. Fights over screens, not a liability in the post. Creates turnovers, chaos, and frustration, he’s going to be a very pesky defender at the next level.
Offensively, McBride is also quite good. He can score well in one-on-one situations. Arsenal includes a step-back, pullup, can hit tough shots on the perimeter with regularity. He’s a bigger guard at 6-2, 200 pounds, so he can play bully ball down low against smaller guys. He shot 46% from 3 in catch and shoot situations, so he can play off-ball. Solid ball handler and facilitator, not turnover prone.
McBride is a good finisher, but he doesn’t go to the rim much. He has to make tough shots on the outside because he can’t really get by guys. Can’t really explode to the rim. Lack of burst really hurts him offensively, although he has very quick feet defensively. His defensive aggressiveness can also work against him. Gambles for steals, becomes too greedy and gets beat. Same thing happens on backdoor cuts. Sometimes ball-watches.
I like McBride a lot. He can hit shots in isolation and he’s a very good catch-and-shoot shooter. His defense is very, very good, one of the best on-ball defenders in this year’s class. The Nuggets desperately need that perimeter defense and they’re adding another shooter on the perimeter for Jokic. Really like the idea of McBride in a Nuggets uniform.
#27 – Brooklyn Nets
Charles Bassey
The Nets need size and assuming that they stay at this pick, there aren’t very many centers for the taking. Like in most recent drafts, it’s mostly wings and guards. But with this pick they can take Charles Bassey, somebody who can help them a lot in their quest for a title.
Bassey is one of the most athletic big guys in the draft this year. He’s 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan. This extreme length helps him a lot defensively, where he’s at his best. Averaged nearly 12 rebounds per game and a whopping 3.1 blocks per game with Western Kentucky this past season. Very mobile, should be able to play pick and roll defense well at the next level. Able to switch onto perimeter players better than most other centers. Elite recovery, Bassey has the potential to be an elite level defender on the interior and perimeter in the NBA.
Offensively, there are flashes. He is a vertical threat in the pick and rolls with his athleticism. Very mobile in the open-court, runs the floor very well. Great offensive rebounder (3.3 per game), a force to be reckoned with down low. Has also shown flashes as a shooter. He shot 31% from 3 this past season, with most of them coming from the middle third for the floor. He’s at his best shooting wise when he has time to set things up, but there is potential for him as a pick-and-pop big guy. Solid free throw shooter at around 70%.
Bassey still has some work to do. Shot just 5/20 on pick and pop jumpshots, so it’s still a work in progress. Sometimes struggles at finishing through contact, even avoiding it at times.
I think that Bassey fits well in Brooklyn. The Nets only have Nicolas Claxton as a usable center as of right now and they desperately need size to combat the dominant forces of the East like Giannis and Embiid. Bassey offers them great rebounding, rim protection, and he has great upside. The Nets need somebody like Bassey badly if they want to win a title.
(Or, you know, they could be healthy)
#28 – Philadelphia 76ers
Joshua Primo
The 76ers are in a weird place. They have problems but even with them, they should have made it to at least the Eastern Conference Finals last year. But they of course had a horrendous 2nd round collapse against Atlanta and now we’re here. What do you do about Ben Simmons? There have been rumors but no deal has been done, but there is a world where the 76ers keep Simmons. In that case, they need more offense, more shooting.
Primo is another incredibly young prospect, as he’s only 18 with a lot of room to grow. Even with his young age, Primo is still a very good offensive player. One of the better shooters in the draft, shot 38% from 3 on nearly 4 attempts per game in college. Best as a catch and shoot guy, shot 44% on catch-and-shoot jumpshots in Alabama. Very good shooting form and technique, showed flashes of deep range. Very good shooter out of the corners.
Primo has also shown flashes off the dribble. Good pullup jump shooter, can’t go under his screens. His 6-9 wingspan allows him to be a good finisher. Shot-making in isolation is certainly not out of the realm of possibilities for Primo.
The defense also looks to be good. That 6-9 wingspan gives him a lot of versatility on that end. His speed and length should make it to he can guard 1-3 in the NBA. Very good at not fouling, good at herding defenders one way or the other.
Still has some work to do as a finisher. Doesn’t really use his left hand much, goes right far too often, can become predictable. Only 1.5 free throws per game in college, likely has to do with 190 pound frame. But because he’s only 18, he still has a lot of time to physically mature. Settles for shots due to lack of burst and athleticism, sometimes struggles at creating separation.
I think Primo can be very good. He’s only 18, so a lot of his weaknesses can be worked out in the next few seasons as he continues to mature physically and mentally. He’s a very good shooter and his long reach make him an enticing two-way player for the future. The 76ers desperately need his offensive upside and if he can also play defense, he’ll fit right in.
#29 – Phoenix Suns
Jaden Springer
The Suns made it to the Finals but after going up 2-0, they kind of collapsed. CP-3 is a free agent this summer and while the odds are slim, it’s not 100% that he stays. Cameron Payne is also a free agent, so the Suns are going to be losing bodies at the guard position. They can do that by taking Jaden Springer from Tennessee.
Springer has good size for the guard position at 6-4, 204 pounds. Like Primo, he’s also 18 years old, so he still has a lot of developing to do. Offensively, Springer isn’t much of a scorer. Most of his offense comes at the rim, where he shot 59% from this past season. Loves to seek out contact and is a good free throw shooter at 81%, so fouling him isn’t the best option when he gets downhill.
Good off-ball player with his cutting ability. Decent playmaker, averaged 4.5 assists per 40 minutes in college. Even at 18 years old, had more assists than turnovers in college. So Springer could become a pretty good playmaker with some polish at the next level.
Defensively, Springer is very good on-ball. With his length, he can probably guard 1-3 at the NBA level. Forced a turnover 24% of the time guarding PNR and ISOs, so he’s a highly effective defender already. Physical defender who is good at cutting off driving lanes. Really good defensive potential.
Not the best shooter. While he did shoot 44% from 3 at Tennessee, he only took 46 3-pointers over 26 games. Not a good catch and shoot 3-PT shooter (10/28), so he can’t really be used off-ball on the perimeter. Not the best form, looks uncomfortable shooting the ball. Adding a reliable jumpshot would help Springer greatly.
Springer has the potential to be a really solid player. Really young and he already has good traits. Good playmaker, good free throw shooter and loves to get to the rim. A long defender who should be versatile enough to guard multiple positions in the NBA. The only thing really missing is a jumpshot and Springer would be complete. The Suns would be getting a nice complimentary guard alongside CP-3 and maybe Cameron Payne.
#30 – Utah Jazz
Quentin Grimes
The Jazz are stuck. All of their players are locked up long term and they don’t have a lot of cap flexibility, especially after they are likely going to re-sign Mike Conley this offseason. The Jazz need defense on the wings and perimeter, as they don’t really have good defenders outside of Gobert. Their poor perimeter defense was one of the main reasons for their demise against the LA Clippers in the 2nd round. With this pick I have them taking Quentin Grimes from the University of Houston.
Grimes has good size to be combo wing/forward at 6-5 with a 6-7 wingspan. Grimes is an excellent shooter, one of just 3 Division I players last year to make 100+ 3-pointers. Good off the catch and shot 43% from 3 when off the dribble, so he can shoot in just about any way you can think of. He has deep range and can make shots with a contest. You can’t go under his screens, he’ll make you pay. Grimes is a really good offensive rebounder, averaging 1.6 per game during his last year with Houston.
Defensively, Grimes is also really good. He is a great on-ball defender, using his length to contest shots well. Also has fantastic anticipation. Very active defender, quick feet, and forces a lot of turnovers. He’s very good at stopping guys in isolation. A menace on the perimeter who should be a very good defender from day one. As we talked about, he’s a really good rebounder on both ends. Really gets up there with two hands to snatch down rebounds. Similar to Josh Hart, a very good rebounding guard.
Some areas of improvement for Grimes are mostly offensive. He doesn’t really had a mid-range game, shot just 3/11 on floaters this past season and 6/30 on pull-ups inside 15 feet. It is weird that such a good shooter struggles in the mid-range, interesting to see if he becomes a better mid-range player in the NBA. He’s not much of a playmaker and he struggles with ball-handling.
Struggles going left and sometimes just puts his head down, doesn’t look up. He doesn’t have a tight dribble, more loosey goosey.
But I think Grimes is a very good player. Really good on-ball defender with lots of versatility with his size and length. Really good 3-PT shooter who can improve as a passer/ball-handler. The Jazz need a player like Grimes who offers them on-ball defense, something they lack, and they get another shooter, because you can never really have enough shooting.
Just don’t ask Houston.
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