NBA Mock Draft 2.0 – Lottery Edition
The NBA Draft is right around the corner and it’s time for my 2nd mock draft of the year, this time with only the top 14 picks involved. I will probably do another full first round mock draft before the draft on July 29th, but here is my first, and last, lottery only mock draft of the year.
#1 – Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham
As much as people make mock drafts to make controversial statements and generate clicks, you’re kidding yourself if you don’t think Cade Cunningham is going #1 overall. Cunningham is likely to be a generational talent, that usually happens when you’re compared to Luka Doncic. His large frame and impressive repertoire are enticing. His can shoot, score, handle, facilitate, play on or ball off ball, is great rebounder, and a excellent free throw shooter. The defense isn’t even that much of a problem either.
The Pistons are getting their magnum opus for their rebuild, a guy who can help them sell tickets and rejuvenate a franchise that hasn’t seen winning basketball since the mid 2000s.
#2 – Houston Rockets
Evan Mobley
The Rockets have the #2 pick, a great chance to select a generational talent to kickstart their post James Harden era of basketball. While Cade Cunningham is the consensus #1 pick, there is some doubt on who will be selected with this pick. To me, the choice is easy. Take USC’s dominant center, Evan Mobley.
Mobley potentially could be the best player in this draft, as he could be the next great two-way versatile center in the NBA. Offensively, Mobley is mobile and a great lob threat in the pick and roll. He has various post moves down low and is a decent ball-handler/playmaker for the position. He has also shown signs of a jumpshot and can definitely develop one.
Defensively, Mobley is also incredibly versatile. He can switch onto guards on the perimeter and with his elite length, he is bound to be a great shot-blocker immediately in the NBA. He can play well in the pick and roll, he can do it all defensively. He was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman and should be a very good defender from day one in the NBA.
Christian Wood isn’t the best defensively, so adding Mobley would be very good for the Rockets. That fit would be interesting, but the Rockets need some defense. Kevin Porter Jr. isn’t exactly a defender and neither is Wood, so they’re going to need some defense, because you need defense to win in the NBA. Assuming John Wall is with the team next season, Mobley will get a veteran guard in his first season, which will help him a lot development wise. I think Mobley is very good and there should be no doubts that he’s going #2 overall. The Rockets would be making a mistake by not taking Mobley.
#3 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Suggs
While I think Mobley fits best with the Cavs, Jalen Suggs has to be the pick here. Suggs is one of the safest picks in the draft and the Cavs need somebody like Suggs. They are likely to trade Collin Sexton either this offseason or in the near future and I think a Garland + Suggs backcourt with Okoro/Allen is very enticing for the future, as the Cavs look for their first shred of success without Lebron since the late 1980’s.
Suggs is probably the guy I’d label, “least likely to be a bust,” if this were a high-school yearbook. Suggs is a very good guard prospect. He has great size for the position at 6’4″ and is an explosive athlete. He can play on or ball and is a great finisher at the rim. Very good passer and decision maker, especially in the pick and roll. Very good playmaker who can find cutters easily, not a selfish player.
Suggs is also a guy who puts his best effort forth defensively and is great at getting in the passing lanes. The one knock on Suggs is his jumpshot. He only shot 34% from 3 but his jumpshot mechanics look good. Likely going to be a mid-range shooter at the start of his career but I don’t see why he can’t develop a 3-PT shot rather quickly in the NBA.
I like Suggs a lot as a prospect. He is a steady point guard who can run an offense well and score a bit as well. With a jumpshot, he could be a very good two-way guard. Assuming the Cavs follow through and trade Collin Sexton to the Knicks or some other team, Suggs brings some size to the Cavs backcourt and him and Garland should be a good pairing. I like the idea of Suggs in a Cavaliers jersey and he should help them a lot in their rebuild back to contention in the East.
#4 – Toronto Raptors
Jalen Green
OMG! Why is Jalen Green going 4th? He’s so gooood! Let me explain, this will all make sense in about 150 words.
Jalen Green is a very talented player, I’m not denying that. The explosive 6-6 guard has the potential to be the best scorer in the draft. He played in the G-League is past season and showed strides with his jumpshot and shot-making abilities. He’s a creative finisher at the rim and is just a pure scorer like Jordan Clarkson or Jamal Crawford in a way.
But I just don’t like Green as much as some others. While he’s 6-6, he’s only 186 pounds. His lack of bulk and strength will severely limit his defense in the NBA. He’s an isolation player who hasn’t showed much as a passer, off-ball player, nothing like that to this point. His defensive intensity isn’t always there. I just don’t Green is as good as Mobley or Suggs.
With that being said, the Raptors could still use him. It looks like Kyle Lowry is leaving and they could use the offensive help. They already have VanVleet and Siakam and OG Anunoby is an elite wing defender. Perhaps they’re just looking for that explosive scorer off the bench, trying to help an offense that was middle of the pack last season.
Green is very talented, but as of right now, he’s a a very one-sided prospect. I get the upside is there, but his floor is not that high compared to Mobley or even Suggs for that matter. I just have to see Green make things work in the NBA, because I’m not just the biggest Jalen Green fan right now.
#5 – Orlando Magic
Scottie Barnes
The Orlando Magic are bad, like really bad. Ever since their 2009 Finals appearance led by Dwight Howard (that sounds like a Mad Lib), they haven’t been good. They traded their best pieces like Vucevic, Gordon, and Fournier at the March trade deadline this past season and now it’s time to rebuild. The Magic already have young talent and they have two picks inside the top 8 of this year’s draft, so they get to add to that talent pool. With the 5th pick, I have them taking Scottie Barnes.
Barnes is one of the most versatile players in the draft. At 6-9, 227 pounds, he’s a physical specimen. He has the length and strength to possibly play small-ball center in the NBA, something that has become increasingly popular over the past couple of seasons. He is great at pressuring opposing guards, as he is quick enough to guard them on the perimeter. Should prove to be a really good, versatile defender in the NBA. He played point guard at Florida State and is a very willing passer.
Offensively though, Barnes is something of a question mark right now. His jumpshot looks unnatural and needs shooters around him, otherwise he’s going to get the Ben Simmons treatment. Not exactly quick or explosive, might not be the best offensive player, maybe a slightly downgraded version of Draymond Green. It’s hard to add burst or explosiveness, but a jumpshot would help Barnes a lot in avoiding being a offensive liability.
Barnes is sort of a blank canvas. He certainly has the physical attributes to be good, he just has to develop offensively. But he could fit the modern NBA very well, being able to guard multiple players defensively and be a point-forward type offensively. The Magic could be getting a very good player in Barnes for the future.
#6 – Oklahoma City Thunder
Jonathan Kuminga
The Thunder were one of the “unlucky” teams in this year’s lottery, but they have a lot, and I mean a lot of picks in the next few seasons. They have 18 first round picks and 18 seconds round picks, over the next 7 years, which is just insane. So, one bad lottery for Sam Presti doesn’t mean much. But with this pick, I have them taking Johnathan Kuminga from the G-League.
Kuminga is another long, lengthy wing. He’s 6-8, 225 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. He’s quick and explosive for his size, a very good athlete. He’s shown the ability to be a good shot-maker and has a fluid looking jumpshot. He can shoot off the dribble, in isolation, and even off of screens. Showed great defensive upside when engaged, big enough to guard bigger forwards but has the lateral quickness needed to stay with guards.
But Kuminga still has some polishing to do. Not the most efficient player in the world and settles a lot for tougher shots. Like Jalen Green, hasn’t showed much offensively if he’s not scoring. Definitely got to have to develop off-ball or as a playmaker to become less of a one-sided player. His defense can be very good, but his effort on that end isn’t always 100%. Tends to bite wildly on fakes, defensive technique definitely needs improvement to be successful at the next level.
Kuminga is like Jalen Green in a lot of ways. Very impressive physically but has a lot of work to do in his game. His defensive effort/technique needs work and he needs to become less one-sided offensively. But the Thunder can definitely take a flyer on Kuminga and bet on his upside, which is very high. The Thunder could be getting one of many young studs for their seemingly never ending rebuild.
#7 – Golden State Warriors
Davion Mitchell
The Warriors are trying to contend. Guys like Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, and even their two lottery picks might be used in a trade for a more established player, Pascal Siakam for example. While there have been no reports of the Warriors trying to do this yet, you never know. Assuming they do keep this pick, I have them taking Baylor guard Davion Mitchell.
Davion Mitchell is one of the best guard prospects in this draft, on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he was the best college defender last season. He won Naismith and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. One of the best, if not the best, on-ball defender in this year’s draft. He has quick feet, he’s physical, and has great anticipation. He plays with 110% energy all the time, he should be an elite defender from day one in the NBA.
Offensively, there aren’t many weaknesses. Quick first step with great burst and athleticism. A very good passer and ball-handler, he can break down defenders without the help of a screen. Can hit shots off the dribble, off-screens, and in isolation. Shot 45% from 3 last year at Baylor and can also play off-ball. Mitchell is one of the most complete prospects in this year’s draft.
I really think Mitchell can be the steal of this year’s draft. He is going to be a great defender from day one and his offense isn’t a weakness. He can shoot and can be a really good bench piece for most teams. If the Warriors have this pick and they have a chance to draft Mitchell, I would draft him. He should be a very good player from day one on both ends.
#8 – Orlando Magic
Moses Moody
Hey, welcome back Orlando. The Magic already got Scottie Barnes in this mock draft and they have a chance to draft another player to add to their talent pool as they try and rebuild. They can go a lot of directions with this pick, but I have them taking Arkansas guard Moses Moody.
Moody has great size for the guard position, at 6-6, 205 pounds while also having a wingspan over 7 feet, Moody is very lengthy and that makes up for his lack of burst. Very good scorer in the halfcourt, shot 36% from the free throw line and 81% from the free throw line during this past season with the Razorbacks. Solid mid-range shooter, best as a shooter when feet are set. Great at drawing fouls, averaged nearly 7 free throw attempts per 40 minutes last season.
Has the tools to defend guards and wings with that great length. Could become a really promising two-way guard/wing type player.
Moody does have some improvement areas. He was better against worse teams in college and wasn’t the best shot-creator or finisher. Those problems were highlighted when he played elite college defenses. Hasn’t filled out enough to where I believe he can consistently take on the best wing defenders in the NBA. He’s better when he has multiple shot-creators around him, likely to be more of a role player in the NBA (not a bad thing, but don’t expect him to be a #1 option on a playoff team).
I like Moody a lot and as a complimentary piece and the Magic could be getting a very good role player for the future. Moddy is a solid scorer and he could have the potential to be a more offensive version of guys like Cam Johnson or Mikal Bridges.
#9 – Sacramento Kings
Franz Wagner
The Sacramento Kings haven’t been good, not for a very long time. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2006 and they just haven’t been able to find any success since guys like Chris Webber and Mike Bibby left them. The Kings have done a good job in the past couple seasons collecting talent. They have the talent, but their defense was historically bad last season. My solution would be to fire Luke Walton, but since they won’t do that, a solution would be to draft Michigan forward Franz Wagner.
Wagner is one of the project players in this draft, as he’s a blank canvas. But he could definitely turn into a great player. Wagner has great size for the position at 6-9 and he’s only 20, so he’s not done developing physically. Despite that youth, Wagner is experienced. He played 59 games in Europe and he played on one of the best teams in college basketball this past season. So he’s definitely not to struggle as much with the jump to the NBA as other prospects do.
Wagner is a very good defender on and off ball. He’s big enough to guard wings, very smart defender. He was a point-forward offensively, very good passer for his position. He shot 81% from the free throw line, so he’s not exactly immune to shooting. Soft touch around the rim as well, he’s a very good complimentary player.
While Wagner isn’t an explosive athlete or leaper, he’s not the bigger guy in the world, and his jumpshot isn’t pretty, he’s a good player. I really like what he brings defensively, especially for a team like the Kings who desperately need defense. He also brings secondary playmaking and some shooting for any team. Wagner should be good right from the jump in the NBA.
#10 – New Orleans Pelicans
Corey Kispert
Time is of the essence for the New Orleans Pelicans. After a disappointing season that saw them lose their head coach Stan Van Gundy after just one season, they have to build a winning roster around their generational talent Zion Williamson. There were reports that Williamson and his camp were unhappy in New Orleans, a small market that lacks attendance. So the Pelicans have to build a much better team than they currently have in one off-season. Steven Adams and Eric Bledose are trade pieces. Lonzo Ball is a free agent, although it looks like they are going to let him walk. Maybe Kyle Lowry can come to them in free agency. Maybe they trade the #10 overall pick. In short, the Pelicans have a lot of work to do. If they keep this #10 overall pick, they can take the best pure shooter in the draft, Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert.
Kispert is a big wing at 6-7, 220 pounds. He’s got good size for the position, so I doubt he’ll struggle with physicality in the NBA. Probably the best pure shooter in the country. Shot 48% from 3 on over 6 attempts per game, very good with his feet set. Can also shoot it on the move, an offensive weapon, especially in today’s NBA with all the shooting that we have. Good good range and not a terrible ball handler off the bounce. Got a decent floater as well, not a bad passer who doesn’t not turn it over often. Very good offensive player on or off-ball, should fit in well with any team.
Defensively isn’t a strength, but he has good size and he’s a smart player. But let’s be totally honest. If Zion wants shooting, you get the man his shooting, period. You have the chance to get an elite shooter? You’d better do it. You’re already taking away Lonzo Ball, the perfect guard pairing for Zion, so you might as well get him some sort of consolation prize. If the Pelicans don’t add shooting with his pick, Zion, you’d better start packing your bags.
#11 – Charlotte Hornets
Keon Johnson
The Charlotte Hornets were surprisingly good last season, nearly making the playoffs but making the play-in tournament. Their signings of Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier have worked very well and Lamelo Ball is going to be a superstar. So now it’s time to build a more complete team. The Hornets struggled with defense last year, as their offense should be taken care of for a long time with the pieces they currently have. With the 11th pick, I have them taking Tennessee guard Keon Johnson.
Keon Johnson is a very good athlete, like an incredibly good athlete. Had a 48″ inch vertical at the combine, which was a record. He also had a 41.5″ standing vertical, also a record. So Miles Bridges, you might have some company up there in the clouds. Johnson is a very aggressive player on both ends. Loves to attack the rim and is a very versatile defender. He’s 6’5″, but should have the ability to guard multiple positions at the next level. He has shown sides of shot-making and playmaking abilities, but they are just flashes as of right now.
Johnson’s offense does need some work and he’ll definitely need to add some muscle, because you can’t guard multiple positions in the NBA at 186 pounds. Not much of a shooter right now, didn’t shoot many 3’s in college and only shot 27% from 3. So his jumpshot is a work in progress.
I think with some development, Johnson could be very good. He is a very good athlete who, once he adds some muscle to that frame, should be a really good defender who can guard 1-3 in the NBA. If his offensive game comes along, if he becomes a better shooter and passer, he could be a really nice piece for any time off the bench as a plug and play wing/forward type player. The Hornets could definitely use a player like Keon Johnson as they try and become relevant for the first time…ever?
#12 – San Antonio Spurs
James Bouknight
The San Antonio Spurs lack direction. They haven’t had a superstar since Kawhi left and with DeMar DeRozan almost certainly leaving this offseason, the Spurs probably need to start rebuilding. Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker, Jakob Poeltl, those are all solid pieces. But they need a superstar and at pick 12, they’re not going to get one. So next year, I’d better see the Spurs much closer to #1 than #10. Anyway, with the 12th pick, they can still get somebody decent. With this pick, I have them taking UConn scorer James Bouknight.
Bouknight has good size for the shooting guard position at 6-5 and he’s one of the best pure scorers in the draft. He’s a good athlete who can play above the rim and has shown glimpses defensively with his size and length. He’s a smooth player who can change speed and direction very well. A very good finisher who can finish with either hand and can get creative when trying to finish around shot-blockers.
Bouknight’s jumper is streaky and he’s a better shooter off the dribble than off the catch at this point. Doesn’t add much off-ball as of right now, don’t know his fit in the NBA when there are multiple ball-handlers and shot-creators on the court at the same time. Not much of a facilitator, had more turnovers than assists at college.
Bouknight is an interesting player. He took all the shots and his efficiencies took a hit, as he shot only 29% from 3 on 5 attempts per game. But the scoring is there. He’s a natural scorer and has shown glimpses defensively. But he’s a little bit thing (190 pounds) for his 6-5 frame and he hasn’t showed much off-ball yet. But for a Spurs offense that lacks scoring and likely losing a 20 ppg scorer in DeRozan? Bouknight could offer instant offense off the bench for a Spurs team in desperate need of a energy boost.
#13 – Indiana Pacers
Jalen Johnson
The Indiana Pacers were bad last year. To make matters worse, their head coaching swap was an absolute mess. They got rid of Nate McMillan, a very good coach, simply because they hadn’t been making it out of the first round enough, even though it wasn’t McMillan’s fault. McMillan went to Atlanta as an assistant. That’s an important detail, remember that. They hired Nate Bjorkgren, a Raptors assistant with Nick Nurse. He sucked. He was a bully and a jerk behind closed doors, he didn’t know what he was doing. Nate McMillan on the other hand? Took over for the Hawks mid-season and led them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Not a good look. But the Pacers hired Rick Carlisle back to Indiana, hoping to try and gain some traction in the Eastern Conference. They need depth badly and this lottery pick can help them a lot. With this pick, I have them taking Duke’s Jalen Johnson.
Johnson is a very impressive athlete. At 6-9, 220 pounds, he showcases an impressive combination of strength and explosiveness. A very versatile defender who can defend all 5 defenders. Good defender off-ball, solid rebounder, and is a very good overhang defender for blocks and charges. Good ball-handler and a crafty passer, good at driving in a straight line.
The shooting is a work in progress. Not the best technique/release, not a polished half-court scorer. Predictable as a shot-creator and had more turnovers than assists during his one, weird season at Duke. Offense needs a lot of work.
Johnson can be a solid player from day one, but most of his impact will be defensively. He’ll be getting Ben Simmons treatment until he gets a jumpshot, which he’ll need to be a threat. The passing is intriguing, if he cuts down on turnovers he could be a point-forward, similar to Domantas Sabonis in a way. Johnson could become a very good two-way combo forward if that offense develops to being better in the half-court. He could make an immediate impact to a Pacers team desperately needing some depth behind their starters.
#14 – Golden State Warriors
Josh Giddey
If the Warriors keep this pick, they have another chance to add some depth. They definitely need some offense to add around Steph Curry, whose utter brilliance last season was wasted due to lack to help around him. With this pick, they can add an interesting, young forward from Australia, Josh Giddey.
Giddey is a supersized point guard at 6-9 and is going to be one of the youngest players in this year’s draft. He is a little slim at only 185 pounds, but he can still develop physically. While Giddey is young and a little slim, he still led the NBL in assists. The NBL does have real men in their league, so it’s certainly a step up from the NCAA. His passing abilities in the pick and roll are great and he might be the best passer in the draft.
Very good ball-handler, good at changings pace and manipulating the defense. While the defense isn’t there, he’s a good rebounder for his size and has shown promise in the passing lanes. He was still a top-5 rebounder in the NBL despite his lack of size, strength, and experience. The scoring also needs some work. Didn’t score much (10.9 ppg) and didn’t do it very efficiently (51% TS). Only shot 29% from 3, don’t know if he has a jumpshot at this point. His lack of bulk with limit him defensively in the NBA.
Giddey is a very interesting prospect. He’s very young but played very well in a competitive league filled with grown adults, not other kids. Very good passer and rebounder and he’s also very raw. If he can develop a jumpshot, his offense will be very good at 6-9 and he could play a little bit like Draymond Green offensively. I don’t know how much of a problem his defense will be, but that might be something that holds him back in the future. But I see Giddey as a bigger playmaker, a point-forward who could be a very good project player for a lot of teams, including the Warriors.
What Are Your Thoughts On This Mock Draft? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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