2021 NBA Draft Preview
For teams who struggled throughout the 2020-21 NBA season, the “Fade for Cade” became a theme. The Oklahoma State Cowboy has been the consensus number one pick since the first day he stepped on campus. On Thursday, July 29, Cunningham and fifty-nine other NBA hopefuls will have their name called by Adam Silver and Mark Tatum. Then cross the stage at the Barclays Center and begin their first step as professional basketball players. As these gentlemen move on from their amateur status onto pay-for-play, we break down the fourteen young men who will likely hear their name called by one of the fourteen lottery teams.
1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham
PPG – 20.1 / RPG – 6.2 / APG – 3.5
Standing at 6’8″, 220lbs, the nineteen-year-old multi-talented combo guard-forward is the cream of the crop for the 2021 draft. It is a great building block for any struggling franchise. With his ability to create his own shot or play off the ball, the former Oklahoma St. Cowboy brings an exciting combination of size, skill, and intelligence. As one of a few NBA-ready players in the draft, Cunningham has the talent to play multiple positions on either end of the court. The Pistons need a face for their franchise, and Cunningham certainly fits that title.
2. Houston Rockets – Evan Mobley
PPG – 16.4 / RPG – 8.7 / APG – 2.4
Mobley is unquestionably the best big man in the draft. This creates a bit of a problem when the Rockets already have a 6’10” version in Christian Wood, who had a breakout season before being impacted by an ankle injury. Both players can play facing the basket, run the floor and provide a presence on the defensive end. The Rockets could also use the pick to select Mobley. They could dangle him as trade bait for teams looking for an impactful big man and gain a backcourt player and another asset, which could fit their team better.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jalen Green
PPG – 17.9 / RPG – 4.1 / APG – 2.8
Green will likely be the first player who decided to skip college and play in the NBA G-League to be drafted. As with the Rockets issue with Mobley, the Cavaliers already have a crowded backcourt with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. The chance to add potentially the best pure scorer in the draft may be too enticing to pass up. Gifted with explosive athletic ability, Green can creatively get to the hoop when his outside shot is struggling.
4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs
PPG – 14.4 / RPG – 5.3 / APG – 4.5
The Raptors could be one of the teams willing to make a draft-day trade with the Rockets for Mobley as they are thin up front. If they do keep the pick, Suggs looks to be a natural replacement for Kyle Lowry who could be on his way out as a free agent. Suggs is essentially Lowry 2.0 and teaming him up with another pitbull-type player in Fred Van Vleet gives the Raptors one of the grittiest backcourts in the NBA.
5. Orlando Magic – Jonathan Kuminga
PPG – 15.8 / RPG – 7.2 / APG – 2.7
He didn’t have as much success as a member of the NBA G-League Ignite that his teammate Green did. Still, Kuminga is the type of player that the Magic can quickly slot into the starting small forward spot that was once occupied by Aaron Gordon. The Magic are in a full rebuild, and Kuminga’s size, length, and athletic ability are very similar to Gordon’s. Although still raw in talent, the Magic are young enough to be patient with Kuminga as he fills out and matures into the NBA game.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Scottie Barnes
PPG – 10.3 / RPG – 4.0 / APG – 4.1
In a draft class that is considered to be a top-five first tier, Barnes falls into the best second tier as the 6th pick. Despite being listed as a small forward, Barnes can confidently handle the rock. He was the main facilitator during his one year with the Florida State Seminoles. With a 6’7″ frame, a 7’3″ wingspan, and a 36″ standing vertical, Barnes has the type of body that the Thunder seeks to help fill out their rebuilding plan. If it weren’t for his lack of a consistent shot, Barnes may have found himself in the top tier of the 2021 draft class.
7. Golden State Warriors – Davion Mitchell
PPG – 14 / RPG – 2.7 / APG – 5.5
There are many options for the Warriors with this pick. They might look to trade it to bring in a more experienced player or use it to draft a young backup for Steph Curry or Draymond Green. With a lot of mileage on Curry’s legs, drafting Mitchell with their first of two lottery picks makes the most sense for the Warriors. After leading the Baylor Bears to the NCAA National Championship this year as a Junior, Mitchell comes into the team with plenty of big-game experience. While his calling card is his tenacious defense, Mitchell shot 44% from downtown last season, so he should fit right into the Warriors’ offensive plans.
8. Orlando Magic – Moses Moody
PPG – 16.8 / RPG – 5.8 / APG – 1.6
The Orlando Magic needs a starting shooting guard, and Moody can step right in on opening night. Whether he plays beside Cole Anthony in the backcourt or moves to the small forward slot, Moody is a 3 and D type player that the Magic seek to add to their young roster. Some may consider this spot too high to draft Moody, who is expected to be the youngest player in the draft. Still, the Magic aren’t likely to compete in the East next season and can afford to be patient.
9. Sacramento Kings – Franz Wagner
PPG – 12.5 / RPG – 6.5 / APG – 3
The Kings seem to have their starting unit locked down, so adding some depth to their bench is key this offseason. Enter the Michigan Wolverine, who is a walking Swiss Army knife. A two-way player that can do a bit of everything well, Wagner can play both forward positions if the Kings decide to go small ball. With a solid shoot-dribble-pass skill set, Wagner has an above-average catch and shoot game and reminds some of former San Antonio Spurs great, Manu Ginobli.
10. New Orleans Pelicans – Corey Kispert
PPG – 18.6 / RPG – 5 / APG 1.8
The Pelicans appear in disarray. They have some of the best young offensive talents in the NBA on their roster, but they haven’t figured out how to use it in two years. And let’s not even start with their defense, which ranked 22nd out of the thirty teams in the league. Adding a player with Kispert’s talents will help space the floor offensively by allowing Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram room to operate. He is one of the best pure shooters in the draft. A high IQ player, Kispert would come to the team with plenty of experience. The 22-year-old is the only senior player expected to be drafted in the lottery and could make an immediate impact.
11. Charlotte Hornets – Kai Jones
PPG – 8.8 / RPG – 4.8 / APG – 0.6
The Hornets made more noise this season than many expected as they were on the verge of a playoff seed for most of the regular season until injuries to Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball took their toll. One of the Hornets’ biggest weaknesses is at the center spot, where Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo each failed to hit double digits in scoring or rebounding. Neither provided much of a shot-blocking presence. After Evan Mobley, the cupboard is pretty bare for big men in this year’s draft, but look for the Hornets to take a flyer on the former Texas Longhorn, who can space the floor as well as run the court and add some defensive athleticism.
12. San Antonio Spurs – Keon Johnson
PPG – 11.3 / RPG – 3.5 / APG – 2.5
Who the Spurs pick here depends on whether or not they feel Demar DeRozan will stay or leave. Although he has been their best player for the last couple of seasons, DeRozan is a free agent who is likely looking to join a contending team, rather than one who is battling for an eighth seed. If DeRozan is content to stay, look for the Spurs to draft a center, but since odds are the LA native is leaving, selecting Keon Johnson will help fill the void. Smashing the NBA Combine vertical test, Johnson draws comparisons to DeRozan and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown.
13. Indiana Pacers – Josh Giddey
PPG – 10.9 / RPG – 7.4 / APG – 7.5
Giddey is likely to be the first International player chosen in this year’s draft. Similar in style and size to LaMelo Ball, who played in the same Australian league before high school. Giddey will give the Pacers a pass-first point guard who can either play alongside Malcolm Brogden or replace him off the bench. At only 19 years of age, Giddey would be the Pacers point guard of the future. For Giddey to succeed in the NBA as the primary ball-handler, he will have to limit his turnovers as he averaged 3.3 in just 32 minutes of action last season in the NBL.
14. Golden State Warriors – James Bouknight
PPG – 18.7 / RPG – 5.7 / APG – 1.8
There is nothing wrong with adding another member to the Splash Brothers, especially with Klay Thompson coming off of two missed seasons. With the ability to create his own shot and finish in traffic, Bouknight seems like the perfect fit for the Warriors. The only concern that the Warriors might have is how healthy Bouknight’s elbow is as he had surgery on it this past season. Still, by all accounts, it seemed to be fine as he finished out his sophomore season.
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2021 NBA Draft Preview
For teams who struggled throughout the 2020-21 NBA season, the “Fade for Cade” became a theme. The Oklahoma State Cowboy has been the consensus number one pick since the first day he stepped on campus. On Thursday, July 29, Cunningham and fifty-nine other NBA hopefuls will have their name called by Adam Silver and Mark Tatum. Then cross the stage at the Barclays Center and begin their first step as professional basketball players. As these gentlemen move on from their amateur status onto pay-for-play, we break down the fourteen young men who will likely hear their name called by one of the fourteen lottery teams.
1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham
PPG – 20.1 / RPG – 6.2 / APG – 3.5
Standing at 6’8″, 220lbs, the nineteen-year-old multi-talented combo guard-forward is the cream of the crop for the 2021 draft. It is a great building block for any struggling franchise. With his ability to create his own shot or play off the ball, the former Oklahoma St. Cowboy brings an exciting combination of size, skill, and intelligence. As one of a few NBA-ready players in the draft, Cunningham has the talent to play multiple positions on either end of the court. The Pistons need a face for their franchise, and Cunningham certainly fits that title.
2. Houston Rockets – Evan Mobley
PPG – 16.4 / RPG – 8.7 / APG – 2.4
Mobley is unquestionably the best big man in the draft. This creates a bit of a problem when the Rockets already have a 6’10” version in Christian Wood, who had a breakout season before being impacted by an ankle injury. Both players can play facing the basket, run the floor and provide a presence on the defensive end. The Rockets could also use the pick to select Mobley. They could dangle him as trade bait for teams looking for an impactful big man and gain a backcourt player and another asset, which could fit their team better.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jalen Green
PPG – 17.9 / RPG – 4.1 / APG – 2.8
Green will likely be the first player who decided to skip college and play in the NBA G-League to be drafted. As with the Rockets issue with Mobley, the Cavaliers already have a crowded backcourt with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. The chance to add potentially the best pure scorer in the draft may be too enticing to pass up. Gifted with explosive athletic ability, Green can creatively get to the hoop when his outside shot is struggling.
4. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs
PPG – 14.4 / RPG – 5.3 / APG – 4.5
The Raptors could be one of the teams willing to make a draft-day trade with the Rockets for Mobley as they are thin up front. If they do keep the pick, Suggs looks to be a natural replacement for Kyle Lowry who could be on his way out as a free agent. Suggs is essentially Lowry 2.0 and teaming him up with another pitbull-type player in Fred Van Vleet gives the Raptors one of the grittiest backcourts in the NBA.
5. Orlando Magic – Jonathan Kuminga
PPG – 15.8 / RPG – 7.2 / APG – 2.7
He didn’t have as much success as a member of the NBA G-League Ignite that his teammate Green did. Still, Kuminga is the type of player that the Magic can quickly slot into the starting small forward spot that was once occupied by Aaron Gordon. The Magic are in a full rebuild, and Kuminga’s size, length, and athletic ability are very similar to Gordon’s. Although still raw in talent, the Magic are young enough to be patient with Kuminga as he fills out and matures into the NBA game.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Scottie Barnes
PPG – 10.3 / RPG – 4.0 / APG – 4.1
In a draft class that is considered to be a top-five first tier, Barnes falls into the best second tier as the 6th pick. Despite being listed as a small forward, Barnes can confidently handle the rock. He was the main facilitator during his one year with the Florida State Seminoles. With a 6’7″ frame, a 7’3″ wingspan, and a 36″ standing vertical, Barnes has the type of body that the Thunder seeks to help fill out their rebuilding plan. If it weren’t for his lack of a consistent shot, Barnes may have found himself in the top tier of the 2021 draft class.
7. Golden State Warriors – Davion Mitchell
PPG – 14 / RPG – 2.7 / APG – 5.5
There are many options for the Warriors with this pick. They might look to trade it to bring in a more experienced player or use it to draft a young backup for Steph Curry or Draymond Green. With a lot of mileage on Curry’s legs, drafting Mitchell with their first of two lottery picks makes the most sense for the Warriors. After leading the Baylor Bears to the NCAA National Championship this year as a Junior, Mitchell comes into the team with plenty of big-game experience. While his calling card is his tenacious defense, Mitchell shot 44% from downtown last season, so he should fit right into the Warriors’ offensive plans.
8. Orlando Magic – Moses Moody
PPG – 16.8 / RPG – 5.8 / APG – 1.6
The Orlando Magic needs a starting shooting guard, and Moody can step right in on opening night. Whether he plays beside Cole Anthony in the backcourt or moves to the small forward slot, Moody is a 3 and D type player that the Magic seek to add to their young roster. Some may consider this spot too high to draft Moody, who is expected to be the youngest player in the draft. Still, the Magic aren’t likely to compete in the East next season and can afford to be patient.
9. Sacramento Kings – Franz Wagner
PPG – 12.5 / RPG – 6.5 / APG – 3
The Kings seem to have their starting unit locked down, so adding some depth to their bench is key this offseason. Enter the Michigan Wolverine, who is a walking Swiss Army knife. A two-way player that can do a bit of everything well, Wagner can play both forward positions if the Kings decide to go small ball. With a solid shoot-dribble-pass skill set, Wagner has an above-average catch and shoot game and reminds some of former San Antonio Spurs great, Manu Ginobli.
10. New Orleans Pelicans – Corey Kispert
PPG – 18.6 / RPG – 5 / APG 1.8
The Pelicans appear in disarray. They have some of the best young offensive talents in the NBA on their roster, but they haven’t figured out how to use it in two years. And let’s not even start with their defense, which ranked 22nd out of the thirty teams in the league. Adding a player with Kispert’s talents will help space the floor offensively by allowing Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram room to operate. He is one of the best pure shooters in the draft. A high IQ player, Kispert would come to the team with plenty of experience. The 22-year-old is the only senior player expected to be drafted in the lottery and could make an immediate impact.
11. Charlotte Hornets – Kai Jones
PPG – 8.8 / RPG – 4.8 / APG – 0.6
The Hornets made more noise this season than many expected as they were on the verge of a playoff seed for most of the regular season until injuries to Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball took their toll. One of the Hornets’ biggest weaknesses is at the center spot, where Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo each failed to hit double digits in scoring or rebounding. Neither provided much of a shot-blocking presence. After Evan Mobley, the cupboard is pretty bare for big men in this year’s draft, but look for the Hornets to take a flyer on the former Texas Longhorn, who can space the floor as well as run the court and add some defensive athleticism.
12. San Antonio Spurs – Keon Johnson
PPG – 11.3 / RPG – 3.5 / APG – 2.5
Who the Spurs pick here depends on whether or not they feel Demar DeRozan will stay or leave. Although he has been their best player for the last couple of seasons, DeRozan is a free agent who is likely looking to join a contending team, rather than one who is battling for an eighth seed. If DeRozan is content to stay, look for the Spurs to draft a center, but since odds are the LA native is leaving, selecting Keon Johnson will help fill the void. Smashing the NBA Combine vertical test, Johnson draws comparisons to DeRozan and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown.
13. Indiana Pacers – Josh Giddey
PPG – 10.9 / RPG – 7.4 / APG – 7.5
Giddey is likely to be the first International player chosen in this year’s draft. Similar in style and size to LaMelo Ball, who played in the same Australian league before high school. Giddey will give the Pacers a pass-first point guard who can either play alongside Malcolm Brogden or replace him off the bench. At only 19 years of age, Giddey would be the Pacers point guard of the future. For Giddey to succeed in the NBA as the primary ball-handler, he will have to limit his turnovers as he averaged 3.3 in just 32 minutes of action last season in the NBL.
14. Golden State Warriors – James Bouknight
PPG – 18.7 / RPG – 5.7 / APG – 1.8
There is nothing wrong with adding another member to the Splash Brothers, especially with Klay Thompson coming off of two missed seasons. With the ability to create his own shot and finish in traffic, Bouknight seems like the perfect fit for the Warriors. The only concern that the Warriors might have is how healthy Bouknight’s elbow is as he had surgery on it this past season. Still, by all accounts, it seemed to be fine as he finished out his sophomore season.