The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and as we get deeper into the tournament, the draft picture will start to look more and more clear. For fans of teams that didn’t make the playoffs, the draft is the most exciting aspect of the summer, as speculation and predictions about where teams will pick create hope for seasons to come. Today I’ll be unveiling my first mock draft of the year. Covering the first round only, I will go through each pick based on what the current projected order looks like.
Before I jump in, I’ll cover a few items that explain how I approach these mocks in case this is your first time reading one. For starters, I draft based on what I would do if I were each teams’ GM, but I also attempt to stay rational. Secondly, I don’t include trades in my mocks in order to keep things simple, but I may suggest some spots where a trade would make sense. Finally, as I will only cover the first round, there are definitely some players that will get left out. To make up for this, I will finish by including a list of guys that I certainly could see sliding into the first round as well. Sound good? Let’s get to it.
*Draft Order as of 6/1/21 Per Tankathon.com
1. Houston Rockets: Cade Cunningham (SF- Oklahoma State)
It doesn’t really matter who ends up in the #1 spot; Cade should be the pick no matter what. His skillset and basketball IQ will allow him to co-exist with just about any player in the league, and he has the individual ability to be a real superstar. Houston actually looks like a great fit, as Cade can slide in very nicely with Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. to form a nice young core.
2. Detroit Pistons: Evan Mobley (PF/C- USC)
The Pistons endured a rough 2020-21 season, but things won’t be 100% bad if they land Mobley. With enormous upside on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Mobley is a great fit in the modern NBA thanks to his versatility. Him and Jerami Grant can pair together nicely, and if Killian Hayes starts to put things together in year 2, we could see a good group begin to develop in the Motor City.
3. Orlando Magic: Jalen Green (SG- G-League)
For the first time in a while, it’s an exciting time to be an Orlando Magic fan. We’re already starting to see their young players put it together, and after blowing up the roster by trading Nikola Vucevic to Chicago, the team will get to add two more top-10 picks this year. Green feels like the right choice at #3 based on what Orlando appears to be missing. Markelle Fultz and RJ Hampton both look like potential fits as combo guards in the league for the long haul. Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter should make for a formidable front court if they can remain healthy. Cole Anthony displayed a clutch gene in his rookie season.
Green gives Orlando a two-guard that just knows how to score. He can get a bucket from any spot on the floor; an attribute the Magic have lacked from a player for some time.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Suggs (PG- Gonzaga)
One of the most complete players in this class, Suggs feels like a safe bet to be a solid NBA player. It seemed like he was always in control during his lone season at Gonzaga. He displayed a killer instinct in March that just added to his value. Teaming him up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC would give the Thunder one of the league’s most exciting young backcourts. The Thunder still have a lot of areas that need improvement, but with a plethora of draft picks piled up, each one should be focused on the best player available, and here that player is Suggs.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonathan Kuminga (SF- G-League)
There appears to be a fairly consensus “Top 5” in this draft class, and Kuminga rounds it out. An explosive athlete with good defensive potential, Kuminga should be able to help any team. His shooting percentages are concerning, but I think Cleveland can afford to take that chance. Their backcourt is set, and they should look to add as many key players on the wings as possible. Kuminga has booming potential and could be one of the most exciting players to emerge from this class.
6. Golden State Warriors (From Minnesota): Moses Moody (SG- Arkansas)
The draft will really start to open up around pick #6. There are a few reasons I love Moody to Golden State with the Wolves’ pick. For starters, Moody should be one of the best shooters in this class. If we learned anything in the play-in games, it’s that Steph Curry needs more help on the offensive end. Obviously getting Klay Thompson and Kelly Oubre back should help there, but you can never take an abundance of shooters for granted in the NBA. Secondly, Moody moves great off the ball. The Warriors have been an example for executing off-ball movement in recent years, and they know how to get guys free for shots. Moody also has good defensive potential, and he’s only 19. He feels like a high-upside pick for the Dubs.
7. Toronto Raptors: Keon Johnson (SG- Tennessee)
Seeing the Raptors in the lotto feels odd. A model of consistency in recent years, Toronto struggled through an odd 2020-21 season that included them playing no true home games. As a result, they find themselves landing Johnson at #7. Keon is an intriguing prospect who could ultimately evolve into a really solid NBA player. He is very athletic, and offers a lot on the defensive end. At only 19, there’s a lot of time to improve his issues on the offensive end. The Raptors have a track record for strong player development, and this feels like a perfect marriage.
8. Orlando Magic (From Chicago): Jalen Johnson (SF- Duke)
When a team lands two lottery picks in the same season, I’m a big fan of them taking risks. There will be a lot of talk about Johnson potentially sliding because of how his season abruptly ended at Duke. The fact of the matter is that from a talent standpoint alone, this is easily a top-10 guy in this class. He will give you multiple “wow” moments during games, and his athleticism is elite. He’s a good passer for his size and can be a solid defender as well. The jumper needs work, but after nabbing Green earlier, Orlando can take this chance. There is a high ceiling here, and I’d love to see the Magic jump on the opportunity.
9. Sacramento Kings: Scottie Barnes (SF- Florida State)
Scottie is one of the more unique draft prospects in the class. There will be a lot of comparisons made to Draymond Green due to his style of play. His basketball IQ is very advanced for his age and size, and he is one of the best competitors on the defensive end that you’ll find. I’d be very interested to see him play alongside De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. He’s still limited on the offensive end, but his positives translate to almost any roster in the league.
10. New Orleans Pelicans: Corey Kispert (SF- Gonzaga)
The Pelicans will be a popular pick to take a big step forward next season. There’s talent oozing out of this roster, they just need the right pieces. Kispert isn’t going to be a generational player, and that’s ok. The Pels already have Zion and Brandon Ingram to handle the primary responsibilities on offense. Where they need help is on the perimeter. It always helps to have guys that can space the floor for your superstars, and Kispert should be elite in that area. He is the best pure shooter in this class, and he has good size for his position as well.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Kai Jones (C- Texas)
This is definitely a developmental pick for the Hornets. Jones will need time before he becomes a truly viable NBA player, but the physical tools are too good to pass on. He plays with a super high motor and runs the floor remarkably well for someone his size. Imagining him catching lobs from LaMelo Ball is very exciting.
12. San Antonio Spurs: Usman Garuba (PF- Spain)
The first international prospect off the board lands at 12 with San Antonio. Garuba will take some time before he’s fully contributing to an NBA roster, but the talent is clearly present. San Antonio is a good spot for him to develop, while still getting some opportunities early as well.
13. Indiana Pacers: Davion Mitchell (PG/SG- Baylor)
The Pacers have a pretty solid group for a team picking at 13. There’s not a giant hole at any particular position that needs to be filled. For that reason, they should be looking to add the best player available here. Mitchell looks like that guy, and he’s also a player who can help this team from day 1. If you paid attention to March Madness this year, you probably know about Mitchell. One of the standouts for the national champions, Mitchell did everything for Baylor. He can run the point, he can shoot, and he can defend. That’ll play at the next level.
14. Golden State Warriors: Alperen Sengun (C- Turkey)
After grabbing Moses Moody with their first pick, I’d love to see the Warriors take a chance on Sengun at 14. One of my personal favorite prospects in this class, Sengun does some things on the basketball floor that guys his size shouldn’t be able to do. Along with his ability to run the floor, Sengun creates extremely well for a big man, and he shot 79% from the free throw line, indicating he might be able to develop a jumper in the league as well. The Warriors could certainly benefit from beefing up their interior, and Sengun is an interesting piece to add to their roster.
15. Washington Wizards: Franz Wagner (SF- Michigan)
The Wizards were at the bottom half of the league in team defense this year. They also ranked dead last in % of points that came from 3 point land. Enter Wagner. Franz projects as a classic 3&D style player in the NBA. He’s one of the better defensive prospects in this class and he can really stroke it from outside. He’s a safe bet to be a solid contributor at the next level.
16. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Jackson (PF/C- Kentucky)
Jackson could be an elite level shot blocker and rim protector. He plays extremely hard and should be a very versatile defender in the league due to his frame. He will rim-run and bring a lot of energy to any team he ends up with. Check out his highlights against Kansas to truly see the defensive potential at its fullest.
17. Memphis Grizzlies: Josh Giddey (PG- Australia)
Giddey could be one of the true unicorns of his class. A 6’8 Australian point guard, he has been tearing up the Australian league and is a true triple-double threat each time he takes the floor. He has fantastic vision, and really lets the game come to him. Memphis is an interesting fit, as he plays a very different game from Ja Morant. I’d be interested to see him run the second unit. Ultimately, if either he or Morant improves their jumper, this would be an interesting combo to play together, as Giddey’s size could allow for them to co-exist.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Miami): Ziaire Williams (SF- Stanford)
After taking Jalen Suggs earlier in this mock, the Thunder double down on big name freshmen and grab Williams at 18. Once considered a potential top-10 pick, Williams has seen his stock dip slightly. He definitely could go higher than this, but for now, the late teens feel like the right spot for him. He has the potential to be a big-time scorer at the next level, and I’d love to see the Thunder continue to add to their core by nabbing him here.
19. New York Knicks: James Bouknight (SG- UConn)
A lot of mocks will have Bouknight going higher than 19, but this is about the range I’m comfortable with for now. He might be the best shot-maker in this class, but he’s slightly limited in terms of what else he brings to the table at an NBA level. I could see the Knicks being a team willing to look past some of his weaknesses to focus on his strengths. At his best, Bouknight can be a big-time scorer on the wing. The Garden can always welcome guys with that ability.
20. Atlanta Hawks: Jared Butler (PG- Baylor)
It’s going to be very interesting to see how the Hawks handle the rest of the playoffs. As I write this, they are prepping for a second round date with the 76ers. We’re seeing Trae Young really blossom on the big stage, but it can never hurt to add some depth behind him. Butler is one of the safest bets in this class to carve out a role on a roster. He looks like a great second unit point guard thanks to his playmaking and defensive abilities. He also shot over 40% from three at a decent volume. Every team can use a guy like Butler. Atlanta would be a perfect fit.
21. New York Knicks (From Dallas): Tre Mann (PG- Florida)
After adding Bouknight just two picks earlier, the Knicks stick with the backcourt and grab Mann at 21. At 6’5, he has potential as a combo guard in the league, and that probably plays more into his skillset. He has room to develop his playmaking abilities, as his scoring ability from all levels is really his best attribute. The Knicks need more depth at the point spot, and Mann seems like the best man for the job.
22. Los Angeles Lakers: Jaden Springer (PG- Tennessee)
The fact that Springer is still available at 22 speaks to the talent in this class. Springer has all the skills that translate to the NBA. He’s young, he shot the ball great in his freshman season, and he has immense defensive potential. With rumors swirling about Dennis Schroder leaving LA, Springer makes a lot of sense as a young guard to bring in to battle for a rotational spot.
23. Houston Rockets (From Portland): Sharife Cooper (PG- Auburn)
Continuing the run on point guards is Cooper. One of the smallest guys in this draft class, Cooper is nothing to joke about. Probably the best passer in his class, he screams floor general. He is an absolute blur on the court, rarely makes the wrong read, and he has a great handle. An underrated skill of his is his ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line. The jumper still needs work, but the Rockets are in a great position to take a chance on the electrifying style of play that he can bring to an offense.
24. Houston Rockets (From Milwaukee): Cam Thomas (SG- LSU)
Given that they currently hold back-to-back picks, I wouldn’t be incredibly surprised to see Houston package 23 and 24 and move up if there’s another player they have their eye on. With that said, in this instance let’s go ahead and add Thomas to their 2021 selections. Another pure scorer, Thomas’ draft position could vary heavily depending on how scouts choose to evaluate his overall game. He was an electric scorer at LSU, and he will take and make shots that most players don’t think about shooting. If I’m a Houston fan, I’d be happy to see Cade, Sharife and Cam joining my squad.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Duarte (SG- Oregon)
The Clippers offseason will be heavily impacted by how their current series with Dallas finishes. If they suffer a first round exit, it could change the entire makeup of this roster. That makes mocking a pick to them even more difficult than a late 1st round pick already is. For now, let’s send Duarte to L.A. He’s higher than 25 on my big board, but the earlier run on point guards drops him down in this mock. Duarte is about as solid as it gets across the board. He’s a great shooter, a good wing defender, and he plays with great intensity. He’s the type of guy that can play meaningful minutes for a playoff team from the jump.
26. Denver Nuggets: Josh Christopher (SG- Arizona State)
The Nuggets previous draft picks have illustrated that they love to go after high-risk/high-reward players. Michael Porter Jr, Bol Bol, and R.J. Hampton were all prospects with question marks that Denver ended up selecting. Christopher is another guy who was a huge name in high school. He got off to a good start at Arizona State but didn’t put together a complete season. His athleticism is an unteachable talent, and I believe Denver is a great spot for him to develop his weaknesses.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Day’Ron Sharpe (C- North Carolina)
The Nets have plenty of offensive firepower. Considered among the favorites to win the NBA finals this year, they will be looking to the draft solely to add complementary pieces that can do specific things very well. Sharpe is a polarizing prospect for some because of his limited offensive game. In Brooklyn, he would have plenty of time to work on that area before he was asked to become a big-time scorer. Where he can excel is on the glass. He has the physicality and build to be an elite-level rebounder in the league. His intensity is great, and I think he’s still a back-end first round guy.
28. Philadelphia 76ers: Greg Brown (PF- Texas)
Brown is one of the tougher guys to place in this mock. I wouldn’t be surprised if one team loves him enough to grab him in the lottery, and I also wouldn’t be surprised if he falls into the second round. The fit in Philly gives the Sixers a little more length, and another tremendous athlete. Brown could be the most explosive player in this entire class. He is a ferocious dunker and has a high motor. There’s a lot of potential to be tapped into, and Philly is in a good spot to take that chance.
29. Phoenix Suns: Joel Ayayi (PG/SG- Gonzaga)
Ayayi was the under-appreciated star of the Gonzaga squad this year. When you talk about intangibles, it’s hard not to think about Ayayi. He will do just about everything on a basketball court, and he does all of it well. Phoenix has their core for the foreseeable future; now it’s all about continuing to surround the stars with the right role players.
30. Utah Jazz: Ayo Dosunmu (PG- Illinois)
Rounding out the first round is Dosunmu. The All-American guard out of Illinois had a fantastic college career. He attacks the basket very well, is a good floor general, and rebounds at a great rate for a guard. He needs to limit his turnovers and become a slightly better shooter, but he has the tools and the work ethic to be a formidable pro. I think it could be a lot of fun to see him and Jordan Clarkson together in Utah’s second unit as a backcourt.
Other Players That Could Go Round 1:
Neemias Queta: C- Utah State
BJ Boston: SG- Kentucky
Daishen Nix: PG- G-League
Filip Petrusev: PF/C- Intl.
Trey Murphy: SF- Virginia
Matthew Hurt: PF- Duke
Rokas Jokubaitis: PG- Intl.
Johnny Juzang: SG- UCLA
Jason Preston: PG- Ohio
Terrence Shannon Jr: SG- Texas Tech
Charles Bassey: C- Western Kentucky
Max Abmas: PG- Oral Roberts