The big day has finally arrived! Tonight, the NBA welcomes a new crop of young players into the league. Dreams will be realized and franchises will be given hope for seasons to come. I’ve always loved the NBA Draft, and this year things are no different. I’m back today with my second and final mock draft of the year.
As we get closer and closer to the Pistons being on the clock, things are shaping up. We’ve seen some pre-draft trades, and there’s a better sense of where players may land. There’s real potential for some wacky draft-day moves, and while a lot is known, there’s plenty that remains unknown as well.
As is the case with my prior mocks, I won’t include trades here for the sake of simplicity. Draft day trades are too difficult to fully predict. Instead, I may include a potential trade that would make sense in my analysis of a particular pick. Along with that, I will draft with a combination of what I would do in the situation, and what I feel the organization picking will choose to do. Let’s get to it.
1. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham (SF- Oklahoma State)
This is less of a lock than it was in my last mock, but it still feels pretty certain. The Pistons are rumored to not be sold on Cunningham as the consensus #1, but for now, I’m sticking with him at the top of my board. Cunningham was an elite shooter in his lone year at Oklahoma State, and his length and playmaking abilities are perfect for the modern NBA. The Rockets are apparently in love with Cunningham, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Pistons are willing to slide down a spot for another prospect if the haul is good enough.
2. Houston Rockets: Jalen Green (SG- G League)
Should the Rockets stay at #2, Green appears to be the best fit. I think Evan Mobley is the better overall prospect, but with Christian Wood already in Houston, the Rockets would either have to go very thin up front, or bring Mobley off the bench. I think Houston wants a guy this high that will slide right into the lineup without any questions. Green can be that guy. He can score from any area on the court and is efficient as well. Adding him to a core of Wood and Kevin Porter should excite the Rockets fanbase.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley (PF- USC)
There’s a real chance that when we look back on this class in a few years, it’s Mobley that has emerged as its’ brightest star. Everything he accomplished at USC points to him succeeding in the today’s NBA. His versatility and defensive abilities make him a high-floor prospect. His offensive game is also fairly polished. Mobley’s jumper is in a good spot at this point of his career. As it gets better and better, Mobley can turn into a real force. Cleveland has a logjam of bigs, but this is still the right pick for them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them attempt to offload Kevin Love in a move to get younger and create more space for Mobley in the rotation. Pairing him next to Jarrett Allen (should he remain in Cleveland as a RFA) could be a lot of fun defensively.
4. Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs (PG- Gonzaga)
The Raptors are the interesting lottery team that likely can compete for a playoff spot next year. In a strange year that saw them spend the whole season away from Toronto due to the pandemic, the Raptors never found their rhythm. This is a squad that is only 3 seasons removed from a championship, and still has some key pieces from that team. There’s a lot of talk that Kyle Lowry’s illustrious career in Toronto might be coming to an end. That opens the door up for Suggs as the guy at #4.
Every time I watched Gonzaga play this season, I couldn’t help but be in awe of Suggs. His jumper still needs some work to get to the level it needs to be at to be a top tier guard, but everything else is there. There was rarely a moment at Gonzaga where Jalen didn’t seem to have complete control over the game. Suggs isn’t afraid of the spotlight, as we saw in March Madness. Scottie Barnes is another guy to look for here, given the Raptors’ track record on developmental wings. However, because the Raptors do have a tendency to draft that way, they already have a few guys similar to Barnes on the roster. Suggs meets a need, and is also, in my opinion, the better prospect.
5. Orlando Magic: Scottie Barnes (PF- Florida State)
The Magic once again find themselves in a tricky situation on draft night. After finishing with one of the league’s worst records, the lottery wasn’t kind to Orlando and they find themselves picking 5th. With Green and Cunningham off the board, there aren’t a ton of guys that fit what the Magic need that you can justify drafting this high. I think Orlando is a decent candidate to make some type of trade, whether it be a package to move up, or trade back. The fact that they have both #5 and #8 is enticing.
Should they stick with the pick, however, I think they’ll ultimately land on Barnes. Scottie is a polarizing prospect for a lot of people, but he checks a lot of boxes that Orlando typically looks for. He’s incredibly lanky, and should be one of the better defenders in this class. It could be a lot of fun watching him next to Jon Isaac. His IQ is fantastic, and at his size he is a fantastic passer and orchestrater. The jumper is the big question mark. Until Barnes proves that he can score at an NBA level, his abilities will be limited.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jonathan Kuminga (SF- G League)
The Thunder are another team that the lottery didn’t treat well. Landing at #6 is a tough break for a young team that was hoping to hit a home run and find their guy for the future. OKC will be an interesting team to monitor, as there’s been a lot of chatter about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander potentially being part of a large deal to move up. In a scenario where OKC holds firm, I think Kuminga makes sense at #6.
The Thunder are in no rush to compete. Sam Presti has been stockpiling picks and keeping his roster young with his eyes on the future. Kuminga is going to take time to reach his entire potential. He’s one of the youngest guys in this class. OKC can afford to be patient with him and let him take the time to develop. If he can’t contribute immediately, they can afford to be bad for another year, and potentially land a top 3 pick next year as well. Kuminga’s upside is as high as any player out there, and Oklahoma City can afford to wait.
7. Golden State Warriors (Via Minnesota): James Bouknight (SG- UConn)
Bouknight has seen his stock shoot up over the past few weeks, and it seems almost certain that he’ll land somewhere in the top 10 tonight. There are two things that stand out whenever you watch Bouknight: his shot-making ability, and his athleticism. At UConn, he was asked to carry a lot of the load, so there were rarely times that you’d see him playing off-ball. This allowed Bouknight to showcase his creative abilities. There aren’t a lot of places on a basketball court that he can’t score from. His burst also jumps out. He is one of the bounciest guys in this class, and is pretty electrifying when he gets going. I see shades of Zach Lavine in his overall skillset.
Golden State has a lot of decisions to make tonight. The window is closing with their existing core. Are draft picks at #7 and #14 worth the investment, or are they better off as trade chips for a player that can elevate them immediately. I expect the Warriors to be one of the most active teams tonight.
8. Orlando Magic (Via Chicago): Moses Moody (SG- Arkansas)
After going with Barnes at 5, the Magic turn to one of the draft’s better shooters in Moody. 3 point shooting is a definite area of need for Orlando, as a high number of guys in their backcourt are more playmakers than pure shooters. Moody should offer some much-needed floor spacing abilities. On top of that, Moody is incredibly long for his position, so he fits the prototype that the Magic love. He can carve out a role as a 3&D guy for a long time in the league.
9. Sacramento Kings: Franz Wagner (SF- Michigan)
This would be one of the picks that I am more confident in happening than any other. The Kings have been heavily linked to Wagner for a while, and it makes a lot of sense. For starters, Wagner won’t be a ball-dominant NBA player, which fits next to a backcourt duo of DeAaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. Along with that, the Kings front office has embraced the analytics movement heavily, and Wagner is backed by the analytics more than most of his fellow prospects in this range. His game translates anywhere, as he should be a strong wing defender that can space the floor.
The Kings have been linked in a few trade rumors as well, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see them move back if they think they can get Wagner lower, or if they have their eyes on another player with a similar skillset.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (Via New Orleans): Josh Giddey (PG- Australia)
Our first “Woj Bomb” of draft week came on Monday when it was reported that Memphis had moved into the top 10 in a deal that included Jonas Valanciunas, Steven Adams, and Eric Bledsoe. Now that Memphis is here, I think they’re eyeing Giddey with this selection. His game isn’t perfectly suited to play alongside Ja Morant yet, but he’s one of the youngest prospects in this class with time to grow. His jumper needs work, but his playmaking is already at an elite level. Giddey has a phenomenal feel for the game, and he’s already had the ability to showcase it at a professional level.
With Kyle Anderson’s future in question in Memphis, Giddey seems like a player who can fill that role on the Grizzlies early in his career, and potentially blossom into an above-average player.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Alperen Sengun (PF/C- Turkey)
Behind Cody Zeller, there isn’t a whole lot of depth at center in Charlotte. While there’s been some talk that the Hornets will look to free agency to fill this void, I think they might take the gamble on Sengun at 11. There’s a lot to like about his game. He’s got a very well-developed post game for someone his age. His vision is top-notch for a big man, and he handles the ball well in transition. His free throw shooting shows that he has the potential to extend his jumper out to the 3 point line. He’s very adept in pick and roll situations, which would be awesome next to LaMelo Ball.
The red flags come on the defensive end. He’s sort of a tweener in terms of his size where he might not be able to handle bigger bigs, but isn’t quick enough to switch onto more versatile wings. Teams will target him early in his career in pick and roll as well. Nonetheless, it’s rare that a player who wins MVP in a European league as a teen doesn’t find at least some success in the NBA.
12. San Antonio Spurs: Jalen Johnson (SF- Duke)
There are a lot of mixed opinions out there on Johnson. Some view him as one of the most talented players in this class, while others point to his small sample size at Duke and his decision to not finish the season as red flags. Wherever you stand, you can’t deny the potential that’s here. Johnson is a freak athlete and has great defensive range. The Spurs don’t have a guy on their roster with the combination of size and explosiveness that Johnson possesses. He could be a great fit in small-ball oriented lineups in San Antonio. Keon Johnson has been linked here a lot, but I just feel that Jalen gives the Spurs something that they are missing.
13. Indiana Pacers: Corey Kispert (SF- Gonzaga)
It’s likely that Doug McDermott will be on a new squad when the 2021-22 season begins. If that’s the case, the Pacers should be looking for more guys that can space the floor off the bench. Kispert is pretty close to a sure thing in the league. He is an elite shooter, and his size helps him in areas where he isn’t as strong. He can contribute right away, and Indiana will be looking to compete for a playoff spot this season. It’s not the flashiest pick, but it makes a lot of sense.
14. Golden State Warriors: Davion Mitchell (PG/SG- Baylor)
After going with Bouknight at #7, I think the Warriors add another guard in Mitchell. Mitchell’s game is a lot different from Bouknight’s. His main role in the NBA will likely be as a key perimeter defender. Mitchell is an in-your-face type of player on the defensive end. He isn’t afraid to challenge ball handlers and can be a pest in the backcourt. His improved shooting is what lands him in the front end of the 1st round for me. He became a much better 3 point shooter in his last season at Baylor, and was also efficient on his 2 point attempts. The Warriors need guard help behind Steph, and Mitchell can facilitate, defend and impact a game as early as day 1.
15. Washington Wizards: Trey Murphy (SF- Virginia)
The highest riser, in my opinion, in this entire class has been Murphy. He has emerged as a serious 3&D candidate with upside that extends beyond that role. He was a 40/50/90 guy at Virginia and his defensive ability makes him a fit basically anywhere. The Wizards are certainly a team to watch tonight. Bradley Beal’s name has come up a lot in conversations about this off-season. While it’s not a guarantee Washington will move him, I do think they will be active in one way or another. Should they stand firm at 15, I think Murphy is a great fit.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (Via Boston): Keon Johnson (SG- Tennessee)
With the second of their three 1st rounders, the Thunder keep their mind on potential and take Johnson. His stock has been rising lately, so I won’t be entirely surprised if he’s not available at #16. If he is, OKC is a great landing spot. Johnson has serious burst as an athlete, but he’s an incredibly streaky shooter. He’s still very young and his athleticism paired with his upside will make him a 1st round pick. The Thunder feel like the type of organization willing to gamble on his positives.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (Via Memphis): Chris Duarte (SG- Oregon)
If Duarte weren’t 24 years old, he’d be regarded as one of the better prospects in this entire class. His age is a significant reason why he’s only being considered in the lower end of the 1st round. When you look at what he does on the court, it’s hard to find negatives. He is a knockdown shooter, was a first team all-defensive player in the PAC 12, and he’s a highly efficient scorer.
The Pelicans desperately need floor spacers. Before their trade with Memphis, I thought Corey Kispert was a lock to land here. With them moving down and Kispert likely to be unavailable, Duarte seems like a good bet. His age isn’t as big of a concern on a team with two young stars in Zion and Brandon Ingram. He won’t command the ball, but he’ll be a threat to score anytime he does get a look. Duarte will have an impact right away wherever he lands.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Miami): Usman Garuba (PF- Spain)
The Thunder make it 3/3 on developmental players with their first round picks. Garuba is probably the most raw prospect getting first round attention. His stock has gone up as a result of the run he’s getting in the Olympics on the Spanish national team. That stage has allowed him to showcase his game against some of the league’s very best, and he’s held his own. Garuba is a guy that can be a first-team all defensive player someday. OKC can be patient with him while his offensive game comes around and unleash him in a few years when all of the pieces have arrived.
19. New York Knicks: Sharife Cooper (PG- Auburn)
If Cooper’s jumper comes along, he very well could be the hidden gem of this class. Outside of maybe Josh Giddey, there’s not a better playmaker and creator in this class than Cooper. He plays an electrifying brand of basketball and will make passes that don’t seem possible. I really like the fit to the Knicks as well. I feel like Cooper can already step into the role that Elfrid Payton plays on this team, but with significantly more upside. He’s a great guy to orchestrate for Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
20. Atlanta Hawks: Kai Jones (C- Texas)
Expectations have drastically changed in Atlanta. After a remarkable run to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks will be going into next season with big aspirations. I think it’s more likely that they’ll pursue bigger moves through free agency than in the draft. There’s some roster uncertainty regarding guys like John Collins, and even Cam Reddish as a possible trade chip. For now, I’ll give Atlanta and Trae Young another athletic big that can rim run. Jones is explosive at the center position, and while he’ll take some time, he could really thrive with the right point guard. We saw in the playoffs how well Young found both Collins and Clint Capela. This isn’t a big splash, but it could pay off.
21. New York Knicks (From Dallas): Ziaire Williams (SF- Stanford)
Williams is another guy who could end up anywhere in the 1st round. Once considered a top 10 prospect, his lone season at Stanford had some highs and some lows. His raw talent is enough to land him in the first round, and I think the Knicks make sense as a team to pull the trigger. I like gambling on upside if you have multiple first rounders, and I think the Knicks are in a position where they aren’t firm title contenders that just need rotational pieces, but are still in the back end of the draft where it wouldn’t be as bad of a miss should Williams not pan out.
22. Los Angeles Lakers: Jared Butler (PG- Butler)
There’s been a lot of buzz about this pick happening should the Lakers hold onto it. Anytime LeBron is involved there’s going to be rumors about a pick being traded. The Lakers will likely be active tonight, even if they don’t ultimately swing a deal. Butler is one of the more pro-ready prospects in this class, and he fills a need for the Lakers as a lead guard. He can facilitate, defend, and shoots at a high percentage. He’s the type of player that should be able to play decent minutes for LA from year 1.
23. Houston Rockets (Via Portland): Jaden Springer (PG- Tennessee)
It’s worth noting that with the Rockets holding both #23 and #24 in the 1st round, it’s likely they could package these to move up if there’s someone they really want. Should they keep the picks, I like Springer here. He’s another one of the younger guys out there, and he shot very well from 3 at Tennessee. He doesn’t create as well as you’d like to see from a point guard, but at 6’4, he has combo guard size and should be able to play off ball as well.
24. Houston Rockets (Via Milwaukee): Isaiah Jackson (PF- Kentucky)
With their second consecutive pick, and third of the first round, the Rockets add the energetic Jackson to their squad. Jackson has a good chance to carve out a role in the NBA because of what he brings defensively. He was a shot-blocking maniac at Kentucky, and he’s very active on the glass. Currently, there’s not a lot offensively, but that could come over time. It could be really entertaining to see him and Christian Wood on the floor together.
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Tre Mann (PG- Florida)
I’ll go best player available for the Clips, and I believe that to be Mann. He’s a guy who I think could land just about anywhere tonight. Mann has the potential to be a solid scoring option in the NBA. He shoots the 3 well, and he can beat you in a number of ways. He rebounds at a great rate for his position as well. The Clippers are in a tough position right now with some roster uncertainty, so I think they roll with Mann as probably the best prospect on the board.
26. Denver Nuggets: JT Thor (SF- Auburn)
Thor feels like the guy in this draft that might fly up this board tonight and surprise a lot of people. If a team falls in love, I could easily see someone gambling on the pure talent here. Thor isn’t going to carry the load offensively yet, but there’s a lot there that suggests his offensive game can come around. His defensive abilities are what I believe makes him a 1st round lock. He’s 6’9 with a 7’3 wingspan and can almost guard 1-5.
Denver will have championship aspirations this season. Thor is the kind of rookie that won’t transform your team immediately, but could play spot minutes with an emphasis on guarding the wing. The Nuggets haven’t shied from taking developmental prospects in the past, and I think it could happen again tonight.
27. Brooklyn Nets: Quentin Grimes (SG- Houston)
Many scouts said that Grimes did more for himself at the combine than any other prospect. The wing from Houston started his college career as a top prospect at Kansas. After a bumpy ride, he found himself as a Cougar and helped lead the school to the Final Four. His game translates well to a contender like the Nets. Grimes should be able to provide some scoring punch and wing defense off the bench when Brooklyn’s starting guards need a breather.
28. Philadelphia 76ers: Cameron Thomas (SG- LSU)
If Ben Simmons gets dealt tonight, the whole evening changes for Philly. After losing in spectacular fashion in the Eastern Semis, changes are coming in one way or another. I’m not sure they’ll be able to pull a team in on Simmons at their current asking price, but I think talks could seriously escalate tonight.
Thomas right now is really just a scorer. He is a fantastic shot maker, but there are worries that he is limited to that trait, and that it may be tougher to convert to the league. No matter what, the Sixers need guys that can put the ball in the bucket, and Thomas does that better than anyone else on the board here. They have the other pieces on the roster, it’s time to add a guy that can get a basket from anywhere.
29. Phoenix Suns: Joel Ayayi (PG/SG- Gonzaga)
Ayayi is one of the guys that you just feel confident in carving out a role in the league. He won’t be a star, but he can do everything pretty well. At times he was an unsung hero on Gonzaga. While I think Cam Payne will return to Phoenix, it’s not an 100% given. Either way, Ayayi to the Suns makes sense as a move to improve the overall backcourt depth for this years’ runners up.
30. Utah Jazz: Josh Primo (SG- Alabama)
I think Primo slips into the back end of the first round after a strong performance at the combine. He’s incredibly young and will have a lot of time to shore up weaker parts of his game, especially in a situation like Utah. His shooting stroke is pure, and I think he could benefit a lot behind a player like Jordan Clarkson.
Other Players With 1st Round Consideration
Deuce McBride: SG- West Virginia
Rokas Jokubaitis: PG- Lithuania
Bones Hyland: SG- VCU
Josh Christopher: SG- Arizona State
Jason Preston: PG- Oho
Day’Ron Sharpe: C- North Carolina
Ayo Dosunmu: PG- Illinois
Filip Petrusev: PF- Serbia
Neemias Queta: C- Utah State
BJ Boston: SG- Kentucky
Isaiah Todd: PF- G League
Kessler Edwards: SF- Pepperdine
Joe Wieskamp: SG- Iowa
