Full Court Press: Final 2021 NBA Mock Draft
The championship confetti might still be falling in Milwaukee, the U.S. men’s basketball team has its hands full in Tokyo and the NBA draft, a staple of the league’s calendar in June, will take place in July for the first time since 1947.
Despite the unusual timing, this is an especially good year for draftniks and fans of aimless teams in need of franchise-level talent. For starters, there’s a strong top tier of prospects that cover a wide range of positions and skillsets. Even more importantly, there’s a renewed belief that drafting well can turn around a wayward franchise, even in the superteam era.
The NBA draft success stories should be helpful mood-boosters for the teams selecting at the top of Thursday’s draft. Hope has been hard to come by for the post-Blake Griffin Detroit Pistons, post-James Harden Houston Rockets, and post-LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers, and real help is finally on the way.
We have four knowledgeable NBA writers picking in order:
Each of us will be giving in-depth analysis about each player, their fit, and an NBA pro comparison. Feel free to comment on what you would change or your thoughts on our article. Please share this with your family and friends, clap, and follow Full Court Press.
Let’s look at who might land where with a quick-hitting mock draft!
#1 — PISTONS — Cade Cunningham (G, Oklahoma State)
With the first overall pick, the Detroit Pistons make the obvious choice and select Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State University. For all intents and purposes, I think this selection is a lock at this point (if it wasn’t already).
While there was initially some rumor that was floating around of the Pistons’ interest in Jalen Green, the two-way versatility that Cunningham brings to the table will likely be too much for them to pass up. This selection seems to be the most ideal for the team in terms of both fit and skill level, and I’ll personally be pretty happy to see it happen for the Pistons.
With a current roster of Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, and Sekou Doumbouya, adding Cade Cunningham to the mix will make for a very interesting young team with gobs of upside. Outside of the team itself, it also seems to be a pick that is already becoming very popular with Detroit natives. At a recent Detroit Tigers game (with Cunningham in attendance), the crowd began chanting, “we want Cade!” If there has ever been a no-brainer first overall pick, Cunningham is it.
Comparison: Jimmy Butler
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#2 — ROCKETS — Jalen Green (SG, Ignite)
As we get close to draft day, sources have reported Jalen Green to be a lock as the second pick in the draft. There may still be uncertainty about the pick, though Green is the most reasonable choice. The Rockets would be unlikely to draft Evan Mobely since they already have Christain Wood.
Green is believed to be the best fit for the Rockets because of his exceptional athleticism, standing at 6’5, with a wingspan of 6.75, and a standing reach of 8’5. With the recent addition of Kevin Porter Jr, Green can play the two-guard while KPJ is moved up to point guard.
During his time in the G League, Green finished 19th in scoring, averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a game at only 19 years old. Jalen has shown signs of development because of his ability to score on all three levels and finish difficult shots at the rim. Even with development time in the G League, Green can improve in multiple areas of his game. He can improve as a playmaker as he had 2.2 assists to 2.1 turnovers per game in the 2019 NIKE EYBL.
Comparison: Zach Lavine
PICKED BY: InderMan
#3 — CAVALIERS — Evan Mobley (F/C, USC)
The Cavaliers are doing their best to recover as a franchise after losing hometown hero and NBA legend LeBron James. With their last three lottery selections, they’ve selected Guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, and wing Isaac Okoro. They also recently acquired Jarrett Allen from the Nets, but he may be leaving in Free Agency this year, or at least be moved in a sign and trade.
Mobley is the clear choice for the Cavs at 3, as they already have their backcourt set for years to come (assuming the Sexton rumors aren’t true). Jalen Suggs is the only other player that could have been considered, but the fit is just too good to pass up. Mobley is the perfect player to compliment the Cavaliers’ young trio. A big man that can contribute in every way. Mobley really is the full package, averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on freakish 57.8% shooting. The only thing in question is his shooting (30% from three, 69.4% from the line), but his form looks solid, and he looks like he’ll be able to shoot pretty well from mid, even if it takes him a few years to be able to step out and hit the three.
Comparison: Chris Bosh
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#4 - Raptors — Jalen Suggs (G, Gonzaga)
With Kyle Lowry expected to leave in free agency this offseason, the Raptors should be looking to find his replacement point guard. Gonzaga freshman Jalen Suggs could be a perfect fit. Suggs has nearly all of the physical tools to be successful at the next level with a 6’4 frame and remarkable athleticism.
His ability to drive to the hoop and finish in traffic is where much of his scoring comes from and was a reason he averaged 14.4 points per game. However, what really sets Suggs apart is his court vision and passing. While Suggs has tremendous upside on offense, his ball-handling skills and outside shot need improvement if he wants to play the point. Defensively, Suggs brings the tenacity and hustle that a player like Kyle Lowry has.
The Raptors are a team that could be trying to return to the playoffs and Suggs could very well fit onto a competitive team as he was a massive contributor at a winning program with Gonzaga. If the Raptors choose to blow up their roster and rebuild, Suggs is still so young and would thrive in a position where he could develop and try and maximize to his full potential. Whatever the case, the Raptors really can not go wrong with drafting Jalen Suggs.
Comparison: John Wall
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#5 — MAGIC — Scottie Barnes (F, Florida State)
The Magic are in full rebuild mode now that Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon are off the team and Jamahl Mosley is coming in as their new head coach. While it’s rumored that they’re a strong candidate to trade up in the draft, perhaps with the Cavaliers, I’m staying put with the fifth and eighth picks if I were them. With the fifth overall pick, the Orlando Magic select Scottie Barnes out of Florida State University.
Barnes is one of the best and most versatile defenders in his class, and that on its own is very valuable in the modern NBA. His frame, fantastic defensive instincts, and ability to pass have garnered some comparisons between him and Draymond Green for good reason. If that defensive ability and passing translate to the NBA, he should already be a very serviceable role player and “glue guy.” That said, if his shot begins falling, he will have serious All-Star potential.
Given Coach Mosley’s history as the Mavericks’ defensive coordinator, I think he’ll value the defensive IQ and versatility that Barnes could bring to the team immediately upon entry. Beyond that though, I think the team will simply see him as the best player available, even over an athletic wing player like Jonathan Kuminga. That said, I think that selecting Barnes will make even more sense alongside the team’s eighth overall pick.
Comparison: Draymond Green
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#6 — THUNDER — Jonathan Kuminga (F, Ignite)
The Thunder recently made a legitimate offer to the Pistons which they declined. It is uncertain whether the Thunder will try to trade up, but we will assume that they retain their position and draft at the sixth spot. With the Orlando Magic taking Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Kuminga would be the next best player.
Before the lottery, Kuminga would have been considered a top-five pick. Now as draft day approaches it seems he has slid down the mock drafts. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the path to superstar level, the Thunder will continue to build around him.
The forward averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists in the G League bubble. He also provided excellent hustle on defense with one steal and 0.8 blocks per game. Kuminga has solidified himself as a versatile defender, at 6’8, 220 pounds, and with a wingspan of 7’. His strength, size, athleticism, and quickness let him defend every position. Kuminga is a raw talent with loads of potential but is uncertain if he can reach it. He lacks a consistent shot, shooting 24.6% from three and 62.5% from the free-throw line. Needless to say, Kuminga will either be a make-or-break player.
Comparison: Luol Deng
PICKED BY: InderMan
#7 — WARRIORS — James Bouknight (SG, UConn)
The Warriors are looking for two things in the draft: immediate impact players, and tradable assets. Bouknight could be either one. He’d be a great bench piece, or could be the centerpiece of a trade for another star. Bouknight is an excellent scorer, and would be a great fit next to Steph Curry, as his only real offensive weaknesses are his playmaking and shooting consistency.
The Warriors were 12th in points per game last year, and the addition of Klay Thompson will only raise that, but for an average defensive team, to be a real contender, they’ll need more firepower. Bouknight was streaky in his sophomore season at UConn, but his 21.4 ppg at home on 53% from the field suggests that once he gets comfortable, he’s as good as anyone in this class at getting the ball through the hoop. With most of the real defensive stoppers off the board already, Golden State needs a different type of scoring, which Bouknight provides.
Comparison: Jordan Clarkson
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#8 — MAGIC — Moses Moody (SG, Arkansas)
After blowing their roster up at the deadline, the Magic are now looking to get younger with their two lottery picks. This team has plenty of young potential all around but is relatively thin at the wing spots especially at the shooting guard position. Moses Moody would be a great option for the Magic at the eighth pick. The 6’6 freshman from Arkansas just came off a remarkable season where he averaged 16.8 points per game and led his team to the Elite Eight.
Moody is a great and efficient shooter from beyond the arc and in the mid-range area. His passing and shot creation ability could use work, but Moody is an exceptional off-ball player and is very successful at constantly moving to create space and generate open catch and shoot opportunities. Defensively, Moody is gritty and constantly hustling to initiate extra possessions. His 7’1 wingspan helps tip passes, block shots, and secure rebounds.
Playing next to point guards such as Cole Anthony or Markelle Fultz would give Moody an opportunity to play off the ball more where he thrives and fill into a 3 and D role. This Magic team needs more shooters and could use a better perimeter defender next to Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, or RJ Hampton who are not premier defensive players. Most importantly though, this Magic team needs potential and Moody could definitely provide that for Orlando.
Comparison: Mikal Bridges
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#9 — KINGS — Franz Wagner (SF, Michigan)
Wagner is a talented defender, passer, and ball-handler, and will bring a lot of versatility to whichever team drafts him next week. Despite the fact that he’ll still be 19 years old on draft night, he will bring a lot of experience to the table. Not only has he played two full seasons at Michigan, but he also played for Alba Berlin in the Eurocup back in 2018 as a teenager.
With that experience, he’s grown into being a very fundamentally sound player on both ends of the floor that does lots of dirty work for his team. He’s usually a pass-first player, grabs a good amount of rebounds, and plays good defense on the perimeter, in the pick-and-roll, and in emergency help-defense situations. Despite not being uber-athletic, he’s certainly one of the safest choices toward the top of the draft.
Furthermore, there has been a rumor floating around recently that he’s gone through another small growth spurt since declaring for the draft, although that is still unconfirmed. Being that he’s already 6'9", any extra height could tremendously increase his value. If Wagner is available at #9, he looks to be a strong fit for Sacramento’s present and future.
Comparison: Mike Dunleavy Jr
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#10 — GRIZZLIES— Davion Mitchell (G, Baylor)
For the tenth pick in the draft, Davion Mitchell goes to the Grizzlies after the trade with the Pelicans. There are reports that the Grizzlies are looking to take NBL guard Josh Giddey. However, we believe that Davion is the better pick at 10.
Davion Mitchell is an excellent shooter, he shot 44.7% from three on 141 attempts. He is a bulky point guard who can muscle his way into the paint and finish. Along with being a threat to score on any level, Mitchell’s passing ability allows his teammates to get good looks. Mitchell standing at 6’, is undersized for his position, resulting in his slide in the draft.
Mitchell is a very good fit for the Grizzlies, he has the attack the rim mindset which fits the Grizz’s system. Pairing his defense with Dillon Brooks would give them a strong defensive backcourt. With Davion’s ability to guard guards and Brooks guarding forwards, Ja, Davion, and Brooks can all be on the court at the same time. The college champ’s grit and grind playstyle fits perfectly with the Grizzlies team culture.
Comparison: Jrue Holiday
PICKED BY: InderMan
#11 — HORNETS — Kai Jones (F/C, Texas)
Kai Jones might be a little bit of a reach at 11, but the Hornets are in serious need of a big, and his freakish athleticism will make the Hornets must-see TV with him catching lobs from LaMelo Ball. Jones didn’t produce at a high volume at Texas, but his incredible efficiencies are enough. He even showed signs of a jumper, which would make him a very dangerous player if developed.
Jones would be a much-needed upgrade over Hornets’ center Cody Zeller on both ends of the court. He should immediately be the starter for Charlotte, which is incredibly valuable at pick 11. There’s really nothing more to say. He’s the perfect fit.
Comparison: Jaxson Hayes
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#12 — SPURS — Corey Kispert (SF, Gonzaga)
Corey Kispert is without a doubt the best shooter in this draft class. Even while playing for a loaded Gonzaga team, the 6’7 forward still managed to average 18.6 points per game and shoot a ridiculous 44.0% from three in his senior season. While he is known mostly for his shooting ability, Kispert can still score inside and is an above-average finisher. His only true flaws offensively are his inability to create for himself and others.
As for his fit in the NBA, every single team needs shooting in today’s game. The Spurs were a team that finished twenty-second in three-point percentage in the league last season which automatically makes him a solid fit. Not to mention, San Antonio could use some help at the forward positions with Rudy Gay regressing and Demar Derozan seeming to be ready to leave in free agency.
Kispert also fits perfectly into the Spurs culture with his unselfishness and he is an overall great team player. Defensively, Kispert is decent and could use some work, especially considering he would be considered average as an athlete on an NBA level. He would benefit greatly from having a defensive-minded coach like Gregg Popovich who could mold him into a more solidified defender.
Player Comparison — Bogdan Bogdanovic
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#13 — PACERS — Josh Giddey (G, Adelaide 36ers)
Moving into the half of the first round, with the 13th pick in the draft, I have the Indiana Pacers selecting NBL guard Josh Giddey.
Giddey played point guard and was used to running the offense for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, he did it as a 6'8" giant with a similar wingspan. While he definitely isn’t the most gifted athlete, his skill and finesse on both sides of the floor are quite amazing to watch. As an 18-year-old, in his one year in the NBL, Giddey averaged 10.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Given Giddey’s size, he could still be on the floor together with both Malcolm Brogdon and Caris Levert playing as the team’s playmaking small forward. While he will have to improve his jump shot, the other things that he brings to the table would make the pick very worth it for the Pacers. This would help to take some of the playmaking load off of Brogdon, who will be the team’s starting point guard.
Comparison: Ricky Rubio (but larger)
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#14 — WARRIORS — Chris Duarte (SG, Oregon)
With the last pick in the lottery, the Golden State Warriors select Oregon guard Chris Duarte, whose stock has been rising recently.
Chris Duarte has established himself as a scorer and shooter. In his senior season at Oregon, Duarte averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and shot 42.4% from the three-point line. He makes good decisions and does not take unnecessary shots as his field goal percentage is 53.2%. Chris has proved to be an excellent defender when it comes to steals, he averaged 1.9 per game last season.
The Warriors are looking for a player who can make an immediate impact. Chris Duarte is an older prospect who understands the game. The Warriors are a solid defensive team, ranking top five in the league, Duarte provides solid defense getting both steals and blocks. Coming off the bench, Duarte would have a rookie veteran impact.
Comparison: Danny Green
PICKED BY: InderMan
#15 — WIZARDS — Jalen Johnson (F, Duke)
Johnson is mostly viewed as a boom or bust prospect, and for good reason. He left Duke after playing 13 games and put up confusing numbers. 11.2 points on 52.3/44.4/63.2 shooting. Those numbers along with Johnson’s incredible all-around athleticism would be enough to make him a pretty high lottery pick if he had held them over a longer stretch of games, and had shot better from the free-throw line. His small sample size means that the low free throw percentage could have been a fluke, but the same can be said for his great shooting from the floor.
However, risky pick or not, his ceiling is sky high, and that’s exactly what the Wizards need. Bradley Beal appears to be on the way out, Russell Westbrook is aging, and even if the two stayed they wouldn’t be able to make it anywhere in the playoffs. It’s time for a rebuild, and a risky pick isn’t a bad one for a Wizards team that looks to be bad for a good bit of time.
Comparison: Keldon Johnson
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#16 — THUNDER — Usman Garuba (F/C, Real Madrid)
After trading Al Horford and Moses Brown to the Celtics, the Thunder should be looking to add another big man. The nineteen year old power forward and center from Spain, Usman Garuba would fit in well. Garuba played for Real Madrid in Europe for three seasons and has made a name for himself because of his play on the defensive side of the ball. While he is somewhat undersized at 6’8, Garuba has a 7’3 wingspan and is versatile and athletic enough to protect the paint against centers and switch onto faster guards out on the perimeter.
His toughness and hustle separate him from others on both sides of the court as he is always making plays and even putting his body on the line for extra possessions. From an offensive standpoint, Garuba averaged 4.0 points in only 16.5 minutes per game in his last season and does not really have much of a true jump shot, but is an above-average passer. Usman Garuba needs more time and training to develop on offense, making the Thunder a great fit as they are in no rush to win now and can develop a player like Garuba.
In this draft, the Thunder should be looking for players with high ceilings that may take time to develop because they have no reason to try and win now with their current roster and the amount of draft capital they have. Usman Garuba has all of the potential to become an elite defensive player in the NBA and at least has the physical tools necessary to become a decent scoring option at the four or the five. The Thunder could use some defense as they ranked 26th in points allowed last season and Garuba could be a player to change that.
Comparison: Paul Millsap
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#17 — PELICANS — Ziaire Williams (SF, Stanford)
Williams is one of the trickier prospects to peg going into draft night, with interest all over the first round. League sources believe he helped himself to some extent on the workout circuit — his combination of positional height, skill level, and shooting ability has always been tantalizing for scouts.
But questions surrounding his injury history and lack of consistency dating back to high school may be what holds him back entering draft night. Concerns about his ability to put pressure on the rim and overall consistency persist. But Williams’s upside is still appealing from a development perspective, and teams looking to take a shot on talent will have serious interest in the first round.
The Pelicans appear to be focused on guards here, but Williams would be an interesting addition to New Orleans’s personnel, offering more size on the perimeter and shooting to complement Zion and BI.
Comparison: Josh Jackson
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#18 — THUNDER — Keon Johnson (SG, Tennessee)
With their second pick in the draft, I see the Thunder drafting Keon Johnson as the 18th pick. The Thunder have shown that they will be active to move up in the draft, however, in this draft they keep their pick.
Keon Johnson measures at 6’5 with a 6’7 wingspan, and he only weighs 184.8, the third lightest SG at the combine. Johnson is consistent and explosive whenever he finishes at the rim, while he struggles from deep. At the defensive end, he plays decent defensive with more room for improvement in the future.
Playing in OKC, Keon can develop without having the pressure to make an immediate impact. This will allow him to reach his potential as the Thunder are rebuilding. He would be the Thunder’s second first-round rookie, resulting in deep development for the rookies.
Comparison: Lattrell Sprewell
PICKED BY: InderMan
#19 — KNICKS — Tre Mann (G, Florida)
The Knicks need a point guard, and the Knicks need shooters. Incredibly, a player who does both very well has fallen to them at 19. There are defensive questions, and his playmaking isn’t elite, but he does fill two very pressing needs for the Knicks. Mann averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 45.9/40.2/83.1 shooting as a Sophomore, up from 5.3/1.9/0.7 on 35.6/27.5/65.5 as a Freshman, which suggests he has a lot of room to grow.
While Mann’s low assist numbers may seem like a serious issue, his tape shows that he’s not too bad, he just tends to look more for his shot than others, which isn’t uncommon among young point guards. With good development, Mann should be a serviceable playmaker. With Julius Randle’s wildly improved 6 assists per game coming from the frontcourt, Mann should fit just fine.
Comparison: D’Angelo Russell
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#20 — HAWKS — Cameron Thomas (G, LSU)
After a surprising run to the conference finals, the Hawks should be looking to add more around Trae Young this offseason. With Louis Williams and Kris Dunn becoming free agents this offseason and no guarantee that either of them returns, the Hawks should be trying to find another guard in a bench role for them. LSU freshman, Cam Thomas could give the Hawks a scoring option when Trae Young needs a rest.
Thomas put up incredible scoring numbers this past college season where he averaged 23.0 points per game and solidified himself as a great shooter capable of creating space for himself and knocking down tough, contested shots. While there are some questions about Thomas’ shot selection, defense, and ability to finish at the rim, he plays his game in a somewhat similar fashion to Trae Young and would be able to learn and develop under Young’s wing.
This Hawks roster really does not have many overwhelming holes at any position and it makes the most sense to go after a backup for Trae Young. Even if Louis Williams does return to this team, he is thirty-four and can not just play forever for a Hawks team that wants to be competitive for many years to come. Adding a young backup like Thomas would serve Atlanta well in the long run.
Comparison: Jordan Clarkson
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#21 — KNICKS — Trey Murphy (F, Virginia)
As the Knicks expected, the Hawks chose a talented point guard with their pick. So, with the 21st overall pick in the draft, the New York Knicks select Virginia’s Trey Murphy III.
Murphy has been steadily rising on draft boards lately, and for good reason. He’s an athletic, 6'9" wing that made 43% of his three-point shots on nearly five attempts per game that’s also a very good defender. He has the size and length to reasonably defend the 1–3 and possibly some power forwards as well.
There will likely be several good shooters still available at this point in the draft. Once again though, I’m not entirely certain that Thibs would be too thrilled with players that only project to be about average on the defensive end of the floor. Murphy, on the other hand, projects as a versatile defender, is a year younger and is far longer and more athletic.
A big reason I was never high on Murphy as a prospect was due to his lackluster rebounding, but this can be hidden well on a Knicks team that already has several good rebounders. More than anything else, Murphy will have to work on his ball-handling and gaining more strength. If he can improve his pull-up jumper, he could be a steal for the Knicks at the 21st pick.
Comparison: Danny Green
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#22 — LAKERS — Sharife Cooper (PG, Auburn)
The Lakers will be looking to draft a backup point guard for whichever starting point guard they sign. Sharife Cooper is the best player available player left for the Lakers.
Sharife is an excellent playmaker with elite vision, his court vision can be compared to NBA veterans. He averaged 8.1 assists a game in his freshman year of college. Cooper has an elite ball-handling skillset, his quickness allows him to drive past the defense with ease. In college, Sharife struggled to shoot from the three-point line shooting at 22.8 percent, however has shown he can improve his shooting because he shot at 82 percent from the free-throw line, a sign he does not lack shooting.
Cooper’s passing ability would be intriguing to watch with the Lakers, as they have a roster that can catch lobs and make excellent plays off assists. He effectively attacks the rim, with a height of 6’1, and finishes through contract. Due to his height, he would not be able to provide the Lakers with much defense.
Comparison: Rajon Rondo
PICKED BY: InderMan
#23 — ROCKETS — Alperen Sengün (F/C, Besiktas)
Personally, I’m not a fan of Sengun, but the Rockets are starting their rebuild, and all they care about is the ceiling at this point. Taking Jalen Green at 2, they still need a big man as part of their young core, as Christian Wood will most likely be traded this offseason. Sengun has a polished game as an inside presence, but he will have to transition a little farther away from the basket, which he has plenty of time to do at just 19 years old.
Sengun dominated overseas but faced a pretty low level of competition, and I worry that he won’t be able to physically compete with NBA bigs. He will take time to develop into a modern big man, and Houston will need to be patient with him, but assuming they do, he could be a great third member of their core.
Comparison: Domantis Sabonis -
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#24 — ROCKETS — Joshua Primo (SG, Alabama)
For a franchise that is not looking to be competitive any time soon, the Houston Rockets should simply draft for potential. Enter 6’6 shooting guard from Alabama, Joshua Primo who was one of the factors in Alabama making it to the sweet sixteen in the past college season. Primo is coming off a freshman season where he averaged 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, shot 38.1% from three, and only played 22.4 minutes per game.
Primo is by no means expected to come right into the NBA and be looked at as a top rookie but will be drafted for his potential. He has shown potential to be a great all-around player as he has athleticism, good size for a guard, versatility on defense, and has shown flashes of having a reliable jump shot.
He could very well evolve into a great 3 and D wing or even turn into a more established 2-way player with an all-around offensive game under the right development. For a Rockets team that is looking at the future, Joshua Primo would be a great fit, but Houston fans should not worry if his game does not instantly translate to the NBA.
Player Comparison: Gary Trent Jr
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#25 — CLIPPERS — Jaden Springer (G, Tennessee)
The Los Angeles Clippers are on the podium for the 25th overall pick in the draft, and I have them selecting Tennessee’s Jaden Springer.
The Clippers should be trying to find players with high upside regardless of how they may fit within the current roster. I have a strong feeling that Patrick Beverley’s time with the team will be coming to an end sooner rather than later, and I think that placing Springer next to Luke Kennard and Terrance Mann would make for a backcourt with tons of potential.
While Springer didn’t play as a true playmaking point guard at Tennessee, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft and could certainly improve as a playmaker, particularly if he doesn’t have as much pressure on him to score. His biggest area of improvement at this point in his career by far is his ball-handling ability, but if he can improve on that and maintain his efficient shooting, he and Luke Kennard could turn into a very talented backcourt duo.
Comparison: Marcus Smart
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#26 — NUGGETS — Bones Hyland (SG, VCU)
With Jamal Murray coming off of an ACL injury, the Nah Shon Highland is the best point guard option for the Nuggets.
The athletic 6’2 guard is a great ball-handler with a quick first step. In his sophomore year at VCU Highland averaged 19.5 points, 1.9 steals, and shot the three-ball at a clip of 37.1 percent. He is a fearless scorer that can make a shot from any spot on the court. His long wingspan of 6’9 and quickness shows he has high defensive upside if he is willing to put effort into his defense. Because of his size and skinny build, Highland normally avoids contact when in the vicinity of the rim.
The Nuggets are always looking to have a deep bench, in fact having a robust bench is beneficial during the playoffs. By drafting Highland, the Nuggets would add another backup guard who creates his own shot, ranging from a mid-range to a step-back three. Highland can learn from Murray on how to tighten his ball-handling to be reliable and consistent create his shot.
Comparison: Jamal Crawford
PICKED BY: InderMan
#27 — NETS — Jared Butler (G, Baylor)
Jared Butler was flying up draft boards until he was flagged for health issues, but now that he’s cleared, he doesn’t seem to be going back up. That means the Nets, who are probably title favorites again, are getting an NBA-ready guard who shows up big in big moments at the 27th pick.
Butler might not quite have the star potential of other top prospects, but at the 27th pick, most of them are gone, and quite honestly, the Nets’ championship window is closing, and they have enough star power. All they need now is a healthy roster and smart role players that can play when their big 3 is on the bench. Butler would be great running the bench unit and would be a perfect replacement for Spencer Dinwiddie, who seems to be leaving Brooklyn this offseason.
Comparison: George Hill
PICKED BY: Ethan Elbert
#28 — 76ERS — Isaiah Jackson (PF/C, Kentucky)
With Ben Simmons expected to be traded this offseason, Philadelphia could use another big versatile defensive-minded player. Kentucky freshman, Isaiah Jackson would be a great fit on this roster. Jackson stands at 6’10 and is arguably the most athletic big man in this class.
His incredible vertical, quickness, and 7’2 wingspan allow him to be an exceptional rim protector as he managed to average 2.6 blocks per game in his time at Kentucky. His athleticism is really what separates him apart because Jackson has the ability to switch onto guards and smaller, faster players and on offense, he can contribute as a lob threat.
There are some questions regarding him as a scorer and his jump shot is still very much in development. However, this Philly team is somewhat thin in regards to big men, and adding Jackson this late in the draft would be a steal. Especially considering that Joel Embiid is injury prone, the 76ers could use a more reliable big than Dwight Howard coming off the bench.
Player Comparison: Robert Williams
PICKED BY: Brendan Sheehan
#29—SUNS — Ayo Dosunmu (G, Illinois)
Ayo Dosunmu is a lengthy guard out of Illinois that, even at 21 years old, seems to have a lot more untapped potential than most older prospects. That doesn’t mean Ayo doesn’t have any NBA-ready skills. The man was a walking bucket and one of the best rebounding guards in all of the college hoops last season. Ayo started all 90 games he played in his time with the Fighting Illini and while he certainly did improve his craft, one of the biggest factors in why he might be a second-round selection is how marginal these improvements were.
He’s a guard that’s better at scoring off the dribble but is also not the best ball handler or passer. There’s an obvious conundrum here that could limit his potential to a sixth-man role. It would take more than what he showed in college to feel confident with him playing lead guard in the Association. I see his most likely path to immediate success at the next level being as a spot-minute microwave scorer off the bench. If Ayo improves as a spot-up shooter, however, this would allow him to be effective for longer stretches and open the possibility of being an eventual starter at the next level.
Comparison: Reggie Jackson
PICKED BY: Aakash Bathini
#30 — JAZZ — Day’Ron Sharpe (C, UNC)
The Utah Jazz hold the last pick in the draft, with this pick they draft Day’Ron Sharpe center out of North Carolina.
Day’Ron Sharpe is an excellent inside scorer, his low post scoring is his biggest strength on the offensive side of the ball. Sharpe is an excellent rebounder, he has a hunger for grabbing offensive boards and is consistent in boxing out his defenders. Sharpe is always making hustle plays, and he sets strong screens for his teammates.
The Jazz, coming off a Conference Semifinals loss with the intent to improve the team. Adding Sharpe would allow more rest time for Rudy Gobert since Sharpe is an excellent paint defender. Working with the Jazz’s two big men, Gobert and Derrick Favors will give Day’Ron an opportunity to improve his defensive fundamentals and diminish his loose ball handling.
Comparison: Richaun Holmes
PICKED BY: InderMan
