Full Court Press Mock Draft 2.0
Every week leading up to the 2021 NBA Draft, we will be releasing the updated mock draft (with no trades).
The NBA Draft is less than a month away, the lottery balls have done their magic, and the Draft Combine is over, meaning we have arrived at the most dependable and predictable part of the pre-draft process; smokescreen season. They have already begun, but expect headlines in the coming weeks detailing how certain clubs are placing greater value on specific individuals than others and vice versa. Take everything with a grain of salt, as there are countless motivations for teams to give out misleading signals in order to improve their position.
This draft has a lot of ambiguity, with top-heavy talent and a few dark horses pushing their way up the boards due to great Combine performances and workouts. With that in mind, here is our most recent mock draft!
#1 — PISTONS — Cade Cunningham (G/F, OK State)
The Pistons should just put his name on the draft card and go to bed. Cunningham is widely regarded as the best player in the draft because he possesses the size and skill set that all NBA clubs desire. In his lone season with the Cowboys, he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals a game while shooting 40 percent on 155 3-point tries. The turnover totals were not terrific (4.0 per game), but it is worth noting that Cunningham was operating with a relatively weak roster.
Cunningham is another large wing with a point guard’s intellect. Thanks to his 6'8 stature and 7' wingspan, he can see above the defenders in transition and in pick and roll situations to make passes that many other prospects can’t. He is also a strong defender who could play some small-ball 4 to help get as many shooters on the court as possible.
NBA Player Comparison — Luka Doncic
#2 — ROCKETS — Evan Mobley (F/C, USC)
This pick will probably be debated until the Rockets are officially on the clock. Many draft experts and pundits believe that Jalen Green is the better fit due to his superior athleticism, however I believe that Mobley is the better pick due to his positional versatility as a PF and C.
Mobley burst into the spotlight this season at USC when he and his brother led the Trojans to the Elite Eight. For a seven footer, Mobley possesses a rare combination of size, length, agility, and talent. Mobley’s current calling card is his defensive flexibility, as he projects as a high-level defender immediately thanks to his excellent shot-blocking abilities, fast feet to mirror guards on the perimeter, and agility to defend the pick and roll. This appears to be Mobley’s floor, given his defensive excellence and tantalizing offensive potential. Few players his stature can snag a rebound and lead a break down the court, making the necessary passes and hitting the offensive board. The difference between a very excellent player and a perennial All-Star will be how much his offense and shot-making improve.
NBA Player Comparison — DeAndre Ayton
#3 — CAVALIERS — Jalen Green (G, Ignite)
With Evan Mobley off the board, this should be an easy decision for the Cavaliers. Jalen Green is perhaps the most predictable prospect in the draft, in the sense that you know exactly what you are getting. He’s a superior athlete who has been a prolific scorer at every level at which he’s ever played. Furthermore, with Collin Sexton reportedly being shopped, Darius Garland could be slid to point guard and Green would play the two-guard.
Since he played in the G League under NBA veteran Brian Shaw, he is more prepared for the NBA than college prospects. Green was able to lead the Ignite squad in scoring, 3-point attempts, and steals after taking over as captain. During the G League bubble, Coach Shaw raved over Green’s skills, character, and dedication, even dubbing him an “inevitable star.”
NBA Player Comparison — Zach Lavine
#4 — RAPTORS — Jalen Suggs (G, Gonzaga)
The Raptors took a huge win in the lottery and now have a chance to choose one of the highly sought-after talents in this year’s top four. If it turns out to be Suggs, he’ll be joining a near-ideal scenario with a team that thrives on gritty, talented guards. Coming from a high-level program in Gonzaga, Suggs should have no problem contributing right away for a team with hopes of getting back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Some areas of his game, like his 3-point shot, turnovers, and off-ball discipline should be improved, but Toronto should be one of the best situations for him to flourish in.
Toronto will most likely part ways with Kyle Lowry this summer, and they couldn’t be happier to pass the reins onto Jalen Suggs. Toronto could be back in contention for a playoff berth next season after bringing in Suggs.
NBA Player Comparison — Jrue Holiday
#5 — MAGIC — Jonathan Kuminga (F, Ignite)
Orlando hit the reset button this season by sending their best player to Chicago and their second-best player to Denver. The team had exhausted its options with Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon, so they used lottery tickets to acquire additional draft selections and players still on rookie contracts.
Jonathan Kuminga is somewhat of an enigma in this class. Kuminga, who was once considered a top-five pick, had a hit-or-miss season with the G League Ignite during his brief stay. He possesses a powerful, thick, and well-developed body that will allow him to immediately survive in the NBA on both ends. He was able to play with the ball in his hands and make judgments that he would not have been able to make on other collegiate teams because of his role on the Ignite squad. His shooting percentages from most parts of the floor were below average, but his flashes reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded in the first place. He has raw and unpolished potential, but that is a positive when it comes to the Magic, since they are not in a hurry to win now.
NBA Player Comparison — OG Anunoby
#6 — THUNDER — Scottie Barnes (G/F, Florida State)
Rebuilding teams with many holes usually take the player with the most potential. In this draft, that player is Scottie Barnes. Oklahoma City could use just about everything on their roster. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the verge of becoming an All-Star in his fourth season, the clock may be ticking on finding him a co-star with whom to compete for a playoff spot. In his first season, Aleksej Pokusevski was nothing if not entertaining. Moving ahead, OKC will need to continue to build on a squad that prioritizes length, talent, and upside.
Outside of Mobley, Scottie Barnes is one of the most unusual players in this draft, with Oklahoma City Thunder written all over him. Barnes, who played point guard in the ACC, projects as a tall, agile forward with exceptional passing and ball-handling abilities for a man who measures 6'9" with a wingspan of 7'2.5". His game has limits that may make the difference between a fantastic role player and a starter, and they begin with his ability to shoot the ball. Barnes made only 12 of his 40 3-point attempts this season, for a 27.5 percent success rate. Barnes struggled to hit even from mid-range, resorting to a long floater shot frequently. Rebounding more and getting to the line at a higher rate will help bring more value to what he can do on the floor.
NBA Player Comparison — Draymond Green
#7 — WARRIORS — Moses Moody (G, Arkansas)
Initially, I believed Davion Mitchell would be the best choice. However, after his Combine measurements indicated he was just over 6 feet, he could struggle to score for a Warriors team that is already small. Ideally, the Warriors would want to package both lottery picks and a player for a star. But in this draft, they get a 3&D prospect who can slide to the small forward position with his size.
Moses Moody is an extremely young and long prospect out of Arkansas. Moody, who just turned 19 in May, boasts a 7 foot wingspan to go along with a silky jumper that should translate immediately. While he is getting pegged as a lower upside prospect because of his lack of passing or athleticism, his upside will come from the rate at which he gets to the line (a whopping 45%) and rebounds the ball on the offensive end. Moody is very dangerous off the ball like Steph and Klay. Sticking him into the Warriors’ rotation where he can learn from the best shooters of this era, along with providing length to defend the wing, Moody can reach his potential while fitting into a smaller role early.
NBA Player Comparison — Khris Middleton
#8 — MAGIC — Keon Johnson (G, Tennessee)
When you set the record for the highest vertical leap at the NBA Draft Combine, you’re going to open some eyes, and the 48-inch jump should get Johnson at least into the top 10. His vertical jump PR comes as no surprise to anyone that watched Tennessee this year, as every game had the potential to feature Johnson’s electric two-footed dunk package. Johnson would add a dynamic athlete to the Magic backcourt that features Cole Anthony, defensive tenacity, and upside that it currently lacks.
Johnson has some of the same shortcomings that many young, athletic guards have, with a jump shot that needs some work to stretch out to the NBA line. He still needs to develop as a scorer and shooter, but he should be able to contribute in transition and on defense right away.
NBA Player Comparison — Victor Oladipo
#9 — KINGS — Davion Mitchell (G, Baylor)
Davion Mitchell was a late bloomer after transferring from Auburn to Baylor a few years ago. Mitchell will be able to take the responsibility of guarding the opponent’s point guard and giving them fits up and down the court. His ability to stay in front of his man laterally is unmatched in this class. Mitchell has also turned himself into a knock-down 3-point shooter at 44.7 percent clip this season on 141 attempts. His driving ability also opens the pass for him to find shooters and bigs under the rim for easy baskets. The Kings are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA right now, with no star-level perimeter defenders. The Kings also play with the fast-paced offense that Mitchell thrives in.
Mitchell is a bit undersized, after measuring in only at six feet without shoes at the NBA draft combine. In addition, he is a liability in the paint with his limited leaping ability. There may not be much more untapped potential for the 22-year-old senior, but he should be able to contribute immediately for the playoff thirsty Kings.
NBA Player Comparison — Patrick Beverley
#10 — PELICANS — Franz Wagner (F, Michigan)
The New Orleans Pelicans have done a fine job of collecting assets with the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades, but the roster built around Zion Williamson has not maximized his impact or Brandon Ingram’s. The Pelicans are in dire need of shooters, especially with Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball potentially leaving. The Pelicans have to make moves now to ensure their star players don’t leave.
Franz Wagner is a big wing who hangs his hat on the defensive end and pairs it with good decision-making on offense with shooting upside. Wagner can guard both wings and guards with his strong frame and sound technique. He is able to stay in front of his guy with quick feet, then either poke the ball loose or contest with his long frame. His 83.5 percent free throw percentage points toward the skill eventually developing, but he will need to be more consistent after his month to month 3-point percentage buoyed wildly.
NBA Player Comparison — Nicolas Batum
#11 — HORNETS — Kai Jones (F/C, Texas)
Jones’ numbers are not particularly eye-catching. He went to Texas for two years and failed to get playing time in each of them, averaging only 22.8 MPG in his sophomore season. In his second season, he only started four games and finished sixth on the squad in MPG. Jones averaged 8.8 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, 0.8 steals per game, and 0.9 blocks per game in 26 games. How can a guy with such insignificant stats be ranked so high on NBA big boards? Jones had the sixth highest usage rate (18.0 percent) among Texas’ regular rotation players last season. Jarrett Allen and Mo Bamba, Texas’ previous two dominant big men, with usage rates of 22.6 and 21.3, respectively. Simply put, Jones did not receive the right opportunity to blossom into his full potential at the school.
Most NBA teams are attracted to his raw athleticism and overall energy. Jones also runs the floor at the speed of a guard and can handle the ball well. With Ball and Gordon Hayward acting as the primary ball handlers on the Hornets, Jones would have more freedom in that role.
NBA Player Comparison — Robert Williams
#12 — SPURS — Josh Giddey (G/F, Adelaide)
The Spurs have missed the playoffs for the last two seasons. It feels like something will have to give soon, as Gregg Popovich is not getting any younger and is not used to this type of losing. They will also most likely lose DeMar DeRozan to another team this year in free agency, although a sign and trade opportunity could bring back assets or an interesting young player. With their star playmaker gone, Josh Giddey would be the perfect replacement.
Giddey will be the third guard from the Australian League to be selected in the previous two rounds drafts, but the Australian-born athlete stands out in his own way. Giddey, who stands 6'8" and weighs 220 pounds, is a fantastic passer with a great eye not just in transition but also in the half-court. His ability to pass the ball to open shooters on the other wing or corner is remarkable. His 7.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game demonstrate a well-rounded skill set that would fit well in the San Antonio system. Giddey, being one of the youngest players in his class, will need to continue to improve his shooting stroke, driving ability, and quickness in order to remain ahead of faster opponents.
NBA Player Comparison — Ricky Rubio
#13 — PACERS — Alperen Şengün (F/C, Beşiktaş)
The Pacers are reportedly shopping Myles Turner leaving a hole at the center position. Alperen Şengün is one of the most accomplished teenagers in the history of the Turkish League. His per-36 splits of 24.4/11.9/3.2 on 64.6/19.0/81.2 percent were as impressive as they appear. On the offensive end, Sengün’s floor appears to be very high because of his excellent footwork, touch, rebounding, and finishing skills.
If he wants to play power forward, he will need to be able to spread the floor, but his peripheral shooting percentages, along with a smooth-looking stroke, suggest that there is still room for improvement. On the defensive end, where he does not project to be a terrific rim protector or a player with quick enough feet to keep up with NBA-level athleticism on the perimeter, he will need to improve. However, he averages almost a steal and a half each game, as well as two blocks per 36 minutes, demonstrating that he makes an effort on this end. With Brogdon or McConnell, his pick-and-roll skill should generate quick scoring.
NBA Player Comparison — Nikola Vucevic
#14 — WARRIORS — James Bouknight (G, UConn)
The Golden State Warriors are still on the lookout for offensive playmakers who can relieve some of Steph Curry’s load. Bouknight possesses one of the most complete offensive skill sets available in this draft. The Warriors would be resurrected if they had a bench backcourt of Jordan Poole and James Bouknight, as well as small forward Moses Moody.
Bouknight is a true shooting guard with surprising bounce and an array of pro-ready moves. While Bouknight’s 3-point percentage was not up to par this season, he shot close to 35 percent the year prior while sporting a career 80 percent mark from the free-throw line. However, he displayed phenomenal shooting at the combine with viral clips circulating on Twitter. Because his scoring responsibilities will be spread among the rest of the backcourt, he should be able to focus more of his game on the defensive end with his 6'8" wingspan.
NBA Player Comparison — Derrick White
