Despite the surprise pleasantries happening in the postseason, with Phoenix and Milwaukee as the last two teams standing, the other 28 franchises have a lot to look out for in the weeks to come. And with the 2021 NBA Draft only more than three weeks away, here is the fourth edition of our NBA Mock Draft.
Following the NBA Draft Combine, a lot of rookie hopefuls find themselves on a better standing to be selected in the first round. meanwhile, those who were already projected to be picked in the lottery faced some incremental shifts, with some prospects even going up and down in various projections.
NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Warriors seek upside, Pacers go for versatility
While Cade Cunningham remains the consensus top pick in the draft, those in the 2-6 range are starting to waver in most projections, with the likes of Jalen Green and Scottie Barnes starting to garner a lot of noise to be selected earlier than expected. That being said, the conclusion of the draft combine gives more unpredictability in the lottery and the entire first-round.
Before the ink runs dry, here is our prediction of how the first-round of the 2021 NBA Draft will fare for all teams, including a lot of prospect movements and new faces after the draft combine.
NBA Mock Draft 1st Pick: Detroit Pistons
Rumblings of another prospect getting selected first overall have been gaining some traction over the past week. While Cade Cunningham remains the consensus top prize in the 2021 NBA Draft, the predictability of the top pick was very slightly chiseled out.
Jalen Green’s scoring is reminiscent of the league’s upper-echelon scorers while Evan Mobley has legitimate potential to be the league’s next great big man with his versatility and skill on both ends of the floor.
Anyway, despite those cameo mentions, the Detroit Pistons will select Cunningham with the first overall pick. It’s that simple. His combination of size and skill as a backcourt player equips him with sky-high upside as an almost guaranteed franchise cornerstone for the Motor City for years to come.
NBA Mock Draft 2nd Pick: Houston Rockets
Viewed by many as the best pure scorer among his peers, Jalen Green, who is also pegged as an early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, should bring immediate sparks to the team that drafts him. And with his stock rising recently, the Houston Rockets should be an ideal landing spot for the explosive guard.
Evan Mobley is a perfectly solid choice with the second overall pick, but drafting him in Christian Wood’s presence presents the team with some interesting, yet equally challenging fit. While an overlap with Kevin Porter Jr. similarly exists with Green, both are interchangeable pieces whose switchability on both ends of the floor is a lot easier to install and deploy.
NBA Mock Draft 3rd Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
This should be an easy choice. Jarrett Allen is a fine young player at his best, but his inconsistency and limitations on offense essentially makes him a traditional center, the likes of which are quite difficult to nurture as an actual rebuilding piece, aside from some extraordinary outliers in the NBA.
USC’s Evan Mobley possesses a unique mix of versatility and skill which allows him to plug multiple holes on the team as an outlet on both offense and defense. He’s built for the modern game, boasting a highly efficient scoring armory which includes a solid above the rim touch and an ever-useful perimeter stroke.
NBA Mock Draft 4th Pick: Toronto Raptors
With Kyle Lowry’s almost-certain exit from Toronto, the Raptors will immediately be left with some massive holes on the backcourt. For all the goodness that Fred VanVleet is, he’s more of a complimentary piece in a rebuild instead of a cornerstone.
Gonzaga standout Jalen Suggs is a hell of a combo guard, bannering a reliable three-level scoring while orchestrating the offense with his surgical precision as a playmaker. He doesn’t commit a lot of mistakes and plays intelligent defense, which will be very welcome in Nick Nurse’s shifty tactics.
NBA Mock Draft 5th Pick: Orlando Magic
Orlando’s rebuild is, well, not off to the great start that most people expected. Their lottery placement is disappointing, but make no mistake: the Magic will get a young asset who can accelerate their reboot in this draft to add up to their not-so-inspiring core of Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony and maybe, Markelle Fultz.
Playmaking forwards in the NBA are not just a trend, but a norm nowadays. Scottie Barnes, with his tremendous versatility and upside as a playmaker and a defender, should be an immediate contributor to the Magic, despite his limitations and rawness scoring the ball outside the paint.
NBA Mock Draft 6th Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have the funkiest wing rotation in the league, especially in the small forward position. Last season they filled the 3 spot by committee, going from nominal solutions in Lu Dort and Aleksej Pokusevski to journeymen Justin Jackson and Darius Miller.
Small forward should be a point of emphasis for the Thunder in the upcoming draft. Thus, Jonathan Kuminga should be able to fill the bulk of small forward minutes right from the get-go with his impressive defensive chops and versatility, as well as his improving offensive game.
NBA Mock Draft 7th Pick: Golden State Warriors (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Golden State Warriors, despite being tabbed as a championship wildcard with a healthy lineup next season, badly need reliable two-way play aside from their star players, most notably with shooting to complement the Splash Brothers and switchability on defense.
Arkansas’ Moses Moody may be one of the youngest prospects in the draft, but his length and intriguing fit on the Dubs’ switch-heavy defense and his three-point stroke, which merits attention from the defense, should be more than enough to convince the Warriors to take him earlier than expected, especially with Kelly Oubre Jr. leaving a void in the wing position.
NBA Mock Draft 8th Pick: Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls)
Cole Anthony tallied an above-average rookie season, but having him as the lone star in a lacking Orlando backcourt is debilitating both in the short-term and the long-term. Oft-injured Markelle Fultz has shown flashes of why he was a first overall pick, but his style of play isn’t necessarily backed with credence to expect a leap next season.
The Magic aren’t a bad defensive team, but it’s not their identity. Davion Mitchell, dubbed by many as “Off-Night”, is perhaps the best defender on the draft. Couple that with his reliable perimeter offense and playmaking, and you’re looking at someone who can potentially anchor Orlando for many years.
NBA Mock Draft 9th Pick: Sacramento Kings
Sacramento’s offense is already a good and explosive one, but the Kings should double down on their scoring attack by giving it a new dimension of unpredictability, especially with their guard-heavy shot creation powered by De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
At 6’8, Josh Giddey is an unorthodox backcourt cog who has a knack for surveying the floor with relative ease, hitting shooters and cutters with pinpoint passes a la Joe Ingles. He is a quick decision-maker and he has the ability to make plays without holding the ball for too long, which is a great complement to Sacramento’s high-usage guards.
NBA Mock Draft 10th Pick: New Orleans Pelicans
Given the instability with regards to Zion Williamson’s future in New Orleans, the Pelicans have to do whatever it takes to keep him happy in the Crescent City, and that begins with on-court success. After outright missing the postseason, upgrades are needed to hoist them into the playoff race out West.
James Bouknight is a legitimate three-level scorer who should amplify NOLA’s middling offensive rating. His creative shot-making and and high octane scoring should arm the team’s scoring attack with more variance. Better yet, he can contribute right away with Josh Hart entering free agency, where all signs point to an exit.
NBA Mock Draft 11th Pick: Charlotte Hornets
Since 2015, the Charlotte Hornets have consistently trotted out one of the league’s least alluring center rotations. While Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are both serviceable role players who can be counted on for solid production on a nightly basis, neither are meant to log heavy minutes as a starter.
With the 11th pick, the Hornets should seek upside and fit from their new 5-man. Turkey’s Alperen Sengun, whose mix of post proficiency and court awareness is rare for a player of his age and position, will be more than enough for Charlotte to gamble on him as the proverbial high-risk, high-reward prospect in this year’s draft.
NBA Mock Draft 12th Pick: San Antonio Spurs
It’s very surprising to see the San Antonio Spurs missing the playoffs, but it’s really not rocket science considering their dearth of top-notch talent in the past few seasons. With a rebuild now underway in the Alamo City, the Silver and Black should nail this selection, especially with the team already having a solid young core on the table.
While Jakob Poeltl is an excellent interior defender, Texas’ Kai Jones has more upside with his explosiveness, mobility and athleticism from the center position. Also, his combination of athleticism, three-point stroke and defensive versatility makes him a very good fit next t the likes of DeJounte Murray, Derrick White and Keldon Johnson.
NBA Mock Draft 13th Pick: Indiana Pacers
The hiring of veteran tactician Rick Carlisle implies another continuity ride for the Indiana Pacers, but recent speculations on the team suggest that the franchise is ready to make some bold changes to the roster, especially after the team plummeted last season and missed the playoffs for the first time in six years.
With the endless debate about the Myles Turner-Domantas Sabonis pairing still ongoing, the Pacers would be wise to seek for an ideal fit next to both big men who can slide in to a prospective frontcourt void if one of them gets deal to another team. Jalen Johnson’s intriguing skill as a tweener who can pass, defend and shoot should warrant a long look here from Indiana.
NBA Mock Draft 14th Pick: Golden State Warriors
Aside from the transcendent Stephen Curry, the Warriors don’t rely have a backup point guard who can orchestrate Steve Kerr’s detailed and complex offense, with the likes of Mychal Mulder and Jordan Poole best served as designated shooters. Thus, Golden State should invest in a prospect who can give Curry a lot more breathing room—both literally and figuratively.
Tennessee’s Keon Johnson is a two-way initiator who is regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. He’s more of the athletic type than the pass-first type, but his good size and defensive intensity, despite his limited jump shot, should fit in perfectly in a backcourt glue guy role among a shooting-heavy guard rotation.
NBA Mock Draft 15th Pick: Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards can’t possible be tabbed to clinch another playoff spot running it back. At the core of their poignant cast outside of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal is the center position, where the team is bannered by, well, an aging Robin Lopez, an injured Thomas Bryant and a raw Daniel Gafford.
Enter Isaiah Jackson. The Kentucky standout is an impeccable shot blocker who can anchor Washington’s inexistent defense. Although he is quite limited offensively, his wing-like motor and athleticism makes him a huge asset as a defender, capable of switching onto guards when needed.
NBA Mock Draft 16th Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
After landing Jonathan Kuminga, the Oklahoma City Thunder should continue reloading on the frontcourt and fortify their poignant rotation all throughout, despite the promise of Pokusevski and Darius Bazley combined with centerpieces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and maybe, Luguentz Dort..
Michigan’s Franz Wagner will arm OKC’s league-worst offense with much more spontaneity and IQ with his three-point stroke and subtle court vision. On defense, he has impeccable timing and instincts, using his length and smarts to produce steals and blocks while serving as a shifty stopper against both wings and even bigs.
NBA Mock Draft 17th Pick: Memphis Grizzlies
Despite Memphis being one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league, the Grizzlies are in dire need of offensive reinforcements to complement franchise star Ja Morant, especially with the team ranking in the bottom-10 in three-pointers made, attempted and in accuracy from deep.
Having Dillon Brooks as the lone designate shooter who won’t be exploited on defense is far from ideal. While Grayson Allen is a great marksman, Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert has a higher ceiling with the same profile. His quick trigger from three and intelligent off-ball movement should enrich a Grizzlies offense typically dependent on pick-and-rolls while his length should at least make him serviceable as a team defender.
NBA Mock Draft 18th Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat)
You can never have too many wings in today’s game. Fortunately, the Thunder can still find a gem at this juncture with high-upside wing Ziaire Williams projected to be on this range. Quite possibly the steal of the draft, Williams’ physical makeup and raw skill is cut from the same cloth as many stars in the league.
He has tremendous length at almost 6″10, and while his offensive repertoire needs a lot of polishing, there’s no denying that his shot-making is bound to take a leap or two in the near future. His above-average three-point shot and athleticism, which allows him to easily get a rim run, should be prized facets that OKC should want to amplify their rebuild.
NBA Mock Draft 19th Pick: New York Knicks
While New York has a boatload of salary cap for a dramatic overhaul, their defensive identity should be here to stay, especially with Tom Thibodeau at the helm. Thus, the Knicks must continue bolstering their strengths in order to build on their surprising fourth-place finish in the East this season.
Spain’s Usman Garuba projects to be a sleek fit next to Julius Randle as a defensive-minded big man to augment New York’s imposing frontcourt rotation. While he is quite undersized and he lacks a reliable offensive punch in the present, his instincts as a defender is outstanding. He should provide the Knicks with an enforcer, a role currently manned by the aging Taj Gibson.
NBA Mock Draft 20th Pick: Atlanta Hawks
Despite Trae Young’s heroics, he is but one reliable playmaker for the Hawks. With Lou Williams in the twilight of his career and the team’s third-stringers in Kris Dunn and Brandon Goodwin logging forgettable campaigns this season, drafting a point guard to backup their franchise star should be a point of emphasis.
One prospect who fits the bill of what Atlanta needs is Tennessee’s Jaden Springer. He has no real weaknesses in his game with a showcase of consistent three-point shooting, heady playmaking and pesky defense. Also, he should allow Bogdan Bogdanovic, who was typically used as a de facto point guard, to shift to his natural position.
NBA Mock Draft 21st Pick: New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)
Another elephant in the room for the Knicks in the offseason is their lack of reliable point guard play aside from Derrick Rose. Kyle Lowry may be a prime free agent target, but an immediate solution through the draft who can give them flexibility for the future, like Florida’s Tre Mann, can help galvanize New York’s offense which was stagnant at times.
NBA Mock Draft 22nd Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers badly need outside shooting, as explicitly shown in their playoff collapse and failed title defense. Veteran patchworks who are more of marginal shooters than legitimate marksmen cannot be counted on anymore. That being said, Oregon’s Chris Duarte should be a solid addition to LeBron James’ supporting cast with his prowess on triples.
NBA Mock Draft 23rd Pick: Houston Rockets (via Portland Trail Blazers)
Cameron Thomas, the NCAA’s leading scorer, should be an excellent fit in Paul Silas’ up-tempo offense, feeding off on open looks that he can get from Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., John Wall and Christian Wood. Alas, he can give the Rockets some leeway to trade away oft-injured scorer Eric Gordon to cement their rebuild.
NBA Mock Draft 24th Pick: Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Croatia’s Roko Prkacin can bring a unique dimension to Houston’s offense as a 6’9 tweener who can pass the ball, play solid defense and attack the rim with his quick first step. While his outside shot is a bit suspect, the Rockets’ three-point happy scoring attack should invite him to improve his outside game.
NBA Mock Draft 25th Pick: LA Clippers
Baylor’s Jared Butler should be high on the Clippers’ radar in the draft, especially with the point guard position still one of the team’s weak spots. While Reggie Jackson’s rejuvenation has been nothing short of incredible, Patrick Beverley’s marginal passing and Rajon Rondo’s near-certain exit all but assures that LA will need to pursue anotehr floor general.
NBA Draft Mock 26th Pick: Denver Nuggets
Ayo Dosunmu’s on-court maturity as a low-risk playmaker should be a very welcome addition in the Mile High City, especially with Jamal Murray projected to miss most, if not all, of next season with an ACL injury. He should form a steady point guard rotation with Facundo Campazzo and Austin Rivers, assuming he resigns, for the meantime.
NBA Mock Draft 27th Pick: Brooklyn Nets
While the Nets don’t really need a true center as projected as they deploy nominal bigs who are interchangeable, Brooklyn need another body for when their veteran cogs rest or are out with injuries. Auburn’s JT Thor and his defensive mobility, paired with his length and athleticism, should give the roster with an infusion of youth and upside.
NBA Mock Draft 28th Pick: Philadelphia 76ers
With Danny Green’s impending free agency projected to be an expensive dialogue, Philadelphia may be keen on seeking for younger alternatives. While Matisse Thybulle and Furkan Korkmaz can hold down the fort at shooting guard, Alabama’s Josh Primo should be a target at 28th with his reliable defense and scoring, even though he’s streaky from downtown.
NBA Mock Draft 29th Pick: Phoenix Suns
Despite the Phoenix Suns’ emergence as a title contender, the team is rather thin on the center position outside of Deandre Ayton. What they need is a big man who can exploit the interior as a finisher and sustain the defense for the second unit. Luckily, all those are strengths of North Carolina standout Day’Ron Sharpe, who should very well be available with the 29th pick.
NBA Mock Draft 30th Pick: Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz’s core is set and there’s no turning back despite their horrible playoff elimination. Nevertheless, what they need is more depth, and Trey Murphy III should be able to supply that with his NBA-ready three-point stroke, great size at 6’9 and switchable defense, especially with free agent-to-be Georges Niang proving to be unplayable at times in the postseason.