2021 NBA Draft: Mock 1.0, Knicks bolster the backcourt

NBA Draft Mock 1.0: The end of the 1st round

28. Phoenix Suns, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova

Given that CP isn’t going to be around much longer, the Suns need to maximize their roster in the short term. Like most Villanova guys in recent years, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will enter the league ready to play. Also like a lot of the recent Villanova alumnus, Robinson-Earl is multi-faceted: he can score from distance and up close, and is mobile for his size. He averaged a near double-double for his college career at 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds over two seasons.

29. Philadelphia 76ers, Marcus Bagley, F, Arizona State

Marcus is Sacramento Kings’ lottery pick Marvin Bagley’s little brother, and I am mocking him to the Sixers. The Sixers, as well as their GM Daryl Morey, have always valued 3-and-d wings and Bagley could be a highly effective one.

Bagley averaged 10.8 per game on 39 percent from the floor and 35 percent from beyond the arc. He’ll have time to learn and grow in Philadelphia and could join Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, Tyrese Maxey, Furkan Korkmaz, and others as long-term depth pieces around Joel, Ben, and Tobias.

30. Utah Jazz, Roko Prkacin, F, Croatia

The Jazz have the best record in the NBA, so they are picking last in this NBA draft.

The Jazz don’t have many, if any, holes on their roster, and are in a position to select a long-term project.

Prkacin reminds me a little of Deni Avdija, the 9th overall pick to the Washington Wizards in last year’s draft. Both Avdija and Prkacin are skilled ball handlers for their size with playmaking upside. They are also guys with some shooting question marks that possibly limit their overall ceiling.