2021 NBA Draft: Mock 1.0, Knicks bolster the backcourt
By Toby Jaffe
NBA Draft Mock 1.0: End of the lottery
15. Boston Celtics, Usman Garuba, PF, Spain
Garuba is an athletic, high-energy prospect that will fit well into the Celtics culture. He has drawn comparisons to Al Horford, a player who had success in Boston, due to his b-ball IQ, defensive ability, and passing. He is fairly limited and raw in terms of scoring but shows potential. If he can add some moves and work on his 3 point shooting, he will be a true steal at 15.
16. OKC Thunder (from Miami) Cam Thomas, SG, LSU
Thomas figures to be among the most polarizing prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft. Supporters, and I consider myself one, are wowed by his scoring ability and overall arsenal and as well as his confidence. Detractors, perhaps not wrongfully, will argue that he is a one-trick pony — he can put the ball in the basket but contributes in no other way.
But hey, I say, Basketball is about scoring more points than the other team!
17. Atlanta Hawks, Franz Wagner, SF, Michigan
Franz is following in his brother Moritz’s footsteps in making the leap from Ann Arbor to the NBA.
Some would consider Wagner at 17 a steal. Whereas Franz’s older brother Moritz is kind of a lumbering big with limited skills, little bro is a multi-dimensional forward who can score, be a playmaker, and defend at high levels. The Hawks, a franchise with championship aspirations at some point this decade, would take it. At best, Wagner could theoretically lighten Trae Young’s load with secondary playmaking and scoring.
That’s only if Young lets him, though.