2021 NBA Draft: Mock 1.0, Knicks bolster the backcourt
By Toby Jaffe
NBA Draft Mock 1.0: NY gets a point guard
18. New York Knicks, Ayo Dosunmu, PG, Illinois
At last, our guys in Orange and Blue.
The NY Knicks have desperately needed a starting point guard for many years. Though there are no guarantees of finding one at this stage of the first round, Dosunmu is a half-decent bet.
Ayo flashes all the potential skills to be a long-time team-leading floor general in the pros. Throughout his three years at Illinois, Dosunmu showed an ability to control the offensive pace, take care of the basketball, and make heady decisions every time down the floor. He’s more than a mere game manager though; he’s crafty when looking to drive and can knock down 3s. He is also an able perimeter defender.
19. Charlotte Hornets, Day’Ron Sharpe, C, University of North Carolina
Day’Ron Sharpe is a North Carolina lifer, and his stay in the state continues in this mock draft.
Sharpe brings to mind James Wiseman. Both can do more than simply screen, roll, post-up, and rebound — though Sharpe is good at all of those things. Sharpe can also take defenders off the dribble, make plays for his teammates, and guard perimeter players.
20. San Antonio Spurs, Josh Giddey, PG, Australia
Giddey is one of the most interesting prospects in this draft. There are some who would tell you that Giddey is a top-ten prospect, while others, like the writers at NBAdraft.net, project him as an early second-rounder.
Giddey’s supporters will talk up his size at 6 foot 8, his flashy passing and ball handling, and his ability to knock down 3s. His stock has been helped by LaMelo Ball’s success this season, as Lamelo did in 2019-2020, Giddey has been honing his craft in the Australian NBL.