2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers

2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Toronto Raptors make a huge jump, draft Evan Mobley

This was the most dramatic jump in my lottery simulation – The Raptors have only a 7.8% chance of getting the #2 pick, and 31.9% of getting in the top 4. Anything is possible…

Toronto is one of the few teams in the lottery that can conceivably achieve a quick turnaround in 2021-22. This was a team that was a game away from the Conference Finals in 2020 but disappointed this season. Now, they immediately add arguably the highest-rated big man prospect of the last 5 years.

NBA Draft – Evan Mobley player comparisons:

• Anthony Davis
• DeAndre Ayton smooth mobility in the halfcourt
• Chris Boucher

If you want to make the case Mobley being the #1, go right ahead. The 7 foot, 215 lbs big-man is a scary combination of size, mobility, and technique.

Mobley’s blend of ball-handling, shooting, and size have drawn him comparisons to NBA players outside the realm of bigs – players like Kevin Durant. It may unfair to have those expectations, but it’s an indicator of just how high some are on Mobley as a prospect.

I see Mobley as more in the power forward/center role in the NBA as someone who can be an absolute force in the frontcourt. Mobley’s blend of coordination and shot creation is incredibly unique – he’s someone who can take defenders on the perimeter and in the post.

I actually love when I see a prospect’s biggest concern as “Strength”. You could say that’s a weakness for 95% of NBA prospects, and it’s something that will change with time in the weight room and maturity.

It’s something that gets even more exaggerated with big men. Remember how much skinnier Joel Embiid was in college? Don’t worry about Mobley’s lanky frame or strength, this kid is going to be a monster.

For the Raptors, maybe they could have gone with one of the backcourt players, but the idea of drafting Mobley to play alongside Siakam is too tantalizing. Even with Lowry potentially on his way out, this team has some nice long-term perimeter pieces in Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Malachi Flynn.

Now, they secure one of the most unique and versatile frontcourts in the NBA with Pascal Siakam and Evan Mobley.