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

2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Oklahoma City Thunder select Jalen Green, create a formidable duo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder have enjoyed a long run of sustained success. The Thunder missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015. They have made the playoffs in 10 of the last 11 seasons. 

Now, while they may have finished with the 5th worst record in the league, they are a lot more well-positioned than other bottom-dwelling teams. Armed with a plethora of draft picks and young players, the Thunder add a dynamic talent in Jalen Green.

NBA Draft – Jalen Green NBA player comparisons:

• Zach LaVine level athleticism
• Bradley Beal
• Anthony Edwards first step

Jalen Green has been on basketball fans’ radars for a while now. A well-documented high school player, Green played this past season on the G-League Ignite team.

Green is a freakishly athletic guard/wing who stands at 6’6. One of the quickest first steps in a guard prospect in recent years, his ridiculous burst will surely remind people of Anthony Edwards and his speedy rip-throughs.

Green is not only terrific at getting to the rim, but he’s also an adept finisher.

He’s an above-the-rim finisher with an extensive layup package that utilizes every inch of his long wingspan. He can absorb contact as well.

Green led the G-League Ignite team in points with just under 18 per game. The athleticism was always there, but he really added some nice polish to shot creation while in the G League.

Creating space is never difficult for Green, and he looks like he can become a 3-level scorer at the next level.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, they get to add a dynamic wing player to pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder can use some of Green’s shot creation, and perhaps they continue to lean into the idea of having Gilgeous-Alexander take on most of the ball-handling duties and grow as a point guard.

Having to grow off-ball will be part of the next steps for Jalen Green to really complete his game on offense.

Do not let the high-school celebrity status fool you, Jalen Green is out for blood on the court.

Gren has shown some really outstanding spurts of man-to-man defense where he couples his quickness and length with his competitive nature. I’m bullish about his growth into a strong two-way player and potentially becoming the best player from this draft.

A combo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Green gives the Oklahoma City Thunder one of the best young perimeter player duos in the league.