2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: The stage is almost set
The 2021 NBA Draft is just over a month away, which means it’s mock draft season.
We’ve been hearing about the 2021 draft for years now. It’s top-heavy, it’s deep, there are already high expectations for this class.
For this mock draft, I used Tankathon’s draft lottery simulator to get the order for the lottery picks, which we won’t know until the end of June.
This isn’t just a list of picks, I wanted to give a detailed prospect analysis.
Going through my own notes from the past year, advanced stats and projection models, and opinions I’ve gotten from some terrific basketball prospect analysts and scouts, I wanted to include nice descriptions for not just the player but their outlook with the team.
Although they’re not my favorite tool, I included some pro comparisons, which aren’t meant to be taken as “this prospect plays exactly like these NBA players” but rather “here are some traits from specific NBA players that show up in this prospect’s game”.
It’s an exciting time of the year, with the playoffs still in full swing and the offseason on the horizon.
Here is a full first-round mock for the 2021 NBA Draft, starting with pick #1.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Orlando Magic get their franchise player in Cade Cunningham
Rejoice, Orlando Magic fans.
The last time Orlando had the 1st overall pick was in 2004 when the team selected a young big-man prospect by the name of Dwight Howard.
The Magic are in full rebuild mode and now they get their centerpiece with Cunningham. They’re a team that has entered the first stage of a rebuild – they’ve collected draft picks, have a few nice young players, but still have zero identity or anything to show that they’re steering the ship in the right direction.
Getting Cade Cunnigham will accelerate any rebuild.
NBA Draft – Cade Cunningham player comparisons:
- Luka Doncic shot creation
- Paul George
- Manu Ginobili
As an almost consensus #1 prospect, Cade Cunningham has been on basketball fans’ radars for a while now.
Cunningham is noted for his pro-habits and dedication to supreme health. The 19-year-old measure 6’8, 220 lbs. He’s a silky-smooth athlete who shouldn’t have any problems making an immediate impact in the NBA. The physical profile is just scratching the surface.
Cunningham has a basketball IQ well beyond his years – he’s a player who has a knack for creating space, knowing exactly where his teammates are going to be, and maneuvering defenses to create the best possible shots for his team.
He’s a primary ball-handler who you can really plop at any position around the perimeter. He’s a part of the new age taller “point guards” such as Luka Doncic, LeBron James, or Ben Simmons, who can match up with smaller guards or taller wings.
Just as tantalizing as his playmaking, Cunningham projects as a 3-level scorer. He has nice mechanics on his jump shot that he can shoot from tough angles off the dribble. He shot 40% from 3 and 84.6% from the line in college. He doesn’t just “project as a shooter”, he could be an elite one.
Cunningham is not just an immensely talented prospect, he’s a young man who clearly loves dedicating himself to his craft.
The Orlando Magic have some nice young pieces on their roster, and now they have the guy who can help glue it all together.
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.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Houston Rockets draft star point guard Jalen Suggs
The remnants of the Daryl Morey era were all but gone when the Houston Rockets traded James Harden early in the 2020-21 season. Now, this young team looks to continue building for the future.
The Rockets are in full rebuild mode, and they get their potential franchise player in Jalen Suggs.
NBA Draft – Jalen Suggs NBA player comparisons:
- Russell Westbrook in the open court
- Jamal Murray
- Jrue Holiday’s defensive tenacity
Suggs is an electric guard who had a lot of the spotlight this past season as a leader of the Gonzaga Bulldogs team that went 31-1 with their only loss coming in the National Championship game.
Jalen Suggs is controlled chaos.
A terrific down-hill, attack-mode point guard, he has a fantastic blend of speed, power, and shiftiness. Whether it’s in the open court or within the halfcourt, Suggs is someone you want with the ball in his hands orchestrating the offense. Some websites have him at 6’5 while others list him at 6’4 – regardless, he has great size for an NBA point guard.
Suggs has a terrific feel for the game and is really just looking to work out the kinks. Whether or not he can be an elite shooter remains to be seen. I personally am confident in his ability to a least become a threat as an off-the-dribble shooter – he has solid shooting mechanics that should translate with good coaching.
As a passer, he’s going to be great in the NBA. He’s going to use his athleticism and speed to get to the rim and make those NBA-level whip passes to open teammates similar to guys like Russell Westbrook and Ja Morant. He’s one of those guys, who can create open shooters with his speed alone.
Suggs has a great team-first aura that oozes winning culture. He’s already a polished, intense perimeter defender.
He’s going to be a great fit running the show in Houston, and fans can already dream about Suggs running with Christian Wood in the open court. Creating a young nucleus of Suggs, Wood, Porter Jr., and Jae’Sean Tate is a nice foundation.
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.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Detroit Pistons add Jonathan Kuminga to an already talented forward group
The Detroit Pistons may not be thrilled about landing at 5th overall, but they still land a player with superstar potential in Jonathan Kuminga.
The Pistons have been tied to an ugly brand of basketball over the last few years that hasn’t inspired much hope.
Now while it will still take some time to make a climb in the standings, the team is at least committed to a youth movement. They have some nice pieces in Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Jerami Grant
The Pistons are in no position to draft for need, and they add an incredibly promising player in Kuminga to the mix.
NBA Draft: Jonathan Kuminga NBA player comparisons:
- Pascal Siakam
- Shawn Marion
- Andre Iguodala versatility
Kuminga was actually Jalen Green’s teammate with the G League Ignite.
The 6’8 forward won’t be 19 years old until October of 2021. Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of The Congo, Kuminga moved to the United State in high school, and he has the potential to be the best player in the draft years from now.
Don’t let the “raw” labels fool you, Kuminga can have an impact in the league right away.
There are some areas Kuminga needs to consistently improve: His shooting, team defense, and decision-making all need plenty of work.
With that being said, Kuminga shows promise that he can improve. He has had flashes of fantastic on-ball defense and with improved discipline could one day become one of the rare defenders that can guard all 5 positions.
He needs to knock down his jump shot far more consistently but is fantastic around the rim. He’s already shown some nice playmaking in the G League but isn’t at the stage where he can be a primary ball-handler… yet.
Kuminga may not hop onto Detroit and play 30 minutes a night… that’s okay. The Pistons have some nice forwards already, but could potentially be rolling out a lineup with massive length at each position. He’s a terrific addition for Detroit.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Cleveland Cavaliers add a nice fit in Franz Wagner
After selecting Isaac Okoro in last year’s draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select another forward but one with a very different skillset in Franz Wagner.
The 6’9 German may be most decorated for his knockdown shooting but has shown that he be an impact player in a few areas of the game.
Perhaps there is some redundancy with Kevin Love playing heavy minutes, although Love only played 25 games last season. It’s also very likely Love finds himself on another team within the next year.
Now, the Cavs add a player whose primary purpose is to boost the games of the pieces they already have in place.
NBA Draft: Franz Wagner player comparisons:
- Danillo Gallinari-level shooting
- Nicholas Batum – Guard skills as a wing
- Channing Frye
Franz Wagner is just 19-years-old and already a fluid scorer. He’s a knockdown shooter who will hit 3-pointers through awkward angles and heavy contests. Wagner shot over 83% from the line in college.
While Wagner projects as a forward in the NBA, he played guard in college. A 6’9 shooter with some guard skills? That’s a good thing.
Wagner displayed some of those guard skills at Michigan, and while he’s not going to be a primary creator, he has some really nice passing chops that can go unnoticed.
Even as a defender, Wagner doesn’t always get enough love. He posted the second-highest defensive real plus/minus of any player in college basketball last season.
Wagner utilizes his size and lateral quickness to be an effective on-ball defender, and really, it’ll be fascinating to see if he can take even more strides as he bulks up with age.
The Cavs are in this interesting spot of having some talented young players, but there’s no clear path to enlightenment. It can be easy to think the ship is being steered in the right direction, but simply being young isn’t always enough. Think of the Kings, Timberwolves, or Magic teams of years past.
I wouldn’t say they’re at a critical point, but it’s getting close to a point where the post-LeBron James era needs to show some strides. Collin Sexton’s contract will be up soon.
You could say this a reach, but after the “top 5” of this draft, just about anything can happen. Wagner was taken 7th overall in a mock draft by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman a few weeks ago.
By adding Wagner, the Cavaliers are giving their duo of Sexton and Garland a nice complementary piece. Someone who is not just a great prospect in his own right, but a player who really fits the team long-term.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: The Warriors draft Scottie Barnes, reinvent the “death lineup”
The 6’9 “point guard” Scottie Barnes is one of the most fascinating players in the draft. While he’ll be lined up in the frontcourt with Golden State, he’s going to bring his point guard skills with him.
The Warriors don’t have a lot of depth. Barnes may start off playing a 6th-man type of role for this team that will give the team a nice facilitator for the 2nd unit. That’s just scratching the surface.
The team can get creative with their lineups, throwing in Draymond Green and Barnes together on the court with the splash brothers is a lineup that will leave opposing scratching their heads when creating a game plan.
Barnes draws frequent comparisons to Draymond Green because of his lockdown defense, tremendous strength, and facilitating.
The thing is, they have pretty different body types – Barnes isn’t as stocky as Green but is a few inches taller.
Even more captivating is the fact that Barnes is already built. His longer body strength and toned arms can look like you’re watching Kawhi Leonard or Giannis Antentounkmpo on the court. Oh, and Barnes hasn’t turned 20 yet.
NBA Draft – Scottie Barnes NBA player comparisons:
- Draymond Green
- Julius Randle rebounding/brute strength
- Tayshaun Prince
Barnes will instantly be a nightmare defender for opposing wing players. He has the strength and length to be regularly disruptive. He still needs to get a little lighter on his feet to be able to switch onto NBA point guards and reach the high expectations we’ve put on him as a possible Draymond-level defender, but it’s very much in the realm of possibility.
The facilitating is equally important. How many times did we see teams bring 3-4 defends on Stephen Curry, forcing other Warriors like Andrew Wiggins, Juan Toscano-Anderson, or Kent Bazemore to unsuccessfully put the ball on the ground and create something on their own?
By adding Barnes, they’re adding a player who can make those quick decisions with the ball – whether it’s executing a quick cross-court pass or attacking the rim.
Barnes has a very, very long way to go as a scorer. He’s not a good shooter, has some strange shooting mechanics, and doesn’t have a polished bag of moves in the post.
He can finish with contact and should be a nice new cutter option for Steph Curry’s offense.
The Golden State Warriors are starting their NBA Draft off with a player who can make life a lot easier for their stars.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Orlando Magic shoot for high ceiling with Jalen Johnson
When you just drafted Cade Cunnigham at #1, why not shoot for the stars at #8?
Jalen Johnson is going to be polarizing a prospect as anyone in the 2021 NBA Draft. Johnson was the #9 overall recruit on Rivals heading into his freshman season at Duke where he debuted with 19 points and 18 rebounds.
The big news was in February where Johnson announced he would forego the remainder of the season to ensure he’s at full health for the NBA Draft.
Many are still enamored with Johnson’s potential, and after winning the Cade Cunningham sweepstakes, the Orlando Magic take yet another smooth-moving-and-grooving forward.
NBA Draft – Jalen Johnson NBA player comparisons:
- Young Tobias Harris (Doesn’t have the shooting)
- Rui Hachimura
- RJ Barrett
Johnson has a bruising build at a filled-out, 6’9, 220 lbs. In many ways, he could remind Orlando Magic fans of Aaron Gordon.
Johnson is a powerful finisher whose game equally incorporates not just strength, but high-level speed as well. Johnson is a terrific open-court athlete, and it’s that speed/power blend that makes him so enticing.
Johnson may have a nice-looking 44% 3-point shooting number in college, but it’s hard to see that translating right away. Johnson has some stiff shooting mechanics. He shot just 63% from the free-throw line.
For avid NBA fans, it may sound like you’re in a Black Mirror episode, constantly always reading the same thing: “Shooting will open up their game”.
However, we’ve seen just too many examples at this point to know that for a player like Jalen Johnson, if he can at least knock down open looks, it could propel him to All-Star level scorer status.
The Orlando Magic already have some fun young backcourt options with R.J. Hampton and Cole Anthony, and now they add in a promising frontcourt wing in Jalen Johnson.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Kai Jones gives the Sacramento Kings frontcourt depth
The Sacramento Kings have been stuck in the mud for a long time. While the end of season result was once again underwhelming, the Kings can at least say they hit a home run in last year’s draft with Tyrese Haliburton.
Now, they have a chance to hit back-to-back homers with Bahamian big-man Kai Jones.
There be a stronger push to go for a wing player, but going with an intimidating big-man like Jones could pay off for the Kings.
NBA Draft – Kai Jones NBA player comparisons:
- Myles Turner
- Jarrett Allen
- Jaxon Hayes – Very similar athleticism, flashes of untapped expanded offensive game
Kai Jones will jump well above the rim and off your television screen. The 6’11 center has tremendous vertical athleticism – He’ll bounce over other bigs and be relentless on the boards.
That king of leaping ability shows up on defense as well. Kai Jones is a terrific shot-blocker who has both great anticipation and recovery – he may fall for a pump fake, but will immediately close the gap with his 2nd jump.
What makes Jones a terrific lottery prospect is not just what we saw in college but the other areas on offense where he flashed potential.
In no way is he a “ball-handler”, but he will surprise people with his ability to take other bigs off the dribble. He doesn’t have any kind of post-game, but he will beat players off the dribble from face-ups.
Not only that, Jones will shoot from range on pull up jump shots. He shot just over 38% from 3 in college, and many believe he can be a decent perimeter threat at the next level.
So while Kai Jones fits the mold of an explosive rim-runner, there is potential for plenty more.
It’s about to be year 4 of Marvin Bagley, and we still don’t know exactly where he’s going as a player.
This is more than just Marvin Bagley insurance. Outside of Richaun Holmes and the corpse of Hassan Whiteside, the Kings don’t have great frontcourt depth, and it shows up in a lot of their games.
Sacramento lands a nice developmental offensive option to pair with the facilitating of De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Pelicans surrounding Zion Williamson with offense, draft Moses Moody
The New Orleans Pelicans are balancing the line of “being young” and becoming a playoff team. It’s a balance that makes it easy to create excuses.
Although their franchise player Zion Williamson, is just 20 years old, there’s an aura around the team that feels dim. An aura that isn’t anywhere near as bright as the harsh fluorescent lighting of The Smoothie King Center.
The stench of disappointment is a potent one. If you let it linger, you can forget the smell is even there. It can complacently seep into the minds of fans, ownership, and most importantly, your franchise player.
Like a squirt of Febreze Mediterranean Lavender scent, Moses Moody can help mask that stench and inspire some hope around this team that so desperately needs to make a jump next season.
NBA Draft – Moses Moody NBA player comparisons:
- Khris Middleton
- Kyle Kuzma – Size/activity on defense
- Rodney Hood
Don’t ever put too much stock into the NCAA tournament – we have a lot more basketball to go by than just the tourney, and Moses Moody had a tremendous season.
I’ve seen Moody listed at 6’5 and 6’8, whatever the reality is, he has great tools to become a really good “3-and-D” player.
Moody doesn’t have the quickest feet, but he has the length, strength, and basketball IQ to be a disruptor on the perimeter.
On offense, Moody isn’t just a spot-up 3-point shooter. He loves taking those 2-3 dribble mid-range pull-up shots, and he shoots them well. He knows his hot spots on the floor.
Surrounding Zion Willamson with more complementary talent is paramount for the New Orleans Pelicans.
I’m pretty bullish on not just Williamson but Ingram’s further potential. The Pelicans have two pieces that any rebuilding team would dream to have, but they need to start making it work.
Moody not only provides secondary scoring relief, but he also gives them a scrappy defender who can potentially take on tough assignments. Moody would crack the rotation and find a nice role on this team right away.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Charlotte Hornets draft Alperen Sengun, get their big-man
We know the Charlotte Hornets need big men. This is a team that is loaded with guards, and outside of Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo, they need something to get excited about.
Fans may be more enticed by the idea of a classic, hyper-athletic alley-oop catching big (like Kai Jones) than the slower Alperen Sengun.
Let’s not forget, what makes LaMelo Ball so special is not just his fastbreak passes but his awareness in the half-court. Pairing him in the pick-and-roll with Sengun may just break defenses.
NBA Draft – Alperen Sengun NBA player comparisons:
- Domantas Sabonis
- Luis Scola – Knack for creatively scoring down low
- Drew Gooden
Alperen Sengun is a Turkish big man currently playing for Beşiktaş J.K. The 18-year-old Sengun won’t be 19 until the end of July but already plays like he’s been in the league for years.
Hovering around 6’10, Sengun has somewhat of a thin frame, but one that he should fill out as he gets older.
Sengun is already such a savvy scorer. A wide array of pump fakes, hook shots, scoops – you name it, he’s already got an advanced moveset in the post. It’s just your typical crafty post player – Sengun has a nice combination of strength and fluid body movement that you don’t often see in young big men.
He hasn’t applied that savvy to defense yet. He’s not the supreme athlete that other big men in this draft are, so he’ll have to continue to learn how to patiently defend – but he can get there.
The savvy of Sengun doesn’t stop at his scoring. He has fantastic positioning on his rebounding – he’s going to be a beast on the boards in the NBA. Even more exciting his potential as a passer.
That’s where this gets really interesting – pairing him with the Hornets’ guards. Sengun can make nice reads and kick-outs from the post, and we could be looking at a really high level of playmaking with him and LaMelo Ball together.
It may take a few years to really find his groove in the NBA, but Sengun would be an excellent long-term option for the Hornets.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Josh Giddey finds a nice home with the San Antonio Spurs
Josh Giddey has seen his stock rise over the past few months after some strong performances in the NBL that saw him flirting with a triple-double every night.
Giddey won’t turn 19 until 2021 and would be one of the youngest players drafted in this year’s draft.
After losing in the play-in tournament, the San Antonio Spurs have to be asking themselves some difficult questions as to where they stand as a franchise.
They’re not in a position to “tear it down” because they already have some nice young pieces in place. They have to be preparing for DeMar DeRozan to walk in free agency, and drafting Josh Giddey gives them someone who can be a high-level playmaker on the wing.
NBA Draft – Josh Giddey NBA player comparisons
- Goran Dragic (But taller)
- Joe Ingles
- Michael Carter-Williams
Like the NBL prospects of the 2020 NBA draft, there are going to be some divisive opinions on Giddey.
Why Giddey? Well, you’re looking at a playmaker who absolutely has the passing chops to be a primary facilitator while being 6’8 tall. Giddey simply has a great understanding of angles, pace, and timing with his passes – he’s one of the best in the draft.
Josh Giddey’s IQ also shows up in how he creates room to score. Hesitations, ball-fakes, you name it, Giddey will find creative ways to manipulate his defender.
As a shooter, Giddey looks solid. It’s hard to tell how much shooting off the dribble he will be able to execute in the NBA because of his slow release, but as long as he’s creating space, it should eventually translate.
The concerns with Giddey are valid – The Australian has a short wingspan for his size, isn’t an explosive athlete, and has some sloppy, clunky high-dribbling technique.
You may just watch his game and not think those are concerns, but in the NBA, he’s going to deal with players who are both a lot stronger and a lot faster than him.
That’s where I like the Goran Dragic comparison because although they aren’t anywhere close to identical player profiles, Giddey will have to use the same advanced levels of manipulation and finding spots that Goran Dragic uses.
He’s an under-the-rim finisher who is going to have to continue to find unique ways to create space and he certainly has the potential to get there.
With the Spurs, he can grow into a nice fit alongside Keldon Johnson and Dejounte Murray.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Indiana Pacers draft a perfect fit in Keon Johnson
Keon Johnson is very high on a lot of draft boards. Typically, you’ll find him anywhere from 6-10, and the Pacers get great value here by nabbing him at 13.
The Pacers need more perimeter defense, and while Keon Johnson is raw in a lot of areas, defense is not one of them.
Johnson gives the Pacers not just a terrorizer on defense but an explosive backcourt player who will relentlessly attack the rim.
There is so much more room for Keon Johnson to grow.
NBA Draft – Keon Johnson NBA player comparisons
- Smaller Ron Artest
- Lonnie Walker IV
- Shannon Brown
Keon Johnson didn’t begin to play organized basketball until high school. While in college in Tennessee, Johnson started 17 of the 27 games he played.
Despite his lack of experience, Johnson is already one of the best defenders from this NBA Draft. Just a relentless motor, overwhelming quickness, and fantastic ability to suffocate any space, Johnson is going to find a role in the NBA no matter what, simply because of his defense.
Johnson’s relentless motor and competitive nature are the foundations for his future success.
On offense, he’s fearless going to the rim and will not shy away from contact. He gives the Pacers a nice different approach from their more finesse scorers like Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert.
There’s obviously a long way to go for Johnson on offense. He doesn’t have many moves or much technique to his game with the ball in his hands.
He has a lot to figure out with his decision-making and shot selection, but he has some great players to learn from in Brogdon and LeVert.
There is a lot of potential there, and like Patrick Williams in last year’s draft, you don’t need to have an expansive role in college for teams to see the talent.
The Pacers get someone who can help their defense in the present and potentially grow into a dynamic scorer for the future.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Golden State Warriors add more shooting, draft Corey Kispert
The Golden State Warriors nabbed a playmaking, defensive menace with Scottie Barnes, and now they select one of the best shooters in the NBA Draft in Corey Kispert.
We’ve watched Stephen Curry for years now, but it was different this season, watching him will a weaker Warriors team into the play-in tournament. There is zero doubt in my mind that the Warriors would’ve been one of the worst teams in the league without him.
So the next step for the Warriors as they hope to get Klay Thompson is health? Surround Steph Curry with players who complement him – Corey Kispert is a perfect fit.
NBA Draft – Corey Kispert NBA player comparisons
- Kyle Korver
- Joe Harris
- Wesley Matthews – Competitive nature, team-first play
Corey Kispert played basketball in 2020-21 like someone plays the mini basketball machine at the arcade – Non-stop buckets. Kispert averaged over 19 points per game at Gonzaga this past season on 44.4% from 3.
Maybe the best catch-and-shoot player in this draft, Kispert is terrific moving off-ball and finding spots. Even as he catches the ball, he has a nice simple bag of pump fakes and side-steps to create more space, the types of 1-2 dribble in-rhythm moves that a lot of great shooters have.
Kispert has nice size at 6’7, 220lbs which will allow him to continue to get good looks in the NBA.
Kispert isn’t much of a ball-handler and will be primarily deployed as a catch-and-shoot range extender.
Even outside of the shooting, Kispert is great at making quick, decisive decisions – I can see him piling up some hockey assists in the NBA.
As a defender, Kispert is going to be solid against some wings, but it’s easy to see him struggling against quicker players – he doesn’t have good lateral quickness, which may be the biggest qualm here. His defense is limited.
Still, I think between getting Klay Thompson back, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole, the Warriors have some solid guard rotations, and drafting the 22-year-old Kispert’s plug-and-play knockdown shooting will be instant value for Golden State in 2021-22.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: New York Knicks trade up to select Davion Mitchell
I don’t think many people expect the New York Knicks to keep all 4 of their picks this year, and they make a bold move here by trading up to 15 with the Washington Wizards to select Baylor guard Davion Mitchell.
Mitchell is typically mocked around picks 9-12 but I’ve seen him mocked even lower than 15. New York didn’t think he’d still be there, and they say enough is enough and end up trading both of their first-rounders to go out and get him.
Trading up for someone like Davion Mitchell is an exciting move. Not only are you getting a terrific prospect, the Knicks are getting a perfect fit for Tom Thibodeau.
NBA Draft – Davion Mitchell NBA player comparisons
- Donovan Mitchell’s burst, athletic finishing
- Marcus Smart
- Eric Bledsoe
Davion Mitchell is one of the most well-known prospects because of the NCAA tournament. He was a leader for the Baylor team that knocked off undefeated Gonzaga and won the National Championship.
Mitchell is smaller for an NBA guard – he stands 6’2 with a 6’5 wingspan. That smaller size does not stop him from getting to the rim.
Mitchell has an elite first step and burst. His ability to immediately space doesn’t stop there. Mitchell has a nice bag of crossovers and hesitations – His patient dribbling coupled with his elite changing of speeds is a force.
At 22-years-old, Mitchell can be that starting point guard for the Knicks. His passing isn’t other-worldly, but he makes smart reads. Not only that, Mitchell always looks comfortable making whip passes while under pressure – a must for point guards in today’s NBA.
Where Mitchell is most famous is his defense. Maybe the best perimeter defender in the draft, Mitchell has the holy trinity of quickness, strength, and defensive awareness to one day be an All-Defensive Team type of perimeter defender.
He has the ability to match the speed of the quickest guards while being able to handle the strength of bigger wings. He brings a locked-in energy on defense every night.
Really, the biggest question marks for Mitchell are around his offense.
I think Mitchell will continue to be great at attacking the rim (Something Thibodeau needs in his point guard) but the 3-level scoring may not be the most efficient right away
Mitchell made a drastic jump in his 3-point shooting, going from 31% in his first 2 seasons to an eye-opening 45% this year. The 45% 3-point shooting paired with his 64.1% free throw shooting is… a puzzle. I think his 2021 3-point shooting is somewhere between improvement and an outlier.
Even with the age, this is a really exciting player to draft and develop. He very much looked like the better player when he and Jalen Suggs went toe-to-toe in the National Championship. He’s going to be great in the league.
I don’t expect Mitchell to be a dominant scorer right away, but his defense is ready to go.
The Knicks get not only an immediate lockdown perimeter defender, they get their potential point guard for the future.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Boston Celtics finally bolster their frontcourt with Isaiah Jackson
The Celtics may have gotten sniped for Davion Mitchell, but this team is in need of some frontcourt help, and they get some reinforcement with Isaiah Jackson out of the University of Kentucky.
This Celtics team is at what seems like a pivotal spot for their organization. With Danny Ainge out, and Brad Stevens transitioning into the front office, Boston will have to figure out how to both rebound next season and get more young, long-term talent on the team. Drafting Isaiah Jackson is a nice start.
NBA Draft – Isaiah Jackson NBA player comparisons
- Amar’e Stoudemire explosiveness
- Nicholas Claxton
- Nerlens Noel
Isaiah Jackson is a 19-year-old, bouncy power forward/center prospect who very much has the potential to be a powerful rim runner.
He has an enormous 7’5 wingspan. The length combined with the high-end athleticism makes Isaiah Jackson an elite presence in the frontcourt.
On the boards, Jackson looks like he can one day be a 10+ rebounds per game player. He takes good angles and is only going to get better on the glass as he grows into his body.
His weight is going to be the biggest thing people focus on heading into the NBA draft. Jackson is 6’10 but weighs just 206 lbs. That’s what makes him more of a long-term prospect.
He can still play a limited role early on, but for him to grow into a starting big, it”ll take time. He’s a shot-blocker, but far from a strong interior defender. He has a long way to go with his defensive positioning.
On offense as well, he hasn’t flashed much of a post-game or anything off the dribble.
With Jackson, you’re buying into the amazing physical profile and potential a few years from now. This pick could pay off for a Celtics team that needs Jackson’s energy in the paint.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Memphis Grizzlies loading up on scoring and draft James Bouknight
The Memphis Grizzlies are building something big. This is a team with a really nice balance of youth and core role players in the prime.
The Grizzlies already have some nice complementary 2-guard/wing scorers on the roster with Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton, but Bouknight could turn this team into all-gas-no-breaks.
NBA Draft – James Bouknight NBA player comparisons
- Bradley Beal shot creation
- Jordan Clarkson
- O.J. Mayo
James Bouknight is a silky-smooth scoring 2-guard. At 6’5, Bouknight has nice height for his position, and he moves incredibly well.
Bouknight has the knack for scoring. He has a nice, medium-sized Telfar bag of moves that aren’t overly flashy but still stand out. Hesitations, in-and-outs, double crossovers, Bouknight not only uses moves to create separation, he can hit difficult shots coming off of them.
A really nice first step and understanding of his spots on the floor, I am a strong believer that Bouknight can become an effective instant-offense scorer in the NBA, and the Grizzlies have to be excited about his potential pairing with Ja Morant.
Bouknight isn’t a facilitator – he doesn’t have a knack for finding open teammates. In today’s NBA where you need to “flash” a little bit of everything and be a combo-hybrid-point-forward-guard, it’s probably hurt his stock a bit, but that doesn’t mean he can’t grow in that area down the line.
Bouknight has a slender frame and will need to adjust to the strength of the NBA.
If he can continue to bulk up, he can be an effective 2-way player. He’s had struggles on defense but he the lateral quickness to grow into a good backcourt defender.
If Bouknight can develop into a microwave shooter alongside Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will have a fearsome backcourt tandem for years to come.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Houston Rockets trade up for Ziaire Williams
The Oklahoma City Thunder trade down with the Houston Rockets. It may seem a little crazy for the Thunder to keep accumulating picks, but this is Sam Presti we’re talking about.
Both of these teams are looking to rebuild and capitalize off of their surplus of draft picks. The Rockets already drafted Jalen Suggs with their first pick, and now they combine picks #22 and #23 to move up to #18.
They’re getting a player with one of the highest ceilings in the 2021 NBA draft in Ziaire Williams.
NBA Draft – Ziaire Williams NBA player comparisons:
- Brandon Ingram
- De’Andre Hunter – Could grow into that level of defender
- Jonathan Isaac
Ziaire Williams is 100% a “trade-up” player. He’s going to be a top-10 player on some draft boards. He was almost a unanimous top-10 player before the season started, and it’s easy to see why.
The 19-year-old Ziaire Williams stands 6’8 with a 6’11 wingspan and is one of the bounciest wing prospects in this NBA draft. An above-the-rim athlete whose athleticism is incredibly fluid – nice changing of speeds, high acceleration, and can leap into open space around the rim with ease.
Ziaire Williams isn’t just about his athleticism, he’s got a smoothness to his game. He has a nice handle and understanding of angles for his size.
He’s a terrific finesse finisher and shot creator, but he isn’t there yet as a contact finisher. Williams has the length, but he weighs just 185 lbs and tends to shy away from contact. That will be an adjustment at the next level.
The thing is, I think Williams’ “rawness” gets overblown sometimes. This isn’t a project player in the sense that he may need the G-league or is just a raw athlete who started playing basketball 2 years ago. Williams has some tools to make an immediate impact, he just has some other areas of his game, areas where he’s already flashed potential, where needs to improve to grow into a star player.
His jump shot has really nice potential. He may make some tweaks to the form, but for the most part, it’s fluid, and Williams shot just under 80% from the free throw line. There is absolutely potential for him to grow into a 3-level scorer.
The weight is obviously an issue on defense, but Williams already has nice technique in his defensive stance, as well as the length and lateral quickness to keep up with speedy NBA wings.
The Houston Rockets are looking for future core players. Drafting Jalen Suggs and Ziaire Williams is an amazing start.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Washington Wizards draft exciting big-man Usman Garuba
After trading down with the New York Knicks, the Washington Wizards select the Spanish 19-year-old frontcourt energizer, Usman Garuba.
The Wizards were a quick out in the playoffs but it still feels like they want to compete in the Eastern Conference with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook.
The Wizards have some nice projects in Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura, but this team still needs more depth. By trading down, the Wizards can try and simultaneously plug some holes on the roster while getting a few more shots on hitting big on some prospects. They get a perfect fit in Usman Garuba.
NBA Draft – Usman Garuba NBA player comparisons
- Kenneth Faried activity on the boards, “full-court” big
- Derrick Favors
- Dorian Finney-Smith
If you watched the Washington Wizards offense this season, you saw just how crazy it could get. Crazy in a good and bad way. It always reminded me of how you play NBA 2K when you’re losing and start playing angry – a rapid pace, attacking the rim, taking quick shots.
One of the main storylines all season for Washington was a lack of a presence in their frontcourt, and they get an exciting forward/center prospect with Usman Garuba.
Despite being just 19, Garuba has been a part of Real Madrid for 3 seasons now. Garuba is 6’8 with a massive 7’3 wingspan and he uses that reach when scrapping down low. Garuba has both length and a wide frame, his high-energy rebounding should translate into the NBA.
Garuba’s energy shows up in his speed as well. He’s going to run up and down the court with conviction – he’ll love playing with Russell Westbrook. Now while he never may amount to a big scorer (No real jump shot or touch away from the basket) Garuba has some chops passing the ball. He makes nice reads off of some basic 2-3 dribble moves and could be an underrated cog of an NBA offense one day.
His potential on defense is intriguing. Garuba already has nice technique and strength as a post defender, and it’s easy to see it continuing to develop. There is serious potential here for Garuba to be able to even defend perimeter players.
Garuba has the wingspan, strength, and quickness to develop a really diverse skillset. The Wizards could get really creative with their lineups with Garuba in the mix.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Atlanta Hawks add more scoring with Cameron Thomas
The Atlanta Hawks have a deep roster and are looking to roll with what they have while subtly adding nice complementary pieces.
Legendary microwave bench scorer Lou Williams is a free agent, and while he might take a hometown discount, it shouldn’t really matter because Cameron Thomas out of LSU will be an excellent addition for years to come.
NBA Draft – Cameron Thomas NBA player comparisons
- Lou Williams
- Eric Gordon
- Bigger Aaron Brooks
You usually don’t have to read too much into college traditional box scores to analyze prospects, but it’s hard to ignore the 23 points per game he averaged as a 19-year-old.
When you think of Cameron Thomas, you think of buckets.
Thomas will beat you at the rim, in the mid-range, or 30 feet from the basket. Don’t be discouraged by the lower-than-expected 3-point percentage. An 88% free throw shooter who can knock down difficult jump shots, Cameron Thomas is going to be a sniper at the next level.
With Cameron Thomas, his scoring is going to be talked about as a blessing and a curse. The reason being that his game is very much a throwback, isolation-heavy, ball-stopping style of scoring.
Remember that this 2021, and if you’re not a 6’11 primary playmaking hub, 3-level-scorer, swiss army knife on defense, you’re a limited player.
In reality, there is some truth to Cameron Thomas being limited heading in the league. He’s a guard, but he’s really not a great passer.
He has work to do as a defender but he’s got very solid size at 6’4 with a nice frame. Who’s to say he can’t continue to grow into a better all-around player as he gets more comfortable in NBA offenses? He could immediately carve out a role as a spot-up shooter if he grows off-ball.
The Hawks already have a foundation with Trae Young in place, and Cameron Thomas gives them someone who can not only be an immediate boost of offense off the bench but someone who could turn into a terrific sidekick for Ice-Trae in the long run.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Washington Wizards draft floor general Sharife Cooper
The Wizards secured their frontcourt presence with Usman Garuba, and now they’re taking a swing at a potential long-term point guard with Sharife Cooper.
The Wizards may have more “pressing needs” for perimeter defense, but with Ish Smith’s free agency, this team gets a potential upgrade as a floor general for the 2nd unit.
Cooper may be playing behind Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, but he can soak up a lot from the two All-Stars.
NBA Draft – Sharife Cooper NBA player comparisons
- Mike Conley feel for the point guard position, craftiness
- Rafer Alston
- Ish Smith
Sharife Cooper has a lot of analysts banging the drum for him being a top-10 prospect, and you’re going to see a lot of different takes of what he can and can’t be heading into the NBA Draft.
What we do know with Cooper is that he is a gifted passer. Just a really crafty guard whose passing is more than just the physical passes themselves. He has a great understanding of angles, timing, pace, and how to single-handily create offense for his teammates. It can look like a Chris Paul-level point guard operation.
Cooper will also get the buckets himself. A slithery ball-handler who uses that same great anticipation to figure out his driving lanes. He can wow you with his under-the-rim layup package finishing at the rim.
The biggest knock will be the shooting. Cooper’s shooting wasn’t just low, it was an alarming 22.8%. But there’s hope.
He shot 82% at the free-throw line and his shot release has promise. He can look fluid shooting, but the base of his jump shot needs work. It’s a nonchalant, low to the ground jump-shot. He may have nice ball-handling, but you’ll need to create as much space as possible if you’re a 6’1 guard in the NBA.
If Sharife Cooper can become a shooter, it dramatically raises his ceiling.
The Washington Wizards are hoping Cooper can grow by being their bench point guard where he can operate against opposing 2nd units. At just 19-years-old, there’s plenty of room for Sharife Cooper to grow, and he could be this team’s starting point guard a few years down the line.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Los Angeles Lakers get a dynamic guard in Tre Mann
The Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round exit is going to sting, but don’t be surprised to see this group quickly rebound. This team was patching it together all season long, but really, they needed more out of their role players.
Andre Drummond and Dennis Schroder were less valuable than Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo. Now as they regroup, the Lakers need more dynamic players in their backcourt, and the 6’5 combo guard out of Florida, Tre Mann would be a perfect fit for this team.
NBA Draft- Tre Mann NBA Player Comparisons
- CJ McCollum smoothness as a ball-handler, shot creator
- Taller Mario Chalmers (In all of the best ways)
- Malik Monk
Tre Mann really broke out his sophomore season at the University of Florida where he played point guard for the Gators.
Mann had a big recent growth spurt and he utilized that size in college. Mann has some underrated playmaking skills and may end up being a better facilitator than most predict.
A great understanding of how to create space with his dribble, Mann has nice quickness in tight spaces where he can find his spots. A 3-level scorer who has an NBA-ready jump shot. Mann shot just over 40% from 3 and 83% from the free throw line.
Mann doesn’t have the hyper athleticism or big first-step that some of the other guards in this draft do. You do wonder what his ceiling is, but he already has a nice understanding of motion offenses, I think he can grow off-ball in the NBA.
For the Lakers, this is a nice backcourt prospect who can play minutes at either guard spot. His shooting alone should see him in the rotation early, but he could grow into a really valuable piece in just a few years.
2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Oklahoma City Thunder get an elite defender in Jaden Springer
After trading down with the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Jaden Springer, a player I’ve seen as a top-15 prospect on more than a few draft boards.
This team has so many interesting prospects already in their system, and Springer gives them a tenacious backcourt defender who could be a really nice swiss-army-knife off the bench.
NBA Draft- Jared Springer NBA player comparisons
- 6’4 Eric Bledsoe
- Avery Bradley – On-ball, off-ball, all-around perimeter defender
- Jerryd Bayless
Once you get into the mid lottery, the quantity of potential guards is massive. So teams picking in the 20s are likely going to get some fantastic guard prospects.
Springer started 15 of 25 games as a freshman at Tennessee and he hasn’t turned 19 yet. There is going to be a lot of fascination with what his ceiling could be in the NBA.
Springer has some point guard chops. He’s a heat-seeking missile going to the rim and is capable of making nice kick-out reads.
He’s not a terrific vertical athlete but he has nice straight-line speed and shiftiness. Not only is he quick with good size, but he’s also a solid catch and shooter.
Springer shot 44% from 3 and over 80% from the free throw line. He struggled a lot on pull-up shots, but if he’s being used as a secondary ball-handler, I can see him becoming a strong catch-and-shoot player in the league. I regret focusing too much on pull-up shooting numbers from Tyrese Haliburton last year (lessons learned).
Now, I would say Jaden Springer’s bag is around the size of a Louis V coin purse.
He has work to do with his dribbling which may take lead-guard out of the equation for the first few years of his career, but we’re talking about a potential fantastic 2-way guard. Those don’t grow on trees.
Springer is hyper-aware, an extreme hustler, and a nice blend of strength and quickness as a defender. He’s going to find a role for himself as a perimeter defender right away.
The Oklahoma City Thunder backcourt is oozing with talent.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Oklahoma City Thunder draft hulking big man Charles Bassey
Charles Bassey has certainly been a steady NBA Draft riser this season, and while some may see this as a slight reach, who cares?
The Thunder need some size in the frontcourt, and a lot of the other big man prospects in this range don’t have the same size as Bassey.
OKC gets one of the most physically imposing centers in the NBA Draft with the 6’11, 235 pound Charles Bassey.
NBA Draft – Charles Bassey NBA player comparisons
- Marcus Camby
- Jonas Valanciunas potential in the post
- Alex Len
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Bassey played high school basketball in Texas before playing 3 seasons at Western Kentucky where he grew every year. Still just 20 years old, Bassey could find some early playing time.
Bassey isn’t the bounciest big man, he’s got nice quickness to go with solid body control. He also has a 7’3 wingspan, and that may continue to grow.
Bassey has made strides as a post scorer – Nice hesitations, dream-shakes, up-and-under fakes, he really studies the post-game and it’s shown on the court. He’s far from a one-dimensional player on offense.
He’s not going to be a shooter right away, but he absolutely has shown indicators that WITH good coaching, he could become a shooting threat later in his career in the same way that so many other NBA bigs of his archetype have developed.
For the immediate future, you do wonder if he’s going to be able to impose himself against NBA centers in the same way he did in college. He may take time, but most bigs do.
Bassey has potential to become both a low-post scorer, rim runner, and rim protector – not many other bigs in this draft have that feasible all-around ceiling.
It remains to be seen if he can be a big man who can effectively shade towards the perimeter, on defense but he’ll definitely be able to show off his “defensive anchor” skills in the paint.
Bassey finds a really nice landing spot in OKC where he can grow around their versatile forward group.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Los Angeles Clippers get backcourt help with Jared Butler
Another really talented guard who finds his way into the end of the first round, The Los Angeles Clippers have to feel good about getting to draft Jared Butler at 25.
Between Reggie Jackson, Rajon Rondo, and Patrick Beverley, there isn’t much depth in the Clippers’ backcourt, especially long-term.
Jared Butler is a nice fit here as someone who can fill in at a guard spot and give LA’s “Big 2” of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George a good secondary option of playmaking and scoring.
NBA Draft – Jared Butler NBA player comparisons
- Raymond Felton-level point guard blend of slower but effective passing/shooting/dribbling
- Landry Shamet
- Frank Jackson
Jared Butler was a leader on the National Championship Baylor Bears.
Butler is going to find ways to impact the game on offense and defense. A crafty dribbler who has no problem creating his own shot, the 6’3 Louisiana native was an effective scorer in college.
You love to see the steady improvement in his 3 years at Baylor, in his last season he shot over 47% from the field and 41.6% from three. His shooting should translate at the next level.
Whether he can be a high-end point guard remains to be seen. Butler isn’t going to the most explosive athlete and may not an efficient finisher at the rim in the NBA. He definitely fits the mold of a tweener, though is a little undersized for the 2-guard spot. His passing is decent, but enough to make you sure he’s going to be a primary ball-handler.
That’s why this is a nice fit on the Clippers. I have no doubt Butler can be a part of their guard rotation. His ceiling shouldn’t be capped as a role player, he could turn into a really solid starting scoring option in LA.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Denver Nuggets draft versatile guard Chris Duarte
The Denver Nuggets go with the older, 24-year-old Chris Duarte, who’s immediately going to be a valuable piece for this contending team.
While the Nuggets love themselves a risky project player, they could use some added firepower on the perimeter.
Chris Duarte brings a blend of guard skills at 6’6 that could prove to be very valuable for Denver.
NBA Draft – Chris Duarte NBA player comparisons
- Evan Fournier – Potential as a secondary shot creator/playmaker
- Kevin Huerter
- Jeremy Lamb
A combo guard from Oregon, Chris Duarte brings an elite level of shooting. Duarte shot over 53% from the field, 42% from three, and 81% from the free throw line this past season.
He’s going to be a terrific spot-up shooter in the NBA and can hit from difficult angles coming off contested screens or handoffs. At 6’6 with a 6’7 wingspan, Duarte shouldn’t have any difficulty getting his shots up in the league.
The blend of size and guard skills bodes well for his versatility in the NBA, the Nuggets can plop him around different lineups.
While Duarte isn’t a supreme athlete, he’s an intelligent defender. He has good instincts in his positioning and rotating, but he may struggle with the speed of some NBA guards.
He may not ever be labeled a “lockdown” defender but Duarte should continue to grow into a competitive defender who can be a 3-and-D wing.
Duarte has some point guard passing skills but not enough to project as a starting point guard.
Still, his diverse skill set of shooting, passing, and team defense should see him in the Nuggets lineup early and often. He’s going to be a nice perimeter tool for Jokic to utilize.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Brooklyn Nets draft UNC big man Day’Ron Sharpe
The Brooklyn Nets have all of the perimeter playmaking and scoring in the world, so they decide to go with a big, bruising potential NBA center and draft Day’Ron Sharpe.
Outside of Nicholas Claxton, there isn’t much long-term potential in the Nets frontcourt.
Day’Ron Sharpe has a long way to go to be a heavy-minutes starter, but he can still make his mark right away.
NBA Draft- Day’Ron Sharpe NBA player comparisons
- Wendell Carter – potential as a heavy rebounding force
- Richaun Holmes
- Damian Jones
Sharpe is a tremendously active, hulking big man. At 19 years old, 6’11, 265 pounds, Sharpe’s physicality is going to find its way into the Nets bench rotation.
Day’Ron Sharpe is active not just by using his size but as a fantastic hustler as well. Don’t think of him as overly slow too – he’s a nimble big man who is going to make the effort to go out and guard the perimeter.
Sharpe has a ways to go with some of his defensive technique and offensive low post game, but there is absolutely potential there.
He doesn’t need to be a ball-handler on the Brooklyn Nets. What he can be, is a defensive anchor who can wreak havoc on the boards.
Sharpe can essentially do the dirty work for Brooklyn’s big-3, but down the line, we could be looking at a double-double big man.
NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Philadelphia 76ers draft ball-handling big Roko Prkačin
The Philadelphia 76ers are getting possibly one of the biggest steals in the draft in Roko Prkačin.
A 6’8, 18-year-old Croatian who brings a really eye-popping combination of playmaking and burst, the high-end ceiling of Prkačin is fascinating.
The 76ers have depth and perimeter players, and adding the project of Prkačin gives them a project they can patiently develop.
NBA Draft – Roko Prkačin NBA player comparisons
- Hedu Turkoglu with more burst and speed, and vertical
- Aleksej Pokuševski
- Kostas Papanikolaou
The comparisons to last year’s European mystery box Aleksej Pokuševski are going to be there. Prkačin is yet another long, lanky big who looks like he can be a point guard.
Prkačin is a really good ball-handler – nice crossovers and changes of directions, he can beat his man off the dribble not just with his craftiness but with his first step too. He’s a really quick athlete who will get up in the air and can throw it down.
For Roko Prkačin, the jump shot just isn’t there right now. I’ll have to emphasize the always-true cliche, that if he can one day develop a jump shot, it’s going to open up the rest of his game to some scary levels.
He’s a terrific facilitator who can make high difficulty passes. Bottom line, he’s comfortable with the ball in his hands.
Prkačin has a ways to go as a defender and is still too frail to keep up with NBA wings. He’s a young, long-term project player who by the time he’s just 22, has the potential to be one of the most impactful players from this 2021 NBA Draft.
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Phoenix Suns gets more backcourt help with Ayo Dosunmu
A tough, Chicago-born combo guard, Ayo Dosunmu is absolutely worthy of a first-round pick.
Phoenix has a fantastic starting backcourt duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker. For as outstanding as this team has been, it’s always nice to get added depth in the backcourt.
NBA Draft – Ayo Dosunmu NBA player comparisons
- Jrue Holiday
- Jeremy Lin – Creative scoring
- Tyler Johnson
Ayo Dosunmu can really leave his mark in a variety of ways. As a point guard in college, Dosunmu showed a nice blend of shiftiness and strength that allowed him to create space against defenders. At 6’5, 200lbs, that same blend should translate at the next level.
Dosounmu is a good lateral athlete but isn’t going to blow anyone away with his first step or vertical.
He’s a smart passer who should be able to run some point in the league. He also shows off great hustle and anticipation as a rebound chaser. That’s why I love Dosunmu’s potential as a bench sparkplug – he’s not a one-trick pony.
Even as a defender, Dosunmu has nice versatility and alertness both on and off ball. He’s a very willing defender who has the profile to defend opposing 1 and 2 guards.
Dosunmu becomes part of a contending team but has the upside to be a starting guard.
2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Utah Jazz aim for ceiling and draft Brandon Boston Jr.
After a phenomenal season, the Utah Jazz find themselves closing out the first round. Here, they find themselves going for one of the highest-ceiling scorers in the NBA Draft.
Brandon Boston Jr. will probably be scattered anywhere from top 20 to top 45 on different teams’ draft boards.
The Utah Jazz could go in a few different directions here, but Boston Jr.’s potential was just too much to pass up
NBA Draft – Brandon Boston Jr. NBA player comparisons
- DeMar DeRozan craftiness scoring in the halfcourt
- Rudy Gay
- Jeremy Lamb
At 6’7 with a 6’10 wingspan, Boston Jr. has the potential to line up at different spots around the wing. A “pure” scorer, he was a top prospect heading into college who many saw a possible top-10 pick.
Boston Jr.’s disappointing season at Kentucky hurt his NBA Draft stock, but he still flashed that upside numerous times.
He has smooth handles and nice rise on his jump shot. His fluid release should make him someone who can shoot the ball from different rangers on the court.
Even as a finisher, Boston Jr., could be fantastic in the NBA, but he must bulk up.
Boston Jr. has to not only add weight but make strides in his consistency. He has the physical toolset to be a dominant NBA scorer but he needs to become better as a facilitator and defender as well.
Alongside scorers Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson, Boston Jr has some fantastic players to learn with. He even has Dwyane Wade up in the Jazz front office.
If he can reach his potential, the Jazz are going to be even scarier than they were in 2021.