2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers
By Adam Kester
Orlando Magic. Cade Cunningham. 1. player. 38. . PG/F
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.