2021 NBA Mock Draft
By: Jack Jennings
1 | Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham | PG | Oklahoma State
6’8” | 220 LBS
Age | 19.8
20-21 Stats | 27 GP | 20.1 PPG | 6.2 RPG | 3.5 APG | 1.6 SPG | 0.8 BPG
43.8% FG% | 40% 3P% | 84.6% FT%
Cunningham is a prolific scorer who would complement second-year guard Killian Hayes in the backcourt and fit in well with a young Pistons team that is starting to look surprisingly good on paper.
2 | Houston Rockets
Jalen Green | SG | G League Ignite
6’6” | 178 LBS
Age | 19.5
20-21 Stats | 15 GP | 17.9 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 2.8 APG | 1.5 SPG | 0.3 BPG
46.1% FG% | 36.5% 3P% | 82.9% FT%
Mobley deserves consideration here, but the young, athletic Green would give the Rockets another scoring wing to pair with Kevin Porter Jr. and would allow an aging and oft-injured John Wall to remain effective by utilizing his passing ability.
3 | Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley | C | USC
7’0” | 215 LBS
Age | 20.1
20-21 Stats | 33 GP | 16.4 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 2.4 APG | 0.8 SPG | 2.9 BPG
57.8% FG% | 30.0% 3P% | 69.4% FT%
Most other drafts would see the athletic, dominant, and versatile Mobley going first overall, but he lands at three here. With Jarrett Allen already in the fold, drafting another center seems redundant but the Cavaliers appear to be interested in pairing the two in the front court. The Cavaliers already have a plethora of talented, young guards, and usually draft the best available player which should be Mobley. A dark horse candidate for this pick could be Scottie Barnes but that seems unlikely.
4 | Toronto Raptors Chicago Bulls
Jalen Suggs | PG/SG | Gonzaga
6’4” | 205 LBS
Age | 20.1
20-21 Stats | 30 GP | 14.4 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 4.5 APG | 1.9 SPG | 0.3 BPG
50.3% FG% | 33.7% 3P% | 75.4% FT%
From big shots to timely passes, Suggs does a bit of everything at a high level. His outside shooting needs more work, but he’s an excellent finisher at the rim and a tenacious on-ball defender. The Raptors will likely be looking for a replacement for long-time starting point guard Kyle Lowry as the 35-year-old enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. Suggs has the talent to start next to Fred VanVleet immediately, while developing alongside second-year guard Malachi Flynn whom the Raptors took in the first round of last year’s draft.
If any of the top three fall here, they would likely be in play for this pick.
5 | Orlando Magic
Scottie Barnes | PF | Dayton
6’8” | 225 LBS
Age | 19.9
20-21 Stats | 24 GP | 10.3 PPG | 4.0 RPG | 4.1 APG | 1.5 SPG | 0.5 BPG
50.3% FG% | 27.5% 3P% | 62.1% FT%
Tough choice here between Barnes and Kuminga. Kuminga is younger but Barnes gets the nod given his current talent level. Barnes isn’t a high-volume scorer but is one of the top defenders in the class and is a very good facilitator for a forward. His outside shooting needs work, but his athleticism and decision-making should contribute to a high ceiling.
6 | Oklahoma City Thunder
Jonathan Kuminga | SF | G League Unite
6’8” | 210 LBS
Age | 18.8
20-21 Stats | 13 GP | 15.8 PPG | 7.2 RPG | 2.7 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.8 BPG
38.7% FG% | 24.6% 3P% | 62.5% FT%
Kuminga is a ball of potential. He’s an athletic, high-volume, low-efficiency scorer, an energetic rebounder, but a lackluster defender. Kuminga is a very young prospect that needs a lot of work, while the Thunder are a very young team, and should be willing to put in the work to help him reach his full potential. James Bouknight could be another option here.
7 | Golden State Warriors (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
James Bouknight | SG | UConn
6’5” | 190 LBS
Age | 20.9
20-21 Stats | 15 GP | 18.7 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 1.8 APG | 1.1 SPG | 0.3 BPG
44.7% FG% | 29.3% 3P% | 77.8% FT%
Another scoring guard for the Warriors, if they keep this pick. Bouknight struggled with his consistency from deep but managed to maintain a high scoring average despite being the focus of opposing defenses. He should be able to improve on his unremarkable three-point percentage at the next level. Bouknight sports a lot of confidence in the way he plays and could very well develop into a star.
Other options for this spot are Franz Wagner and Keon Johnson.
8 | Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls)
Keon Johnson | SG | Tennessee
6’5” | 185
Age | 19.4
20-21 Stats | 27 GP | 11.3 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 2.5 APG | 1.1 SPG | 0.4 BPG
44.9% FG% | 27.1% 3P% | 70.3% FT%
The uber-athletic Johnson can literally (not literally) jump out of the gym after setting the combine record with a 48-inch vertical jump, shattering the previous record of 45.5 inches set by Kenny Gregory back in 2001. That being said, Johnson is an incredibly raw player, nearly every other part of his game needs refinement. This is another high potential pick for a low potential franchise. The Magic sport a young core and with low expectations heading into next season, they have time to try and develop players high potential players like Barnes and Johnson.
Another option here is Franz Wagner.
9 | Sacramento Kings
Franz Wagner | SF | Michigan
6’8” | 205 LBS
Age | 19.9
20-21 Stats | 28 GP | 12.5 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 3.0 APG | 1.3 SPG | 1.0 BPG
47.7% FG% | 34.3% 3P% | 83.5% FT%
The Kings have reportedly given Wagner a guarantee to pick the versatile Michigan defender if he’s still available at this spot. The last Wolverine to go in the top ten picks was Nik Stauskas in 2014. He was drafted 8th overall by the Kings. The Kings had no intentions of developing Stauskas, trading him to the 76ers after just one season with limited playtime. Beyond that, the Kings have struggled to develop many of their first-round picks and one of the few bright spots, Marvin Bagley Jr., hasn’t been quiet about his intention to leave. Wagner is potentially the top defensive player in this draft with the length and ability to guard 1-4 (maybe 1-5). His shooting is inconsistent, but he’s a good rebounder, a solid facilitator, and a consistent free throw shooter. As the only team in the NBA to miss the playoffs over the course of the last 15 consecutive years, the Kings need to draft a player that can help turn their fortunes around or risk losing the faith of star point guard Dee’Aaron Fox. Whether or not Wagner (or anybody in this draft) is that guy, remains to be seen.
Jalen Johnson and Alperen Şengün could be in play here as well.
10 | Memphis Grizzlies (via New Orleans Pelicans)
Moses Moody | SG | Arkansas
6’6” | 211 LBS
Age | 19.2
20-21 Stats | 32 GP | 16.8 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 1.6 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.7 BPG
42.7% FG% | 35.8% 3P% | 81.2% FT%
Moody adds a lot of value as a defender and has the potential develop into a very good 3-and-D wing. He can provide the Grizzlies with much needed depth behind starting two-guard Dillon Brooks.
11 | Charlotte Hornets
Alperen Şengün | C | Beşiktaş (Turkey)
6’10” | 240 LBS
Age | 19.0
20-21 Stats | 37 GP | 19.0 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 2.7 APG | 1.3 SPG | 1.6 BPG
63.2% FG% | 20.0% 3P% | 79.4% FT%
Long-time center Cody Zeller is entering this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, but the Hornets could luck out if Şengün is still available at this point. Şengün is a rare talent, highlighting an intriguing international class. As an 18-year-old, Şengün dominated the Turkish League, averaging an outrageous 19 points per game as a teenager. Inside scoring, interior defense, free throw shooting, rebounding, Şengün excels in all areas. Though a bit smaller than a traditional center, this shouldn’t scare off the Hornets who used 6’7” PJ Washington at center during the season last year. The LaMelo Ball pick is already paying dividends as he won Rookie of the Year honors and his Hornets came close to making the playoffs in his first year. Adding a young center could be a mutually beneficial for Ball and Şengün if they can develop together.
12 | San Antonio Spurs
Josh Giddey | SF/PG | Adelaide (Australia)
6’8” | 205 LBS
Age | 18.8
20-21 Stats | 28 GP | 10.8 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 7.4 APG | 1.1 SPG | 0.5 BPG
42.5% FG% | 29.3% 3P% | 69.1% FT%
Giddey is a talented all-around player. While his shooting needs a lot of work, he is an active rebounder and a high-level passer. He’s the type of unique talent that can help Popovich turn around the recent misfortunes of the Spurs.
13 | Indiana Pacers
Jalen Johnson | SF/PF | Duke
6’9” | 210 LBS
Age | 19.6
20-21 Stats | 13 GP | 11.2 PPG | 6.1 RPG | 2.2 APG | 1.2 SPG | 1.2 BPG
52.3% FG% | 44.4% 3P% | 63.2% FT%
The Pacers actually have a good team but have struggled with injuries heading into the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. In 2019, the Pacers lost star guard Victor Oladipo in January resulting in a first-round sweep curtesy of the Heat. 2020 saw the Pacers lose star center Domantas Sabonis resulting in another sweep by the Heat. This year, the Pacers limped to the play-in tournament but were forced to play without budding star guard Caris LeVert. What’s the point in all this? Well, the Pacers have developed a good core of players, so they can afford to take a high potential talent like Johnson, utilizing his energy off the bench and providing depth at forward, while he refines other parts of his game.
14 | Golden State Warriors
Corey Kispert | SF | Gonzaga
6’7” | 224 LBS
Age | 22.4
20-21 Stats | 32 GP | 18.6 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 1.8 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.4 BPG
52.9% FG% | 44.0% 3P% | 87.8% FT%
Kispert is a prototypical Warriors player. As a high-volume and high percentage outside shooter, he’d be able to contribute early and often for the Warriors off the bench.
15 | Washington Wizards
Davion Mitchell | PG | Baylor
6’1” | 202 LBS
Age | 22.9
20-21 Stats | 30 GP | 14.0 PPG | 2.7 RPG | 5.5 APG | 1.9 SPG | 0.4 BPG
51.1% FG% | 44.7% 3P% | 64.1% FT%
The Wizards could use another scoring guard to come off the bench behind Westbrook and Beal (or to replace one or both of them) and Mitchell also adds value as an aggressive, high-energy on-ball defender. The Wizards made a surprise appearance in the playoffs last season and Mitchell could be the piece they need to get back again next year.
16 | Oklahoma City Thunder (via Boston Celtics)
Usman Garuba | PF | Real Madrid (Spain)
6’8” | 229 LBS
Age | 19.4
20-21 Stats | 86 GP | 4.7 PPG | 4.6 RPG | 0.8 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.5 BPG
47.1% FG% | 31.6% 3P% | 65.9% FT%
The high-motor, extremely athletic, defensive-minded Garuba is a ball of potential waiting to be molded. He provided a spark off the bench with limited minutes overseas, but he had the foundation to improve on, including an outside shot, and the Thunder could be the team to help him do that.
17 | New Orleans Pelicans (via the Memphis Grizzlies)
Cameron Thomas | SG | LSU
6’4” | 210 LBS
Age | 19.8
20-21 Stats | 29 GP | 23.0 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.2 BPG
40.6% FG% | 32.5% 3P% | 88.2% FT%
Cam Thomas is a walking bucket. An elite scorer with a nose for the basket. Thomas is a high-volume shooter and can score with ease from anywhere including the free throw line. As for passing, rebounding, and defense, he’s more of a liability than an asset in those departments. He fits the mold of a Monta Ellis, Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson-type player as a pure scoring guard. With a front court of Ingram, Williamson, and now Valanciunas, the Pelicans need to add scoring potential in their back court and adding a local star like Thomas could be a big boon for a team looking to break into the playoff party.
18 | Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat)
Jaden Springer | PG/SG | Tennessee
6’4” | 202 LBS
Age | 18.8
20-21 Stats | 25 GP | 12.5 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 2.9 APG | 1.2 SPG | 0.4 BPG
46.7% FG% | 43.5% 3P% | 81.0% FT%
The Thunder have a hole in their frontcourt at center after sending Moses Brown and Al Horford to the Celtics for Kemba Walker and a first-round pick, and they have plenty of options to fill it here, but it doesn’t sound like the Thunder are married to the idea of having Walker start at point guard. They could potentially ship the star guard off for yet another first round pick (maybe the Lakers). In that case, the Thunder need another guard to provide depth behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort. Springer is a combo guard with a nice touch from beyond the arc and good athleticism. He’s young and needs time to develop his game more but he could earn early minutes with the Thunder.
19 | New York Knicks
Jared Butler | PG | Baylor
6’4” | 193 LBS
Age | 20.9
20-21 Stats | 30 GP | 16.7 PPG | 3.3 RPG | 4.8 APG | 2.0 SPG | 0.4 BPG
47.1% FG% | 41.6% 3P% | 78.0% FT%
An absolute sharpshooter from beyond the arc. He’s a high volume and high percentage three-point shooter, but he’s also a good playmaker and a capable defender. Given his talent, Butler should go a lot higher, but his recent referral to the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play panel could push him down here, or even further. While he was cleared by the panel, the referral itself, may cause teams to hesitate in selecting him. For the Knicks, the benefits would far outweigh the risks here. They need some more outside scoring and could use depth at point guard, especially if Derrick Rose moves on in free agency this offseason. If Rose stays, he can aid in Butler’s growth and develop him into a proper complement in the present and replacement in the future.
20 | Atlanta Hawks
Chris Duarte | SG | Oregon
6’6” | 190 LBS
Age | 24.1
20-21 Stats | 26 GP | 17.1 PPG | 4.6 RPG | 2.7 APG | 1.9 SPG | 0.8 BPG
53.2% FG% | 42.4% 3P% | 81.0% FT%
After making it the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks must be confident in their ability to make a true championship run next season, especially with a healthy De’Andre Hunter Cam Reddish, and Trae Young. That being said, they have good depth all around, but adding Duarte would give the Hawks an experienced wing player who plays good defense and is likely the best outside scorer in the draft. His age (24) is a bit high for a first-round pick, but he is undoubtedly a first-round talent.
21 | New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)
Isaiah Jackson | PF/C | Kentucky
6’10” | 206 LBS
Age | 19.5
20-21 Stats | 25 GP | 8.4 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 0.7 APG | 0.8 SPG | 2.6 BPG
54.0% FG% | 00.0% 3P% | 70.0% FT%
Kentucky has been good to the Knicks, and it could get better with the addition of athletic big man Isaiah Jackson. Athletic, high-energy Jackson lacks range but runs the court well and excels as a shot-blocker on the defensive end. With Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson hitting free agency this offseason, Jackson could come in and provide depth behind Mitchell Robinson, especially if the Knicks plan to move on from both, or just lose them to higher bidders.
22 | Los Angeles Lakers
Ayo Dosunmu | PG | Illinois
6’5” | 194 LBS
Age | 21.5
20-21 Stats | 28 GP | 20.1 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 5.3 APG | 1.1 SPG | 0.2 BPG
48.8% FG% | 39.0% 3P% | 78.3% FT%
Dosunmu is an experienced player having started all but three games he played in over his three seasons at Illinois. He’s shown substantial improvement every year and could be a great addition as an instant-impact player at for the Lakers at either guard spot if they choose to keep this pick.
23 | Houston Rockets (via Portland Trailblazers)
Sharife Cooper | PG | Auburn
6’1” | 180 LBS
Age | 20.1
20-21 Stats | 12 GP | 20.2 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 8.1 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.3 BPG
39.1% FG% | 22.8% 3P% | 82.5% FT%
Cooper is a player that could go a lot higher. He only played in 12 games this year but sports the highest assist average in the draft. He has a beautiful touch on his passes and excels at finishing. Cooper’s three-point percentage is shockingly low (less than 25%), and he shot a relatively high volume (4.8 per game). He’s a very consistent free throw shooter (82.5%) while frequently getting to the line (8.6 attempts per game), which could be a sign that his three-point consistency will also improve at the NBA level. The Rockets have some intriguing young scorers on their squad, so Cooper’s passing ability will be a necessity to get the most out of himself and his teammates. He’d also have the added benefit of learning from John Wall.
24 | Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Kai Jones | PF/C | Texas
6’11” | 221 LBS
Age | 20.5
20-21 Stats | 26 GP | 8.8 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 0.6 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.9 BPG
58.0% FG% | 38.2% 3P% | 68.9% FT%
After passing on Mobley earlier, the Rockets are still in position to grab a top five center in this draft. Jones is a bouncy, lob-finisher with the added benefit of an outside shot. While not a high-volume three-point shooter (1.3 attempts per game), he made a good percentage of them (38.2%), and it could be an asset at the next level.
25 | Los Angeles Clippers
Trey Murhpy III | SF/SG | Virginia
6’9” | 206 LBS
Age | 21.1
20-21 Stats | 25 GP | 11.3 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 1.2 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.4 BPG
50.3% FG% | 43.3% 3P% | 92.7% FT%
Murphy III is a high percentage scorer both inside and outside the arc and excelled at the free throw line. Despite his consistency as a shooter, Murphy had a relatively low scoring average and isn’t known as a strong defender. With the Clippers, Murphy can learn a lot from defensive stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, while offering another scoring option behind the two talented forwards. The Clippers may also be willing to draft Tre Mann. The Clippers have had some success with shoooting guard Terance Mann (no relation) and could use another point guard if the team is unable or unwilling to bring back Reggie Jackson.
26 | Denver Nuggets
Tre Mann | PG | Florida
6’4” | 178 LBS
Age | 20.5
20-21 Stats | 24 GP | 16.0 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 3.5 APG | 1.4 SPG | 0.1 BPG
45.9% FG% | 40.2% 3P% | 83.1% FT%
Jamal Murray’s injury practically ended a very promising season for the Denver Nuggets. They simply lacked the backcourt firepower to compete in the playoffs. The Nuggets are a frontcourt heavy team, and they could use the addition of Mann or another guard to deepen their backcourt reserves. Mann is a young point guard with high scoring potential much like Murray. He’s also a consistent free throw shooter and defensive rebounder but struggles as a facilitator.
27 | Brooklyn Nets
Day’Ron Sharpe | C | North Carolina
6’11” | 265 LBS
Age | 19.7
20-21 Stats | 29 GP | 9.5 PPG | 7.6 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.9 BPG
63.2% FG% | 20.0% 3P% | 79.4% FT%
The Nets sent budding star center Jarrett Allen to the Cavaliers last season and Nicolas Claxton simply didn’t step up and take the starting job for himself, allowing 6’4” Bruce Brown to handle center duties before Blake Griffin took the starting spot. Sharpe is more in the mold of an old-school center as a rebounder and inside scorer, but his size and energy should be a major boost for a team that lacks identity beyond having three superstars.
28 | Philadelphia 76ers
Quentin Grimes | SG | Houston
6’5” | 210 LBS
Age | 21.2
20-21 Stats | 30 GP | 17.8 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 2.0 APG | 1.4 SPG | 0.3 BPG
40.6% FG% | 40.3% 3P% | 78.8% FT%
Another top outside scorer, Grimes gives the 76ers another player to compliment superstar center Joel Embiid and pass-first point guard Ben Simmons (if he remains on the team). Grimes also adds value as a defender and even as a rebounding guard.
29 | Phoenix Suns
Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland | SG | VCU
6’3” | 169 LBS
Age | 20.9
20-21 Stats | 24 GP | 19.5 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 2.1 APG | 1.9 SPG | 0.2 BPG
44.7% FG% | 37.1% 3P% | 86.2% FT%
The Suns fell just short of a title after an incredible playoff run, and it felt like the team just ran out of firepower. When stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul were struggling to generate offense, there wasn’t really another guy on the team that could take on the scoring load. Enter Hyland, a productive scorer at the college level with a reliable outside shot. Hyland had an impressive showing at the Combine and he’s a high-quality defender as well. He’s a smidge under the preferred height for a two-guard and isn’t a good enough facilitator to run the point, but he could provide good minutes off the bench early in his career.
30 | Utah Jazz
Jason Preston | PG | Ohio
6’4” | 189 LBS
Age | 21.9
20-21 Stats | 20 GP | 15.7 PPG | 7.3 RPG | 7.3 APG | 1.5 SPG | 0.3 BPG
51.4% FG% | 39.0% 3P% | 59.6% FT%
Preston is a very good all-around player. He’s a good scorer both inside and outside the arc, as well as a high-level facilitator and rebounder. His biggest struggles come from the free throw line. Inconsistencies in getting to and converting at the charity stripe are concerning but he has the talent and tools to improve in that area.
Potentially Perfect Post-Draft Pickup:
Miami Heat
Chaundee Brown Jr. | SG | Michigan
6’5” | 215 LBS
Age | 22
20-21 Stats | 28 GP | 8.0 PPG | 3.1 RPG | 0.6 APG | 0.1 SPG | 0.3 BPG
48.8% FG% | 41.9% 3P% | 69.0% FT%
Brown almost perfectly fits the mold of a Miami Heat player. He has potential as a scorer, but his true strength lies in his tenacious, unrelenting on-ball defense, a trait that Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat covet. Furthermore, Brown spent a season learning under former Heat player/assistant coach Juwan Howard, so he should be well-prepared for the Heat’s system and Heat Culture in general, a benefit for both Brown and the Heat. Brown may miss getting drafted due to his age and statistical decline due to his transfer to and role change at Michigan, but it may help him land in the perfect spot if he ends up in Miami.
