Final 2021 NBA Mock Draft

It’s Draft Day, but this time for the NBA. Unfortunately, I didn’t put as much into the NBA Draft as I did for the NFL Draft, but regardless here’s my final mock ahead of tonight. It’s a loaded group with so much talent. Hope you enjoy the article and the Draft!

Featured Image Credit: Tulsa World

  1. Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham, PG/SG, Oklahoma State

Player Comparison: Luka Doncic

Cunningham is the clear-cut #1 pick of this draft. He can score from anywhere, and his size allows him to be versatile defensively. His vision as a passer will allow him to be a point guard if necessary. He has the potential to be an NBA superstar, and there’s no way the Pistons will pass on that.

  1. Houston Rockets – Jalen Green, SG, G-League Ignite

Player Comparison: Zach LaVine

Green is the most notable prospect to come out of the G-League yet. He has great athleticism and scoring ability. I can see him playing a Zach Lavine-type role for Houston. 

2021 NBA Draft prospects: Full scouting report for guard Jalen Green -  DraftKings Nation
Image from DraftKings Nation
  1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley, C, USC

Player Comparison: Bam Adebayo

Mobley fits the mold of a modern big man. He’s incredibly mobile and his jumper has potential. In terms of shot-blocking, he’s among the best in this class. He could be a nice fit in Cleveland.

  1. Toronto Raptors – Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Gonzaga

Player Comparison: Jamal Murray

With Kyle Lowry seemingly on the way out, it’s time for the Raptors to find a new PG. Suggs would fill that role nicely. He’s a scrappy defender who plays with a ton of heart. On offense, he distributes the ball well and isn’t afraid of the big moments. 

  1. Orlando Magic – Scottie Barnes, PF, Florida State

Player Comparison: Draymond Green

Scottie Barnes – Barnes is an elite defender who can guard one through five. His combination of length (7’2” wingspan) and energy make him a top prospect. Offensively, he needs to develop his shot, but he’s a good ball-handler and passer.

  1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jonathan Kuminga, SF/PF, G-League Ignite

Player Comparison: Jeff Green (closer to his prime)

In terms of potential, Kuminga is a top-tier option. He’s strong, bouncy, and quick for his size. His overall game needs polish, but he has the makings of a very good NBA player. Giving him a comparison was tough because I didn’t want to use more of a guard like Jaylen Brown, but I do think Kuminga could end up in a similar spot as Jeff Green.

  1. Golden State Warriors (from Minnesota Timberwolves) – James Bouknight, SG, UConn

Player Comparison: Jordan Clarkson

This UConn product can score proficiently from all three levels. He’s an athletic finisher who also has solid shooting mechanics. The Warriors need players who can contribute to their team now, and Bouknight should be ready to do that.

  1. Orlando Magic (from Chicago Bulls) – Josh Giddey, PG, International

Player Comparison: LaMelo Ball

At about 6’8”, Giddey is an adept playmaker who does it all. His shooting mechanics are somewhat concerning, but his overall upside trumps that con to his game. The Magic need guys like Giddey who can make a difference. 

2021 NBA draft profile: International prospect Josh Giddey
Image from HoopsHabit
  1. Sacramento Kings – Moses Moody, SG, Arkansas

Player Comparison: Mikal Bridges

Moody is the best 3&D wing in this class. He shoots the ball well and his wingspan of nearly 7’1” enables him to make plays on defense. If Buddy Hield ends up being dealt, Moody could fill his shoes.

  1. Memphis Grizzlies (from New Orleans Pelicans) – Franz Wagner, SF, Michigan

Player Comparison: Nicolas Batum

Wagner is another 3&D wing. At 6’9”, Wagner might actually be a better defender than Moses Moody, but his shot isn’t quite where teams want it. So, at worst he’ll be a rotational wing defender in the league.

  1. Charlotte Hornets – Alperen Şengün, PF/C, International

Player Comparison: Jonas Valanciunas

Sengun flashes a lot of traits that are common in international players. He has a high basketball IQ, passes well, and is a crafty finisher. If he improves his defense, he could be a starter in the league for a long time. He’d be a perfect fit with the Hornets, who already have crafty players like LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier.

  1. San Antonio Spurs – Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga

Player Comparison: Joe Harris

You know exactly what you’re getting in Corey Kispert. He’s an elite shooter who also boasts solid athleticism. In the NBA today, he definitely will have a role on a team right away. The Spurs could use the spacing he provides.

  1. Indiana Pacers – Davion Mitchell, PG/SG, Baylor

Player Comparison: Malcolm Brogdon

As with Corey Kispert, you know what you’re getting with Mitchell. He’s best known for his elite perimeter defense and hard-nosed style of play. He’s a good distributor and shooter as well. Him and Malcolm Brogdon would make for the best defensive guard duo in the NBA.

Warriors, please don't draft Davion Mitchell. He will be a flop
Image from San Francisco Chronicle
  1. Golden State Warriors – Trey Murphy III, SF, Virginia

Player Comparison: Trevor Ariza

As I noted with the James Bouknight pick, the Warriors need players who can contribute now. Murphy fits into that category. He was a key member of the Virginia squad on both ends of the floor. In 2021, he could come off the bench as a combo-forward for Golden State.

  1. Washington Wizards – Chris Duarte, SG, Oregon
  1. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Boston Celtics) – Kai Jones, PF/C, Texas
  1. New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis Grizzlies) – Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee
  1. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami Heat) – Ziaire Williams, SF, Stanford
  1. New York Knicks – Tre Mann, PG, Florida
2019-2020 Florida Gators Men's Basketball Profile Card: Tre Mann
Image from Gators Wire
  1. Atlanta Hawks – Jaden Springer, PG/SG, Tennessee
  1. New York Knicks (Dallas Mavericks) – Usman Garuba, PF, International
  1. Los Angeles Lakers – Jared Butler, PG, Baylor
  1. Houston Rockets (from Portland Trailblazers) – Jalen Johnson, SF/PF, Duke
  1. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee Bucks) – J.T. Thor, PF, Auburn
  1. Los Angeles Clippers – Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky
  1. Denver Nuggets – Cameron Thomas, SG, LSU
LSU's Cameron Thomas to Enter 2021 NBA Draft, Hire Agent | Bleacher Report  | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Image from Bleacher Report
  1. Brooklyn Nets – Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn
  1. Philadelphia 76ers – Nah’Shon Hyland, PG/SG, VCU
  1. Phoenix Suns – Miles McBride, PG, West Virginia
  1. Utah Jazz – Day’Ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina
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