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2021 NBA DRAFT INFORMATION SITES

ESPN https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/news

SB Nation https://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft

Tankathon http://www.tankathon.com/

The Ringer https://nbadraft.theringer.com/team-needs

CBS Sports https://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/

NBA Draft Room https://nbadraftroom.com/p/2021-nba-mock-draft/

NBA (Official Site) https://www.nba.com/draft/2021


LIVE DRAFT DAY SELECTION TRACKER, LIVE DRAFT PICK ANALYSIS & LIVE DRAFT DAY TRADES TRACKER

NBA (Trade Tracker) https://www.nba.com/news/2021-trade-tracker

ESPN (Live Pick Analysis) https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/live

RealGM (Live Pick Analysis) https://basketball.realgm.com/draft-night

CBS Sports (Live Pick Analysis) https://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/draft-tracker/

Hoops Rumors https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/official-early-entrants-list-for-2021-nba-draft.html

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College Seniors


Derrick Alston Jr., G/F, Boise State
Jose Alvarado, G, Georgia Tech
Jonah Antonio, G, Wake Forest
Jonathan Baehre, F, Clemson
Mitch Ballock, G, Creighton
Troy Baxter Jr., F, Morgan State
Chudier Bile, F, Georgetown
Jahvon Blair, G, Georgetown
Isaac Bonton, G, Washington State
Chaundee Brown, G, Michigan
Marcus Burk, G, IUPUI
Jordan Burns, G, Colgate
Manny Camper, G/F, Siena
Nahziah Carter, G, Washington
Arinze Chidom, F, UC-Riverside
Matt Coleman III, G, Texas
Trevion Crews, G, Bethel (IN)
T.J. Crockett, G, Lindenwood (MO)
Jalen Crutcher, G, Dayton
Oscar Da Silva, F, Stanford
Ryan Daly, G, St. Joseph’s
Zaccheus Darko-Kelly, G/F, Univ. of Providence (MT)
Cartier Diarra, G, Virginia Tech
Marek Dolezaj, F, Syracuse
Chris Duarte, G, Oregon
Ian DuBose, G, Wake Forest
Juwan Durham, F, Notre Dame
Tahj Eaddy, G, USC
Lydell Elmore, F, High Point
Romeao Ferguson, G, Lipscomb
LJ Figueroa, G, Oregon
Aleem Ford, F, Wisconsin
Blake Francis, G, Richmond
Hasahn French, F, Saint Louis
DJ Funderburk, F, N.C. State
Ty Gadsden, G, UNC Wilmington
Gorjok Gak, C, California Baptist
Marcus Garrett, G, Kansas
Luka Garza, C, Iowa
Samson George, F, Central Arkansas
Asante Gist, G, Iona
Terrell Gomez, G, San Diego State
Jordan Goodwin, G, Saint Louis
Justin Gorham, F, Houston
Elyjah Goss, F, IUPUI
Jayvon Graves, G, Buffalo
Quade Green, G, Washington
Dou Gueye, F, Louisiana
Matt Haarms, C, BYU
Javion Hamlet, G, North Texas
Deion Hammond, G, Monmouth
Amauri Hardy, G, Oregon
Romio Harvey, G, Harding University (AR)
Sam Hauser, F, Virginia
Kashaun Hicks, G/F, Norfolk State
Taveion Hollingsworth, G, Western Kentucky
Jay Huff, F/C, Virginia
Anthony Hughes Jr., G, Millsaps College (MS)
Jhivvan Jackson, G, UTSA
Loren Cristian Jackson, G, Akron
Casdon Jardine, G/F, Hawaii
DeJon Jarreau, G, Houston
Tristan Jarrett, G, Jackson State
Justin Jaworski, G, Lafayette
Damien Jefferson, G/F, Creighton
Bryson Johnson, G, Univ. of The Ozarks (AR)
Carlik Jones, G, Louisville
Herb Jones, F, Alabama
Corey Kispert, F, Gonzaga
Cameron Krutwig, C, Loyola Chicago
Matt Lewis, G, James Madison
Spencer Littleson, G, Toledo
Isaiah Livers, F, Michigan
Denzel Mahoney, G/F, Creighton
Makuach Maluach, G/F, New Mexico
Sandro Mamukelashvili, F/C, Seton Hall
Kyle Mangas, G, Indiana Wesleyan
JaQuori McLaughlin, G, UCSB
Jadyn Michael, F, Colorado Christian
Asbjorn Midtgaard, C, Grand Canyon
Isaiah Miller, G, UNC Greensboro
Damek Mitchell, G, Lewis-Clark State College (ID)
Matt Mitchell, F, San Diego State
Steffon Mitchell, F, Boston College
Ruot Monyyong, F/C, Little Rock
Clay Mounce, F, Furman
Matthew Moyer, F, George Washington
Obadiah Noel, G, UMass-Lowell
Kobi Nwandu, F, Niagara
Eugene Omoruyi, F, Oregon
EJ Onu, F, Shawnee State (OH)
Chris Parker, G, Liberty
Jock Perry, C, UC-Riverside
John Petty Jr., G, Alabama
Jamorko Pickett, F, Georgetown
Danny Pippen, F, Kent State
Yves Pons, G/F, Tennessee
Micah Potter, F/C, Wisconsin
Brandon Rachal, G/F, Tulsa
Austin Reaves, G, Oklahoma
Alex Reese, F, Alabama
Nate Reuvers, F, Wisconsin
Elvin Rodriguez, G, Science & Arts of Oklahoma
Colbey Ross, G, Pepperdine
Olivier Sarr, C, Kentucky
Jordan Schakel, G, San Diego State
Taz Sherman, G, West Virginia
Devontae Shuler, G, Ole Miss
Aamir Simms, F, Clemson
Jericho Sims, F/C, Texas
Chris Smith, F, UCLA
Dru Smith, G, Missouri
Justin Smith, F, Arkansas
Mike Smith, G, Michigan
Anthony Tarke, G/F, Coppin State
Jalen Tate, G, Arkansas
Terry Taylor, G/F, Austin Peay
MaCio Teague, G, Baylor
Christian Terrell, G, Sacramento State
Koby Thomas, G/F, Coppin State
Ethan Thompson, G, Oregon State
Jeremiah Tilmon, C, Missouri
D’Mitrik Trice, G, Wisconsin
Jordy Tshimanga, C, Dayton
Justin Turner, G, Bowling Green
Chandler Vaudrin, F, Winthrop
Eric Vila, F, UTEP
Mark Vital, G/F, Baylor
M.J. Walker, G, Florida State
Keaton Wallace, G, UTSA
Josh Washburn, G, Carthage (WI)
Isaiah Washington, G, Long Beach State
Ibi Watson, G, Dayton
Romello White, F, Mississippi
Devin Whitfield, G, Lincoln Memorial Univ. (TN)
McKinley Wright IV, G, Colorado
Moses Wright, F, Georgia Tech


College Underclassmen


Santi Aldama, F, Loyola Maryland (sophomore)
Joel Ayayi, G, Gonzaga (junior)
Dalano Banton, G, Nebraska (sophomore)
Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State (freshman)
Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky (junior)
Giorgi Bezhanishvili, F, Illinois (junior)
Brandon Boston Jr., G/F, Kentucky (freshman)
James Bouknight, G, UConn (sophomore)
Pedro Bradshaw, G/F, Bellarmine (junior)
Greg Brown, F, Texas (freshman)
Jared Butler, G, Baylor (junior)
D.J. Carton, G, Marquette (sophomore)
Justin Champagnie, G/F, Pittsburgh (sophomore)
Josh Christopher, G, Arizona State (freshman)
Sharife Cooper, G, Auburn (freshman)
Derek Culver, F/C, West Virginia (junior)
Sam Cunliffe, G/F, Evansville (junior)
Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State (freshman)
Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois (junior)
David Duke, G, Providence (junior)
Nojel Eastern, G, Howard (junior)
Kessler Edwards, F, Pepperdine (junior)
RaiQuan Gray, F, Florida State (junior)
Alan Griffin, G/F, Syracuse (junior)
Quentin Grimes, G, Houston (junior)
Aaron Henry, G/F, Michigan State (junior)
Feron Hunt, F, SMU (junior)
Matthew Hurt, F, Duke (sophomore)
Nah’Shon Hyland, G, VCU (sophomore)
Isaiah Jackson, F, Kentucky (freshman)
David Johnson, G, Louisville (sophomore)
Jalen Johnson, F, Duke (freshman)
Keon Johnson, G, Tennessee (freshman)
Kai Jones, F, Texas (sophomore)
Balsa Koprivica, C, Florida State (sophomore)
A.J. Lawson, G, South Carolina (junior)
Scottie Lewis, G, Florida (sophomore)
Sterling Manley, F/C, North Carolina (junior)
Tre Mann, G, Florida (sophomore)
Miles McBride, G, West Virginia (sophomore)
Mac McClung, G, Texas Tech (junior)
Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor (junior)
Evan Mobley, F/C, USC (freshman)
Moses Moody, G, Arkansas (freshman)
Trey Murphy III, G, Virginia (junior)
RJ Nembhard, G, TCU (junior)
Joel Ntambwe, F, Texas Tech (sophomore)
Jason Preston, G, Ohio (junior)
Joshua Primo, G, Alabama (freshman)
Neemias Queta, C, Utah State (junior)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Villanova (sophomore)
Damion Rosser, G, New Orleans (junior)
Day’Ron Sharpe, F/C, North Carolina (freshman)
Javonte Smart, G, LSU (junior)
Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee (freshman)
TJ Starks, G, Cal State Northridge (junior)
DJ Steward, G, Duke (freshman)
D.J. Stewart, G, Mississippi State (sophomore)
Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga (freshman)
Cameron Thomas, G, LSU (freshman)
JT Thor, F, Auburn (freshman)
Franz Wagner, G/F, Michigan (sophomore)
Kyree Walker, G/F, Hillcrest Prep Academy (AZ) (post-graduate)
Duane Washington, G, Ohio State (junior)
Trendon Watford, F, LSU (sophomore)
Romeo Weems, F, DePaul (sophomore)
Joe Wieskamp, G/F, Iowa (junior)
Aaron Wiggins, G, Maryland (junior)
Brandon Williams, G, Arizona (sophomore)
Ziaire Williams, F, Stanford (freshman)
Bryce Wills, G/F, Stanford (junior)
Marcus Zegarowski, G, Creighton (junior)


International Players (Note: The country indicates where the player had been playing, not necessarily where he was born)


Juhann Begarin, G/F, France (born 2002)
Vrenz Bleijenbergh, G/F, Belgium (born 2000)
Biram Faye, F/C, Spain (born 2000)
Usman Garuba, F/C, Spain (born 2002)
Josh Giddey, G, Australia (born 2002)
Rokas Jokubaitis, G, Lithuania (born 2000)
Alperen Sengun, C, Turkey (born 2002)
Amar Sylla, F/C, Belgium (born 2001)

SLAM (click for full article) https://www.slamonline.com/nba/the-full-list-of-2021-nba-draft-green-room-invitees/

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Some prospects were given a reason for confidence by the NBA on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced the prospects invited to attend the 2021 NBA Draft and stay in the green room, an honor typically given to prospects likely to go in the first round.

20 players are invited to the green room for the draft this year.

The list of players invited this year are: Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham; G League Ignite wing Jalen Green, USC forward-center Evan Mobley, Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs, Ignite forward Jonathan Kuminga, Florida State forward Scottie Barnes, Baylor guard Davion Mitchell, UConn guard James Bouknight, Tennessee guard Keon Johnson, Michigan forward Franz Wagner, Adelaide 36ers guard Josh Giddey, Duke forward Jalen Johnson, Gonzaga forward Corey Kispert, Arkansas guard Moses Moody, Texas center Kai Jones, Besiktas center Alperen Sengun, LSU guard Cameron Thomas, Stanford forward Ziaire Williams, Oregon guard Chris Duarte and Kentucky forward Isaiah Jackson.

Names like Cunningham, Green and Mobley were shoo-ins for the Draft’s green room, but some names certainly are a bit of a surprise.

Jackson and Williams, a pair of one-and-done prospects, are coming off mixed freshman seasons for their respective schools, which have landed them mixed grades from prospect evaluators. Cameron Thomas from LSU is the lowest-ranked player on ESPN’s “best available prospects” at 26th, with Jackson second-lowest at 24th.

Of course, with only 20 players invited, some had to be left off the green room list.

Maybe the most notable player not invited is Sharife Cooper, a guard from Auburn University. Cooper, a whirlwind of a playmaker, averaged 20.2 points and 8.1 assists per game (12 games) in his short-lived freshman season.

Spanish forward Usman Garuba is the highest-ranked player on ESPN’s best available list (15th overall) received an invite, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, but his Olympic commitment to Spain’s men’s national basketball team superseded the importance of his appearance in Brooklyn.

Virginia forward Trey Murphy III, Alabama guard Josh Primo, Tennessee guard Jaden Springer and Baylor guard Jared Butler are a few other players that many thought were deserving of the honor.

While green room invites have historically been a good indicator of a prospect’s potential draft slot, it isn’t a guarantee, as Jonathan Wasserman from Bleacher Report notes.

The 2021 NBA Draft will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Thursday, July 29.

CBS Sports https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-draft-2021-biggest-needs-potential-prospect-fits-for-all-30-teams-entering-the-offseason/

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Here's a look at the biggest needs for all 30 NBA teams, and some draft prospects who could be perfect fits.

Atlanta Hawks

Draft picks owned; 20, 48

Needs: Backup point guard, big depth

Coming off an incredible second half and postseason, the Hawks have solid depth at pretty much every position besides point guard. Bogdan Bogdanovic can handle a lot of the backup point guard minutes, but the Hawks could benefit from an additional playmaker and ball-handler in the backcourt behind Trae Young. They also could look to fill a short-term need at center, with last year's lottery pick, Onyeka Okongwu, expected to be out at least until January after shoulder surgery. Adding a big could also be a hedge in case John Collins gets a monster offer in restricted free agency that Atlanta isn't willing to match.

Potential guard fits: Jaden Springer, Jared Butler, Miles McBride

Potential big fits: Isaiah Jackson, Day'Ron Sharpe, Jericho Sims


Boston Celtics

Draft picks owned; 45

Needs: Point guard, wing depth

The Celtics don't have a first-round pick in the draft, but that doesn't mean they can't trade up if they feel the value is there for one of the prospects they've targeted. Trading away Kemba Walker leaves a gaping hole at point guard, but they probably won't get a starting-caliber player at No. 45. Last season also showed how thin Boston's wing rotation is behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, so they could certainly use some help there.

Potential guard fits: Tre Mann, Jason Preston, McKinley Wright IV

Potential wing fits: Joe Wieskamp, B.J. Boston, Aaron Henry


Brooklyn Nets

Draft picks owned; 27, 44, 49, 59

Needs: 3-and-D wing, backup guard

No matter how Brooklyn handles free agents like Spencer Dinwiddie, Jeff Green and Blake Griffin, they're going to need to bolster their depth at guard and on the wing -- particularly given the health issues they ran into last season. They might look to draft an older, win-now player at No. 27, and then perhaps package their second-round picks in a trade or to move up to get a prospect they really like. Whoever they select might not play much when the postseason rolls around, but they need to get there first, and they can use all the cost-controlled rotation players they can get.

Potential wing fits: Trey Murphy III, Josh Primo, Kessler Edwards

Potential guard fits: Ayo Dosunmu, Miles McBride, Cam Thomas


Charlotte Hornets

Draft picks owned; 11, 56, 57

Needs: Center, scoring guard

The Hornets might end up keeping free agent Cody Zeller, but it's pretty clear that he's not the ideal big for a LaMelo Ball-led offense. They could look to fill that position with a more athletic, rim-runner/shot-blocker type if there's one available in the draft. With Malik Monk and Devonte' Graham both restricted free agents, Charlotte could also use another scorer off the bench, and there should be plenty of options at No. 11.

Potential center fits: Usman Garuba, Kai Jones, Isaiah Jackson

Potential scoring guard fits: James Bouknight, Chris Duarte, Jared Butler


Chicago Bulls

Draft picks owned; 38

Needs: Wing depth, backup center

With Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic as the offensive focal points, the Bulls need to add some wings, preferably of the two-way variety. That might be tough at 38, but they could always buy their way into the first round if the opportunity arises. Thaddeus Young can be the backup center, but Chicago might also look for a bigger body to help spell Vucevic.

Potential wing fits: Joe Wieskamp, B.J. Boston, Herbert Jones

Potential backup center fits: Santi Aldama, Day'Ron Sharpe, Jericho Sims


Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft picks owned; 3

Needs: Everything

The Cavs had the third-worst offense in the NBA last season and the fifth-worst defense, so any help on either side of the ball will go a long way. Fortunately, they'll have their pick of an excellent prospect at No. 3 regardless of who's off the board after the first two picks. Ideally, they'd get a wing or a big since they have Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in the backcourt, but that shouldn't deter them from taking their highest evaluated prospect no matter which position.

Potential fits: Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Jalen Suggs


Dallas Mavericks

Draft picks owned; None

Needs: Playmaking guard, 3-and-D wing

The Mavs don't have a pick in the draft thanks to previous trades, but they could always make a move to jump into the first or second round if someone they've targeted is still on the board. Ideally, they'd get a guard to help keep the offense afloat while Luka Doncic is on the bench, particularly since Tim Hardaway Jr. is an unrestricted free agent and could get some lucrative offers. On top of that, Dallas could always use more 3-and-D wings to place around Doncic as it attempts to advance past the first round of the playoffs.

Potential guard fits: Ayo Dosunmu, Nah'Shon Hyland, Josh Christopher

Potential 3-and-D wing fits: Trey Murphy III, Joe Wieskamp, Kessler Edwards


Denver Nuggets

Draft picks owned; 26

Needs: Scoring guard, backup center

Even if Jamal Murray weren't going to miss a chunk of next season following ACL surgery, the Nuggets still could have used backcourt help off the bench. Now it's a must, and preferably it would be a player who could initiate offense while Nikola Jokic rests. Speaking of Jokic, Denver could use a viable backup center, unless Bol Bol is ready to make an unexpected leap into the rotation.

Potential guard fits: Cam Thomas, Ayo Dosunmu, Nah'Shon Hyland

Potential center fits: Usman Garuba, Kai Jones, Isaiah Jackson


Detroit Pistons

Draft picks owned; 1, 37, 42, 52

Needs: Everything

Those at the cusp of a rebuild cannot be picky, and the Pistons will be happy to select a potential franchise-changing prospect (likely Cade Cunningham), with the first pick in Thursday's draft. They could also package their three second-round picks for a chance to move up if a prospect has fallen lower than they think he should. Detroit is in prime position to take a big swing at the bottom of the first round or beginning of the second on a high-risk, high-upside project.

Potential fits (after No. 1): Josh Christopher, B.J. Boston, Greg Brown


Golden State Warriors

Draft picks owned; 7, 14

Needs: 3-and-D wings, playmaking guard

It's no secret that the Warriors are shopping their two lottery picks, but if a deal isn't reached they'll have plenty of options for win-now help, as is their stated goal. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors won't need their picks to carry a heavy offensive load -- the priority will be shooting, defense and basketball IQ. The offense fell off a cliff with Curry on the bench last season, so they could also benefit from a versatile playmaker in the second unit.

Potential wing fits: Moses Moody, Josh Giddey, Franz Wagner, Chris Duarte

Potential guard fits: James Bouknight, Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler


Houston Rockets

Draft picks owned; 2, 23, 24

Needs: Everything

The Rockets got a nice start to their rebuild by securing the No. 2 pick, and they have a couple of other late firsts to get some more prospects through the door. There's no need to even consider positional fit with these picks -- just take the best player on the board and hope their talent and your development staff can help turn them into long-term assets.

Potential fits (No. 2): Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs

Potential fits (Nos. 23, 24): Jaden Springer, Sharife Cooper, Isaiah Jackson


Indiana Pacers

Draft picks owned; 13, 54, 60

Needs: 3-and-D wings, power forward

The Pacers' defense fell off a cliff in the second half of last season, but that could at least partly be attributed to Nate Bjorkgren supposedly losing the locker room. It should be better under Rick Carlisle, but they could still use a stout defensive wing to help the cause. As always, it would help if that player were a capable 3-point shooter since Indiana was in the bottom half of the league in 3-point makes and percentage last season. They're also a little thin at the four, though TJ Warren could fill that position in smaller lineups.

Potential wing fits: Franz Wagner, Moses Moody, Corey Kispert

Potential power forward fits: Jalen Johnson, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, JT Thor


Los Angeles Clippers

Draft picks owned; 25

Needs: Point guard, bench scoring

The Clippers looked like a potential title favorite before Kawhi Leonard's ACL injury derailed them, but there are certainly some positions of need. Particularly without Leonard for at least part of the season, they'll need another playmaker to help take pressure off of Paul George. They could also use a heat-check scorer off the bench, something they've lacked since Lou Williams was traded last season.

Potential point guard fits: Jaden Springer, Sharife Cooper, Miles McBride

Potential bench scorer fits: Ayo Dosunmu, Cam Thomas, Nah'Shon Hyland


Los Angeles Lakers

Draft picks owned; 22

Needs: Shooting, playmaking

The Lakers' flaws have essentially been the same for the last two seasons -- the halfcourt offense can get stagnant at times due to a lack of shooting and playmaking. It's hard to find that combination in one player, particularly at No. 22, but there should be some solid options that could fit the bill. Anybody the Lakers select will also have to be able to hold their own for the league's best defense, which is no easy task for a rookie.

Potential fits: Jared Butler, Miles McBride, Ayo Dosunmu


Memphis Grizzlies

Draft picks owned; 17, 51

Needs: Shooting, 3-and-D wings

The Grizzlies have a roster full of quality rotation players and a rising star in Ja Morant, but they were 25th in the league last season with 11 3-pointers made per 100 possessions. A full season from Jaren Jackson should help boost those numbers, but despite their strong percentage from behind the arc, the Grizzlies don't have a lot of high-volume 3-point shooters. Memphis is also competitive and deep enough to afford to take a player who might not be able to contribute right away in search of upside.

Potential fits: Corey Kispert, Chris Duarte, Trey Murphy III


Miami Heat

Draft picks owned; None

Needs: Wing depth, backup center

The Heat don't have a draft pick, but they could trade for one if they see the right opportunity. With the Heat potentially declining Andre Iguodala's $15 million option for next season, there could be an opening in the wing rotation that might be filled by one of the more NBA-ready prospects. Miami also needs some size, as all of their center options are on the small side.

Potential wing fits: Aaron Henry, Isaiah Livers, Aaron Wiggins

Potential center fits: Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jericho Sims, Neemias Queta


Milwaukee Bucks

Draft picks owned; 31

Needs: Backup point guard, wing depth

The Bucks traded away their first-round pick, but they end up with No. 31, which is literally as close to the first round as it gets. The champs don't have a lot of glaring needs, but a ball-handler to come off the bench could certainly help (not sure if re-signing Jeff Teague is a priority). They could also use a versatile wing to add to the rotation to help bolster their stifling defense.

Potential point guard fits: Miles McBride, Tre Mann, Nah'Shon Hyland

Potential wing fits: Herbert Jones, Kessler Edwards, B.J. Boston


Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft picks owned; None

Needs: Wing/frontcourt depth, defense

The Timberwolves don't have a draft pick, but they could make a move to grab a pick if they see someone falling who is high on their board. The wing rotation around Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell is kind of a mess, so if they can find a three or small-ball four at the right price, it might be worth pulling the trigger.

Potential fits: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Herbert Jones, Aaron Henry


New Orleans Pelicans

Draft picks owned; 10, 35, 40, 43, 53

Needs: Shooting, defense

The Pelicans made the third-fewest 3-pointers per game of any NBA team last season and shot the fifth-worst 3-point percentage. For a team built around a force like Zion Williamson, that's simply unacceptable. Look for them to get a shooter with the No. 10 pick, and perhaps aim for a diamond in the rough with one or more of the second-round selections. New Orleans was also a bottom-10 defense last season, so that's another area of priority.

Potential fits: Moses Moody, Corey Kispert, Trey Murphy III


New York Knicks

Draft picks owned; 19, 21, 32, 58

Needs: Shooting, playmaking

Coming off of a No. 4 seed and with a coach who's not traditionally fond of playing rookies for extended minutes, it would be very surprising if the Knicks use all four of their draft picks. That being said, there are some players in the late teens and early 20s that could very much make an impact next season. It's just a matter of what else is out there. Playmaking and shooting are areas of priority for the Knicks, who finished with the league's eighth-worst offense.

Potential fits: Trey Murphy III, Ziaire Williams, Jared Butler


Oklahoma City Thunder

Draft picks owned; 6, 16, 18, 34, 36, 55

Needs: Everything

Get used to seeing the Thunder's name in the draft quite a bit over the next several seasons. They're in prime position to use their multiple first-rounders to trade up on Thursday if they want to get into the top of the draft. If not, they'll have several swings to get a potential foundational piece to aid the rebuild. OKC, like most young teams where winning isn't an immediate priority, shouldn't be concerned with positional fit at all.

Potential fits: Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Kuminga, Alperen Sengun


Orlando Magic

Draft picks owned; 5, 8, 33

Needs: Everything

On the precipice of a full rebuild, the Magic aren't in a position to be picky in terms of fit. They'll be looking for the best players available at No. 5 and No. 8, and might even dabble in trade talks given their strong draft capital. Everything is on the table for a team looking to get a potential future All-Star at the top of the draft.

Potential fits: Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Kuminga, Alperen Sengun


Philadelphia 76ers

Draft picks owned; 28, 50

Needs: Shooting, playmaking

The 76ers' needs might change a bit if they end up trading Ben Simmons, but as of now shooting and playmaking are priorities around MVP finalist Joel Embiid. They should be able to get someone helpful with the 28th pick, and it will be interesting to see if they target an older prospect who may be more ready to contribute right away.

Potential fits: Cam Thomas, Ayo Dosunmu, Nah'Shon Hyland


Phoenix Suns

Draft picks owned; 29

Needs: Backup center, bench guard

The Suns are coming off of a magical year, and adding a key piece with No. 29 could help them finish the job next season. With Dario Saric expected to miss a significant part of next season due to a torn ACL, the Suns could use a big body to help with offensive rebounding and defense when Deandre Ayton sits. Cameron Payne is a free agent, so the Suns could also be in need of a reserve guard depending on how the negotiations go.

Potential center fits: Kai Jones, Isaiah Jackson, Day'Ron Sharpe

Potential guard fits: Sharife Cooper, Nah'Shon Hyland, Tre Mann


Portland Trail Blazers

Draft picks owned; None

Needs: Defense, wing depth

Another team whose needs could drastically change depending on whether they make a trade, the Blazers have no draft picks -- which would almost certainly change if they move Damian Lillard before the draft. If Lillard stays and they end up trading into the draft, they'll need to do everything they can to improve on the league's second-worst defense.

Potential fits: Herbert Jones, JT Thor, Aaron Henry


Sacramento Kings

Draft picks owned; 9, 39

Needs: Defense, wing depth

With Harrison Barnes now more of a four, the Kings are incredibly thin on rotation wings, which is part of the reason why they had the league's worst defense last season. Ideally, they'd get a two-way wing at No. 9, but they also need to draft for upside regardless of fit given their current level of contention.

Potential fits: Moses Moody, Franz Wagner, Josh Giddey, Keon Johnson


San Antonio Spurs

Draft picks owned; 12, 41

Needs: Wing depth, power forward

The Spurs have a stockpile of young, talented guards, and they need to balance that with some help on the wing and at the four. There should be plenty of opportunities to do that at No. 12, and the Spurs have a history of developing talent that could give them the confidence to select a player who might need a little more seasoning than other teams would be willing to give him.

Potential fits: Josh Giddey, Ziaire Williams, Jalen Johnson


Toronto Raptors

Draft picks owned; 4, 46, 47

Needs: Frontcourt depth, point guard

The Raptors have a lot of decisions to make this offseason, and it starts with the No. 4 pick next week. If they keep it, there is going to be a potentially franchise-changing talent available. They could use it to bolster their frontcourt, or they could draft a guard to perhaps replace Kyle Lowry, who is entering free agency.

Potential fits: Scottie Barnes, Jalen Suggs, Alperen Sengun


Utah Jazz

Draft picks owned; 30

Needs: Wing depth, backup big

For a team as successful as the Jazz were last season, they had a deceptively thin rotation. Assuming they re-sign Mike Conley, the biggest areas of need will be on the wing and in the frontcourt, especially since they're reportedly looking to free up cap space by moving Derrick Favors.

Potential fits: Isaiah Jackson, Josh Christopher, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl


Washington Wizards

Draft picks owned; 15

Needs: Wing depth, shooting, defense

If the Wizards are going to keep Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, they're going to need to surround them with shooting and defense. Washington should have some 3-and-D options at No. 15, some of which possess enough upside to potentially become stars down the road.

Potential fits: Franz Wagner, Trey Murphy III, Corey Kispert

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/1250820-2/

https://www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/pointguards_760_20210618.jpg?w=756&h=495

If there was a year to desperately seek out backcourt help, or exclusively a point guard, this is the one. This year’s class has plenty of dynamic ball-handlers, defenders, shooters, and playmakers, or all of the above, who can play the point and play it well. We could see as many as nine first round point guard selections and at least three of them will go in the lottery, including a consensus number one overall selection in Cade Cunningham. Here, we will break down our top 10 point guards for this year’s class and delve into the strengths, weaknesses, and potential fits for each of the ten draft hopefuls who will hear their name called in two short weeks.

1. Cade Cunningham, 6-8 220 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Cunningham is a consensus number-one pick for a reason, and he showed why throughout the entire college basketball season as he carried the Cowboys to a Big-12 Championship and a #4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The 6’8 standout boasts length, physicality, creativity, and most impressively, shooting at the young age of 19. He also proved again and again that he has that killer instinct as the game is winding down. That’s something you cannot teach and an underrated trait to have in a young prospect who will become the face of your franchise.

Unless Detroit trades out of the top spot, with heavy interest coming from the two teams below them, Cunningham will become the new face of the Pistons looking to turn around a franchise desperate to relive the glory days of the late 80s and mid 2000s. The emergence of Jerami Grant, as well as the impressive debut seasons for Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, should surround him with some young weapons who could bring Detroit to the playoffs as early as next season. To unlock everything that Cunningham can be, now and in the future, Troy Weaver still has plenty of more work to do, but the addition of the former Cowboy is a huge step in the right direction for Dwayne Casey and the Pistons.


2. Jalen Suggs, 6-4 205 Gonzaga Bulldogs

The two-sport high school sensation looks to have selected the right sport as he is almost guaranteed to fall within the top five selections when the NBA Draft comes around. The half-court shot to send Gonzaga to the National Championship ensured everyone in the country would know his name, but his status of a top-five pick was secured far before that. Suggs drives with tremendous speed and ferocity, but he is even better at finding the open man when he does so. He shot the ball decently well from distance, but touch and consistency are slightly concerning. What he loses with this inconsistent shot making, he makes up for with his competitiveness and creativity with the ball in his hands.

The ideal fit in the top-five in my opinion would be the Toronto Raptors. The city would rally around him and there are plenty of players around him who he could make look that much better. There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, but Suggs could take control of the offense and allow these two to play their own styles rather than being forced to take over on their own, which they found themselves doing quite often last season.


3. Davion Mitchell, 6-1 200 Baylor Bears

One of my favorite prospects to watch throughout the college basketball season was Davion Mitchell. The Bears had a three-headed monster in the backcourt, but Mitchell always stood out the most to me. He was able to disrupt and shut down every single player he was matched up against and also impact the game on offense on any given possession. His quickness and interior finishing set him apart from the other two guards in his backcourt, and he also has the ability to knock down threes from any spot on the floor.

Mitchell is likely to fall inside the top 10, but he is essentially a lock to be drafted inside the lottery if he drops outside this range. Given this projection, I think Mitchell would flourish with the New Orleans Pelicans. They are a team that is desperately in need of a lockdown defender and adding another explosive slasher alongside Zion Williamson will create matchup nightmares for on ball defenders across the league. With Lonzo Ball potentially on the way out the door, Mitchell will fill an immediate need and could be the missing piece who could lift the Pelicans to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.


4. Nah'Shon Hyland, 6-3 170 VCU Rams

One of the biggest winners of the NBA Draft Combine was Nah’Shon Hyland due to his massive 6’9 measured wingspan and impressive display during the first scrimmage. Hyland looks to provide instant impact off the bench for a contending team, whether it is on the offensive or defensive end. He is skilled enough and disruptive enough to earn a living on either end of the floor and provide a boost in the backcourt for a team who desperately needs it.

With Spencer Dinwiddie out the door in Brooklyn and few pieces that are built for the future, I love the idea of Hyland stepping into a Nets uniform and providing influential minutes off the bench while being groomed for a larger role when their Big Three heads their separate ways. The former Rams star is fully capable of taking on any role, whether it is a spot-up shooter, a pesky defender, or a shot-creator for the superstars around him. Hyland has raised his status to a first-round projection in recent weeks and has all of the tools to be a star in this league at some point in his career.


5. Miles McBride, 6-2 195 West Virginia Mountaineers

Another player who is seeing their stock rise recently is another sophomore standout in Miles McBride. His role expanded from impact bench player to starting point guard and leading scorer from his freshman year to his sophomore year and he looks to be a first-round pick because of it. McBride is a pure shooter who averaged over 15 points per game in a competitive Big-12 conference while shooting over 41% from distance and 81% from the free-throw line.

“Deuce” is only 6’2, but a near 6’9 wingspan turned some heads at the NBA Combine and many believe that this length, combined with his fierce competitiveness and motor, will cause fits for opposing guards trying to hang with him on both ends of the floor. McBride could have a similar impact to Immanuel Quickley coming into the league and if he is placed on a competitive team like the Lakers who could use some backcourt depth, McBride could find himself on the All-Rookie team when all is said and done a year from now.


6. Joel Ayayi, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Ayayi is the second Bulldog on this list and while he is nowhere near the same player as Jalen Suggs, he found a way to impact the game just as much in his Gonzaga uniform. Ayayi shoots more naturally than Suggs and benefited quite often from his playmaking ability by finding himself wide-open for long-range jumpers. At 6’5, Ayayi is more of a combo guard than a natural point guard, but he is more than up to the task of creating shots for others considering he averaged nearly three assists per game in an offense where he was rarely asked to initiate.

The Jazz have a dynamic backcourt with scorers and shooters, but they lack the type of defensive nastiness that Ayayi could bring off the bench. Mitchell and Clarkson are far from great defenders and with Mike Conley heading towards free agency, Quin Snyder needs somebody to fit his defensive style in the backcourt, even if it is just a player like Ayayi who fights and disrupts for 15 minutes per game off the bench.


7. Jared Butler, Baylor Bears

We now have our second Baylor Bear on this list as well. Do you see why these two teams were in the National Championship now? The argument for Butler is simple. He is a winner. The two-way star lifted Baylor to a 54-6 record the last two seasons with a National Championship coming in the second year. Butler shoots the lights out, leads with tenacity, shuts down opposing stars, and creates for the guys around him. He can play with any style of guard in the backcourt alongside him and find a way to separate himself from the guys around him and do so while playing unselfishly. He is just one of those guys you want in your locker room and leading your team.

I love the fit of this guy playing in a huge market like Philadelphia and winning over the fans with his gutsy performances and microwave shooting. They already have a boatload of point guards on the roster, but Butler is one of those guys who is impossible to pass up on when you are an organization who desperately wants to win and cannot find a way to do so. I could see Butler turning this team around from day 1 and the Philly faithful will welcome a national champion with open arms and a smile.


8. Tre Mann, 6-4 180 Florida Gators

Similar to Hyland and McBride, Tre Mann needed a second season to prove what he can do, and it certainly worked out for the best. The Florida star shot 46/40/83 splits while averaging 16 points per game with five rebounds and three assists per game. Mann simply knows how to run an offense and do it effectively in a variety of ways. He is capable of taking over on his own and drilling threes over tight defense, dribbling around defenders and making the correct read to spot-up shooters, or attacking the basket on his own and getting to the line.

The former Gator translates as a spark plug initiator and could flourish in a role with the Clippers who shoot the lights out from beyond the arc. Mann could come right off the bench and create opportunities for the sharpshooters around him while also keeping defenders honest enough where they have to recognize his own threat of attacking the hoop or creating enough separation to take a three of his own.


9. Sharife Cooper, 6-1 180 Auburn Tigers

Everyone loves to use the term sparkplug to define a lot of the late first-round or second-round picks to assess their immediate value, but Cooper is the definition of a sparkplug by every definition of the word. The short, energetic ball of energy for the Auburn Tigers started the season late but roared onto the scene in the 12 games he was able to play in the Orange and Blue. A 20-point scorer and even better facilitator and passer, Cooper earned all-SEC Freshman honors and catapulted himself into first-round discussion in such a short time. The criticisms of his game are his size, inability to shoot threes and his tendency to turn the ball over, but he has plenty of time to develop and his radiating energy and impact is undeniable.

Cooper is built for the role of a star and will need the time to develop to prove so. This is why I see him being drafted by a rebuilding team who can allow him to make mistakes and grow in a low-pressure situation early in his career. The Rockets, Thunder, and Magic could all take a chance on this kid because he is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this year’s class and these teams could see him as a shot worth taking. Regardless of his immediate success, Cooper should find a role with a team, at minimum as a back up, perhaps similar to what Jalen Brunson brings the Mavericks.


10. Daishen Nix, 6-4 225 G-League Ignite

Nix is a tall, facilitating guard who took his talents as a five-star recruit to the G-League Ignite along with Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Nix stands at 6’5 and is mostly known for his playmaking ability and final pass. He boasted an impressive AST/TO ratio and final pass. He boasted an impressive AST/TO ratio at the professional level with over 5 assists compared to only 2.9 turnovers in just 26 minutes per game against stiff G-League competition.

Nix would do well to find himself on a team with good players around him as he would bring out the best in those around him. He is able to lift players up due to his creative playmaking ability, but the best situation for him is on a contending team that will not skip a beat with a change at point guard as long as there are other players surrounding him who can execute on opportunities created by Nix.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2021-nba-draft-top-10-shooting-guards/

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The 2021 Shooting guard class is robust and talent laden one with perhaps the most talented player in the entire draft, or at least the one with the most upside in Jalen Green. The class consists of two other mid lotto level talents in slick shot creator James Bouknight and uber-athlete Keon Johnson, and another three with a shot at the end of the lottery in freshman Moses Moody, and seniors Corey Kispert and Chris Duarte. With four other first round possibilities, this is clearly one of the draft’s strongest positions with star power as well as depth.

1. Jalen Green, 6-5 180 G League Ignite, 19.5

The former five-star phenom was extremely impressive as the leading scorer of the G League Ignite. Despite being just 19 years old and playing more experienced professionals, Green was able to showcase his diverse scoring ability, insane hops, offensive instincts, and defensive ability. The best shooting guard in this year’s class, Green is a lock to go in the top three and could lead all rookies in points per game. With his 6’5 frame, speed and bounce, Green can blow by defenders with ease, and either finish with a highlight reel slam, or a wide array of layup moves to beat taller defenders. With his scoring arsenal, he could be an all-star caliber player within his first few seasons. Especially considering Green is a fierce defender as well, averaging 1.5 steals per game last season, he could immediately start and play well for whichever team nabs the dynamic guard.


2. James Bouknight, 6-5 190 UConn, 20.8

A tremendous shot-maker, Bouknight displayed an impressive ability to create his own look. He has a knack for getting by defenders, and creating excellent looks, with an elite 65.8 FG% at the rim. That should quickly translate to the NBA and help a team by getting and converting more looks inside. Bouknight is also a dependable mid-range shooter and is able to shake opponents and get to his spot. He struggled this season from three, hitting just under 30% of hit attempts. That number should climb at the next level as Bouknight won’t have to take as difficult of shots while being surrounded by other offensive-minded players. With his athleticism and scoring, Bouknight has both a high floor and ceiling. He needs to limit his turnovers to be effective with the ball in his hands.


3. Keon Johnson, 6-5 185 Tennessee, 19.4

Some players get drafted for collegiate production, while others get drafted for their athletic profile and potential. Few players fit better into the second category than former Volunteer Johnson. Despite scoring just over 11 points per game and shooting 27% behind the arc, Johnson’s record-breaking athleticism has scouts salivating. He broke the combine record for both max vertical leap and standing vertical leap, posting scores of 48 and 41.5 inches, respectively. Those gaudy numbers helped reinforce that while he may not yet have a polished offensive game, he can quickly be an effective, multi-positional defender. His vertical, size and youth point to a player who could be well worth a top-ten selection if given the time to work on his outside shooting.


4. Moses Moody, 6-6 210 Arkansas, 19.1

A smooth and natural scorer, Moody helped bring the Razorbacks to the Elite 8 this season. He poured in 16.8 points per game, while hitting 36% from behind the arc. With a 7-foot wingspan, the 6-6, 205-pound guard has ideal size to play either guard spot or small forward on defense and his long arms add to his defensive impact. He isn’t the best athlete but can still finish well and through contact. Moody also rebounds very well for his position, pulling down almost six boards per game. He may not initiate offense as well as some of the other 2-guards in this draft, but his scoring, shooting, size, and versatility along with his youth provide serious optimism about his potential to be a two-way star.


5. Corey Kispert, 6-7 225 Gonzaga, 22.4

As the NBA continues to evolve, teams eye one skill more than any other: three-point shooting. As that search continues, Kispert is certainly a player that can contribute from deep. He drained 91 threes on 207 attempts, good for a blistering 44% from behind the arc. With a beautiful motion and a quick, high release, Kispert has the percentage and form to solidify his status as one of the draft’s premier shooters. He isn’t just a threat from deep, as he also shot 52.9% from inside the arc. He isn’t a high-flying athlete, but his 6-7, 200-pound frame should allow him to guard positions 2-4 in the NBA. Similarly to Duarte, his age and athleticism may limit him from an all-star ceiling, but he can immediately become a team’s best shooter, and a capable defender, rebounder, and passer.


6. Chris Duarte, 6-6 190 Oregon, 24.1

By far the oldest prospect of this group, Duarte comes into the draft most ready to immediately contribute to any NBA team. Shooting an excellent 52% from the field, 42% from deep and 71% at the rim, while scoring more than 17 points per game, the senior is a true three-level scorer. With his solid frame, quick hands and attention to detail, Duarte can also be a wrecking-ball defensively. After grabbing just under two steals per game, he is also pro-ready on the less glamorous end of the court. The draw back to Duarte is his advanced age for a prospect and lack of high-end athleticism. However, with his combination of scoring, efficiency, versatility, and defense, he will be a very productive player from the second he steps on an NBA court. Has he become slightly overrated due to being 24 and having shown the type of efficiency just one season? Time will tell.


7. Josh Christopher, 6-4 215 Arizona State, 19.6

Christopher, much like Johnson, will be drafted on what he will do in the future rather than the present. Already a strong, physical defender, the former Sun Devil has work to do on the offensive end of the court. He did finish his freshman year with over 14 points per game, but did not shoot efficiently, and had a 31% mark from behind the arc. His strong free throw percentage at 80% hints toward potential to improve his numbers. Christopher is an explosive, fluid athlete and is already comfortable creating his own shot. He is certainly a boom or bust prospect, but his youth, build and scoring ability help sell the idea that he could be a hidden gem. One key for Christopher’s development will be slowing the game down with the ball in his hands. The young guard was unable to have any real impact generating good chances for others, with 1.4 assists per game to 1.7 turnovers.


8. Ayo Dosunmu,6-5 195 Illinois, 21.5

No other shooting guard in this class stuffs the stat sheet like Ayo Dosunmu. The junior averaged over 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal per game while hitting 39% from deep. The blazing quick guard is great at beating defenders with his handle, burst and change of pace. He is also by far the best passer of the group, and often played point guard for Illinois. Dosunmu runs the pick and roll very well and can be a nightmare to stop in transition. The Chicago native is a terrific rebounder for the position, and garnered a reputation this season as one of the best closers. Questions about his lack of off-ball movement, poor shot selection, and defensive limitations are real concerns, and will need to improve for him to become more than an offensive initiator off the bench.


9. Joshua Primo, 6-5 190 Alabama, 18.6

The youngest player in the draft pool, Primo rarely had a chance to showcase his abilities for the Crimson Tide. Due to his limited minutes, Primo only scored 8.1 points per game, but had moments in which he drew real interest. The potential for an athletic, tall, versatile defender that can also create his own offense is something teams covet. With the ability to penetrate, shoot from deep, defend multiple positions well, all while growing stronger and learning more moves offensively, Primo can blossom into a star. Of course, the 18-year-old may never become a competent scorer at the NBA level with better, faster and stronger defenders. The freshman has intriguing potential. Teams who are willing to give him time to learn and grow as a player could yield serious benefits in the future.


10. Cameron Thomas, 6-3 200 LSU, 19.8

After finishing fourth in Division 1 in scoring last season with 23 points per game as a freshman, it’s clear that Thomas is a walking bucket. He can attack the paint, shoot from all levels and finish through contact while being unafraid of any shot. Conversely, Thomas often forced his own looks, at the expense of his teammates and finished with just 1.4 assists per game and hit just 41% of his shot attempts. He also is not a strong defender and is slightly undersized for the shooting guard spot at 6’3, limiting his versatility. Thomas opted to not show up for measurements at the combine. His last prep measurement was in at the 2019 Nike Skills Academy where he measured 6’1.5′ with a 6’6″ wingspan and 189.6 lbs. Regardless, the energetic guard is an offensive engine by himself and can pour in the points at will. If he can share the ball well, playing as a true point guard would increase his defensive ability, while helping generate looks for others. If not, his ceiling is likely a bench scorer who does score but does so mostly in isolated looks.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2021-nba-draft-top-10-small-forwards-2/

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This year’s small forward position has some real star power with upside guys like Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey. And there are 3 others (Williams, Johnson and Murphy) with a shot to be taken in the lottery. The depth is solid with a couple second round Europeans and some solid experience as well with guys like Isaiah Livers and Herb Jones.


1. Jonathan Kuminga, 6-7 220 G-League Ignite, 18.8

There are very few prospects with more potential than the Congolese forward. The 6’7, 210-pound Kuminga has a pro-ready body and game. Already adept at creating his own shot, the 18-year-old oozes upside. He can attack with the ball in his hands, is a comfortable finisher through traffic, and can be a nightmare in transition. Kuminga also flashed some nice post moves and has a wide variety of ways to score at such a young age. Even with all his offensive skill, his best ability is his versatile and disruptive defense. The former five-star recruit has the lateral quickness, defensive intensity, and strength to guard positions 1-4 at the NBA level. With his long arms, he can get his hands in passing lanes, and can quickly become one of the best defenders in the NBA. Kuminga can be used to slow down elite scorers or used to switch everything on screens. His athleticism, build, offensive skill and defensive versatility are all major selling points for the Ignite star. One piece of his game that needs improvement is shooting. After hitting under 25% of his three-point attempts and 63% of his free throws, it is evident that Kuminga needs to keep developing his shot. Without the ability to knock down threes, Kuminga will have a challenging time staying on the court.


2. Josh Giddey, 6-8 205 Adelaide 36ers, 18.8

A pass-first point guard in a small forward body, the 6’7 Australian has been tearing up the National Basketball League. Averaging 7.5 assists per game, the Melbourne native makes incredible passes, hitting teammates who don’t even realize they are open yet. With the ball in his hands, it seems as though the game just comes easily for Giddey. He can penetrate the lane with ease, using behind-the-back dribbles, crossovers, spin moves and more. Giddey always keeps his head up and seems to know immediately who has sprung open at any part of the court and at any given time. He also is a strong finisher at and around the rim, displaying a variety of layups, floaters and even the occasional post move. He is not a freak athlete, but he does have good speed and knows how to change pace well to create space for himself. Giddey is also a capable defender and should be able to defend various positions in the NBA. Much like Kuminga, Giddey does not have a strong three-point percentage, hitting just 29.3% of his threes. However, Australia’s best young star showcased his range by hitting pull-up threes and step-back shots. Giddey has the form and ability to take and make threes at the NBA level, he just needs to do so with more consistency, especially if he plays in a guard spot. Besides shooting, the biggest question surrounding the 18-year-old phenom is what position he will play. While he may be a point guard in Australia, it remains to be seen if he will trule be used as a full time point at the NBA level. We project him as more of a wing/point forward.


3. Ziaire Williams, 6-9 190 Stanford, 19.9

Williams, one of the most highly touted recruits of the 2020 class, heads to the NBA after one season with the Stanford Cardinal. He averaged 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, hitting 37% of his shots and 29% of his threes. While he was inefficient for the Cardinal, he did make plenty of NBA level shots. Williams is confident in his shot and loves to take a step in from the three-point line before pulling up for a jump shot. The appeal for a team taking the 6’8 forward is that he can develop into an all-star level scorer. He is very athletic, can make difficult shots, and his free throw percentage hovering around 80% speaks to a potential increase in his field goal percentage. To become more than an athletic threat, Williams will need to become a reliable three-point shooter, as well as learn when to distribute. The shots that he often makes look so effortless, are also shots that are not very good looks. Learning when to shoot could be the key for Wiliams to unlock his scoring potential.


4. Jalen Johnson, 6-9 210 Duke, 19.6

Johnson raised more than a few eyebrows after leaving Duke mid-way through the season to focus on the NBA draft. While teams could raise some flags about his commitment to his team, there are almost no red flags around his game. The 6’9 forward can play either forward spot, and has a smooth offensive game. Capable of shooting from deep with a 44.4% clip, Johnson can stretch the floor well. While defenders worry about his three-point looks, he can bully his way to the rim. Comfortable with the ball, Johnson displays some guard ability with how well he can handle, especially if he grabs a rebound and pushes in transition. Weighing 220 pounds, the former Blue Devil often looked too strong against collegiate defenders, in particular if he got the ball on the low block. He can overpower small forwards in the NBA, and will likely be too quick for power forwards to stop him. Despite all his talent and efficiency, he did not actually score that often, hitting just over 11 points per game. To live up to a lottery pick, Johnson needs to call his own number more often. A talented defender, Johnson averaged 1.2 steals and blocks per game. One issue for Johnson is turnovers, as he averaged 2.5 turnovers to 2.2 assists this season.


5. Trey Murphy III, 6-9 205 Virginia, 21.1

One of the late risers of the class, Murphy has been rocketing up draft boards. Armed with a lights-out three-point shot (43.3%), athleticism, and a strong handle, the junior is a solid offensive player. He shot a phenomenal 69.5% at the rim, had an efg% of almost 64, and hit 92.7% of his free-throws this season. Murphy has an extremely high-floor thanks to his elite shooting, paired with the size at 6’9, 206-pounds, to be a strong defender in the NBA. Murphy would have a higher ceiling if he was able to initiate offense for himself and others, but he averaged just one assist per game last season, while over 90% of his threes and 70% of his shots at the rim came on assists. He is a plug and play prospect and should be immediately able to contribute to winning basketball, especially since he is so smart about when to cut without the basketball. Murphy is a great prospect for a team in the late first round who wants to add a sniper, defender, and competitor to their front court.


6. BJ Boston Jr. 6-7 185 Kentucky, 19.7

Seen as a guaranteed lottery pick coming out of high school, nobody had a more disastrous season than Boston. Regarded as a consensus five-star, Boston was expected to light up the scoreboard for the Wildcats. The former Sierra Canyon star has all the tools to be a gifted and dangerous scorer, but instead averaged 11.5 points per game with a horrid 35.5% on his field goals. He just never seemed to find a groove at Kentucky and struggled to be effective with or without the ball in his hands. Boston is not much of a passer, averaging just 1.6 per game. The athleticism, 6’7 size, and scoring ability from high school are still evident in Boston. Yet, after a dreadful freshman season, teams will have to roll the dice to see if they get the scoring star, or the college let down.


7. Herbert Jones, 6-7 205 Alabama, 22.8

After winning both the SEC Player of the Year Award and SEC Defensive player of the year, Jones has the attention of NBA teams. The senior blossomed in his final year in Tuscaloosa, averaging 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He is one of the most accomplished and disruptive defenders in the draft, capable of locking down both on and off the ball. He also has the length, strength and size to man the power forward position, where he would be a more effective shot blocker. After shooting just 7.1% from deep his junior year, Jones raised his average to 35% this year. If he can stick in the mid 30’s range, he has a clear role as a sturdy defender, rebounder, and shooter. With the 3.3 assists per game, Jones also highlighted that he has good vision, and understands when to share the ball with teammates. Despite the accolades, stats and success, Jones has a lower ceiling because of his age at 22, turnovers with almost three per game, and not a clear fit to a position or standout offensive skill.


8. Isaiah Livers, 6-7 230 Michigan, 22.0

The former Mr. Basketball of Michigan, Livers showed up for his hometown school. Livers, a powerful and fluid athlete, finished his senior season with 13.1 points, six rebounds, two assists, all while hitting 43% of his threes. Livers was the heart and soul of the Wolverine squad and did all the little things in addition to throwing down emphatic dunks and hitting threes. He will not be a lockdown defender in the NBA but should be capable of defender both small and power forwards, in addition to shooting guards. Livers can create off the dribble, rebounds well, is an elite free throw shooter, and knocks down threes. With his older age at 22, and likely not being more than a ten point per game scorer in the NBA hurt his draft stock. Teams that are searching for a do it all, locker room leader, energizer and shot maker, should look seriously into the Michigan forward.


9. Vrenz Bleijenbergh, 6-9 190 Antwerp Giants, 20.8

Despite scoring under ten points per game in the Pro Basketball League, the 6’10 Belgian is a tantalizing prospect. Capable of knocking down threes, handling the ball and attacking the rim, Bleijenbergh has a small forward game with a center’s body. He has an advanced offensive game despite being 20-years-old and should continue growing and developing his talents under NBA coaching. The sky’s the limit for a player who can be so impactful on both ends of the court. Despite his positive qualities, Bleijenbergh still comes with risks. He only shot 53% on free throws, averaged less than four rebounds and under one block per game. He has all the physical tools and ability, but for a player who was unable to be a consistent high-level scorer or shot blocker in Belgium, it will take time for those skills to be fully realized.


10. Juhann Begarin, 6-6 215 Paris Basketball, 19.0

The 18-year-old French national has been fantastic for Paris Basketball. He scored 11.9 points per game, on 46% shooting and adding over three assists per contest. The 6’5 forward seemed to overwhelm his defensive counterparts with his amazing athleticism. He was constantly driving past defenders and then dunking with ferocious authority. Begarin complements his inside scoring with a decent 34% from deep. For his youth, Begarin plays with a mature steadiness, and has a great understanding of hunting his own look versus getting the ball to an open teammate. At 6’5, 185-pounds, he might stick as a shooting guard more than a forward. Just like with any international prospect, one of the main concerns with Begarin is if he can excel as the competition raises dramatically. As the athletes get bigger, stronger, and faster, Begarin may have to continue building his handle and shot to find scoring opportunities.

CBS Sports https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2021-nba-draft-five-sleepers-who-could-be-late-round-steals-or-have-a-pro-career-if-they-are-undrafted/

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Five sleepers who could be late-round steals or have a pro career if they are undrafted. Here are some under the radar names to watch as NBA Draft night approaches...

While most of the attention around the upcoming NBA Draft centers around those who will be picked in the lottery from what appears to be a strong class, you can rest assured that scouts and executives are busy pouring over some non-household names as well. Every year, there are players who go undrafted but wind up making it onto NBA rosters anyway. The hit rate on undrafted players isn't great, but a solid pickup after the draft can positively impact a team and make its front office look smart.

With the July 29 draft night approaching, it's a good time to ponder who some of those undrafted steals could be this year. All five players highlighted here happen to be four-year college players, and that's for a couple of reasons. Part of it is admittedly because, as a college basketball writer, I am most comfortable assessing prospects who made an imprint on the college game. But it's also because veteran college players can wind up undervalued due to their age.

Just take a look at former Ole Miss guard Terence Davis. After going undrafted in 2019, the former four-year player at Ole Miss carved out a role with the Raptors, and following a trade to the Kings this season, he appears headed to restricted free agency and is in pursuit of a deal worth about $9 million per year, according to the Sacramento Bee. So who from this year's draft class could follow in that mold? Let's take a look at five currently outside the top-60 on the CBS Sports NBA Draft Big Board who are sleeper candidates to impact NBA rosters.

1. Moses Wright | 6-9 | 233 | PF/C | Georgia Tech

2020-21 stats: 17.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 41.4% 3PT FG

Big Board ranking: 66

There is no more impressive display of incremental improvement in this year's draft class than with Moses Wright. The formerly unranked prospect finished his four-year college career by earning ACC Player of the Year honors and claiming a spot on the league's all-defensive team. Those accomplishments would have been unthinkable when he was an all-around liability as a freshman. Wright improved his 3-point shooting in every college season while evolving into a productive defender. Wright's issues appear mainly technical in terms of his pick-and-roll defense and questionable shooting mechanics. But if you look at his athleticism and his track record of improvement over the past four seasons, it's clear he is a prospect with promise as a small-ball five in the NBA.

2. Matt Mitchell | 6-6 | 235 | SF | San Diego State

2020-21 stats: 15.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 33.7% 3PT FG

Big Board ranking: 77

Mitchell's frame, athleticism and collegiate pedigree suggest he could be a quality NBA defender capable of guarding every position on the floor, if needed. He earned the league's player of the year award for the 2020-21 season while also claiming a spot on the all-defensive team. Mitchell was a career 35.4% 3-point shooter for the Aztecs but could be more on offense than just a spot-up shooter at the next level. With a solid frame and decent ball-handling ability, he's capable of bullying his way into good looks inside the arc. If Mitchell can shoot from the outside at a competent baseline percentage, there is a spot for him in the NBA.

3. Sandro Mamukelashvili | 6-11 | 240 | PF/C | Seton Hall

202-21 stats: 17.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 33.6% 3PT FG

Big Board ranking: 65

How often do 6-foot-11 players with point guard like passing skills and proven 3-point shots come along? Not often, and while there are obvious questions about Mamukelashvili's defensive credentials, his offensive upside is tantalizing. Detractors might point to his high turnover numbers as a senior as a reason for caution, but Mamukelashvili served as the focal point of Seton Hall's entire offense and had the ball in his hands at critical moments in nearly ever possession. He would be a role player in the NBA and could be a high-quality bench five who breathes offensive life into an NBA team's second unit.

4. Aamir Simms | 6-8 | 245 | PF/C | Clemson

2020-21 stats: 13.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 40% 3PT FG

Big Board ranking: 75

Simms is a bit short and lacking in wingspan to project as a center in the NBA, and that seems to be diminishing his draft stock. But it's not like he's some clunky-footed dinosaur. In fact, Simms can fit the bill of a modern NBA power forward without much alteration of his game. With consecutive seasons of 40% 3-point shooting under his belt and plenty of athleticism to guard multiple positions, he's got the chops to play the four in the NBA. Simms is a good passer and strong finisher inside, and he could could also handle the five spot in certain sets. At the end of the day, he's a versatile 6-8 athlete with a promising outside shot and some intangible skills that could make him a quality NBA role player.

5. Chris Smith | 6-9 | 215 | SG/SF | UCLA

2019-20 stats: 13.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 34.1% 3PT FG

Big Board ranking: 71

Smith is another older player whose steady improvement over a four-year college career suggests legitimate professional upside. He was shooting 50% from 3-point range through eight games last season when an ACL injury ended his season, and that injury robbed him of the opportunity to truly showcase his improvement after he went through the 2020 predraft process. Nonetheless, Smith is a rangy athlete with a wingspan over seven feet and the multi-positional chops to play at the next level. He needs to cut back on turnovers, but with a shot that continues to improve and the ability to guard nearly anyone, Smith could turn out to be a steal if he slips to undrafted free agent territory.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2021-nba-draft-top-10-power-forwards/

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Guards can run an offense and centers can dominate on the interior, but the versatility and length of wing players can always rule the day. The best player of this generation is a 6’9 wing who just happens to do it all. Kevin Durant is one of the most talented scorers of all-time and he does it as a wing player. Kawhi Leonard sets the tone on both ends of the floor from the wing. You will always have guards and centers who can steal the spotlight and put on a show, but the massive two-way pressure that is placed on wing players is something that is extremely difficult to replace. This year’s class has a boatload of talented wings who can transform a team’s offense and/or elevate a team’s defensive intensity with their length and athleticism. Here are ten guys who have the capability of doing this and you should keep an eye on when Draft Night rolls around on July 29.

1. Scottie Barnes, Florida State Seminoles

Barnes was a highly touted recruit coming out of Montverde Academy and after an impressive debut season for the Seminoles, he has solidified his status as a lottery selection in the upcoming draft. Patrick Williams was selected 4th overall last season despite never starting a game in college. Barnes is in a similar situation because he did not crack the starting lineup after the first seven games of the season and his work off the bench earned him ACC Sixth Man of the Year (an award Williams also achieved the year prior).

Barnes plays like a point forward and the comparisons to Draymond Green are spot on. He stands at 6’9, 227 pounds, with a massive 7’3 wingspan, and the defensive intensity and emotion he plays with is something we always see from Green when he is on the court. I believe Barnes has more potential to dominate offensively than Green ever did, but there is no doubting that he will earn minutes and make a name for himself on the opposite end of the floor. Barnes potentially has the highest floor of any player in this draft and it has him rising up the board from a probable lottery pick to a potential 5th overall selection in the upcoming draft. The Magic are in desperate need of an impact player and given the fact that they have two picks in the top-10, they could be looking at Barnes to fill a void defensively and then ultimately find more of an offensive playmaker with their second lottery pick at #9.


2. Franz Wagner, Michigan Wolverines

Wagner is another young wing player who did wonders for his draft stock this past season. He scored in double-figures after starting all 27 games as a freshman, but he shined noticeably brighter in his sophomore campaign in Ann Arbor. His versatility and three-level scoring ability sets him apart and his experience both professionally in Germany and collegiately at Michigan are welcoming signs for an organization looking for a player who can provide an impact immediately after stepping onto the court as a rookie.

You can tell Wagner completely understands the game and his physical tools are just a bonus to his outstanding basketball IQ. He has great length to disrupt defensively and rise up on jumpers and with a smooth shooting stroke and efficient free-throw shooting, all signs point to immediate success at the next level. The Pacers could use an instant impact player late in the lottery and with limited depth on the wing, this could be a match made in heaven for Rick Carlisle and Franz Wagner on draft night.


3. Isaiah Todd, G-League Ignite

There is potentially no one who benefitted more from committing to the G-League this season than Isaiah Todd. Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga were going to be top draft selections regardless of where they played out of high school and Daishen Nix played well, but did not improve his stock nearly as much as Todd. The 6’10 forward was hardly seen on mock drafts throughout most of the G-League season, but as time went on, he continued to rise and now finds himself in the first round of our latest mock.

Todd proved that his arsenal of shot-creating moves is more than capable of working against stiffer competition and his athleticism for a player of his size is a hot commodity. He is still only 19 years old and played alongside two of the top players in this draft while putting up similar stats on an impressive 43/36/82 shooting split in fifteen games off the bench. He will play a similar role right away in the NBA, but when Todd reaches his peak potential, he has a chance to be one of the steals of this draft and teams should be wary of passing on this guy as the night goes on.


4. Greg Brown, Texas Longhorns

Speaking of dramatic shifts in draft stock, Greg Brown is trending in a much different direction than Isaiah Todd. The freakishly athletic Brown stood out for the Longhorns as a potential mid-late first round pick, but a sluggish performance at the NBA combine is seeing his stock plummet well out of the first round. Not all teams could judge Brown as harshly as scouts have in recent weeks, so he still has the potential to sneak into the late first round thanks to his physical tools and modern NBA style of play.

Brown can attack the rim like few others can and rise up for emphatic slams both off the dribble and off the ball coming in for alley-oops. While he is not the greatest three-point shooter, he still can threaten opposing teams with this ability which could unlock his slashing ability and lead to some exciting dunks and a potential Dunk Contest championship. If he is going to use this three-point shooting threat to his full advantage, he does need to improve on finding the open man and his overall passing accuracy when he takes the ball to the tin. There are reasonable doubts in Brown’s game and NBA Combine performances, but there is no questioning his raw, athletic ability and his potential to be something truly special.


5. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Villanova Wildcats

Another loser at the NBA Draft Combine was this former Villanova star. Robinson-Earl is listed as a power forward, but measuring in at 6’7 with only a 6’9 wingspan decimated his draft stock more than his college film ever could. It was easy to fall in love with his smooth mid-range shooting stroke and undying hustle, but everything he ever did now has an asterisk next to it due to his small stature that may never translate to the next level. There seems to always be a place for Jay Wright’s finest in the NBA, so it will not be surprising if Robinson-Earl carves out a spot for himself at the next level, but teams are far more tentative than they were before the combine, and it could potentially lead to a noticeable slide on July 29.


6. JT Thor, Auburn Tigers

Not only does JT Thor have one of the best names in the country, but he also has one of the fastest rising draft stocks of any player coming out this year. The lengthy 6’10 forward started to shine as the collegiate season went on and an impressive 7’3 wingspan measured at the combine proved why he is skyrocketing up mock drafts and draft boards around the league. Thor currently sits at the 40th overall pick in our mock draft, but he could sneak his way into the late first round and no one would bat an eye. Thor translates as a modern stretch-four who should make more of an impact in a few years, rather than immediately as a rookie. I would look for a team like the Rockets to pick him up with one of their two selections in the late first round, or for another rebuilding team to snatch him up early in the second round.


7. EJ Onu, Shawnee State Bears

Onu is a relatively unheard of guy who has the potential to make everybody regret not knowing his name. He stands at 6’11 but what really stands out is his 7’8 wingspan and incredible rim-protecting ability. He totaled 529 career blocks in four years at Shawnee State and his timing matched with his tremendous athleticism are the major reasons why. Despite his unorthodox frame, Onu has great control over his body and moves exceedingly well laterally.

A late growth spurt and lack of basketball experience led to Onu choosing Shawnee State, but he had plenty of opportunities to transfer into the NCAA, but chose to stay and win a national championship with the Bears. He turns 22 immediately after the draft, which is fairly old for a player who projects to be a bit of a project, but his skill and size warrants enough attention for a team to give him a chance early in the second round or at the very least at some point before the draft comes to an end. I don’t believe this guy should go undrafted, but if he does, he will be able to choose the perfect situation for himself because all 30 teams should be offering him a contract if he falls out of the top 60.


8. Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine Waves

Edwards is an intriguing 3-and-D wing who is one of the more NBA ready players on this list. He should be able to step right into the league and hold his own on the defensive end while spreading the floor and knocking down threes on the other end. He shot close to 40% for his career from beyond the arc and dramatically improved his free throw shooting from 69% to 88% from his freshman year to his junior year. While the WCC does not boast the deepest conference in the nation, Edwards still elevated the Waves from a team that combined for 15 wins in the two seasons before his arrival, to a team that won at least 15 games in every season he played. He projects to be a standout role player early in his career with the potential to carve out a long, impactful career for himself with sustained success.


9. Raiquan Gray, Florida State Seminoles

The swiss army knife for the Seminoles could easily find himself in a similar role for a team at the NBA level. The 6’8, 260 pound point forward took on a massive role for Leonard Hamilton’s squad and asserted himself as a player who always made his presence felt. Whether it was initiating the offense, crashing the offensive glass, posting up smaller defenders, or becoming an absolute pest on the defensive end, Gray did anything and everything to help his team win. His versatility is unmatched in this year’s draft, and he combines this with admirable leadership and a relentless high-motor. While his talent may not match some of the other players as the draft goes on, his intangible traits could see a team give him a chance and I would be very surprised if they end up regretting it.


10. Chris Smith, UCLA Bruins

The former Bruin had an incredible junior season that came to an abrupt end in 2020, but he was still recognized as a 1st Team All-Pac-12 member and the conference’s Most Improved Player. This landed him on the preseason Wooden Award Watch List, but a torn ACL eight games into the season ended his UCLA career in heartbreaking fashion. The Bruins ended up going to the Final Four after Jalen Suggs drilled a half-court shot to end their season in overtime, and who knows what would have happened if Smith was able to lead his team on this unforgettable March Madness run.

Smith has all of the tools and athleticism to move on to the NBA and if he never injured himself, he could easily be in the first-round discussion. His three-point shooting improved each season in college, and he got off to a fast start shooting 10-20 from distance before his injury. If he is able to come back looking anything like he did at the end of his UCLA career, he will be a steal and a crucial part of any team’s success at the next level.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/1251030-2/

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With the NBA evolving into a game increasingly dependent on three-pointers and playmaking guards, many believe the center position is dying in importance as well. This could not be further from the truth. Rather, the position is evolving along with the sport as the giants who were formerly asked to just sit in the paint, dominate the glass, and take on the role of inflicting punishment onto anyone who entered their paint, are asked to do so much more.

Two of the three MVP nominees this past season were centers and Nikola Jokic, the eventual winner, is a beacon of hope for those centers who still feel like they can impact the game as much as the exciting young guards who are taking over the sport. Although the position is hardly recognizable compared to a few decades ago, the center position is more important than ever, and this year’s draft has some incredible talent to look into.


1. Evan Mobley, 7-0 215 USC Trojans 20.1

One player who is fitting right in with the evolution of the center position is Evan Mobley. The 7’0 Trojan star has one true limitation coming out of college and it is the one thing that is no longer entirely required for a big man: brutality. Mobley showcases a rather lanky frame at 215 pounds, but he makes up for it with impressive ball-handling and playmaking abilities for a seven-footer. He already has great range and should be able to step onto an NBA court willing and able to knock down open threes at will. He also has great touch underneath and protects the rim with the best of them as he averaged nearly three blocks per game in his freshman campaign.

Mobley will undoubtedly find himself selected in the top five in this upcoming draft and all signs point toward him falling to the Cavaliers at the third pick. The Cavs already have a dynamic backcourt with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, and while Jarrett Allen is more than a serviceable center, he does not compare to the potential that Evan Mobley has. Playing alongside his brother Ivan at USC, Mobley showed he is versatile enough to slide into a rotation with another big man and torment opposing offenses. Do not be surprised if Mobley immediately transforms the Cavaliers putrid defense and fights for a playoff spot in his first season in Cleveland.


2. Kai Jones, 6-11 220 Texas Longhorns 20.5

One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft is the former Texas Longhorn, Kai Jones (pictured). A player who started more games as a freshman and who never averaged nine points per game in two season, Jones is somehow a potential lottery selection and there is a good reason why. The 6’11 forward is one of, if not the most, athletic specimen in the 2021 class. He can rise well above the rim for alley-oops or blocking shots, but he is also laterally quick enough to guard 1-5 on the court and do so effectively. He can be an immediate disruptor as soon as he steps onto the court as a rookie, but also provide an offensive spark with rim-runs and aggressive drives to the hoop.

The unique blend of size, athleticism, and range make Jones an ideal prospect who needs a little time to develop. It is unlikely that he is in the middle of any rookie of the year chase, but do not be surprised if this guy turns out to be one of the best rookies from this class. The tools are there for him to be a star in this league if he can stay patient in the process and find a coach who will refine his skills. The new Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle could be the perfect match for Jones. He has worked with Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis, and now Domantas Sabonis who are all versatile big-men who succeeded under his tutelage. Jones could be the next in line and with the Pacers picking in the late lottery, they might just want to call Kai Jones’ name.


3. Alperen Sengun, 6-9 240 Turkey 19.0

Sengun found himself declared the Turkish league MVP at the age of 18, an impressive feat, and it launched him into first-round projections for the upcoming NBA Draft. The big man struggled a bit from three-point range (20% on nearly one attempt per game), which could potentially lead to a slow start to his career given his young age and lack of exposure to premier talent. However, few can match Sengun’s upside and glaring similarities to reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. It is not fair to compare the two, but Sengun’s style of play and dominance in the post is reminiscent of the Nuggets center who started his dominance overseas as well.

The draft stock for the Turkish MVP has fluctuated heavily, but most scouts agree on a first-round grade and expect his name to be called in the projected period. Sengun stands at only 6’9, so it is unclear if he will be able to replicate his paint success against taller, stronger, and more physical NBA opponents but he is mastering his craft and his skill is undeniable. I would not be surprised if the Thunder pull the trigger at pick #18 due to his potential and due to the fact that they have plenty of draft picks in the coming years and plenty of room for error in their attempt to rebuild. Sengun currently sits at #18 in our latest Mock Draft so keep an eye on this guy if he falls to the Thunder in the first round.


4. Charles Bassey, 6-10 230 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 20.7

A powerful center who could be a double-double machine in the NBA is the perfect definition we can provide for Charles Bassey. He averaged a double-double for his career at Western Kentucky and the only thing that seemed to slow him down was a leg injury that ended Bassey’s sophomore season after only 10 games. He likely would have been in contention to be drafted if he did not get injured, and he solidified this status the following season averaging over 17 points and 11 rebounds in 2021. He was also one of the premier shot-blockers in the nation averaging over 3 blocks per game.

Bassey fits most naturally in a traditional rim-protecting, interior force role for a center, but he worked on his three-point game and shot 30% as a junior on over two attempts per game. This potential to expand his range dramatically influences his draft stock as he seems ready to transform his game into a more modern NBA style. This ability to stretch the floor while also exhibiting the brutality and strength to dominate down low makes Bassey a hot commodity role player at the next level. Any team looking for depth in the post should be taking a long, hard look at the Western Kentucky product who can immediately enter an NBA rotation and make his presence felt.


5. Isaiah Jackson, 6-10 205 Kentucky Wildcats 19.5

A late season surge by the former Wildcat rejuvenated his draft stock and earned him a selection the NBA Draft Green Room on the day of the draft. This invitation is a great sign for Jackson as the NBA teams vote on the top-20 players who will be live in attendance on draft night. This is not a guarantee that he will be selected in the top-20, much less the first round, but it is definitely a good sign. Coach Calipari fell in love with this guy due to his incredible leaping ability and rim-protecting instincts at 6’10 with a 7’2 wingspan. He put on a show in the Champions Classic against Kansas with 8 blocks and proved why scouts are drooling over his length and instincts around the rim.

He does not provide a ton of help on the offensive end other than rim-runs and finishes around the rim, but he started to show some comfortably in his mid-range game and a 70% free-throw percentage proves he has what it takes to expand his jump shot. The Pacers and Spurs are two late-lottery teams who are desperately looking for interior defensive help after finishing in the bottom five in the league in opponent points per game in the paint. Jackson should still be on the board when these picks come around and I would be shocked if either of them let him slip out of the lottery and into the arms of another team.


6. Usman Garuba, 6-8 230 Spain 19.4

The Spanish big man is quite different than the ginormous point-forwards we have seen come from overseas in recent years. Garuba only stands at 6’8, but he has a bulky frame and is one of the best defenders, if not the best, in this year’s draft. He went toe-to-toe in matchups against some of the NBA’s best players during the USA vs. Spain pre-Olympic friendly a few days ago and showed off why he is going to be a premier defender in the league.

While he may be closer to 6-7 than 6-8, Garuba moves his feet extremely well and is just as capable of defending shifty guards as he is defending the rim. You can switch every screen he is involved with, and the mismatch could always be in his favor. He started to expand his range this past season on the offensive end and will be far from a liability when he is plugged into the lineup for the NBA team he finds himself with. If Garuba falls out of the lottery, he will be selected in the top-20 and Tom Thibodeau would be drooling if he is able to work with the 19-year-old Spanish phenom. This guy will fit in well on any team as he can immediately provide impactful minutes off the bench and try to disrupt another team’s star. The Spanish national team coach was not afraid to pit him up against America’s finest stars and I don’t believe any NBA coach will be afraid to do the same.


7. Jericho Sims, 6-10 250 Texas Longhorns 22.8

We have another Texas Longhorn on this list, but Sims’ game looks a lot different than the potential lottery selection Kai Jones. Sims is an outstanding post player who has great touch around the rim and significantly boosted his draft stock at the NBA Combine by dominating other centers in the vertical leaping and agility drills. Sims topped the other centers in the three-quarter sprint, lane agility, standing vertical leap, and max vertical leap in an outstanding display that saw him jump into most mock drafts.

Sims played all four years for the Longhorns and attained double-digit starts in all four of these seasons. He struggles with just about any shot that is not within the painted area, but he makes up for it with constant energy and hustle at both ends of the floor and sensational rebounding skills. He is almost always in the right place going up for rebounds and leaped just as high, or higher, than his teammate Kai Jones all season long for the Longhorns. A 69% shooter and dominant rebounder will find a spot on any NBA team and anyone who is looking for frontcourt depth in the second round should take a look at this experienced, 6’10 big man who gives everything he’s got on every single play.


8. Neemias Queta, 7-0 250 Utah State Aggies 22.0

Queta is a traditional, rim-protecting big who does not find himself outside of the paint very often. He only took eight three-pointers in his three-year career at Utah State and his limited mobility and below average free-throw shooting does not show promise for this to change. However, Queta does dominate at what he is good at and that is hanging in the post, blocking shots, and scoring around and above the rim. The former Aggie will become a force in the league if he is able to find a perimeter jumper, but that is a major “if” and may never come true. Early in his career, he will likely be a short-burst player off the bench meant to protect the rim and help win the rebounding battle. Queta is just one of those guys who was made for a different era of basketball but could still find his way on a roster due to his natural talent and strength on the interior.


9. Day'Ron Sharpe, 6-10 265 North Carolina Tar Heels 19.7

Speaking of players caught in the wrong generation, Day’Ron Sharpe fits that description, potentially even more than Queta. Sharpe is a brute force in the post who banked off of offensive rebounds and put back dunks for the Tar Heels this past season. Sharpe averaged more than three offensive rebounds per game and seven rebounds total in only 19 minutes per game in a deep rotation in Chapel Hill. What he lacks in shot-blocking ability, he makes up for on the other end with great anticipation and decent accuracy on passing from the low block. His passing and impressive ability to clean up messes on the offensive glass will earn him a paycheck or two and at least a few chances to earn some minutes for an NBA team. How he takes advantage of these opportunities is completely up to him and he will be an interesting career to follow to say the least.


10. Filip Petrusev, 6-11 235 Serbia 21.3

After two successful seasons as a star for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Filip Petrusev started playing professionally in the ABA and success followed him. He ended the season as the league’s leading scorer (23.6 PPG) and showed off the hard work he put in the offseason to become a true stretch-five. Petrusev mainly stayed in the post and displayed excellent touch around the rim in his Gonzaga career, but last season he averaged three shots from beyond the arc per game and knocked down 42% of them. His post instincts and prowess were always a part of his game, but now Petrusev is a true stretch-five who can attack opposing defenses from beyond the arc and in the paint.

Given his age and late blooming perimeter jumper, Petrusev still only has a second round grade, but like most other centers at the bottom of this list, he should be able to make a name for himself as a rotational player early in his career. As one of the most NBA ready bigs in the class, contending teams looking for depth and outside range from their centers will be looking to pull the trigger on Petrusev. He has won everywhere he has been and could be the piece to take a team from good to great in the long run.

ESPN (click for full article) https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31890625/nba-draft-2021-ranking-top-30-prospects-based-stats-scouting

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Does Thursday's NBA draft (8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC) grade out as well statistically as in the evaluation of league scouts?

Not by my projections, which combine statistical projections based on player performance in college or other professional leagues with how players rank in our top 100 prospects. By those measures, there's no prospect in this year's draft who rates as strong combined as LaMelo Ball did last season and Rookie of the Year runners-up Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton also rated ahead of this year's highly touted top four prospects.

Still, this looks like a solid lottery with four players who rank in the top 10 of my stats-only projections and in our top 10 -- typically a recipe for a strong career -- plus a handful of others who narrowly miss out in one category or the other. For more on how my projections work and past examples, see here.

Otherwise, let's break down this year's top 30 and a couple of notable omissions.

1. Alperen Sengun

Center | Besiktas

Top 100: No. 15

Stats: No. 1

Consensus: 4.2 WARP

This year's top-rated prospect won't surprise anyone who's followed Sengun's domination of the Basketball Super League in his native Turkey. At age 18 (he turned 19 on Sunday), Sengun led the league with 8.9 WARP, nearly 3.5 more than any other player. He was chosen as MVP, producing the third-best stats-only projection in my database behind Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.

It's understandable that scouts question whether that production will entirely translate. Sengun's stats-only projection is in the same ballpark as DeJuan Blair and Kenneth Faried, who enjoyed solid careers as role players but were never NBA stars. Still, there's little precedent for anyone as productive as Sengun truly failing as a pro.


2. Cade Cunningham

Guard | Oklahoma State

Top 100: No. 1

Stats: No. 18

Consensus: 2.8 WARP

Cunningham's statistics during his one season at Oklahoma State aren't quite as effusive as scouts are about his potential. Cunningham had a relatively high turnover rate and shot just 46% inside the arc. His stats-only projection is on the low end for recent No. 1 picks along with Edwards and Andrew Wiggins. Still, the strong predictive value of being the top-rated player puts him atop the group of players likely to be drafted with the first four picks.


3. Jalen Green

Guard | G League Ignite

Top 100: No. 2

Stats: No. 12

Consensus: 2.7 WARP

For a teenager competing against players shuttling back and forth from the NBA, Green held his own as part of G League Ignite, an encouraging sign for his long-term prospects. He rated as an above-average player in the G League thanks to efficient scoring (.592 true shooting) while using 23% of Ignite's plays. Green just misses the stats-only top 10.


4. Evan Mobley

Forward/Center | USC

Top 100: No. 3

Stats: No. 8

Consensus: 2.6 WARP

Among the top four prospects, Mobley was the most productive last season, though that's to be expected for a big man. The higher replacement level for post players is one reason Mobley's stats-only rating is more modest. Nonetheless, Mobley looks like the rare big man who justifies a top-five pick because of his versatility and dominant paint defense.


5. Josh Giddey

Guard | Adelaide

Top 100: No. 7

Stats: No. 3

Consensus: 2.4 WARP

The versatile Giddey led the NBL in his native Australia with 7.5 APG last season, ahead of former NBA players Scott Machado and Bryce Cotton, while also averaging 7.4 RPG. If Giddey can improve his shooting after making just 29% of his 3-pointers and 69% of his free throws last season, he's likely to be a valuable NBA contributor. He's the first of the four players in the top 10 by both components of my projections.


6. Jalen Suggs

Guard | Gonzaga

Top 100: No. 4

Stats: No. 9

Consensus: 2.4 WARP

Along with Cunningham, Suggs is one of three prospects in the top 30 without any statistical weaknesses -- meaning ranking in the bottom 25% of NBA-bound players at his position in a key skill-based category. Suggs' steal rate is also best among players in the top 50, an important indicator of NBA success.


7. Jonathan Kuminga

Forward | G League Ignite

Top 100: No. 5

Stats: No. 7

Consensus: 2.3 WARP

As compared to Green, Kuminga wasn't as effective in the G League, rating around replacement level in that competition because of a dismal .466 true shooting percentage. He rates as well as he does in the stats-only projections largely due to age. Kuminga won't turn 19 until October. He and Giddey are the two youngest prospects in the top 20.


8. Usman Garuba

Forward | Real Madrid

Top 100: No. 14

Stats: No. 2

Consensus: 2.3 WARP

Garuba was a key contributor for Real Madrid in EuroLeague and ACB competition last season as a teenager. Among draft prospects, only Rokas Jokubaitis saw more EuroLeague minutes. Because of his quality teammates, who included NBA veterans Rudy Fernandez and Anthony Randolph, Garuba has the lowest projected usage rate among prospects in the top 80. He's ready to fill a role with his strong rebounding (projected second only to Sengun) and defense.


9. Franz Wagner

Forward | Michigan

Top 100: No. 11

Stats: No. 4

Consensus: 2.0 WARP

Another promising role player, Wagner filled out the box score with 3.0 APG and at least one steal and block per game as a sophomore at Michigan. Despite playing two years of college hoops, Wagner is two months younger than Mobley. And his strong free throw shooting (83.5%) suggests development in store after he topped out at 34% beyond the arc in college.


10. Moses Moody

Guard | Arkansas

Top 100: No. 16

Stats: No. 5

Consensus: 1.9 WARP

Moody's combination of excellent positional length (his wingspan was measured at more than 7 feet at the NBA draft combine) and shooting ability looks ideal for an NBA wing. He also excelled at the AAU level in the 2019 Nike EYBL, posting the best per-minute rating of any prospect from that group in the 2021 draft.


11. Trey Murphy III

Forward | Virginia

Top 100: No. 18

Stats: No. 6

Consensus: 1.7 WARP

Murphy's apparent recent rise up draft boards is justified by his strong performance as a transfer at Virginia last season, including 62% shooting inside the arc and 43% on 3s. His long-term projection for 3-point accuracy is best of any player in the top 60.


12. Jalen Johnson

Forward | Duke

Top 100: No. 12

Stats: No. 16

Consensus: 1.5 WARP

Johnson's projection might have benefited had he played out his lone season at Duke. On a per-minute basis, Johnson was more impressive than his overall projection, which regressed to the mean (and his weaker EYBL play) heavily because he logged just 278 total minutes.


13. Scottie Barnes

Forward | Florida State

Top 100: No. 6

Stats: No. 27

Consensus: 1.5 WARP

There's not much in Barnes' box-score stats to explain the growing expectation he'll go no later than sixth on Thursday. He's older than Johnson and rated as less effective last season. At the same time, the box score doesn't capture Barnes' greatest strength, his on-ball defense.


14. Joshua Primo

Guard | Alabama

Top 100: No. 25

Stats: No. 14

Consensus: 1.3 WARP

Age is the biggest selling point for Primo, the youngest player in this year's top 100. He won't turn 19 until December. Given how much younger he was than his opponents, Primo was effective at Alabama as a part-time starter, knocking down 38% of his 3-point attempts.


15. JT Thor

Forward | Auburn

Top 100: No. 28

Stats: No. 11

Consensus: 1.3 WARP

Another player who will be drafted at age 18, Thor could be a long-term project as he works to stretch out his game after shooting 30% from the NCAA 3-point line. If he gets there, Thor's potential to space the floor and provide rim protection as a power forward is intriguing.


16. Nah'Shon Hyland

Guard | VCU

Top 100: No. 30

Stats: No. 15

Consensus: 1.1 WARP

Better known as "Bones" because of his skinny frame, Hyland has deep range, having made 1.4 3-pointers per game from beyond 25 feet according to CBBAnalytics.com. He also posted above-average steal rates for a perimeter player and has the ability and size to play either guard position.


17. Corey Kispert

Forward | Gonzaga

Top 100: No. 13

Stats: No. 29

Consensus: 1.1 WARP

The highest-ranked four-year player in the projections, Kispert ranks as the next-best shooter likely to be drafted after Murphy. He particularly excelled as a senior with Suggs helping set him up, making 63% of his 2-point attempts and 44% of his 3s. That's hardly a fluke but Kispert wasn't as prolific in previous seasons, which along with his age and below-average rebounding and steal rates for a wing accounts for his middling stats-only rank.


18. Joe Wieskamp

Forward | Iowa

Top 100: No. 52

Stats: No. 13

Consensus: 0.9 WARP

Given the nearly 40-spot difference between Kispert and Wieskamp in the top 100, their statistical projections are remarkably similar -- and even favor Wieskamp defensively. He was the slightly better catch-and-shoot option, shooting an effective 65% on such attempts last season according to Synergy Sports, good for 10th among players with at least 100 attempts. (Kispert was 18th at 63%.)


19. Charles Bassey

Center | Western Kentucky

Top 100: No. 35

Stats: No. 17

Consensus: 0.9 WARP

After a down sophomore year, Bassey bounced back with a strong junior campaign, winning Conference USA Player of the Year after averaging 17.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG and 3.1 BPG on 65% 2-point shooting. His six statistical strengths -- categories in the top 25% of NBA-bound prospects -- are tied for second-most among players in this year's draft behind Sengun.


20. Day'Ron Sharpe

Center | North Carolina

Top 100: No. 31

Stats: No. 20

Consensus: 0.9 WARP

A super-sub at North Carolina behind more experienced starters Armando Bacot and Garrison Brooks, Sharpe piled up rebounds and steals at an above-average rate for a center. To justify this projection, he'll have to improve on 52% 2-point shooting and 50.5% accuracy from the foul line.


21. Justin Champagnie

Forward | Pittsburgh

Top 100: No. 69

Stats: No. 10

Consensus: 0.9 WARP

The highest-rated prospect outside the ESPN top 60, Champagnie excelled as an undersized power forward at Pitt but will likely have to move to the perimeter in the pros. He improved from 26% from 3-point range as a freshman to 31% as a sophomore and his 74.5% foul shooting shows decent promise for improvement.


22. Isaiah Jackson

Forward/Center | Kentucky

Top 100: No. 19

Stats: No. 30

Consensus: 0.9 WARP

The energetic Jackson has the best projected block rate of any player in the top 100. Unfortunately, his foul rate is also highest among this group, suggesting some growing pains early in his career. Jackson could also stand to improve as a defensive rebounder.


23. Jaden Springer

Guard | Tennessee

Top 100: No. 27

Stats: No. 25

Consensus: 0.9 WARP

The more productive of the Vols' two freshman guards in this year's draft, Springer could help his cause by becoming more aggressive as a 3-point shooter. He hit 43.5% of his attempts, but took just 20% of his shots from long range.


24. Keon Johnson

Guard | Tennessee

Top 100: No. 10

Stats: No. 44

Consensus: 0.8 WARP

By contrast, Johnson struggled to make 3s, hitting just 27% on the same number of attempts per game as Springer (1.8). He also tended to settle too often for long 2-pointers, which explains how an athletic 6-foot-5 guard shot just 49% inside the arc. Add in more turnovers than assists and Johnson has plenty of development so his production matches his gifts.


25. Kessler Edwards

Forward | Pepperdine

Top 100: No. 44

Stats: No. 21

Consensus: 0.7 WARP

Another prospect who may be asked to move from power forward to the wing in the pros, Edwards showed more shooting range, hitting 39.5% of his 3s in three years at Pepperdine and improving to 88% from the foul line as a senior.


26. Jared Butler

Guard | Baylor

Top 100: No. 21

Stats: No. 35

Consensus: 0.7 WARP

Returning to Synergy Sports' catch-and-shoot leaderboard, Butler was third among players with at least 100 attempts by shooting an effective 72% on catch-and-shoots. His statistical projection is hurt by modest 2-point accuracy (48% career) and below-average rebounding for a guard.


27. Chris Duarte

Guard | Oregon

Top 100: No. 23

Stats: No. 34

Consensus: 0.7 WARP

At 24, Duarte is an unusually old prospect. There's precedent for an overage Oregon player being successful in the NBA, however, as Chris Boucher was also 24 when he went undrafted in 2017 before developing into a quality reserve for the Toronto Raptors. Duarte's efficient scoring and strong steal rate suggest he might be able to contribute more quickly than Boucher.


28. Daishen Nix

Guard | G League Ignite

Top 100: No. 40

Stats: No. 24

Consensus: 0.7 WARP

Nix was about as productive overall as Kuminga for Ignite, handing out 7.1 assists per 36 minutes, though his poor shooting is a major concern. Nix shot just 6-of-34 (18%) during his first experience with the NBA 3-point line.


29. Joel Ayayi

Guard | Gonzaga

Top 100: No. 47

Stats: No. 23

Consensus: 0.6 WARP

As the Zags' fourth-leading scorer, Ayayi was often overshadowed by two lottery prospects and leading scorer Drew Timme (who withdrew from the draft). He fit seamlessly into a role that saw him play both on and off the ball, making an incredible 68% of his 2-point attempts with frequent layups in transition and off cuts.


30. Mitch Ballock

Guard | Creighton

Top 100: No. 87

Stats: No. 19

Consensus: 0.6 WARP

Given his low top 100 ranking, Ballock is likely headed for a two-way contract. He could contribute in that role along the lines of Garrison Mathews, who started 24 games for the Wizards last season. Ballock was a 40% 3-point shooter in four years at Creighton and plays to his strength: 75% of his attempts came from beyond the arc.


Two top-10 prospects who didn't crack the top 30:


32. James Bouknight

Guard | UConn

Top 100: No. 9

Stats: No. 62

Consensus: 0.5 WARP

Bouknight's stats-only projection pegs him worse than replacement level in large part because of iffy outside shooting. He hit just 32% of his 3s in two years at UConn, though 80% free throw shooting is encouraging. Bouknight also had nearly 1.5 times as many turnovers as assists, suggesting concerns about his decision making.


42. Davion Mitchell

Guard | Baylor

Top 100: No. 8

Stats: No. 79

Consensus: 0.2 WARP

Mitchell's rapid development between his first and second seasons at Baylor (after transferring from Auburn) makes him unique historically. Based solely on his 2020-21 campaign, Mitchell's consensus rating would rank 16th overall. But as a redshirt sophomore, Mitchell looked like a non-prospect, hitting just 32% of his 3s before jumping to 45% as a junior. The fact that Mitchell showed no improvement from the line (where he was a 66% career shooter) makes me skeptical that leap is real.

Mitchell isn't getting enough credit for his on-ball defense here, and his development as a pick-and-roll ball handler last season is more likely to sustain him, but I wouldn't be comfortable drafting him in the lottery.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2020-nba-draft-top-5-superlatives/

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ATHLETICISM

Keon Johnson, Tennessee

While the case could be made for a handful of guys in this class, Johnson is a frightening athlete. The fact that he could go in the late lottery in spite of being very unrefined from a skill set perspective is a testament to just how athletic he is. Though other top athletes in this class (Green, Kuminga, Jalen Johnson) did not attend the combine or attended but skipped athletic testing, Johnson blew away the competition with a combine record-setting max vertical
leap of 48 inches. He also led the field in standing vert and posted the combine’s third-fastest sprint. He has jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism and it shows on both ends of the court, whether he’s attacking the basket with ferocity or getting weak side blocks or jumping in passing lanes on defense.

2. Jalen Green, G League
3. Jonathan Kuminga, G League
4. Kai Jones, Texas
5. Greg Brown, Texas


STRENGTH

Day'Ron Sharpe, UNC

Physically, Sharpe just carries a body type that few other guys in this draft can boast. He’s a more traditional, wide-bodied big man than guys like Evan Mobley or Isaiah Jackson, and while his game is far from perfect, his strength is one of his biggest selling points. He’s great at moving his guy off his spot and carving out post position. At 6’11” 265, he has one of the most imposing frames in this draft.

2. Raiquan Gray, Florida St.
3. Usman Garuba, Spain
4. Jonathan Kuminga, G League
5. Alperen Sengun, Turkey


SPEED

Davion Mitchell, Baylor

Nicknamed “Off Night” because that’s what he causes for his opponents, Mitchell is quick in the open court, but he’s particularly good at staying in front of his man and beating defenders with his powerful first step. With or without the ball, he’s a blur. In transition, he’s a menace. His top attribute could very well be his speed.

2. Jalen Green, G League
3. Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
4. Scottie Lewis, Florida
5. Sharife Cooper, Auburn


SHOOTING

Corey Kispert, Gonzaga

Other guys’ percentages might be a little better, but Kispert shot the lights out on such a monstrous volume of attempts for Gonzaga last season. He made 44% of his 3’s despite shooting over 6 per game, he made 53% from the field, and his free throw percentage in the high 80s since his sophomore season, indicates that last season was no fluke and he profiles as a great NBA shooter. He can spot up, he;s deadly coming off screens, and he even has a little bit of ability to create his own look and hit the dribble pull up.

2. Sam Hauser, Virginia
3. Cameron Thomas, LSU
4. Nah'Shon Hyland VCU
5. Moses Moody, Arkansas


PASSING

Sharife Cooper, Auburn

Despite some of his deficiencies as a prospect, Cooper passes at an elite level. At age 19, he was already averaging over 8 assists per game in the SEC. He demonstrates tremendous feel for the game, and makes great reads despite his diminutive stature relative to most other prospects. Combined with his tremendous ball handling, he’s one of the best offense creators in this class.

2. Josh Giddey, Australia
3. Jason Preston, Ohio
4. Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma St.
5. Daishen Nix, G League


PERIMETER DEFENDER

Davion Mitchell, Baylor

Mitchell’s aforementioned speed is a huge asset to him defensively. His lateral quickness is among the best in this class. His technique is impeccable, getting low in his stance, and his mindset and approach to defending is everything you want in a guard. He had some excellent defensive showings on a big stage in Baylor’s NCAA tournament and will almost certainly make a great point-of-attack guard in the NBA regardless of how his offensive game turns out.

2. Scottie Barnes, Florida St.
3. Herbert Jones Alabama
4. Miles McBride West Virginia
5. Jaden Springer, Tennessee


POST DEFENDER

Evan Mobley, USC

Mobley is one of the best big man prospects on the defensive end in a while. His big asset is his switchability but he’s also an excellent rim protector. His 7’4” wingspan, along with his stellar athleticism, tremendous reaction time, and defensive instincts generally have him in the right place at the right time on defense. He goes vertical when he contests which dramatically limits his fouls. As a 19-year-old, Mobley averaged nearly 3 BPG and was the anchor of the best
two-point defense in the country. Mobley is also comfortable blocking shots with both hands which effectively extends his range defensively.

2. Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky
3. Neemias Queta, Utah St.
4. Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
5. EJ Onu, Shawnee St.


OFFENSIVE VERSATILITY

Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

This might be the biggest strength of consensus #1 Cade Cunningham’s game. His feel for the game coupled with his size (6’8”) have given him great potential as a passer, but he also showed just how well his shot creation and shooting ability can translate after looking dominant as a scorer at Oklahoma State despite a relatively mediocre cast of teammates who weren’t able to alleviate that much of the defensive pressure on him. He’s a menace in transition, and his shooting splits, particularly his 40% three-point shooting and 85% free throw shooting demonstrate his efficiency.

2. Jalen Green, G League
3. Alperen Sengun, Turkey
4. James Bouknight, UConn
5. Jalen Johnson, Duke


DEFENSIVE VERSATILITY

Evan Mobley, USC

In addition to his excellent rim protection, Mobley is just an all-around fantastic defensive prospect. He’s tremendous at switching onto the ballhandler when his guard is caught on a screen up top and can very competently defend guards on the perimeter. He defends at a high level and yet only averages 2.1 fouls per 40 minutes. In addition to his athletic tools, he’s a very smart defender who seems to always know where to be and how to effectively position himself against the pick-and-roll.

2. Scottie Barnes, Florida St.
3. Usman Garuba, Spain
4. Herbert Jones, Alabama
5. Franz Wagner, Michigan


HIGH RISK/HIGH REWARD

Jonathan Kuminga, G-League Ignite

Physically, Kuminga is the full package, even at age 18. He’s an incredible athlete, he’s already got the strength and length to compete against NBA players, and he even shows flashes of offensive brilliance. But the weaknesses remain glaring. Unlike Jalen Green, he looked very far away from being ready last season in the G-League and is still extremely raw. He has tremendous defensive upside but just hasn’t put it together to even be a competent defender so far. He’s still kind of careless with the ball. His jump shot is very much a project, and he shot 25% from 3 in the G-League with a 62% free throw mark that does not project a future good outside shooter. And his shot selection was just poor last season, so the hope is that he learns to play within his role as he continues to polish his game. It’s an overused expression but Kuminga truly has All-NBA or out-of-the-league-in-5-years upside.

2. Keon Johnson, Tennessee
3. Jalen Johnson, Duke
4. Alperen Sengun, Turkey
5. Kai Jones, Texas


LOW RISK

Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga

While Cade might be the safest pick in this draft, Suggs is just such an incredibly well-rounded prospect for a 20-year-old. He shows polish far beyond his years. He’s got great lateral quickness and defensive instincts. His shooting stroke looks good and proves to be effective, particularly on the dribble pullup. He takes it to the rim strong, has great body control, and is unstoppable in transition. Already, we saw him lead a talented team at Gonzaga to great heights and was a critical part of making that offense into a historically great one.

2. Cade Cunningham
3. Davion Mitchell
4. Chris Duarte
5. Franz Wagner


FIRST ROUND SLEEPER

Ziaire Williams Stanford

Williams has been seen falling as far as the Clippers at 25 on mock drafts. He’s a risky pick as he lacks assertiveness and really struggled at Stanford in his freshman season. But he’s an extremely talented prospect with great length, shooting ability and athleticism. He was a tremendous shooter in high school and showed flashes at Stanford but really struggled with consistency. Could the COVID-19 situation be the reason he severely underachieved and became a great value for the 2021 draft? Time will tell.

2. Miles McBride West Virginia
3. Trey Murphy, Virginia
4. Nah'Shon Hyland VCU
5. Jaden Springer, Tennessee

CBS Sports (click for full article) https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-free-agency-pelicans-have-space-to-pair-kyle-lowry-and-zion-williamson-but-other-appealing-options-exist/

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The Memphis Grizzlies are finalizing a trade that will send big man Jonas Valanciunas and the Nos. 17 and 51 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans for guard Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams along with the 10th and 40th picks in this year's draft, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Memphis will also receive a protected 2022 first-round pick via the Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade gives the Grizzlies a veteran guard in Bledsoe to join a relatively young team that made a splash this season when it beat the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament to secure the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoffs. However, Chris Haynes of Yahoo reports that the newly acquired Bledsoe isn't expected to stay in Memphis. For the Pelicans, they move off both Bledsoe and Adams, the latter of which should help create more space for Zion Williamson to operate on the floor without Adams clogging the paint.

There's a lot of moving pieces to this trade, so let's break it all down and grade each side of the transaction.

Memphis Trade Grade: B+

The bigger portion of this trade lies within the draft picks the Grizzlies are getting in return. Moving up to No. 10 in a draft class that could have some exciting talent in the latter portion of the lottery to pair with Ja Morant is a positive move by Memphis. The Grizzlies also moved up 11 spots in the second round, which could be used for another trade or to grab another young player if the value's there.

The players Memphis got back may not stay with the team, as Haynes reported that Bledsoe is not expected to remain with the team. Same with Adams, who is owed a significant amount of money over the next two years and whose athleticism has deteriorated over the past few years. Losing Valanciunas, who was integral to the team's success this season, is a bit of a blow. Especially after he posted career-high numbers (17.1 points, 12.5 rebounds) while shooting the best of his career (59.2 field goal percent). In the postseason, he put up 15 points and almost 10 boards a game on top of 2.6 assists in Memphis' first-round loss to the Utah Jazz. But Memphis may not be done just yet, so losing Valanciunas may not be that big of a deal further down the line.

Another interesting wrinkle is the 2022 top-10 protected pick the Grizzlies got from New Orleans via the Lakers, which may not be very high considering L.A. will once again be championship contenders next season, but it's another asset that can be used in a future trade or used if there's a player Memphis wants to add from the 2022 draft.

This move seems to be made with the draft in mind, rather than the actual players the Grizzlies are getting back, so it's a pretty fair deal for Memphis.

New Orleans Trade Grade: A

The Pelicans did several things with this trade. They got off Adams and Bledsoe's hefty contracts -- $34.9 million and $37.4 million respectively. They brought in a big who fits better alongside Zion Williamson in Valanciunas and by doing the first thing they cleared up cap space for this summer to make some moves at a couple different players, specifically Lonzo Ball. They also added a future first-rounder.

Ball is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, and he's expected to command a lot of attention from several teams looking to add his two-way capabilities in their backcourt. However, the Pelicans also want to retain his services, but prior to this trade that was looking like it would be incredibly difficult to pull off. However, by trading Bledsoe and Adams, New Orleans created up to $36 million in cap space, and if it makes any additional moves that could increase to give it a better chance to match an offer sheet Ball gets from another team.

If Ball proves to be too costly, New Orleans could target Raptors veteran guard Kyle Lowry, who the team has been linked to in recent weeks as having interest in the NBA champion. Whether it's Ball, Lowry or another guard, the Pelicans have put themselves in a position to add a solid player in free agency.

This move also swaps out Adams -- a big who never fit well alongside franchise centerpiece Zion Williamson -- for Valanciunas who is comfortable knocking down 3s and playing further away from the basket. It will give Williamson more space to work with on the offensive end of the floor, while also not sacrificing in the rebounding department, as Valanciunas ranked second in the league in offensive boards (4.1).

New Orleans also moved back in the draft by getting the Nos. 17 and 51 picks from Memphis, keeping it at five draft picks in the upcoming NBA Draft on Thursday. The Pelicans made a move to improve right now, something this team has focused on since moving on from Stan Van Gundy after just one season in search of a head coach who could better connect better with the players and turn this franchise into a winning team in the immediate future. New Orleans brought in Suns assistant Willie Green to do just that, and by creating cap space the Pelicans could be in a good position to compete for the playoffs next season.

SI https://www.si.com/nba/2021/07/28/nba-mock-draft-2021-latest-buzz-rumors-cade-cunningham-jalen-green-evan-mobley

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The 2021 NBA draft is upon us and beginning to crystalize, with teams making final preparations for Thursday’s event. The top of the draft has begun to make sense, with the dust starting to settle around the first three picks: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, and Evan Mobley. A wide range of potential scenarios diverge from there. There’s still a great deal of intrigue and anticipation around the NBA going into draft night, and all the latest intel on all 30 first-round picks can be found here.

As always, this mock attempts to project what the draft might look like on a given day, and is based primarily off of my own intel and conversations with a range of executives, scouts, and others around the NBA. SI’s Top 80 draft board can be found here. Expect another update or two in the next 24 hours as things develop.

FIRST ROUND

1. Pistons: Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State

Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 220 | Age: 19 | Freshman

Not much has changed here in the past couple days, as rival teams widely believe the outcome at No. 1 will be the Pistons selecting Cunningham. That said, the dynamic surrounding the team’s decision process has come to light a bit in recent days. The Pistons always viewed the top pick as a three-player conversation, including Evan Mobley and Jalen Green. League sources say there has been real disagreement within the Pistons’ front office surrounding which player to select, which persisted after the team worked out Cunningham and Green separately in the past week, and contributed to a prolonged decision process. Troy Weaver is regarded by his peers as one of the top scouting general managers in the league, and known for being exceptionally thorough. It’s understood around the NBA that vice chairman Arn Tellem also wields significant influence in Detroit’s decisions.

The sense around the NBA is that Cunningham will win out, and he’s thought to be happy to land in Detroit, where he’ll become the face of the franchise. The Pistons left the door open for a potential trade, but rival teams believe their asking price is likely too high. They’ll likely keep their plans close to the vest and play it out as long as possible, much like the Timberwolves did last year with Anthony Edwards, but barring an unbeatable offer from, say, the Thunder, Detroit will likely stay put. Having won at every stop, and with a malleable, intelligent approach to scoring and playmaking, Cunningham will be the No. 1 pick for good reason.


2. Rockets: Jalen Green, SG, G League Ignite

Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 185 | Age: 19 | Freshman

No surprise here, but league sources view Green as an essential lock to Houston at No. 2. He worked out for the Rockets this week, and a mutual comfort level appears to have formed between them. Houston explored trading the pick, but settled on Green, who was also the only projected top pick to work out for the Rockets, which expedited the matchmaking process. Another notable tidbit: sources say Green has built a friendship with Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr., dating back to their time in the G League bubble, which should inspire at least some level of confidence that their similar styles of play can coexist. Green has major upside as a scorer, and has been viewed as the Rockets’ preferred choice dating back to lottery night.


3. Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, F/C, USC

Height: 7' 0" | Weight: 215 | Age: 20 | Freshman

The Cavaliers are prepared to draft Mobley on Thursday night and are excited at the prospect, though they’ve fielded trade calls from other teams angling to acquire this pick. Cleveland’s asking price has been steep, as Mobley is one of the draft’s special prospects, and there are many who view him as an No. 1 pick-worthy talent, and the Cavs likely draft him and sleep comfortably, unless they’re blown away by an offer. Mobley projects as a low-maintenance, high-impact performer and potential franchise centerpiece, and skilled, two-way bigs of his ilk don’t come around often. He’s not a perfect fit with restricted free agent center Jarrett Allen, whom the Cavs appear invested in long-term, but there’s some belief they can play together, at least for now. The prospect of drafting Mobley raises the question of whether Cleveland can realistically carry Allen, Kevin Love and Larry Nance on the team next season. This pick is a win for Cleveland regardless.


4. Raptors: Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga

Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 205 | Age: 19 | Freshman

The Raptors continue to surface as a team to watch on draft night, with the ability to use this pick to move around in the draft or package it in a bigger trade, should an opportunity surface. Toronto could reshape its roster in a real way this summer, and as reported here and elsewhere, has been linked to Ben Simmons. But that type of scenario may not materialize before the draft, and so the broad assumption around the league has been that Toronto will select Suggs to replace free agent Kyle Lowry, who is in high demand. Suggs remains an excellent fit for the Raptors’ roster and organizational culture. He’s an elite-level athlete, hard-nosed competitor, and comfortable sacrificing shots in the interest of team success. It’s worth noting that the Raptors have primarily been linked to Jonathan Kuminga and James Bouknight in trade-back scenarios.


5. Magic: Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State

Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 225 | Age: 19 | Freshman

Barnes and the Magic look like a likely pairing here, and most around the league are confident he’ll be Orlando’s choice at No. 5. The vibe from rival teams has colored this selection as something of a poorly-kept secret at this point, to the extent that trade chatter involving this pick has died down. Unless the Raptors go against the grain and opt for Barnes at No. 4, this is his floor.

While Barnes doesn’t boast the type of scoring ability traditionally found in top-five selections, his range of impressive intangibles, elite passing skills and defensive acumen have built a convincing case. He would be a strong match for the Magic, possessing the length and versatility that fits their traditional draft ethos, and a galvanizing personality that could help stabilize their young locker room.


6. Thunder: James Bouknight, SG, UConn

Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 190 | Age: 20 | Sophomore

Other teams remain wary of scenarios where Sam Presti delves into his treasure chest of picks and flexes his way from here into the top four of the lottery. The Thunder can theoretically get wherever they want, with six picks in this year’s draft alone, and history says Presti will try his hardest. Rival teams generally agree that Bouknight and Jonathan Kuminga are the two players most likely in the mix here if the Thunder stand pat.

Bouknight gets the nod in this scenario, as arguably the draft’s most polished scorer and a potential high-impact addition. OKC could pair him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a dynamic young backcourt. Bouknight would likely be afforded room to expand his playmaking skills and operate with freedom. He’s shown real imagination finishing in the paint and creating shots, and teams expect he’ll be more than adequate as a jump shooter. His floor is thought to be No. 8, with his upside hard to pass up in the context of this draft class.


7. Warriors (from Timberwolves): Josh Giddey, G, Adelaide 36ers (Australia)

Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 205 | Age: 18

The Warriors have very real interest in Giddey, who was originally an option at No. 14 before it became clear he wouldn’t be falling that far. This range of the draft now feels in play, with Golden State likely to give him strong consideration no matter who is on the board. Jonathan Kuminga and James Bouknight are the two names most commonly projected here, and both are in play, but there’s reason to think the Warriors could think outside the box here. Rival teams believe Golden State is inclined to make both their picks unless a suitable deal for a star materializes, which looks somewhat unlikely at the moment. They could move around in the draft, but seem content to add rookies and recharge their roster in that way.

A potential decision between Giddey and Kuminga, in this scenario, in some ways evokes the Warriors’ choice at No. 2 in last year’s draft. Kuminga mirrors James Wiseman, as the player with the higher upside and better physical tools, who’s at least a year or two away from helping your team. Giddey is an accomplished, tall passer who’s used to playing with older players, but an imperfect fit with the roster, which from a macro perspective echoes LaMelo Ball. Warriors brass could be faced with the same sort of conundrum, and a chance to take the other route. The pressure to up the competitive ante could lead them to the more NBA-ready option in Giddey, who lacks untapped athletic upside, but is the better player of the two right now and extremely advanced for a teenager.


8. Magic (from Bulls): Jonathan Kuminga, F, G League Ignite

Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 220 | Age: 18

This scenario has the Magic landing Kuminga, whose slide is a hot topic around the NBA and has made him the biggest wild card in the draft at this stage. Presuming Barnes is the pick at No. 5, the Magic would have a surplus of young forwards here, with Jonathan Isaac and Chuma Okeke already on the team. Orlando has been linked consistently to Moses Moody, and Franz Wagner is in the mix here too. But Kuminga’s upside will be hard to pass on if he makes it this far, even though the fit wouldn’t be perfect. Orlando could potentially move back off this pick for the right offer, but the asking price is thought to be quite high.

Kuminga remains one of the higher-upside talents in the class, with elite athletic tools and coordination at his size, but concerns over his ball-dominant style of play, jump shot and NBA readiness have contributed to the shift in perception. League sources say Kuminga has struggled to gain traction during the predraft process, and rival teams continue to speculate how far he might slip. A fall out of the top ten would still be a surprise, and the 6-to-8 range remains most likely.


9. Kings: Alperen Sengün, F/C, Besiktas (Turkey)

Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 | Freshman

The Kings have drawn a good deal of interest in these picks, but have been constantly linked to Sengün, whose impressive production as in Turkey will be particularly appealing to their analytic-driven front office, with his combo of youth and counting stats likely to project well. Sacramento has also been linked to Franz Wagner, but is viewed as willing to think outside the box a bit. The Kings badly need interior help of any kind, with the jury still out on Marvin Bagley and Richaun Holmes headed for free agency.

The question how much a post-centric prospect like Sengün is worth in today’s NBA: he’s already a statistical outlier, but only the most dominant interior players justifiably command high-end usage. Concerns about his ability to protect the basket persist. But with terrific finishing skills and passing vision, Sengün is a lottery-level talent, though not a fit for every team’s style of play.


10. Grizzlies: Franz Wagner, SF, Michigan

Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 220 | Age: 19 | Sophomore

The Grizzlies acquired this pick from the Pelicans on Monday in a still-pending trade that saw them take on the unwanted contracts of Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams in order to move up from No. 17. League sources say Memphis continues to try and trade higher, and are rumored to be angling for Golden State’s pick at No. 7. The two players most frequently linked to Memphis are Josh Giddey and Wagner. Either could fall to them here in theory, depending on how the 6-to-9 range falls.

Wagner has had a bit of a mysterious pre-draft process, as he opted out of the combine and has conducted workouts quietly. His well-rounded, measured game has made him a popular commodity, supplying feel, great size at either forward spot and excellent team defense. He’ll need to become a better shooter, but there’s a lot to like, and the Grizzlies could stand to add size on the wing.


11. Hornets: Kai Jones, F/C, Texas

Height: 6' 11" | Weight: 220 | Age: 20 | Sophomore

Charlotte enters the draft in need of help up front, and are thought to be eyeing bigs at this spot. Jones has come up frequently for the Hornets as a serious target, and has a chance to develop into a valuable defender and floor-spacer down the line. His potential to knock down jumpers, finish lobs and protect the paint—coupled with unusual athletic gifts and skill flashes—make him one of the higher-upside options on the board in this part of the lottery. He was never an especially consistent producer at Texas, and will still be very much a project for whoever drafts him. This is the high end of Jones’ range, which runs into the teens, but he’s a pretty seamless hypothetical fit in Charlotte, where he’d likely benefit from playing as a lob target for LaMelo Ball.


12. Spurs: Moses Moody, SG, Arkansas

Height: 6' 6" | Weight: 205 | Age: 19 | Freshman

As previously reported here, the Spurs have angled to move up in the draft and into the top 10. It’s worth noting they have historically been content to stand pat on draft night. The Spurs have spent the past few years developing their young perimeter players, and Keldon Johnson in particular looks like a keeper, but it’s been rumored that they aren’t necessarily attached at the hip to players like Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker. In this scenario they go best-available and select Moody, whose range begins at No. 8 and ends at No. 15 or so.

Moody is a potentially high-level shooter, and profiles well as a no-frills 3-and-D wing. His lack of explosiveness and creativity off the dribble ties his upside primarily to his jumper, and his youth makes him a better fit for teams that can be patient. But he has a number of fans around the league, and his stock seems to have solidified in the lottery.


13. Pacers: Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga

Height: 6' 7" | Weight: 220 | Age: 22 | Senior

The Pacers have fielded calls from multiple teams looking to move up into the lottery, but have thus far turned those attempts away, league sources say. Indiana is looking to improve, not rebuild, and have been linked to more experienced prospects, including Kispert, Davion Mitchell and Chris Duarte, if they stay on the pick. Kispert is one of the draft’s elite shooters, with enough size and complementary skills to hold his own, and a natural replacement for free agent Doug McDermott. While not a creative player nor an upside pick, he’s viewed as a strong plug-and play fit. His range starts with Charlotte at No. 11, and runs into the teens.


14. Warriors: Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor

Height: 6' 1” | Weight: 205 | Age: 22 | Junior

Golden State has been tied to Mitchell throughout the process, and it seems he could be available to them here, particularly if the Pacers go in a different direction. Presuming the Warriors take a younger player at No. 7, logic suggests they look for more immediate rotation help at No. 14, with Chris Duarte and Trey Murphy believed to be in the mix. Mitchell is thought to have strong support from the Warriors’ coaching staff. Teams have been a bit cooler on Mitchell than the public discourse for much of the season, with his age, size, and limited résumé as a shooter pushing him down into this part of the draft. But he’s been a late bloomer, and his intangibles, work ethic, defensive toughness, and developing offensive game are still highly enticing, and would fit well here in a situation where he’s not tasked with too much playmaking responsibility right away.


15. Wizards: Chris Duarte, SG, Oregon

Height: 6' 6" | Weight: 190 | Age: 24 | Senior

There’s some belief around the NBA that Washington may be Duarte’s floor on draft night, giving them another tall, skilled option for their rotation. Duarte is one of the oldest players in the draft, but his reliability, shooting, and well-rounded game are big draws, and he has a chance to come off the board in the late lottery. The Wizards’ direction with this pick may be shaped by any developments with Bradley Beal this week, but he has yet to request a trade, and Washington’s focus has been on staying competitive. Duarte doesn’t profile as a star, but checks both boxes in the sense that he can offer positional cover for Beal in the short and long term. He had a terrific season at Oregon, emerging as a prolific shooter and reliable defender, and interested teams have been willing to overlook his age.


16. Thunder (from Celtics): Ziaire Williams, SF, Stanford

Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 185 | Age: 19 | Freshman

It remains unclear whether the Thunder will use these picks in the teens, one or both of which could create a path to move up into the late lottery. Oklahoma City will have attractive options if they decide to stay put, with a number of high-upside prospects potentially set to slip into this range. Count Williams among them. He’s a tricky player to place right now, with interest as high as Orlando at No. 8 (where he feels like more of a trade-back candidate), but appears to have resurrected his stock after a series of strong workouts. His combination of positional height, skill level, and shooting ability has always been tantalizing for scouts, but questions surrounding his injury history and lack of consistency dating back to high school persist. As a skilled wing with legit size, Williams remains appealing from a development perspective if a team can inherit the risk.


17. Pelicans: Trey Murphy, F, Virginia

Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 205 | Age: 21 | Junior

The Pelicans will acquire this pick from Memphis in a multi-player deal designed to free up salary cap flexibility for New Orleans. They’ve been linked as a suitor for free-agent-to-be Kyle Lowry, as they seek to add veteran experience to their backcourt and weigh Lonzo Ball’s restricted free agency. Moving back here from No. 10 keeps the Pelicans in a desirable range to add another young piece to their supporting cast. Murphy’s size and consistent jumper make him a strong fit. Murphy isn’t a great ballhandler or creative passer, but has a good sense of his own strengths and weaknesses and shouldn’t be a major liability. There’s upside if his athletic ability plays up higher than expected on defense.


18. Thunder (from Heat): Jared Butler, G, Baylor

Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 190 | Age: 20 | Junior

Butler remains a tricky player to project, as he’s been medically cleared by the NBA to play, but will still require sign-off from team doctors, which will affect his placement on draft boards. The condition of Butler’s knees have become a point of concern for some teams, sources say. The prospect of medical risk may affect where he lands on draft night, but his range starts in the late teens and could run into the early second round. Butler is a clear first-round talent and a steady, proven contributor who can play both guard spots capably—there aren’t many questions about his skill set. Teams have always raved about his intangibles, and there are some who preferred him as a prospect to Baylor teammate Davion Mitchell. Oklahoma City has been linked here as a team with legitimate interest.


19. Knicks: Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee

Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 185 | Age: 19 | Freshman

The Knicks have made attempts to trade as high as the late lottery, according to league sources, but have thus far been rebuffed. While they can offer picks 19, 21, and 32 to get where they want, sources say the Knicks’ preference has been to keep at least one of their two first-rounders in trade scenarios. Rival teams believe New York’s target has been Chris Duarte, who appears unlikely to make it down the board here.

As for Johnson, it’s unlikely he winds up in the Top 10 at this point, but he’s in play all over the 11-20 range, and would be a nice upside pick for the Knicks if he falls to this spot. He’s one of the best athletes in the draft, but underwhelming measurements at the combine and concerns about his jumper and ball skills have hurt his stock a bit. Johnson needs to refine his offensive game but has better feel than a typical project wing, and a tough, defensive-oriented mindset that could expedite his pathway to useful minutes.


20. Hawks: Cameron Thomas, SG, LSU

Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 210 | Age: 19 | Freshman

The Hawks appear focused on perimeter help here, with Tony Snell and Lou Williams coming off the books and creating a lack of depth behind Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. Cam Reddish’s name has also come up in trade rumors. Thomas’s inflexible, shoot-first approach has made him a divisive player in front offices, but he’s one of the more consistent and accomplished scorers in the draft. The questions here revolve around his playstyle, and his general disinterest in defense and sharing the ball. But there’s some thought that he might fit nicely as an extra scorer on a team with an established pecking order. It will fall on Thomas to become a more malleable player in the long run, but his production is hard to knock, and he’ll have easier shots coming his way playing off the ball on a good team, in theory.


21. Knicks (from Mavericks): Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky

Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 205 | Age: 19 | Freshman

There has been no team and prospect more heavily linked behind the scenes during this draft cycle than Jackson and the Knicks. The Kentucky product has deep ties to the organization, and rumors of mutual interest between them have been persistent. He was thought to be a possible trade-up target for New York, but it’s begun to look more likely he’ll be on the board by the time the Knicks select.

While Jackson is inarguably raw and not particularly skilled, he’s an exceptional athlete, and flashed enough intriguing things during the season to solidify first-round interest. The hope is that he'll emerge as a rim-running center who protects the basket, but he’s not particularly reliable yet. He’s an acquired taste for some scouts, who question his offensive acumen and feel, but he’d be a depth piece with upside here, and could eventually supplant Mitchell Robinson.


22. Lakers: Jalen Johnson, F, Duke

Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 220 | Age: 19 | Freshman

The Lakers figure to be in the market for immediate help with this pick, and are expected to exhaust all avenues to reshaping the roster this summer. Due to the financial constraints created by their current contract situation, expect L.A. to explore trade packages involving this selection, potentially designed to shed salary.

This would be something of a fall for Johnson, who entered the year projected as a lottery pick, but has gained little traction over the course of the predraft process and team interviews. He’s a very intriguing upside pick if he slides, as it’s difficult to find players with his blend of size, ball skills, and passing vision. Johnson has his warts, particularly his inconsistent jumper, but any slide in the draft will primarily be indicative of how teams chose to weigh the background intel from his high school and college careers. His body of work at Duke was brief, limited and inconsistent. Johnson remains an appealing reclamation project, with a pretty clear pathway to an NBA role if things break correctly, but it’s been tough to find scouts who feel confident in him reaching his potential.


23. Rockets (from Blazers): Usman Garuba, F/C, Real Madrid (Spain)

Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 230 | Age: 19

It’s generally expected that the Rockets will make a move involving one or both of their selections in the 20s. Teams are all over the board on Garuba, who has one of the most intriguing defensive profiles in the draft, but is lagging behind in terms of ball skills at this point, leading to questions over what his eventual role might be on that end of the floor. Houston is no stranger to experimenting in the frontcourt, with P.J. Tucker Jae’Sean Tate having carved out careers with the Rockets as unconventional bigs. You can see Garuba eventually playing a similar role, but wielding better positional size and tools. Concerns over how far away Garuba might be on offense could see him drop into this range.


24. Rockets (from Bucks): Joshua Primo, SG, Alabama

Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 190 | Age: 18 | Freshman

It’s unclear whether the Rockets will actually make this pick, but making a long-term investment in a younger player does fit with their timeline. After a strong showing at the combine and impressive pre-draft process behind closed doors, Primo now looks like a lock to land somewhere in the first round, with his range beginning in the late teens and running down into the 20s. He’s demonstrated a more diverse offensive game than he showed in a spot-up role at Alabama, with combo guard skills and an impressive level of poise and focus. The fact he’s the youngest draft-eligible prospect adds a layer of appeal as a long-term project, and he’s in the mix for teams that can afford to be patient. Primo has starter-level upside in the long run.


25. Clippers: Day’Ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina

Height: 6' 11" | Weight: 265 | Age: 19 | Freshman

Sharpe’s strong predraft process could culminate with him coming off the board earlier than expected. He’s been tipped as a possible trade-back target for late-lottery teams, which could see him sneak into the top 20, depending on how things materialize. Teams say Sharpe has been terrific on the workout circuit, having improved his conditioning, shot the ball surprisingly well, and impressed in interviews. He has the makings of a reliable role player in the long run, with his ceiling tied to his offensive development and potential as a passer. While not supremely athletic or skilled as a scorer, Sharpe is a highly competitive, high-effort rebounder with more upside than most traditional centers in his mold.

The Clippers have primarily been linked to guards at this spot, but have needs across the board, and have consistently valued toughness and feel in their role players.


26. Nuggets: Tre Mann, G, Florida

Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 190 | Age: 19 | Sophomore

Denver has traditionally been content to grab whoever falls to them in the 20s, and should be in position to do that here, with a range of quality guards likely available. Teams generally expect Mann to come off the board somewhere in the 20s, and he accepted a number of workouts in this range of the draft late in the process, indicating a degree of need to try and lock in a floor. Mann is a skilled ball-handler with a quality jumper and good size for his position. But the knock on him is that he’s a bit one-dimensional, as he’s more scorer than setup man, doesn’t play a physical style and isn’t known for being a committed defender. Still, there’s nice upside here if his offensive skill package clicks.


27. Nets: Miles McBride, PG, West Virginia

Height: 6' 2" | Weight: 200 | Age: 20 | Sophomore

Like most of the selections in the 20s this year, this Nets pick is viewed as one that could change hands. If they stay put, a ready-made bench piece like McBride could make a lot of sense. He’s earned fans around the league with his toughness, on-ball defense and shot-making skills, and looks like he’ll come off the board in the 25-32 range. McBride has off-the-charts length and a reliable pull-up jumper that gives him a little more to offer than your typical defensive-minded college guard. Optimistic scouts think he has the chops to anchor bench units, and McBride’s poised, no-frills game would fit in Brooklyn.


28. 76ers: Bones Hyland, SG, VCU

Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 165 | Age: 20 | Sophomore

Hyland has been rumored all over the first round, with interest from teams picking in the Top 25, but identifying a spot for him is a bit tricky, as his likely microwave-scorer role is a bit of a luxury on some teams. He gathered steam with a terrific showing at the draft combine and has impressed with his shooting skills, putting him in play higher than this. While he’s quite slender for an NBA two-guard, his ability to make tough shots is hard to find, and has helped separate him from the large pack of guards in the 20-40 range. While his game is not the most diverse, Hyland is viewed as a potentially valuable bench scorer.

Daryl Morey has never been particularly attached to his draft picks, and history suggests the Sixers will entertain trade offers here, making it an interesting spot for another team to grab a player who unexpectedly slips to the back of the first round.


29. Suns: Quentin Grimes, SG, Houston

Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 210 | Age: 21 | Junior

Grimes was one of the biggest winners at the combine and has played his way into late first-round consideration, with a well-rounded perimeter game and strong intangibles that have earmarked him as a potential role player. Grimes reinvented himself at Houston as a ball-moving, complementary jump shooter, and plays with a level of maturity and confidence that should endear him to playoff teams in this part of the draft. The Suns have valued prospects with multiple years of college experience under James Jones, and Grimes would be a nice match here as an extra wing.


30. Jazz: Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee

Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 205 | Age: 18 | Freshman

The Jazz are reportedly looking to move off salary, and could attach this pick to an unwanted contract in a trade that would further that pursuit. Springer is another tough player to find a spot for right now, but he has interest all over the first round, and his range begins in the late teens. He’s a favorite of analytically-driven front offices, and the fact he’s still 18 and viewed as more of a long-term prospect will make him more appealing in some places than others. Not every playoff-bound team will rush to select a teenager. But Springer does have real upside, and could be a trade target for teams if he begins to slip into the 20s. He battled injuries during a productive freshman year, and projects as a solid defender with an unorthodox but effective floor game. He’s still one of the more divisive players in the class, as scouts remain split on where his upside lies.


SECOND ROUND

31. Bucks (from Rockets): Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois

32. Knicks (from Pistons): Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn

33. Magic: J.T. Thor, F, Auburn

34. Thunder: Josh Christopher, SG, Arizona State

35. Pelicans (from Cavs): Isaiah Todd, PF, G League Ignite

36. Thunder (from Wolves): Kessler Edwards, F, Pepperdine

37. Pistons (from Raptors): Joel Ayayi, G, Gonzaga

38. Bulls (from Pelicans): Jason Preston, PG, Ohio

39. Kings: Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky

40. Grizzlies (from Bulls): Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova

41. Spurs: Juhann Begarin, SG, Paris Basket

42. Pistons (from Hornets): BJ Boston, SG, Kentucky

43. Pelicans (from Wizards): Joe Wieskamp, SG, Iowa

44. Nets (from Pacers): Rokas Jokubaitis, PG, Zalgiris

45. Celtics: Austin Reaves, G, Oklahoma

46. Raptors (from Grizzlies): David Johnson, G, Louisville

47. Raptors (from Warriors): Neemias Queta, C, Utah State

48. Hawks (from Heat): AJ Lawson, G/F, South Carolina

49. Nets (from Hawks): Herbert Jones, F, Alabama

50. 76ers (from Knicks): Aaron Henry, SG, Michigan State

51. Pelicans (from Blazers): Filip Petrusev, C, Mega Basket

52. Pistons (from Lakers): Greg Brown, F, Texas

53. Pelicans (from Mavericks): Amar Sylla, F, Oostende

54. Pacers (from Bucks): Jericho Sims, C, Texas

55. Thunder (from Nuggets): Santi Aldama, F, Loyola (MD)

56. Hornets (from Clippers): Duane Washington, SG, Ohio State

57. Hornets (from Nets): Dalano Banton, G/F, Nebraska

58. Knicks (from 76ers): Daishen Nix, PG, G League Ignite

59. Nets (from Suns): Vrenz Blijenbergh, F, Antwerp

60. Pacers (from Jazz): Sam Hauser, F, Virginia

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2021-nba-draft-top-10-international-prospects/

https://www.indiansports11.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-NBA-Draft-Who-are-the-international-prospects-to-know-758x426.jpeg

In another weird season due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s International class is Top-heavy and… weak on depth. A number of International players that – before the season began – had hopes of getting drafted, decided at the last moment to withdraw. That had an effect on this year’s class, which was suppose to be one of the deepest in recent memory. As a result, there are just 8 International players that are considered early candidates, which clearly narrowed down the choices when making the Top-10.

1. Josh Giddey (02, 6-8. PG/SF, Adelaide 36ers)

A 6-8 point guard is always intriguing. A 6-8 point guard with elite passing skills is a rarity. And that’s what Josh Giddey is, who shined this season in NBL and had a really productive campaign on his way to this year’s NBA Draft.

Giddey is a point guard with a high basketball I.Q. Naturally talented and with great feel for the game, and makes the lives of his teammates easier. He is a Pick and Roll maestro and a triple-double threat. In his case, is his shooting (improving, but still inconsistent) and his approach to the game (he can be unselfish to a fault) that will determine his ceiling. He has elevated his stock to being considered a probable lottery pick.


2. Alperen Sengun (02′, 6-10, C, Besiktas)

Productive. That’s probably the word best suited to describe Alperen Sengun, one of the most productive teens in the last two decades (and even more) in Europe. Alperen Sengun started the season as an afterthought for this year’s NBA Draft, but game by game his stock kept rising. He was considered a late second round pick by November, and early second round pick by December and a first round pick by March, which clearly says it all about the season he had, averaging almost 20 points and 10 rebounds in the Turkish League, earning the MVP award.

Alperen Sengun is a beast. A skilled, but physical, center, who lost a lot of weight. he possesses great footwork when Posting Up and is an excellent Roller in Pick and Roll situations. He draws fouls like a magnet and shoots around 80% from the free throw line. He has some limitations on defense, mainly because he is an average athlete by NBA standards, but teenagers that average almost 20 and 10 in a good level league in Europe don’t exactly come around often.


3. Usman Garuba (02′, 6-8, F/C, Real Madrid)

The most heavily scouted prospect of his generation, Usman Garuba had a good season playing at the highest level with European powerhouse, Real Madrid. His stock kind of plateaued at one point, but this was before the EuroLeague playoffs started, when he exploded, dominating games against Anadolu Efes, the team that eventually won it all.

Garuba is a freak of nature. Very athletic, long and with a great motor, who can play either frontcourt position. His calling card was – and always will be – his ability to bring chaos on the defensive end, since he can guard everyone on the floor. His physical gifts help him cover guards on switches and Back to the basket bigs in the Post (this past season was one of the best Post Up defenders in EuroLeague). On the offensive end he is an excellent screener and roller in Pick and Roll situations and a lob threat, while he has shown some promise as a Spot Up shooter. It’s more than clear though that he needs to work on his game, so that he can become a two-way threat, but for now he can be considered a defensive specialist, which is not a bad start for a rookie in the NBA.


4. Filip Petrusev (00′, 6-11, C, Mega Soccerbet)

Filip Petrusev decided last summer to withdraw from the draft and return to Europe for one final season and improve his stock. It proved to be the right decision, since in last year’s draft he was in the late second round/Undrafted category after a solid season in Gonzaga and now he is considered a second round pick.

The Serbian project had a great season with Mega Soccerbet, a team that operates more like an NBA factory and has sent – among others – Jokic, Zubac and Bitadze to the NBA. He is a fairly athletic big with a high basketall I.Q, who can Post Up and play the Pick and Roll. What really changed the view on him though is that he showed the ability to stretch the floor, adding a semi-dependable 3-point shot to his arsenal. If that holds up and at the same time finds a way to play with a better motor, he could have a productive career.


5. Rokas Jokubaitis (00′, 6-3, PG, Zalgiris)

After having a solid season as a back-up point guard in EuroLeague, Rokas Jokubaitis signed with Barcelona, which makes him a Draft and Stash candidate, except if a team falls in love with him and drafts him in he first round, which seems unlikely at this point.

Jokubaitis is left handed point guard with good size, solid athleticism and a fearless approach to the game. A coach’s player, can play the Pick and Roll at a very good level, is not afraid to attack the basket (at his best when he goes to his left) and has shown promise in Spot Up situations. His lack of elite burst can cause him problems at the next level, he still needs some work in his Pull Up game and must become a more consistent 3-point shooter, but the talent is there.


6. Juhann Begarin (02′, 6-6, SG/PG, Paris Basketball)

The French prospect has been on the NBA Radar for quite some time. This season was the one that he was able to showcase his talent in French’s second division and he decided that he had shown enough to keep his name in the draft.

Begarin is as intriguing as any International prospect in his class. A combo guard with good size and NBA athleticism and two-way potential, who is a better athlete than basketball player at this point. He is electric in the open floor, he has improved as a shooter in Spot Up situations (but still needs work), can operate on and off the ball and has the tools to become an elite defender. At the same time though, he is still raw, he needs to improve his decision making and the way he reads the game and has a long ways to go as a facilitator. If a team is willing to work with him, he could become an interesting player.


7. Vrenz Blejenbergh (00′, 6-10, SF, Antwerp)

In an era where playmaking from the wing is considered essential, Vrenz Blejenbergh is a rare 6-10 wing who can bring just that: Playmaking. And that’s the main reason every scout had Blejenbergh’s name in his notes the last couple of years and especially this season, despite the fact that the wing from Belgium didn’t blow anyone away with his performances in a low level League.

Blejenbergh is a skilled 6-10 wing with good level of athleticism, who can put the ball on the floor and looks comfortable playing the Pick and Roll as the ball handler, while he has shown potential as a shooter. The problem with him is that he looks like he hasn’t figured things out yet, he hasn’t really shown the desire to dominate games and, despite his solid mechanics, he is an inconsistent 3-point shooter. The thing is though that he is too talented, skilled and polished to ignore.


8. Biram Faye (00′, 6-10, F/C, Basquet Girona)

Faye’s decision to keep his name in surprised some scouts, since the truth is that he didn’t exactly dominate this season in the Spanish 2nd decision. The forward/center from Senegal probably thought though that it would be better for him to be available as soon as possible, hoping that his profile and potential will be enough to convince a team to take a chance on him.

Faye has an NBA body and has for a long time now. He is a mobile, athletic big with good length, who projects to be a Rim Runner/Pick and Roll Big, with some range in his shot, who can make hustle plays and be a steady defender. The problem in his case is that he is still lacks fundamentals, there is a fear that he has hit a plateau physically and has a lot of things to work on both ends of the floor. It remains to be seen whether a team will be willing to bet on him at the end of the second round.


9. Amar Sylla (01′, 6-9, F, Oostende)

A couple of years ago, Amar Sylla was considered a really interesting prospect, dominating at junior level alongside Ousman Garuba with Real Madrid. After spending two underwhelming season in Belgium with Oostende, all the hype is gone for the lefty forward, which didn’t prevent him from keeping his name in the draft.

Sylla is athletic, long and raw. Once considered to have potential to become a combo forward, he is mostly a forward/center at this stage. His physical profile, his versatility on the defensive end – where he has the tools to become an elite defender – and the promise has shown in Pick and Roll and Pick and Pop Situations, all these things are intriguing. But he is still very raw, his shooting is inconsistent, needs to work on every aspect of his game and looks like he has lost his confidence. He is still young (he is almost a 2002 born, since he was born in October 1st of 2001) and maybe a team will see something in him. The potential is there, but he continues to struggle to live up to his potential, so the clock is ticking.


10. Alex Antetokounmpo (01′, 6-8, F, Murcia)

The youngest Antetokounmpo brother, wants to become the 4th member of the family to get drafted, along with Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo. This doesn’t seem possible at the moment, but crazier things have happened in the NBA Draft before. It’s more than obvious that Antetokounmpo is more of a wild card. Scouts watched him in High School playing with Dominican and have made their evaluations, but, still, you never know.

Alex Antetokounmpo elected to skip college last year and sign with Murcia, hoping that he will have some playing time in ACB. Instead, he played for the 2nd team of Murcia, in 4th Division in Spanish, having a solid season.. What’s even worse though is that he mostly played as a power forward, since he was one of the tallest guys on the team.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2021-nba-draft-top-underrated-prospects/

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G Davion Mitchell, Baylor

After helping guide Baylor on a torrid run to win the national title, Mitchell’s stock soared. His insane quickness and burst were on full display, as no collegiate defender could stay in front of him. The 6’2 combo guard used his lightning-fast speed, excellent shot and smart decision making in route to amazing efficiency, with the third highest true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage of power five guards. Yet, his draft stock has diminished in recent weeks, with concern over his analytic forecasts, measurements, poor free throw percentage, and older age. Mitchell shouldn’t be forgotten or dropped off lottery mock drafts, as he scored 14 points per game for the Bears, while shooting 51.5% from the field, 44.7% from three and adding 5.5 assists per game. Mitchell always seemed to be impactful in every game Baylor played. Whether it was flying by defenders to attack the rim, using his burst to generate easy transition chances, or knocking down countless threes, Mitchell made a difference. Plus, he is the best perimeter defender in the draft, and won the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. He can defend either guard position and ruin the game for them. He is so physical, aggressive, and strong that he can eliminate an elite option of the opposing team. Mitchell averaged 1.9 steals per game, and often used those forced turnovers into breakaway chances at the rim. Besides his shortcomings, some of a potential mini slide for the top-ten talent is fit among lottery teams. From the Warriors first pick at 7, to their next pick at 14, no team needs a starting point guard. While they could all use Mitchell as a shooting guard or backup, teams would rather not use a lottery pick on a position who will be a backup for numerous years or playing out of position. No matter the reason that teams choose to pass on the diminutive but feisty national champion, it would be a massive mistake. Mitchell’s shooting, passing, defending and speed are all world class, and he will be one of the steals of this draft class.


F Zaire Williams, Stanford

Williams came into Stanford as a consensus top 10 recruit and struggled to live up to the hype. And now on the eve of the draft he stands as a likely mid to late first round pick, and likely will offer great value to the team that selects him. The athletic freshman gets vastly underappreciated partly because of his field goal percentage being under 40 this season. However, the 6’8 forward demonstrated loads of potential with advanced shot creation, step-back jumpers, unlimited range and a great package of dribble moves. The former five-star recruit didn’t shoot to his ability but was able to showcase that he can bring immediate offense to an NBA squad. He can get to his spots with ease and is unfazed by tight defense. The 19-year-old has time to strengthen his 185-pound frame, giving even more to the idea that he can soon develop into a talented scorer at the next level. His talent for creating and making shots is undeniable, and the Cardinal forward makes shots that other players in the class, especially at his young age, can’t. With a beautiful, high release, he also has the shooting form to back up that his shooting percentage should go up when he doesn’t have to carry the full burden of the offense. With his athleticism, long arms, and mobility, he can also be a disruptive defender to almost every position. As versatility continues to gain importance, Williams fits the mold perfectly. He is a player that is easy to fall in love with when watching the best moments, and tougher to love when looking at his 10.7 points per game and 30 three-point percentage. Yet, with his size, bounce, speed, handles, shooting form, and crazy shot creation, he is certainly a player that is worth rolling the dice on. Williams could drop into the 20’s because of his flaws but could be worth a top-ten selection because of his talent.


G Miles McBride, West Virginia

Already known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft, McBride is unheralded as an offensive initiator. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from three and 81% from the charity stripe. A marksman from deep, McBride is one of the best shooters in the draft and can play both on and off the ball. He is adept at running the pick and roll and is confident throwing passes all over the court. In part because of his less than stellar athleticism, some might look past the 6’2 sophomore, as he didn’t get a green room invite. That is a mistake, as the Mountaineer has developed into one of the premier two-way prospects of the class. He shot 60% at the rim this season, showcasing his ability to elude taller defenders, as well as understanding when to get downhill. McBride’s biggest weakness is poor efficiency on two-point jumpers, but his great free throw percentage speaks to an almost certain rise on those shots moving forward. Able to generate looks for himself and others, all while playing within the flow of the offense, McBride can fit snugly onto any roster. In addition to his offensive contributions, McBride is a lockdown defender. He can easily defend both guard positions and is capable of completely disrupting the opposing team’s best player. He is always locked in, in the right position, and has very active hands with almost two steals per game this season. While younger, more athletic guards are being projected over the Ohio native, McBride is one of the safest picks in the draft. He is a fierce defender, a lethal shooter, a strong passer, and a very good decision maker. Throw in that he was a leader for West Virginia by his second season, and you have the recipe of a very good player, for a very low cost.


G Joshua Primo, Alabama

The youngest player in the draft, the statistics don’t tell the story for Primo. The 18-year-old Canadian guard has a bright future with his 6’6 frame, defensive instincts and shooting. He only averaged eight points per game, but never saw the minutes other prospects do because of Alabama’s stacked starting lineup. While teams will have to gamble that the frame, athletic ability and shooting pan out, the ceiling for Primo is sky high. He already showed a nice three-point shot, averaging over 38% in his only collegiate season. His size allows him to play the shooting guard or small forward spot on offense, while defending positions 1-3. Primo showed a feel for driving and finishing, using patience and bounce to avoid would be shot blockers. It is always risky taking a player who averaged under ten points a game, especially as he did not add value as a passer, with under one assist per contest. Primo however, has the feel and size to force scouts and general managers to look past the numbers. Maybe just throw the stats out the window, and watch a player who could blossom into, at a minimum, one of the NBA’s best 3-And-D players. He will be able to immediately contribute, despite his youth, as a defender and a catch-and-shoot player. Given the time to build his offensive repertoire and strengthen his skinny frame, Primo could have a wide impact on both ends of the court. On the defensive end, he should be able to limit the opposition’s best player, while hitting threes, creating chances for himself and generating easy baskets in transition. Few players are an enigma quite like Primo, but the young and talented Crimson Tide guard is worth throwing out the current stats for and focusing on what he can become in the future.


C Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky

The 6’11 big man from Nigeria was a constant force on both ends of the court for the Hilltoppers. The powerful junior averaged 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. Bassey, a former top high school prospect, was top five nationally in both rebounds and blocks. As shooting continues to have great importance in the NBA, Bassey also showcased touch farther away from the rim, hitting over 40% of hit two-point jumpers and 75% of his free throws. Matched with a stellar 77.5% around the rim, and Bassey shows offensive promise. The Western Kentucky star has phenomenal size, strength, and touch near the rim, able to use post moves, patience, and length to get the shot he wants, while also having the timing and drive to grab almost three offensive boards per game. With a great interior game, defensive timing, size, rebounding and a developing jump shot, there is so much to love about what Bassey can immediately bring to an NBA team. Yet Bassey has often been mocked in the second round, well below Kentucky freshman Isaiah Jackson, who put up worse stats in almost every major category. Centers have become less and less valuable with shooting and versatility becoming major topics for NBA teams, but big men who can defend the rim, haul in boards, and contribute offensively are still critical. For a player that was so successful both in high school and college, while combining tremendous numbers with insane physical prowess, it is curious as to why he is being passed up for so many other players.


G Nah'Shon Hyland, VCU

The lanky 6’3 combo guard stuffed the stat sheet for the Rams in his Sophomore season, piling up 19.5 points, 4.7 boards, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Hyland is a dynamic player, with his high scoring average coming on solid efficiency, and is a lights out shooter. His 37.1 three-point percentage doesn’t speak to his deep range, smooth release, and off-the-dribble pull-up game. After shooting over 43% his freshman season, Hyland should be closer to those numbers in the NBA without being the focus of defenses. Also a tremendous free throw shooter at over 86% and converting over 63% of his chances at the rim, Hyland is a natural scorer from every area of the court. The team who drafts the VCU standout is getting a true bucket-getter, capable of creating both easy transition chances and half court opportunities for himself and his teammates. He might have to bulk up to be a disruptive defender the way he was in college, but his defensive instincts are there, along with quick hands and long arms. Despite all of his impressive stats and athleticism, Hyland does not have the hype that other major program stars have. Even after his two excellent seasons at VCU, the lack of exposure, the weaker competition, and his smaller, skinnier stature may leave teams skeptical. However, they really should look past his frame and school and focus on what he produced on the court. He generates great looks, can make every shot, and focuses his attention on getting layups and threes. Hyland should also be a great three-point shooter in the NBA, as well as a solid defender. Hyland will never be a team’s first option, or an MVP caliber superstar, but the Atlantic 10 Men’s Player of the Year is going to make one team incredibly happy they selected the gifted scorer.

NBA Draft Net https://www.nbadraft.net/2021-nba-draft-overrated-prospects/

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Sharife Cooper, Auburn

The number five-point guard in his class, Cooper lived up to the billing with his play at Auburn, at least on paper. He averaged over 20 points per game, while adding 8.1 assists per game, good for second nationally if he played enough games to qualify. However, the 6’0 guard only played in 12 games, while shooting just 39% from the field and an atrocious 23% from three. In addition, Cooper is not much of a defender, and his short stature raises even more questions about his defensive competence and potential. He will only be able to defend point guards, limiting his versatility, and will certainly struggle against taller point guards. There is no doubt that Cooper can pass, but his scoring, despite the high average this season, is still a question mark at the NBA level. Can he be a real threat against better and faster defenders when they are forcing him out of the paint and giving him three-point chances? Is Cooper going to gain playing time if he can’t score inside with much bigger defenders, or if he can’t knock down open triples? While there are certainly positives to Cooper’s game, there are even more questions. It’s hard to understand the projection of Cooper in the mid to late first when he is an undersized point guard that struggles in key areas of defending and shooting. Combine that with a lack of college development, and a team could be looking at drafting a player that will ultimately need a change of scenery before making it. Point guards are essentially unplayable without a three-point shot, that is just the way the modern NBA is built. If the freshman can improve, his stellar passing and quickness should help him become a reliable bench piece. If he can’t, he will be relegated to a bench warmer. The upside for Cooper simply isn’t there relative to his very low floor, and even more so in the first round. Sebastian Telfair had similar hype entering the draft but turned out to be too small and too much of a defensive liability to cut it as an NBA starter. Cooper can be a successful pro, but the early lottery hype seemed to create unrealistic expectations.


Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky

Another big-name freshman from an SEC school, Jackson is another player projected to go too soon in the draft. The 6’10 big man struggled to contribute, averaging just 8.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. He doesn’t have a polished post game or jump shot and will likely be only scoring on transition chances or the pick and roll. Jackson is not a terrific rebounder despite his size and won’t haul in many boards against stiffer competition at the next level. He can’t stretch the floor and missed both of his three-point attempts this season. The main value he brings in on defense, where he blocks almost three shots per contest. However, blocked shots and rim running can be found late in the second round, rather than in the first. Charles Bassey and Neemias Queta provide both of those talents in spades, despite going most likely a full round later. Jackson’s youth and free throw percentage point to potential improvement, but that is still a gamble for someone who showed such little offensive skill this year. Without a tangible offensive skill and a nose for rebounds, Jackson doesn’t won’t anything productive for an NBA offense. You can’t teach his size and athleticism, but those attributes didn’t help him be an effective player for the Wildcats, so why would they for an NBA team? He might be a productive center in the future, but as three-point shooting and speed take precedence, Jackson doesn’t fit, and should be avoided in the first round.


Chris Duarte, Oregon

One of the hottest names among draft risers is Duarte. The 24-year-old from the Dominican Republic had a sensational season for the Ducks, averaging 17.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists while shooting 53% from the field and 42% from three. He capped off the year by being named an AP third team All American and winning the Pac-12 Player of the Year Award. Teams like the Lakers and Knicks are reportedly even trying to move into the lottery to select the 6’6 shooting guard. Duarte played very well, and is certainly a tremendous shooter, but he isn’t worth a trade-up or even a lottery selection. He was playing against kids 4-6 years younger than him, who have had so much less time to develop as basketball players. Add in his lack of athleticism and burst, and he will most likely be a 3-And-D player. While those are still hot commodities in the NBA, you want lottery picks to have more upside than a 24-year-old shooter. He also had 2.3 turnovers per game, highlighting that he won’t be a primary ball handler in the NBA, and will be more of a spot up shooter than passer. Duarte has one of the dependable floors in the class because his shooting will translate to every NBA court. His defense and inside scoring could both falter as he starts playing much better athletes who are his age and older. Playing against teenagers, Duarte was able to dominate, against adults, the NBA could be a much different story. Moreover, Duarte really didn’t have a standout season until this year. Are his substantial improvements attributable to his age advantage? Duarte has a chance to be the top senior off the board over Davion Mitchell and Corey Kispert, but one has to wonder if teams are losing perspective considering his age.


Alperin Sengun, Beşiktaş

The 6’9, 19-year-old Turkish phenom could go as high as top 10. A high scoring bigman for Beşiktaş of the Turkish Super League, Sengun averaged over 19 points per game while hauling in over nine boards per game. Just a point and a rebound away from a 20-point double-double as a teenager playing against seasoned professionals sounds encouraging enough to have scouts take a much closer look. The numbers don’t show the full story for the Turkish star. He shot just 19% from deep this season, an appalling number, even for a big. Sengun also is not much of an athlete, creating concern if he can be even a competent defender at the NBA level. His lack of quickness and athleticism could also cause problems creating separation on shots and while getting to the rim. Without the threat of a quality three-point shot, it will be even more challenging to get to his spots on the floor. A young, high scoring forward who can rebound well and shows flashes of shooting is incredibly exciting. Teams should pump the brakes before they get too excited, as Sengun could have a tough time recreating similar success from his lone season in the Turkish Super League. Sengun is young and shows a lot of determination so there’s a lot of optimism about what he can become, particularly in the right system. But he appears to be a guy riding a wave of unrealistic hype.


Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina

Sharpe has a wide range of potential draft slots, ranging from the late first round to mid second round. The freshman Tar Heel did not post great numbers in his lone season in Chapel Hill, scoring less than ten points and pulling in 7.6 rebounds a game. The 6’10, 265-pound center is not a threat to score outside the paint. He has a 0 three-point percentage and a 50.5 free throw percentage. His lack of shooting touch craters his ceiling, as post scorers and throw back bigs have become less and less valuable. Despite his strength and size, Payne is not a good defensive rebounder, pulling in less than four per game. He is the premier offensive rebounder of the class, but the lack of defensive boards is more concerning. Payne is not great at boxing out and can look lost while hunting the defensive boards. He has turned the ball over more than he has assisted and is close to an offensive vacuum. Despite his towering frame, he is not a good shot blocker, rejecting less than one shot per contest. A big man who can’t shoot, block shots, or grab defensive rebounds is someone to be extremely wary of, especially earlier in the draft. Add on that Sharpe is quite slow, and you have a recipe for disaster. His lack of speed will make him unable to guard the perimeter and leave him exposed trying to defend pick and rolls. He is a good vertical athlete, and great on the offensive glass, but those skills shouldn’t be worth a first round selection. Teams need to focus on the lack of scoring, shooting, defending and defensive rebounding when considering drafting the throwback big from North Carolina.

CBS Sports https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-draft-pelicans-trade-the-no-53-overall-pick-to-the-76ers-for-cash-considerations/

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The New Orleans Pelicans have traded the No. 53 draft pick in the 2021 NBA Draft to the Philadelphia 76ers for $2 million in cash considerations, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports. The deal now gives the Sixers three selections in Thursday night's draft (No. 28, No. 50 and No. 53) and brings the Pelicans draft stock to four picks from five.

The Pelicans have been busy leading up to the draft, trading Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe and picks No. 10 and 40 to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas and draft picks No. 17 and 51. That move signaled that New Orleans is positioning itself to make moves in free agency by getting off the contracts of Adams and Bledsoe. By freeing up that cap space, it allows the Pelicans to try an match any offer sheet guard Lonzo Ball gets from other teams around the league as a restricted free agent, or go at Kyle Lowry hard to bring him to New Orleans.

For Philadelphia, although this is a minor move, all eyes will be on if a Ben Simmons trade is executed, which is looking increasingly likely. The Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors are all reportedly interested in the All-Star guard, and perhaps grabbing more draft picks would help sweeten the deal to get someone like a Bradley Beal from the Wizards. We'll have to wait and see what else the Sixers do leading up to and during the draft to see how this move factors in to their offseason plans.

HoopsRumors (click for full article) https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/timberwolves-to-trade-ricky-rubio-to-cavaliers.html

The Timberwolves have agreed to trade Ricky Rubio to the Cavaliers in exchange for Taurean Prince, a 2022 second-round pick, and cash, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report tweets that the Cavs are sending $2.5MM to Minnesota as part of the deal, while Wojnarowski tweets that the pick changing hands is the Wizards’ 2022 second-rounder, which had been controlled by Cleveland.


HoopsRumors (click for full article) https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/nets-trade-landry-shamet-to-suns-for-jevon-carter-pick-no-29.html

The Nets have agreed to trade sharpshooter Landry Shamet to the Suns in exchange for Jevon Carter and the No. 29 pick in Thursday’s draft, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As a result, Brooklyn now owns the 27th, 29th, 44th, 49th and 59th picks in the 2021 draft. Carter, a 6’1″ point guard, will provide backcourt depth behind the likes of Kyrie Irving and James Harden, assuming he stays with the team.

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ESPN https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31912867/sources-detroit-pistons-select-oklahoma-state-cade-cunningham-no-1-pick-nba-draft

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The Detroit Pistons have landed on a decision to select Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 pick in Thursday night's NBA draft, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Detroit officials traveled to New York on Wednesday, met with Cunningham a final time and finalized the decision to choose him at No. 1 in meetings Thursday morning, sources told Wojnarowski.

With the Pistons expected to take Cunningham, sources told ESPN that the Houston Rockets continue to trend toward Jalen Green with the No. 2 pick. Likewise, the Cleveland Cavaliers are trending toward Evan Mobley at No. 3, according to sources.

Cunningham is a dynamic 6-foot-8 point guard who completed his lone freshman season as Big 12 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American.

Cunningham, who won the Wayman Tisdale Award as the top freshman in college basketball, led the Big 12 in scoring with 20.1 points per game -- the fourth-highest mark by a freshman in league history -- while also ranking in the top 10 in rebounding (6.2, ninth), field goal percentage (.438, eighth) and free throw percentage (.846, third).

Cunningham often saved his best moments for late-game surges. In his most dynamic performance, he scored 10 of his 40 points in overtime to help the Cowboys win at rival Oklahoma. He finished his college career by scoring 24 points in Oklahoma State's 80-70 loss to Oregon State in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Detroit, after taking three players in the first round of last year's draft -- Killian Hayes (seventh), Isaiah Stewart (16th) and Saddiq Bey (19th) -- will now add a high-end talent to its mix. It will be the Pistons' first top-five selection since they took Darko Milicic second overall in 2003, and their third in the past 40 years. They also took Grant Hill third overall in 1994.

Detroit, which finished 20-52 last season, has the top overall pick for the first time since drafting Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier out of St. Bonaventure in 1970.

CBS Sports https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/russell-westbrook-trade-lakers-agree-to-acquire-former-mvp-from-wizards-per-report/

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The Washington Wizards have traded Russell Westbrook and second-round picks in 2024 and 2028 to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the No. 22 overall pick, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. It was reported earlier Thursday that Westbrook wanted a trade and Los Angeles was his preferred destination.

Earlier Thursday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harrell would opt into the final year of his contract at $9.7 million. The Lakers needed Harrell to opt-in for salary purposes in a possible trade. Westbrook is set to make over $44 million next season, so every penny counts in getting up to his figure. Kuzma, Caldwell-Pope and Harrell combine to make almost $36 million.

The Wizards still reportedly plan to keep Bradley Beal, according to Wojnarowski. The idea for them would be to create future flexibility to retool the roster around him. Beal can become a free agent next offseason.

On paper, Westbrook is an odd fit in Los Angeles. The Lakers ranked 24th in 3-point attempts and 21st in 3-point percentage last season. Westbrook is a notoriously poor 3-point shooter. He has made only 30.5 percent of his attempts in his career, further limiting spacing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis as they drive to the basket. That was already a problem over the past two seasons.

But the Lakers have been desperately searching for a secondary playmaker to help take ball-handling pressure off of James. Westbrook has led the NBA in assists in three of the past four seasons. He may not be a shooter, but he's a dynamic scorer that will make the Lakers even deadlier in transition and on the glass. That makes him an imperfect and risky addition, but one with a good deal of upside.

Westbrook is a Los Angeles native. He played collegiately at UCLA. The Lakers would be his fourth team in the past four seasons, but they are probably his best chance at winning a championship.

HoopsRumors https://www.hoopsrumors.com/

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The Bucks have agreed to trade the No. 31 pick in tonight’s draft to the Pacers, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports that Milwaukee is received the Nos. 54 and 60 picks in return, along with two future second-round picks.

The Bucks had entered the night with only the No. 31 pick, having agreed to swap their first-round selection for Houston’s second-rounder in the P.J. Tucker trade at this year’s deadline. They’ll now have a pair of picks right near the end of the draft, which they could use to select a potential two-way player or low-cost roster player.

The Pacers, meanwhile, give up a couple future picks in order to move up to the top of the second round tonight. They now control the 13th and 31st overall selections.

ESPN https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31914629/nba-trade-grades-moving-mason-plumlee-charlotte-means-detroit-pistons-hornets

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A year after signing Mason Plumlee in free agency, the Detroit Pistons agreed to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets in a cap-related move first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

How might the Pistons utilize the cap flexibility created by trading Plumlee after taking Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 pick in the draft? And why did the Hornets prefer adding him to using cap space themselves?


The Deal

Hornets get: Mason Plumlee, 2021 second-round pick (No. 37)

Pistons get: 2021 second-round pick (No. 57)


Detroit Pistons: B-

From a value standpoint, moving down 20 spots in the second round just to shed a contract signed eight months ago is a tough look for the Pistons. However, plenty has changed in that span, most notably the development of 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Stewart into a long-term starting center in Detroit. That rendered Plumlee more of a luxury than the necessity the Pistons thought last offseason.

Meanwhile, Detroit surely sees an opportunity to use cap space each of the next two summers. The Pistons can now get approximately $20 million under the cap if they waive guard Cory Joseph (whose salary is $2.4 million guaranteed through Monday) and forward Rodney McGruder (non-guaranteed through next month), and renounce the rights to their free agents besides guard Hamidou Diallo. Detroit might have even more cap space next summer with the final season of Blake Griffin's buyout coming off the books.

As a result, the Pistons look like they might have a short stint at the very top of the lottery after they picked No. 1 overall Thursday. Detroit has three building blocks in place in Stewart, All-Rookie First Team pick Saddiq Bey and forward Jerami Grant. Cade Cunningham provides a fourth, and the Pistons could push to add a fifth in free agency. Restricted free agent Lonzo Ball would be a fascinating fit alongside Cunningham and 2020 lottery pick Killian Hayes, while a return to Detroit by free agent Spencer Dinwiddie would also make sense.

Because this deal is likely about cap space, it's a little tough to judge the value for the Pistons until we see how they fare in free agency. For now, giving up value to move Plumlee's salary looks like a reasonable if painful decision.


Charlotte Hornets: B-

Conversely, the Hornets have chosen Plumlee and the better draft pick over some of their projected $21 million in cap space. Including a 10% trade bonus, Plumlee will take up about $9 million of that room, leaving Charlotte with a little less than $12 million to spend.

That decision seems to signal the Hornets didn't think they could get a quality starting center in free agency from a group that includes Richaun Holmes of the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers restricted free agent Jarrett Allen. After them, there's a big drop-off to the next tier of centers, which includes Andre Drummond, Nerlens Noel and Daniel Theis.

Given that constraint, going with Plumlee is a reasonable choice, albeit a low-upside one. He's already 31, making him three years older than Charlotte incumbent Cody Zeller. I'd probably have preferred to make a run at Montrezl Harrell if the Washington Wizards deem Harrell expendable after acquiring him in the Russell Westbrook trade.

On the plus side, the Hornets go from a low-value pick at the end of the second round to a high one early in it. That pick could yield a contributor like recent Charlotte second-round selections Devonte' Graham (pick No. 34) and Cody Martin (pick No. 36).

RealGM https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/263521/Pacers-Trade-Aaron-Holiday-No-31-To-Wizards-For-Isaiah-Jackson

The Indiana Pacers have traded point guard Aaron Holiday and their 2021 second round draft pick (#31) to the Washington Wizards for the Wizards 2021 first draft pick (#22) which was used on Kentucky forward Isaiah Jackson.

Holiday was a first round pick in 2018 out of UCLA and averaged 7.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 17.8 minutes per game last season for the Pacers.

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