NBA Draft 2021: Mock Draft 1.0

Cade Cunningham, NBA Draft (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Cade Cunningham, NBA Draft (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
30 of 30
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

2021 NBA Draft — 30. Jaden Springer, Utah Jazz

The Jazz get a strong talent to round out the first round, selecting Tennessee freshman Jaden Springer. There aren’t too many better fits on paper. Springer is naturally unselfish — a high-I.Q. ball-mover with great feel and the ability to take it strong to the rim.

At 6-foot-4, Springer would add much needed defense to the Utah backcourt. The Jazz were unable to stop LA at the point of attack, which led to four straight losses and a second-round exit. Springer is athletic and active on defense, and should help tremendously in that department in time.

The big concern with Springer is his jump shot, which is too slow on the release to generate maximize value in the NBA. He will need to speed up the mechanics, but his soft touch and general well-roundedness are enough to warrant a first-round pick.