The 2021 NBA Draft is on the horizon, with just over a month until the picks are made on July 29. This year features a particularly strong class, with plenty of All-Star potential in the lottery. Detroit won the honors of picking first, but every team at the top has a chance to improve drastically.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, the 28th pick will have to provide value of some sort, as last season’s team clearly lacked the firepower to compete for a league championship. More important moves will determine the Sixers’ title odds next season, but there’s no doubt a late first-round pick can contribute. Case and point, Tyrese Maxey — last season’s 21st overall pick.
With the lottery order set and the offseason in full swing for all but four teams, here is our first installment of our 2021 NBA Mock Draft.
2021 NBA Draft — 1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
The Pistons won lottery night, and with it, the right to select Cade Cunningham first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. While there are rumblings Detroit may look elsewhere, the Pistons would be making a grave mistake to pick anyone else. Cunningham has been the clear best prospect in his class for years now, and his freshman campaign at Oklahoma State did nothing to dull that enthusiasm in draft circles.
At 6-foot-9, Cunningham is built like a defensively versatile wing, but has the skill set of a modern-day point guard. He’s already an expert out of the pick-and-roll, with great court vision and a developed sense of tempo. He can manipulate defenders with ball fakes and hesitation moves, while his pure shot-making talent hints at All-NBA potential.
Cunningham can also work off-ball, making him a compelling fit next to last year’s No. 7 pick Killian Hayes (who was No. 2 on my draft board at the time). The best teams have multiple playmakers who can threaten a defense. Detroit now has that, with a burgeoning go-to scorer in Jerami Grant, as well as young talent in the vein of Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart.
2021 NBA Draft — 2. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
The Rockets found a gem in Kevin Porter Jr., who showed the flashes of a potential 20-point-per-game scorer last season. In the modern NBA, it’s hard to have too much wing shot-making. Enter Jalen Green, who could form an impressive two-pronged scoring attack in the Rockets’ backcourt.
Green spent last season with the G-League Ignite team, which means he was off the radar for a lot of people. Not NBA teams, of course, as many lined the stadiums to watch Green perform. At 6-foot-5, Green is an explosive athlete with great downhill scoring potential. The jumper is a work in progress, but he’s not short on confidence, and his high free-throw percentage is a positive indicator of growth potential.
With Christian Wood and Kelly Olynyk manning the frontcourt, the Rockets can look to form a well-rounded young team in the wake of James Harden’s departure. Green will not catapult Houston into contention as a rookie, but he has one of the highest ceilings in this draft, and fills a position of value in Houston.
2021 NBA Draft — 3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers were once again favored by the lottery gods, who vaulted them into the top-3. Most mock drafts seem to have a consensus in the top-3, with Jalen Green and Evan Mobley going second and third in some order. If the Rockets pick Green, it seems likely that Mobley would then head to Cleveland.
With Darius Garland and Collin Sexton still locked in the backcourt, and another young perimeter piece in Isaac Okoro, the Cavs should gladly take this opportunity to bolster the frontcourt. Kevin Love is counting the days ’til his departure, and Larry Nance Jr. may not align with the Cavs’ competitive window, whenever that’s set to open. Mobley has the defensive mobility and 3-point stroke to coexist with Jarrett Allen, who is in line for a big offseason extension.
Mobley is not the ideal fit with Allen, but frankly, he’s the much better prospect, and probably the big who deserves to be built around long-term. There’s a chance Mobley would immediately because the Cavs’ best and most important 20-something, with sky-high defensive potential and a deep bag of scoring tricks, both rolling to the basket or in the post. He’s good good.
2021 NBA Draft — 4. Jalen Suggs, Toronto Raptors
The star of Gonzaga’s impressive run to the NCAA title game, Jalen Suggs is a hand-in-glove fit with Toronto’s roster. At 6-foot-4, he has enough size and bulk to share the floor with Fred VanVleet. Suggs is a competitive, strong-willed defender who does not shy away from big moments. On offense, he is much the same — a dynamic, show-stopping playmaker with the athleticism and floor vision to develop into a star at the next level.
Suggs can get downhill and zig side-to-side with the best of them. He’s a smart, quick-twitch ball-handler with massive potential out of the pick-and-roll. He’s a streaky long-range shooter, but that’s one of the few drawbacks. Toronto already has ample floor-spacing around him, and VanVleet could help ease him into the burden of NBA facilitating.
Toronto is probably better than last season’s record suggests. Suggs is a tremendous basketball player who can contribute to a winning situation right away. In fact, Suggs would doubtlessly help fill the seemingly inevitable void left by Kyle Lowry, who can (and will) leave in free agency.
2021 NBA Draft — 5. Jonathan Kuminga, Orlando Magic
Early indications are the top-5 is pretty much locked in place. Not the specific picks, necessarily, but the five players who will be picked. A lot can change between now and July 29, but for now, Jonathan Kuminga is a pretty strong bet for Orlando at No. 5.
Kuminga is listed at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan. He is a big and physical wing, with a tight handle and shades of an impressive scoring acumen. He will need to polish his jumper to unlock his full potential, but Kuminga’s explosive first step, footwork, and touch around the basket all point to All-Star berths in his future.
While he never figured it out defensively with the G-League Ignite, Kuminga has every physical tool you could ask for. The Magic are in no hurry to win games, and Kuminga makes for an intriguing fit next to Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, and Chuma Okeke in Orlando’s young core.
2021 NBA Draft — 6. Davion Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder
A potential big riser who may earn a top-5 spot on my draft board, Davion Mitchell led Baylor all the way to the national championship. The Thunder are a blank slate, and could use talent at just about every position. The goal is simple — aim for upside, talent. Mitchell has both, and he’s going to contribute right away, to boot.
Mitchell was one of the best defenders in college basketball at 6-foot-3, fighting over screens and bodying up bigger wings, even without elite physical tools. On offense, Mitchell is a diverse talent, with excellent finishing skills at the rim, a nifty dribble package, and the shot-making gene common in most All-Star guards at the next level.
While physical tools have often been the butter on OKC’s bread, there’s reason to believe OKC will go best player available. Many would consider that to be Mitchell, who would immediately form a fascinating backcourt combination with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Kemba Walker isn’t there for much more than a cup of coffee, but he could also serve as a tremendous mentor in the short-term.
2021 NBA Draft — 7. Corey Kispert, Golden State Warriors
The Warriors will target players who can help them win now. Look no further than Corey Kispert, who has high-level NBA role player written all over him. Kispert is one of the best shooters in the draft, and would make a dynamic wing reserve behind the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Plus, who better to learn from as an off-ball shooter?
Kispert has naturally drawn comparisons to other elite shooters, Joe Harris being a favorite. To add another spacer of his caliber would help Golden State tremendously in the short-term, while also providing some insurance for Klay Thompson, who has not played basketball in two years. Both smart and low-risk, Kispert would make a lot of sense for a potential title contender.
At 6-foot-6, 224 pounds, Kispert has some size, too. He’s not a great athlete, nor a great defender, but he’s physical and understands his role. The Warriors have some athletes and plus defenders on the roster already, so not much of a burden would rest on Kispert’s shoulders. This is one of my favorite potential lottery fits. Golden State could also pray and hope he drops to 14.
2021 NBA Draft — 8. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
A ready-made role player with considerable two-way upside, Franz Wagner would fit nicely just about anywhere. The Magic have no shortage of young talent, and you can seldom go wrong with versatile 3-and-D wings. At 6-foot-9, Wagner shows great awareness defensively, with the size and foot speed to switch screens and defend multiple positions. On offense, he’s the perfect complementary piece.
The Magic have several ball-dominant guards — Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton — as well as a nice accumulation of long bodies who can fill multiple roles. Add Wagner on top of Kuminga, and all of a sudden Orlando has the personnel to go big or small, depending on matchup.
Wagner is a smooth spot-up shooter who doesn’t get bogged down by poor decisions. He’s a snappy passer and cutter, willing to move into open space or set screens to free up teammates. He does it on both ends and — as the cherry on top — he would potentially join his brother Moe, who finished last season with Orlando.
2021 NBA Draft — 9. Keon Johnson, Sacramento Kings
Keon Johnson set the NBA Combine record with a 48-inch vertical leap. He is one of the draft’s most explosive athletes, which in and of itself brings a certain appeal. At 6-foot-5, he can not only jump out of the gym, but explode past defenders with a quick first step.
The Kings are still in no position to compete and could fall in love with Johnson’s toughness and upside. He’s already a plus defender, with the quickness and length to stifle ball-handlers at the point of attack. He makes excellent use of his athletic gifts on that side of the ball, and it’s no secret the Kings’ defense could get better.
The issue for Johnson is offense, where he’s still a raw athlete and not much else. The 3-point shot needs work, and he won’t be doing any advanced ball-handling in the near future. With time and patience, however, the Kings could unearth a gem.
2021 NBA Draft — 10. Josh Giddey, New Orleans Pelicans
Essentially a 6-foot-8 point guard, Josh Giddey is one of the most creative and instinctual passers on the board. He spent last season in Australia, where he put up strong numbers in the presence of grown men. He will need to improve as a shooter — important, given the makeup for New Orleans’ roster — but the value of jumbo playmakers in the modern NBA is hard to ignore.
The Pelicans may be looking for new playmaking avenues this summer. Lonzo Ball will command a significant payday in restricted free agency, and Eric Bledsoe is only a Pelican until they can find somewhere to trade him. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are both accomplished playmakers, but an unselfish ball-mover in Giddey’s vein could help a lot.
New Orleans is looking to compete, and Giddey is a savvy decision-maker who’s ready to contribute to winning at the next level. His impact will be dulled until he can figure out the jumper, but worse shooters have figured it out. His playmaking chops, combined with excellent change-of-pace ability, make him a worthy investment in the top-10.
2021 NBA Draft — 11. Scottie Barnes, Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are f-u-n fun. Enter Scottie Barnes, to make it more fun. Barnes is a wacky prospect who does not fit the traditional mold of many NBA prospects. He is not explosive. He doesn’t shoot very well, and he’s not much better scoring around the rim. That would typically be unbecoming of a lottery prospect, and yet this has the potential to be an absolute steal at No. 11.
In Barnes, the Hornets would get one of the most physical defensive wings on the board. Listed at 6-foot-8, 225 pounds, there’s no lack of meat on the bone. Barnes has the strength to defend the post, and the versatility to switch ball screens on the perimeter. He defended all over the floor at Florida State, and would have similar potential in the NBA.
Offensively, Barnes will find ways to contribute despite his limitations as a scorer. Barnes can make all sorts of passes, leading some to draw extremely aspirational Draymond Green comparisons. He’s a smart, unselfish teammate who will move the ball, then move without it. He can push the ball in transition, play the Draymond role as a screener in the pick-and-roll, or hang around the dunker’s spot. The Hornets have enough shooting and versatility to make Barnes a hand-in-glove fit.
2021 NBA Draft — 12. Alperen Sengun, San Antonio Spurs
Do not expect the Spurs to pass on a skilled, fundamentally sound international prospect at a position of need. Many would argue Alperen Sengun is the best international prospect in this year’s class, and he’s a perfect fit for San Antonio’s half-baked rebuild.
A big-bodied 6-foot-10 center, Sengun is in many ways tailored to the old and the new school. He’s a graceful post scorer, with advanced footwork and feather-soft touch. He’s also a 240-pound bulldozer when necessary, and can overpower smaller defenders. On the other hand, his soft touch hints at shooting upside, while his playmaking skills could open up the floor in new ways for San Antonio.
Sengun has the upside of a go-to big who can both score and pass from the elbow, or dominate on the low block. As his skill set develops, it’s hard to argue the appeal. His inability to defend in space could cause challenges, but it’s not like Gregg Popovich hasn’t faced that very same challenge in recent years, and done so with relative success.
2021 NBA Draft — 13. Moses Moody, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers’ roster is well fleshed out, so it would make sense to give Rick Carlisle what no team can have too much of — a rock-solid 3-and-D wing. Moses Moody is 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, and already one of the better wing defenders in this draft. The Pacers could use his toughness in the second unit.
On offense, Moody has a ways to go, but he projects as a solid role player with a reliable spot-up 3 and the ability to beat closeouts with one or two-dribble pull-ups. Moody is not ready to carry a large offensive burden at this stage, but Indiana has several playmakers to ease that burden. He is an ideal role player on a team looking to contend.
Moody plays hard and is all over the place defensively. He’s smart on that end, and one can expect that intelligence to transfer over to the offensive end to some degree. He plays within himself for the most part, and gives the Indiana reserves some bulk, which they presently lack.
2021 NBA Draft — 14. Usman Garuba, Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the rare contender with two lottery picks, as well as last season’s No. 2 pick, James Wiseman. Kispert plugs holes offensively, while Usman Garuba plugs holes defensively. He’s ready to contribute on a contender like Golden State, if in a limited capacity.
Garuba has a ways to go offensively, but on defense, he’s a tremendous athlete who plays his tail off. The 6-foot-8 Real Madrid forward made his name on defense in Europe, and he did so at 18 years old. Garuba can switch screens, play free safety, contain the point of attack, you name it. He flies around the floor and should make no shortage of immediate impact on that side of the ball.
The offense is more of a question mark. Garuba will run the floor and move the ball, but he’s not a shooter and lacks a reliable go-to move. Thankfully, the Warriors have two of the greatest shooters of all-time, a freshly minted sharpshooter from the No. 7 pick, and plenty of willing passers in the second unit. Garuba could come in, play his role at a high level, and contribute to winning.
2021 NBA Draft — 15. James Bouknight, Washington Wizards
The Wizards need… a lot of help. No one prospect will fix that roster, but after watching Bradley Beal carry dead weight for five games in the first round of the playoffs, it would not be unreasonable of Washington to add another bucket-getter to the mix. James Bouknight can, in fact, get buckets.
A springy 6-foot-5 guard with Rucker Park handles and unfiltered confidence, Bouknight can provide an immediate scoring punch off the bench. He gets to his spots with ease, and has no trouble unleashing hesitation moves or crossovers to create space one-on-one.
There are aspects of his game that give me pause — he’s somewhat self-oriented on the court, and his 3-point efficiency is not ideal — but the tough shot acumen and impressive athleticism are enough to warrant this pick from Washington.
2021 NBA Draft — 16. Kai Jones, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kai Jones is a work-in-progress, but his flashes are as tantalizing and interesting as any prospect on the board. OKC shipped Moses Brown to Boston in the Al Horford trade, and is in need of a long-term anchor at center. If the cards break right, Jones could operate as both a foundation on defense, and a key piece on offense.
The Thunder are in no particular hurry to do anything besides develop young talent. OKC does not want to win, and Jones has the upside of a gold expedition in the 1800s. You may come up empty — he didn’t even play basketball until his mid-teens — but the 7-footer’s trajectory points high. He can move gracefully on the perimeter, he has the touch of a promising shooter, and his explosiveness is untouched by other centers in this draft.
Jones’ length and burst should make him an intimidating shot-blocker and deterrent inside. He will benefit from added strength and discipline, but the basic tools are there. He can also switch screens, move his feet on the perimeter, and pressure ball-handlers without getting cooked. You can’t ask much more of a modern defensive center. This is a gamble worth taking for the Thunder, who have picks to burn.
2021 NBA Draft — 17. Chris Duarte, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have fallen into the habit of drafting good basketball players who can contribute to winning in the NBA. Not question-mark prospects, or crazy athletes with untapped potential, but rock-solid NBA-level players who play within themselves and possess a high basketball I.Q. Just look at Brandon Clarke, Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman, and so on.
Duarte is the oldest projected first-round pick. He’s almost 24, but he’s too good to fall far because of it. His shot-making is a valuable asset in any context, while his high basketball I.Q. and competitiveness fit right in with Memphis’ culture. He would join a young and promising second unit.
Memphis is ready to take the next step, and Duarte is right in line with the kinds of prospects that franchise has gravitated towards. He has limitations athletically, and some teams are scared away by age, but don’t anticipate Memphis being one of them. The Grizzlies are ready to win basketball games.
2021 NBA Draft — 18. Ziaire Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Many projected Ziaire Williams as a top-10, maybe even top-5 pick before the season. He struggled at Stanford, however, both with injuries and inefficiency. At 6-foot-8, his upside as a big shot creator on the wing is enough to draw attention, and his fluid athleticism makes him an easy sell for a rebuilding franchise with (again) picks to burn and players to develop.
Williams was not without his moments at Stanford, and his averages were not bad. OKC doesn’t have a ton of shot creation on the roster outside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, so adding Williams to the mix — along with Davion Mitchell in the lottery — could boost the Thunder’s young core in a big way.
Generally speaking, five-star wings who can handle, shoot, and defend like Williams deserve a shot. He will need to add strength in order to handle the physicality of NBA basketball, but he’s a heads-up defender with too many offensive flashes to fall past OKC here. He’s the exact kind of prospect OKC should jump at.
2021 NBA Draft — 19. Jalen Johnson, New York Knicks
A 6-foot-8 forward with impressive athleticism, great passing instincts, a desire to play in transition, and very little offense to speak of in the halfcourt. If you’re a Sixers fan, you may want to skip past this slide. Jalen Johnson is no Ben Simmons, but the surface-level similarities are comical, if not anything of substance.
The Knicks will be active in free agency and may view the likes of Derrick Rose — who can be re-signed — and Immanuel Quickley as sufficient options at point guard. If so, Johnson probably represents the highest ceiling left on the board, and it couldn’t hurt for him to foster behind another pass-happy power forward in Julius Randle.
Johnson’s ability to push the tempo and create on the fast break is a sight to behold. It’s genuinely rare for players in his mold, with his skill set to exist. If he can become a more willing shooter, and do what it takes to become a passable halfcourt player offensively, the sky is the limit. Not every tall playmaker is deathly afraid of the free-throw line.
2021 NBA Draft — 20. Sharife Cooper, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have depth at just about every position. That said, Lou Williams is a setting sun, and the night fast approaches. It may behoove the Hawks to grab another ball-handler who can play both behind and next to Trae Young. Sharife Cooper went to high school in the Atlanta area, and gives the Hawks a boost of playmaking with the second unit.
Cooper is one of, if not the best passer in the draft. His slick handles, change-of-speed ability, and panoramic court vision make him a dynamic threat out of the pick-and-roll. He can set up Clint Capela and John Collins at the rim, or spray the ball to one of Atlanta’s many shooters on the perimeter.
The main concern for Cooper is his jump shot, which does not extend accurately behind the 3-point line. His mechanics are next to broken, and it may take him a year or two to work through the kinks. That said, he has soft touch, plenty of zip, and the basketball I.Q. to make it work. I would invest in him confidently at 20.
2021 NBA Draft — 21. Jared Butler, New York Knicks
Serious health concerns loom large for Jared Butler, but if he’s cleared to play, he is well within range of the first round. New York has been looking for a point guard since time began, and while some will point to Immanuel Quickley as the long-awaited solution, it can never hurt to have multiple ball-handlers on the perimeter.
Butler played a big role in Baylor’s NCAA title run, and has the makings of a plug-and-play guard for a team trying to win games. Butler competes hard on defense despite his small stature, and is a smart facilitator with the chops to run a professional offense.
The Knicks need guards and shooters, two areas in which Butler can help. He’s a nice bridge from the Derrick Rose era to the future if the former MVP sticks around, and if not, you can expect minutes right away for the 20-year-old — he’s certainly preferable to Frank Ntilikina or Elfrid Payton.
2021 NBA Draft — 22. Trey Murphy III, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers will be right back in title contention next season, health permitting. It would make sense to target a player who fits right away and can contribute as a rookie. Enter Trey Murphy, a switchable 6-foot-8 wing who is one of the draft’s best shooters.
L.A. prides itself on defense, and that’s an area where Murphy can feasibly contribute. He’s big and nimble enough to guard all over the floor, while potentially adding a reliable stretch four next to Anthony Davis in smaller lineups. On offense, a knockdown shooter with silk-smooth mechanics should have no trouble finding shots next to LeBron James.
Injuries decimated L.A.’s playoff run, but so did an uneven performance from the supporting cast at large. It’s impossible to guarantee a rookie can contribute in year one, especially for a team so geared toward contention, but Murphy may have a chance to take up the void left by Kyle Kuzma, should his Lakers career come to an end sooner than later.
2021 NBA Draft — 23. Tre Mann, Houston Rockets
The Rockets again strike the well of perimeter talent. Tre Mann came into his own as a sophomore, both as a scorer and a playmaker. Many of the hallmarks that define successful lead guards — pull-up shooting, deep range, slick handles — are all abundantly present in Mann’s game. He’s a gamer with real upside.
Naturally, it behooves the Rockets to jump on upside, no matter how awkward the positional fit. Figuring out the trio of Mann, Kevin Porter, and Jalen Green on defense is a concern, no doubt, but one Houston won’t have to worry about for a while. Offensively, Mann would give the Rockets another source of shot creation and 3-point shooting on the perimeter, of which you can seldom have too much.
Mann has upside as a playmaker and facilitator. John Wall is in Houston because of the contract, not because Houston views him as a central piece of the present or future. Expect plenty of opportunities right away for Mann, who can play with other ball-handlers, or run the show himself.
2021 NBA Draft — 24. Greg Brown, Houston Rockets
This would present a long-term project for Houston, which the franchise should eagerly embrace. Greg Brown has a ways to go before contributing in the NBA, but he’s arguably the best athlete on the board, with great explosiveness at the rim and major two-way upside if he can hone his skills.
At 6-foot-8, Brown is a superb leaper with obvious potential on defense. He’s active and at times erratic, but when opportunities arise, Brown can often make a play. Whether as a weak-side rim protector, or in more of a free safety role, a more developed defensive I.Q. would benefit Brown tremendously.
On offense, the Rockets would need unleash him as a roll man, using the multitude of aforementioned guards and shooters to draw the defense out and give him room to rim-run. Brown will probably make a dunk contest push at some point, and if things break right, he could make Houston look great.
2021 NBA Draft — 25. Isaiah Jackson, LA Clippers
Serge Ibaka was sidelined for a large chunk of the season, and Ivica Zubac has seen his role fluctuate in the postseason. The Clippers would be wise to bolster the frontcourt, even if Isaiah Jackson isn’t ready to contribute in year one. He’s a monster athlete and a great long-term intrigue piece alongside LA’s veteran core.
At 6-foot-11, Jackson wields a 7-foot-3 wingspan and explosive leaping ability to his advantage on defense. He’s still foul-prone and undisciplined, but the shot-blocking potential is plain to see. On offense, Jackson is easy to envision as a rim-running lob threat, not dissimilar to how Zubac is currently deployed.
Jackson is still 18 years old and is a prestige recruit out of Kentucky. There’s reason to believe he can develop into a real two-way staple over time. LA does not need his services right away, so a short wait is palatable.
2021 NBA Draft — 26. Cam Thomas, Denver Nuggets
Cam Thomas is what the children refer to as a bucket. He can score, and score it he can. The Nuggets’ guard depth was exposed in light of Jamal Murray’s ACL tear last season, while Michael Porter Jr. crumbled somewhat under the lights. To add another scorer who can leech off of Nikola Jokic’s greatness is a solid plan.
Thomas can attack defenses relentlessly with the ball in hand. He’s a pull-up shooting maestro, with confident dribble moves and a knack for getting to his spots. He will nail tough contested jumpers, or zig-zag his way to space off the ball. He finishes well at the rim, should improve his 3-point consistency in time, and fits the classic sixth man archetype well.
Naturally, Thomas will need to improve in certain areas. He’s not one for spreading the sugar, so to speak, and he can fall into black-hole tendencies. That said, the Nuggets are an unselfish group helmed by the NBA’s most unselfish star (who is also the reigning MVP), so where better to buck Thomas’ worst habits?
2021 NBA Draft — 27. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Brooklyn Nets
Villanova is an assembly line of smart, plug-and-play prospects at this point, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is next in line. The 6-foot-9 forward is tailor-made for this Nets team — a versatile defender and selfless ball-mover who can hit spot-up 3s, attack closeouts, and do all the little things to help a team win.
The Nets thrived in the postseason without a true center, so I see no reason to panic-select one here. Blake Griffin and Nic Claxton are perfectly useful (assuming Griffin returns), while DeAndre Jordan can carry extra heft in the regular season. Robinson-Earl slides right into Brooklyn’s small, switch-happy groups, and should have no problem playing off of the Nets’ ball-dominant stars.
Brooklyn needs smart role players who do not command too much airspace. There’s no better fit at this point in the draft. So long as Brooklyn can stay healthy, they will enter next season as championship favorites. Robinson-Earl can contribute on a contender.
2021 NBA Draft — 28. Ayo Dosunmu, Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers need more guard help, even still. Tyrese Maxey took in-season leap after in-season leap, and George Hill should stick around next season, but there’s no shame in depth on the perimeter. Ayo Dosunmu was one of the best players in college basketball last season, and his skill set is well-suited to Philadelphia’s roster.
Dosunmu has some positional versatility at 6-foot-5, with the frame to defend twos, and the skill set to run point when need be. He’s a bursty athlete who thrives in transition, as well as in the halfcourt, where he can get downhill and create for others. Dosunmu is a creative passer, sometimes to a fault, but another playmaking vessel has value — especially with Ben Simmons’ future undetermined.
The Sixers will also benefit from Dosunmu’s competitive streak. He plays hard, and is a good defender because of it. He carried Illinois in a lot of big moments, and would form a nice group of hard-working youngsters next to Maxey and Paul Reed. His jumper is a slight question mark — his release point needs to change — but he’s enough of a spot-up threat to warrant the investment.
2021 NBA Draft — 29. Miles McBride, Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul is old, and who knows what kind of payday Cameron Payne is in line for. That being said, the Suns can take a point guard here and be happy with the result. Miles McBride is an exciting competitor who, at 6-foot-2, is never short on hustle.
McBride defends the point of attack as well as any point guard in the draft, and offensively, he’s capable of boosting the Suns’ second unit. Payne’s zippiness has made him a valuable cog this season, and McBride is a serviceable replacement. He can get to the rim and locate shooters on the perimeter with great effectiveness.
In addition to his defense and playmaking, McBride is a confident shooter and scorer who made strides continuously at West Virginia. He would have the superb luck of (presumably) learning from CP3, with the upside of an immediate contributor on a winning team.
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.