2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Pistons get bold, Warriors make blockbuster trade
6. player. 149. . SF. Oklahoma City Thunder. Scottie Barnes
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 6. Scottie Barnes, Oklahoma City Thunder
Scottie Barnes is an exceedingly strange and uncommon type of prospect. At 6-foot-8, he’s strong of build, but not a particularly great scorer, nor the most explosive athlete. What he does, however, is make all the right decisions with the ball. He played point guard for stretches at Florida State, and would immediately anchor OKC’s youthful offense with a strong playmaking foundation and basketball I.Q.
In transition, Barnes has all the trappings of a Draymond Green lite, with excellent court vision and a willingness to make look-ahead passes (he is not Draymond Green). Barnes can also barrel over smaller defenders and score proficiently at the rim, even if his lack of a consistent 3-point stroke limits him in the halfcourt.
Where Barnes shines most, however, is defense. He’s not the best athlete, but he’s mobile enough, with a gaping wingspan and a notable competitive streak. He should be able to switch all over the place, and would make for a nice one-two punch with Luguentz Dort. OKC is somewhat lacking on defense at the moment, so Barnes would have every opportunity to make an impact.