The 2021 NBA Draft is right around the corner, with under two weeks until Adam Silver walks on stage to put the Pistons on the clock. With the passing of the international withdrawal deadline, the upcoming rookie class is now set. The only question is, who will play for which team?
As of now, the Philadelphia 76ers own the 28th and 50th picks. We will only mock the first round today, though a full 60-pick mock will drop before July 29. Also, to keep things interesting, this NBA mock draft will focus on my preferences, and operate as though teams are taking my advice into account. This is not a strictly predictive piece.
So, without further ado… with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select…
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
There’s enough smoke to earnestly believe the Pistons are making this harder than it needs to be. Evan Mobley and Jalen Green are super cool, and will make great NBA players one day, but Cade Cunningham stands alone atop this class. He is the clear choice.
For Detroit, Cunningham immediately assumes the mantle of franchise player. He’s a 6-foot-8 point guard, unleashing slick handles, remarkable poise, and confident shot-making from anywhere on the floor. He’s not an elite athlete, but his ability to manipulate the defense is unrivaled among his peers. He sees the floor with 360-degree vision, and is capable of making high-difficulty passes on the move.
The Pistons can proceed comfortably with Cunningham and Killian Hayes as a two-pronged playmaking duo in the starting five. Jerami Grant provides the steady presence of a veteran leader, while Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, and Sekou Doumbouya complete a tantalizing young core.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 2. Evan Mobley, Houston Rockets
This is not so cut and dry, as the case for Jalen Green is a strong one. That said, Evan Mobley is special, and the breadth of his skill set is too much for Houston to pass up. He will play impactful two-way basketball for a long time, and the Rockets need a player to anchor the defense — and, frankly, also the offense.
The 7-foot Mobley has a great amount of skill for a 19-year-old. He can score with a variety of moves inside, either facing up, in the post, or rolling to the rim. He can also get out in transition with long strides, or operate as a passing hub in the halfcourt. As long as he comfortably extends that 3-point shot to NBA range, he’s going to bring a lot of dynamism to Houston’s frontcourt alongside Christian Wood.
On defense, Mobley has the foot speed to switch screens and the shot-blocking potential to elevate an entire scheme. He’s not overly strong — and his thin frame, next to Wood’s thin frame, is a definite concern for Houston — but in this day and age, you can get by with two rangy, versatile bigs and a nice collection of perimeter scorers. Houston is heading in the right direction.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 3. Jalen Green, Cleveland Cavaliers
In the opinion of this author, Jalen Green rounds out a pretty firm top-3 in this year’s class. Green has unmatched upside as a go-to perimeter scorer, with an elite first step, crisp handles, and impressive instincts with the ball in hand. He can create his own offense at every level, or operate effectively off the ball, making timely cuts and playing within the offense.
Just about every contender has an elite perimeter creator. Those who don’t — looking at you, Philly — are proven false every damn time. The Cavaliers already have Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, but Green is the perfect excuse to sell high on Sexton before his extension strikes.
A backcourt of Garland and Green is a compelling offensive duo, while Jarrett Allen, Larry Nance Jr., and Isaac Okoro form the foundation of a versatile modern defense. Cleveland is on the precipice of a leap, and Green would surely help facilitate it.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 4. Jalen Suggs, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors snag the best prospect on the board, and a prospect who is capable of winning basketball games next season. Toronto may slip into a rebuild at any moment, but frankly, there’s enough on that roster to make the playoffs in 2022. With Kyle Lowry’s departure inevitable, Suggs can fill a major void right away.
Suggs is one of the best decision-makers in the draft. He would have the luxury of playing next to Fred VanVleet in the backcourt, as well as with Pascal Siakam in transition. The Raptors move the ball around, and Suggs should thrive in that kind of up-tempo, movement-heavy system. He’s not one to muck up possessions, and the Raptors are well positioned to maximize his upside as a complementary scorer.
At 6-foot-4, Suggs has the length and size to defend either guard spot, and the competitive streak necessary to provide immediate benefits of that side of the ball. He’s a year-one starter, and one of the smartest players on the board. Jumping into the top-4 was a stroke of luck for Toronto.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 5. Kai Jones, Orlando Magic
The Magic have a nice collection of young talent and clearly have a vision for the forthcoming rebuild. That said, with two top-10 picks in hand, this is as good a time as any for Orlando to invest in its trademark archetype — long, athletic, high-upside, two-way players. Enter Kai Jones of Texas.
No player outside the top-3 has a ceiling comparable to Jones, who can already do things most 7-footers dare not dream of. He’s a gazelle in the open-court, with elite speed and mobility for a player his size. In the halfcourt, we have seen flashes of pull-up shooting and dynamic finishes from Jones. He is still a work in progress, and it will take a few years of nurturing from the developmental staff, but Jones is worth the wait. Orlando will not compete any time soon.
Jones has the upside of a legitimate All-Star. He can give Orlando the kind of franchise-changing talent that is not currently present on the roster. Defensively, Jones can switch all over the floor and wreak havoc in passing lanes, or as a rim protector. Again, it will take time, but the 20-year-old is too unique a prospect to pass up.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 6. Jonathan Kuminga, Oklahoma City Thunder
Not necessarily my favorite prospect on the board, but certainly the player with the highest ceiling, Jonathan Kuminga is OKC’s pick. The Thunder are in a position to exercise patience, so while Scottie Barnes or James Bouknight may offer more immediate production, Kuminga’s athletic profile and shot-making upside warrant investment.
Kuminga had a rocky season with the G-League Ignite, but he showcased the talent that earned him five stars coming out of high school. At 6-foot-8, he’s a brawny, physical athlete, with massive potential getting downhill and scoring through contact at the rim. He already has some nifty footwork at his disposal, while his slick ball-handling and fairly high basketball I.Q. should allow him to contribute early on, even if aspects of his game need polishing.
Defensive intensity has long been a point of focus for Kuminga, who has all the tools to become a great defender, but hasn’t always applied them. OKC would give him a runway for a lot of early reps, and he would have the chance to prove his mettle on both sides of the ball. He serves as a nice Robin to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Batman in OKC’s rebuild.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 7. Scottie Barnes, Golden State Warriors
Scottie Barnes has earned a lot of half-baked comparisons to Draymond Green, so where better to put him. Barnes is one of the best defenders in the draft, and would give Golden State another long, switchable wing on the perimeter. He also played point guard at FSU, despite his 6-foot-7 stature and limitations as a scorer.
He would not start, but Barnes would bring a lot to the second unit of a championship contender. He is a ball-mover by nature, with the ability to grab-and-go in transition, or offer complementary skills in the halfcourt. The Warriors would have two all-world shooters to position around him, and in all seriousness, there’s no better mentor for Barnes’ specific skill set than Green — if even Barnes is decidedly not Draymond Green.
The Warriors can win it all next season, and should look for prospects who can impact winning at a young age. Barnes is only 19, but he’s a well-rounded 19-year-old. He shot below 30 percent from deep last season, but his competitive streak and the scope of his overall contributions are too valuable to get hung up on a jumper that will probably improve.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 8. James Bouknight, Orlando Magic
Orlando has a couple young scoring guards in Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton, but James Bouknight may immediately overtake them as Orlando’s prize on the perimeter. He’s an electric athlete and shot-maker, with All-Star potential in a mold every modern contender needs.
The Magic have defense for days. With Jones in the mix, as well as Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke, and Markelle Fultz already in place, the Magic should have no trouble building a competitive defense. It’s the offense that must then take a step forward, and Bouknight is in a position to quickly elevate Orlando on that side of the ball.
Fultz is a great facilitator, but he has lost the scoring juice that once defined him. With Fultz picking apart defenses from the paint, and Isaac much more of a spot-up threat or straight-line driver than a go-to scorer, Bouknight’s creativity in isolation should help him find immediate purchase in Orlando’s offensive hierarchy.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 9. Alperen Sengun, Sacramento Kings
The Kings need good players. The leap to contention feels inevitable, even if the path there is somewhat obscured. De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton are too good to keep losing, so the Kings should target an immediate contributor. Alperen Sengun fits the bill, and at a position of need.
Sengun won Turkish League MVP at 18 years old. He’s a highly skilled offensive player, with the potential to run sets from the elbow and distribute the ball as a center. His high basketball I.Q., combined with an advanced post game and feather-soft touch, should give Sacramento confidence in his offense, even if his jumper needs considerable recalibration.
On defense, Sengun can move his feet well. He’s may not switch onto point guards freely, but he can navigate different forms of drop coverage, and his 240-pound frame gives him enough physicality to deter shots at the rim. Add in his elite rebounding potential, and there’s a lot to like about the young Turk.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 10. Davion Mitchell, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans need guard help, and Davion Mitchell was one of the best players in college basketball last season. The junior led Baylor to a national championship, and significantly boosted his draft stock in the process. Scouts are still torn it seems, but he’s worthy of top-10 consideration, and New Orleans would benefit from his skill set.
Eric Bledsoe is a big nothing-burger and Lonzo Ball may walk in free agency. There’s a lot to like about Kira Lewis Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, but Mitchell would arguably represent the best prospect of the bunch. He’s a dynamic perimeter shot-maker with plus instincts as a passer. He’s not an elite run-jump athlete, but he’s fleet of foot and has enough craft to survive as a go-to creator.
Mitchell’s 3-point shot feels real, despite mild concerns, and he’s a great perimeter defender within the confines of his frame (6-foot-2, 6-foot-5 wingspan). The Pelicans need to get perimeter help for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Mitchell isn’t the only solution, but he’s part of it.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 11. Franz Wagner, Charlotte Hornets
This is tremendous value for Charlotte, a team on the verge of playoff contention in the East. In reality, Charlotte should be itching for Kai Jones to fall into their lap. Pairing his open-court athleticism with LaMelo Ball is a dream scenario. Given that Jones is too good to fall in this writer’s opinion, Franz Wagner is a good conciliation prize.
Wagner is one of the more versatile, well-rounded wings in this year’s draft. He can spot-up from deep, attack closeouts, move the ball proficiently, and fit into a variety of different roles. Charlotte could use him as a small-ball four in conjunction with P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward, or use him as a more traditional wing. He and Miles Bridges would unlock a myriad of options with the reserve unit.
In addition to his offense, Wagner is an accomplished defender who can slide all over the floor. He’s a good athlete, light on his feet, and with a roughly 7-foot wingspan, he should provide another disruptive force in Charlotte’s versatile group.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 12. Keon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs’ player development under Gregg Popovich is the stuff of legend. With San Antonio finally approaching its first rebuild in two decades, it would make sense to gamble on the highest-upside player left. That is Keon Johnson, who some would argue is the draft’s top athlete.
Johnson already does a lot of good things on the floor. Aside from his acrobatics at the rim, he’s a versatile, high-energy defender with the speed of a cheetah and a 6-foot-7 wingspan. He can hound the point of attack, or fruitfully play free safety. He, Derrick White, and Dejounte Murray would make quite the defensive trio.
On offense, Johnson’s athleticism should naturally yield some production. He can slip backdoor for lobs, or beat closeouts with his explosive first step. That said, the swing skill for Johnson is his jumper. If he can consistently extend his range beyond the NBA 3-point line, then San Antonio has a potential steal.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 13. Corey Kispert, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers could lose Doug McDermott to free agency. There’s not a more natural replacement than Corey Kispert, who played a key role in Gonzaga’s run to the national championship game. Indiana is trying to win now, so it makes sense to target an immediate contributor.
Kispert’s bread and butter is his 3-point stroke, which rivals (and probably exceeds) just about every name on the board. He’s a dynamic off-ball shooter, with a knack for off-balance shots and moving without the basketball. That said, he is not only a 3-point shooter. Expect well-timed cuts, snappy passes, and a healthy dose of one or two-dribble pull-ups or straight-line drives.
On defense, Kispert’s lack of elite athleticism is compensated for by great competitiveness and a sturdy 6-foot-6 frame. He won’t lock anyone up, but he knows where to be, and does his best to disrupt the point of attack.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 14. Chris Duarte, Golden State Warriors
Chris Duarte is 24, making him the oldest projected first-round pick. That shouldn’t dissuade Golden State, a team very much prepared to win now. Duarte gives them another shooter in the second unit, as well as a heady passer and defender at 6-foot-6.
The Warriors’ backcourt is as strong as any in the league, but neither Stephen Curry nor Klay Thompson are far removed from lingering injuries. Also, the bench was painfully short on shooting last season. Thompson’s return will alleviate a lot of Golden State’s offensive kinks, but having used the No. 7 pick on a non-spacer, it’s wise to use this pick on a shooter.
Duarte plays a smart, tough brand of basketball. He doesn’t domineer possessions and would have no trouble fitting into the Warriors’ movement-heavy offense. He’s good enough to earn a rotation spot right away.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 15. Moses Moody, Washington Wizards
The Wizards’ roster is a mess, with no clear direction beyond Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook, and vein playoff aspirations. For as long as Beal is there, the Wizards owe it to him to try and get better. Moses Moody is a day-one contributor who complements Washington’s core duo.
A quintessential 3-and-D wing, Moody does a lot of what teams look for in secondary and tertiary contributors. He’s a great standstill shooter, a smart, unselfish player, and a physical defender. He is 6-foot-6 and 211 pounds with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, providing a great deal of positional versatility.
Moody can guard all over the floor, and he does so with great intensity. He’s not much of an on-ball scorer yet, but Moody’s spot-up jumper, one-dribble pull-ups, and upside as a finisher are enough to keep him productive in Washington’s current setup.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 16. Jalen Johnson, Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC chases upside once again, this time in the form of oft-lambasted Duke product Jalen Johnson. After leaving the Blue Devils midseason, there have been rumblings of spotty background checks. That means absolutely nothing to me unless there’s something substantial reported, and his decision to leave Duke was perfectly justifiable. He’s a good player, and one who could thrive in OKC.
Johnson has lottery talent on paper. He’s an electric 6-foot-9 athlete with tantalizing open-court playmaking chops. He is unselfish in nature, with a game geared toward the benefit of others. He can also score with finesse at the rim. The one concern, of course, is his jumper. Defenses will sit back and dare him to shoot, but OKC can afford to let him grow over time.
If Johnson can get the jumper in tune, he has All-Star upside. His defense should also look even better in the NBA than it did at Duke. He moves his feet on the perimeter, has the strength to battle bigs in the post, and possesses above-average instincts when playing free safety. He will need to get better as a scorer, but OKC will put him in a position to run-and-gun.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 17. Josh Giddey, Memphis Grizzlies
This is a potential steal for Memphis, as Josh Giddey is almost universally pegged as a lottery talent. Even I have him in that range, but with team needs as they are, Giddey slips. This may not even be the best fit, but he’s too good, with too much promise, not to tempt the Grizzlies.
Giddey is a traditional point guard in a small forward’s body. He’s a slender and slick 6-foot-8 athlete, with the capacity to change speeds on a dime. He can peer over the top of the defense, and he’s a daring passer. The big question, not uncommon in this range of the draft, is Giddey’s jumper. He has soft touch and workable mechanics, but the consistency isn’t there yet.
There are valid concerns about Giddey’s defense, and whether he’s athletic and strong enough to hold his own on that end. Even so, he’s a great decision-maker and would give the Grizzlies another smart ball-mover to play off of or behind Ja Morant.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 18. Sharife Cooper, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Kemba Walker era should be temporary in OKC, meaning point guard is still a position of relative uncertainty. Theo Maledon showed promise last season, but he’s not really a long-term starter next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Or, he doesn’t seem to be yet. Sharife Cooper can infuse OKC’s backcourt with high-level facilitating and shot-making upside.
The 6-foot-4 Cooper flew far too under the radar at times last season, not getting the credit he deserves as a top-20 prospect. He is one of the best passers in the draft — a dynamic pick-and-roll guard, with eyes in the back of his head and a true point guard’s mentality.
Cooper’s next step will involve growth as a scorer. He can finish with touch inside and he’s athletic enough to survive, but the 3-point shot is wobbly. Until he can pose a consistent threat from deep, defenses will play the pass and wall off the lane.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 19. Tre Mann, New York Knicks
The Knicks need shooting and playmaking, both of which Tre Mann can provide. He’s not a great athlete, and relies more on being slippery than explosive, but he’s a long-range threat with plenty of confidence scoring on step-backs and pull-ups.
Last season ended quicker than New York fans would have liked because of a dearth of perimeter creation. Julius Randle was locked up the entire first round, and Derrick Rose was left to carry a burden that far exceeded his skill set. There’s a path to minutes next season for Mann, and he would surely take advantage.
Defense is not Mann’s strongest point, and frankly, that may dissuade the Knicks, who abide pretty strongly by the Tom Thibodeau ethos of “play defense and worry about the rest later.” That said, as someone who needs not abide by that ethos in this article, Mann is the pick.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 20. Cameron Thomas, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are the deepest team in the NBA, with arguably the deepest young core. That makes it a perfect situation for Cameron Thomas, who is among the most gifted pure scorers in the draft. He would get to learn from both the Trae Young and Lou Williams schools of guard play, and not have too much forced on his plate at a young age.
There’s no doubt Thomas can contribute in year one, and do so with success. That said, he’s not the best decision-maker. He can fall into bad habits as a scorer, whether it be tough contested jumpers or simple ignorance as a passer. The Hawks are deep and team-oriented, meaning Thomas can play a defined role on a short leash. That’s probably best for his development.
In the end, Thomas is a better prospect than 20 would suggest and he’s a nice bridge to the future as Lou Williams, Danilo Gallinari, and the Hawks’ second-unit scorers get older. He would join a talented young team on the verge of big things.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 21. Jaden Springer, New York Knicks
Another pick, another guard. Elfird Payton and Frank Ntilikina are cooked, and Rose is not far behind if we’re to believe in Father Time. Immanuel Quickley can only do so much, and with Jaden Springer, the Knicks add more of a glue piece to coalesce the high-scoring tendencies of Quickly and the previously picked Mann.
Springer does play defense, and he’s the type of hard-working, team-oriented player who would no doubt fall into Thibs’ circle of favorites early on. For New York, this offseason really is about boosting the perimeter. The center rotation should work itself out, while Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett are both great downhill players. The Knicks need guards to even things out.
This is a great landing spot for Springer. He can contribute to a playoff team while focusing on his strengths (defense, spot-up shooting, ball-moving) and cultivating his weaknesses. He wouldn’t need to put on the guise of a traditional point guard, or carry an undue shot-creating burden. He would simply fill in the holes of a young Knicks backcourt.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 22. Jared Butler, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers get instant offense and a lift at the point guard position, which could get dangerously thin if Dennis Schroder decides to chase greener pastures. Jared Butler was one of the best guards in college basketball, and having been recently cleared to play after a heart condition threatened his career, he should have no shortage of first-round suitors.
Butler can play on or off-ball, with the kind of volume-shooting upside that should satisfy the Lakers. LeBron James will absolve him of any high-level playmaking burden, but his experience (and the Lakers’ thin backcourt) would give him a chance to contribute from day one.
In addition to his scoring and ball-handling, Butler does the little things well, too. He hustles and defends the point of attack effectively, even if his 6-foot-3 frame is a natural inhibitor. The Lakers have size to spare, though, and Butler is the exact kind of prospect contenders (and NBA stars with influence over a franchise) love.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 23. Ziaire Williams, Houston Rockets
The Rockets should swing for upside, upside, and more upside, with no real hurry to contend. Evan Mobley can anchor both ends of the floor, but Ziaire Williams provides some juice on the perimeter. Kevin Porter Jr. flourished with Houston last season, but color me skeptical as far as his future in the No. 1-scoring role. Williams is not that — a No. 1 scorer — but he has the potential to become one, if things break right.
Williams’ freshman season at Stanford was derailed by injuries and inconsistency alike. The five-star recruit was once considered a top-10 lock, but is now primed to fall into Houston’s lap. If he does, he still has all the tools that made him a beloved prospect in high school — silky 6-foot-9 frame with a smooth jump shot and tantalizing athletic potential.
If Williams can boost his efficiency and master the pull-up game, his size alone will make him a difficult player to stop. He can handle the ball on the perimeter, and he’s not a bad passer. He’s not ready to carry the burden of a lead scorer, but the base-level tools are there. Houston has time to plant seeds and let them grow.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 24. Usman Garuba, Houston Rockets
On Sunday, in Spain’s pre-Olympic scrimmage against Team USA, Usman Garuba spent time guarding Kevin Durant. That speaks to his defensive potential, and more importantly, his present defensive ability. He is already a lockdown on-ball defender, with the length and agility to guard all over the floor.
At 6-foot-8, 230 pounds, Garuba’s versatility should attract several teams on draft night. He has the bulk and the fight to contend with bigs on the block, and the switchability to saunter out to the perimeter and contain guards at the point of attack. Garuba’s motor runs unceasingly, and he will not lack for hustle. He would be an immediate fan favorite in Houston.
The offense needs a lot of work, and Garuba’s limitations as a shooter and ball-handler will cap his production early on, but he’s too good a defender to drop much further than this. His energy and defense alone should keep him in the league.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 25. Isaiah Todd, LA Clippers
The Clippers strike on the upside of a former five-star recruit in Isaiah Todd, who spent last season with potential top-5 picks Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga on the G-League Ignite team. While Todd experienced his share of struggles, he is still a first-round talent.
Reggie Jackson may have outpriced himself in free agency, while Rajon Rondo is not very good. The Clippers could use some offense in the second unit. Todd is not a point guard — he’s a wing, standing 6-foot-10 with springboard athleticism and wiry arms — but he’s a gifted above-rim finisher and shooter, who can immediately give the Clippers’ a scoring boost in the second unit.
It may take time for Todd to fully unlock his skill set in the NBA, and he will have to show more focus on defense to truly crack LA’s rotation in year one. That said, the Clippers have Paul George and (when healthy) Kawhi Leonard, who can remove any outsized playmaking burden from Todd’s plate. He can focus on slashing and shooting and using his athleticism where it’s needed. The Clippers’ recent track record with player development makes Todd an especially strong fit.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 26. Trey Murphy III, Denver Nuggets
It’s pretty simple. Trey Murphy is a 6-foot-9 wing who hit over 40 percent of his 3s in college. The Nuggets could use more size on the wing, especially as Michael Porter Jr. figures out the defensive side of ball. Murphy is mostly a spot-up shooter, but few players serve up more open looks to teammates than Nikola Jokic.
This is a steep fall for Murphy, and frankly, he probably won’t drop this far on draft night. If he does, then Denver gets an excellent complementary talent who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. His release is a thing of beauty, and his relative inadequacy off-the-dribble would matter very little in context of Denver’s offense and roster. He simply needs to move, pass, and shoot, all of which he can do.
Depth was a slight issue for Denver last season, and especially in the postseason. Will Barton could leave in free agency, and there’s an urgency to start winning at the highest level, lest the reigning MVP get antsy. Murphy can help a winning team right away.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 27. Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
At full strength, there’s not much stopping the Nets’ offense. There’s no “need” for a traditional center in Brooklyn. If all is well health-wise, the Nets are title favorites, and I’m not racing to bet on the challengers. Even so, it’s nice to have options. With DeAndre Jordan in the twilight of his productive career, Day’Ron Sharpe can give Brooklyn another big body to cultivate.
Sharpe is one of the most formidable rebounders and rim protectors in this draft. He’s a hulking 6-foot-11 big, with the strength to wage battle in the post, and the nimbleness to play high up against the pick-and-roll in a modern defensive scheme. He hustles and is fairly fleet of foot, given his physical profile. There’s a lot to like.
On offense, Sharpe will not space the floor, but he’s a smart, willing passer with obvious potential rolling to the rim and pounding it inside. He gives the Nets another flavor of big man next to Blake Griffin and Nic Claxton, which is reasonable value this late in the first round.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — Miles McBride, Philadelphia 76ers
The 6-foot-3 Miles McBride has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is one of the best defensive guards in the class. Philadelphia’s guard depth remains a point of weakness, with Tyrese Maxey, George Hill, and Seth Curry still not providing enough juice in the backcourt. The solution is a bonafide All-Star, but in the short-term, someone with McBride’s skill set could function nicely.
McBride would join the Sixers’ bench unit and infuse it with absolute chaos on the defensive end. He is a true spectacle at the point of attack, using his gaping wingspan to swallow ball-handlers and force them out of rhythm. If the Sixers are to trade Ben Simmons, another great point-of-attack defender could become even more useful.
On offense, McBride hit over 41 percent of his 3s last season. He’s a smart passer and generally instinctual player, who would benefit from the situation in Philly, where other guards can help run the offense. McBride doesn’t have the genes of a go-to scorer, but he would give the Sixers a lot in that second unit.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 29. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Phoenix Suns
The Suns could use some size and versatility in the second unit, with Dario Saric tearing his ACL in the Finals and Torrey Craig on the verge of free agency. Championship or not, the Suns will be right back in the mix next season. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has the DNA of a day-one contributor.
Like most Villanova products, Robinson-Earl understands his role and how to thrive within it. He’s not explosive, nor will he carry the offense, but he’s like oil in the engine. He makes everything run smoother, from spot-up 3s, to timely screens, to off-ball movement. Robinson-Earl is a role player by trade, and this late in the draft, you’re not looking for superstars.
At 6-foot-8, Robinson-Earl has a 242-pound frame that offers him a great deal of versatility. He could fit into a variety of frontcourt roles with Phoenix, depending on Saric’s health, the evolution of last year’s lottery pick Jalen Smith, and any number of other factors.
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 30. JT Thor, Utah Jazz
The Jazz are in a fascinating position and would benefit from a real stopper on the perimeter. That said, no one in this range fits that mold, and the best prospect on the board is JT Thor, who may overlap somewhat with other players on the roster.
In the end, Thor is a long-term project for Utah. He’s not helping Utah over the hump next season, but he’s an alluring frontcourt option with a skill set and athletic profile indicative of a potentially dynamic contributor down the line. The 6-foot-9 Thor can switch screens and defend all over the court — especially interesting in Utah, given the lack of schematic adaptability last season. That upside as a do-it-all defender is what gets him picked.
On offense, Thor is still T.B.D. He has flashes of success from 3-point range, and he’s a springy athlete with the capacity to finish above the rim, but he’s too raw to contribute consistently right away. He coughs the ball up, can’t really dribble, and needs some time to put the pieces together.