2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 10. Davion Mitchell, Baylor
Davion Mitchell ended his junior year on the highest possible note, sending shockwaves through the NBA Draft circuit. Once an afterthought behind Jared Butler, he is now the Bears’ premier prospect, and a potential top-10 pick. Evaluators seem split on just how much credit to give a late bloomer like Mitchell, but count me among those confident in his NBA upside.
At 6-foot-2, Mitchell will have to overcome the size disparity. He’s more of a natural off-guard, but has enough playmaking instincts to effectively run the offense. Ideally, he goes to a team like New Orleans or Golden State, with other guards and playmaking vehicles on the roster. That said, Mitchell can score from anywhere on the floor, and he’s a great defender in spite of his size. He will make his presence felt on both ends, and compete at a very high level from day one.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 9. Alperen Sengun, Beşiktaş
A Turkish League MVP at 18 years old, Alperen Sengun enters the NBA Draft with an impressive resume. He has the skill set of a potential offensive hub at the five. He can facilitate from the elbow, and he’s already a hyper-skilled scorer in the paint. If he can continue expanding the range of his jumper, which looks promising, Sengun should have no trouble in the modern NBA.
Defense is more of a concern, but Sengun isn’t a bad athlete. At 6-foot-11, 240 pounds, he has enough foot speed to play high up against the pick-and-roll without giving up the lob every time. He’s not a rim protector in the traditional sense, but he has enough strength to battle on the block, and he’s a great rebounder.