2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 8. Jonathan Kuminga, G-League Ignite
Jonathan Kuminga has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. If he can put the pieces together, then slotting him No. 8 will probably look stupid. That said, for all the flashes of brilliance last season, Kuminga spent much of the G-League season struggling to adjust. He’s only 18, but he is no longer in a position where he can rely solely on sheer physical dominance to produce.
At 6-foot-8, Kuminga’s slick handles and shot-making upside make him an easy top-10 pick, and worthy of consideration as high as four or five. He would do well in a patient situation, where he can gradually develop his base skill set without being thrust into an outsized role that feeds into bad habits or prevents him from focusing on fundamentals. First and foremost, he needs to get the 3-point shot figured out.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 7. James Bouknight, UConn
James Bouknight is one of the most gifted perimeter scorers in this year’s draft. He’s a springboard athlete, with acrobatic finishes, a deadly first-step, and a wide array of go-to moves off the dribble. He can elevate over defenders for the jump shot, or blow by them and finish above the rim. Bouknight already gets to the free-throw line a lot, and he has the DNA of a go-to creator.
That said, Bouknight will need to improve as a facilitator. He’s not bad a reading the floor, but he can force the issue at times, leading to sloppy turnovers or ill-advised shot attempts. He also shot 29.3 percent from deep last season. I’m a believer in the jump shot, but he will need to prove it from NBA range.