The 2021 NBA Draft will take place on July 29. With just over a week until the festivities begin and a new rookie class is made official, it’s time to release our annual big board. This is a ranking of the top 60 prospects on the board, with no attention paid to team fit.
If you would prefer a mock draft, where projections and predictions are made, you can read our latest installment here.
Over the next week, expect more draft content from the whole team here at The Sixer Sense, culminating in a comprehensive NBA Draft Guide before the big day. We hope you enjoy!
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 60. Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall
A wacky, unique big man who may or may not be able to defend at the NBA level, Sandro Mamukelashvili has enough offensive intrigue to warrant a second-round flier. In his senior year at Seton Hall, the 6-foot-11 center averaged 17.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 33.6 percent from deep.
The Georgia native can do a lot of things reasonably well on offense. He can dribble up the floor, make consistent reads as a passer, and hit pull-up jumpers out to the 3-point line. He has real potential as a sort of modern, jack-of-all-trades big. That said, if he can’t defend, none of that will matter.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 59. Moses Wright, Georgia Tech
A tough 6-foot-9 center who led Georgia Tech above and beyond expectations in his final season, Moses Wright has earned a chance at the next level. He’s only 6-foot-9, which is small given his reliance on bruising physicality, but he’s an efficient rim-runner with a white-hot motor on the defensive end.
Wright will defend and rebound his butt off, and while the offense isn’t particularly polished, he can play above the rim and make easy shots when the ball is delivered to him on the block. He averaged 17.4 points and 8.0 rebounds as a senior, winning ACC Player of the Year.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 58. Jericho Sims, Texas
Not many players tested better than Jericho Sims at the NBA Combine. He’s a freak athlete, listed at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and unearthly leaping ability. It was easy for him to get lost in the shuffle of bigs at Texas, even as a starter, but he’s a good enough athlete to warrant (and likely earn) a second-round selection.
Sims is not very gifted in the skill department, but he can run and jump with the best of them. He provides immediate value as a play finisher and rim protractor. He fights hard on the glass, has no shortage of muscle on his frame, and should compete for a roster spot in the NBA.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 57. Jose Alvarado, Georgia Tech
The heart and soul of Georgia Tech, Jose Alvarado has the makings of a bench guard who can stick around. He’s not a particularly impressive athlete at 6-foot, and he’s already 23 years old, but he’s an elite point-of-attack defender who can pester ball-handlers and throw offenses out of rhyhthm.
He averaged a respectable 15.2 points and 4.1 assists in Tech’s run to the NCAA tournament, and hit 39.0 percent of his 3s as a senior. In a league where small defensive guards have found purchase before — T.J. McConnell, Patrick Beverley, Jevon Carter — Alvarado has a chance to make a roster.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 56. Yves Pons, Tennessee
After four years lingering on the outskirts of draft boards, Yves Pons will finally enter the NBA ranks this month. He’s no guarantee to get selected, but the 6-foot-6 forward is truly one of the draft’s unique athletes. His trampoline legs and strong frame are enough to get him noticed, even if he’s not much more than an athlete.
Pons will get ignored offensively until he can prove his 3-point shot deserves more than ignorance. That said, he shot 78.9 percent from the free-throw line as a senior, which could indicate positive growth. His calling card is defense, and he has all the tools of a great wing defender. He was SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 — now he just needs to figure out what to do offensively.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 55. Luka Garza, Iowa
The 2021 AP Player of the Year and Wooden Award winner, Luka Garza was the consensus best player in college basketball last season. That doesn’t always translate to NBA success — and there are plenty of reasons to doubt his future at the next level — but he’s a skilled enough big, with enough productivity under his belt, to get looks in the second round.
Garza shot 44.0 percent on 3.2 attempts per game from deep last season. He can stretch the floor, or use his massive 6-foot-11, 265-pound frame to dance around the post for buckets inside. He’s a skilled scorer and passer, but will need to prove he can defend against NBA athletes.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 54. Dashien Nix, G-League Ignite
Probably the least talked about of the G-League Ignite prospects, Dashien Nix struggled to deliver on first-round chatter last season. He’s a strong-bodied guard at 6-foot-3, with upside as a powerful downhill finisher and creator, but his shortcomings are too great to overlook.
Nix is not a consistent 3-point shooter, which means teams will happily play the pass and goad him into mistakes. Unfortunately, mistakes are a common part of Nix’s game, as he attempts ill-advised passes and turns the ball over at an alarming clip. His physical tools and passing upside warrant a second-round pick, but he has a long way to go.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 53. Rokas Jokubaitis, Zalgiris Kaunas
Rokas Jokubaitis will have to prove he’s an NBA athlete, but at 6-foot-4, he has some convincing guard skills. What he lacks in athleticism, Jokubaitis makes up for with craft. He can change speeds on a dime, using slick dribble moves to free up space and evade defenders. He’s also a crafty passer who understands how to manipulate a defense.
As a scorer, Jokubaitis should find his way. He doesn’t have an elite first step, or the athleticism to explode past defenders, but he’s a confident finisher with 3-point shooting upside. He can get by on feel and skill, but there’s always the nagging question of whether that’s enough.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 52. Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine
3-and-D. It’s the wing archetype every team strives to find, in some form or another. The only problem for Kessler Edwards is that he is only 3-and-D. He doesn’t have much juice as a ball-handler, and his offense comes almost entirely from tough jumpers and 3s. That can work, but it does put a cap on his upside. He was a career 39.5 percent 3-point shooter at Pepperdine.
On the other end, Edwards has a long, nimble 6-foot-8 frame with the potential to provide real impact defense on the wing. He’s switchable, aware, and energized. He’s not an elite run-jump guy, but he has the strength and mobility to defend at a high level. That should get him drafted.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 51. Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
Once a five-star recruit, Charles Bassey has fallen a long way from top-5 projections and premature coronations. That said, three seasons at Western Kentucky have kept Bassey on the NBA radar. He imposed his will against lower-level competition, and has the raw physical tools to garner interest at the next level.
Bassey is listed at 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He takes up a lot of space inside, whether it’s protecting the rim on defense, or finishing plays on offense. Bassey blocked 3.1 shots a night last season, and has the motor to succeed at the next level. His 3-point shot is rough around the edges, and he won’t defend in space at a high level, but Bassey has enough athleticism and pedigree to get picked.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 50. Dalano Banton, Nebraska
Dalano Banton has been rising up boards lately, and it’s not hard to understand why. A 6-foot-9 point guard by trade, Banton blends length and skill in a manner that will surely intrigue NBA teams. He’s a string bean and will need to adjust to NBA physicality, but the upside warrants second round consideration.
The jumper is a point of concern, and Banton wasn’t an efficient scorer at Nebraska, but he’s a skilled passer with a unique vantage point, making advanced reads and distributing the ball unselfishly. His potential as a big ball-mover puts him on the map. If he can figure out the scoring, he becomes a real NBA talent.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 49. Greg Brown, Texas
Some would argue Greg Brown is the best pure athlete on the board. He struggled to find consistency in his freshman year at Texas, but the 6-foot-8 forward has all the physical tools needed to survive (and even thrive) at the next level. Whoever drafts him, however, will have to view it as a multi-year project — one that will probably start in the G-League.
Due to his bounce and long reach, Brown’s most consistent offensive contributions will come at the rim. He’s a solid lob threat, with the potential to develop into a reliable roll man. If he can improve his handle and add more skill on the perimeter, then he becomes a complete mismatch in a small-ball four role. One step at a time, though. Brown can also wreak havoc on defense, but that havoc isn’t always good. He’s just as likely to commit a boneheaded foul as he is to make a highlight block. There’s a lot to look forward too, but do not expect instant production.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 48. Aaron Henry, Michigan
At 6-foot-6, Aaron Henry brings versatility on the wing, which in and of itself is enough to attract eyeballs in the second round. Henry can defend multiple positions, while his improvement as a shooter — capped by a red-hot finish to the season — has left him firmly on NBA radars.
Henry still needs to prove his 3-point stroke at the NBA level. He can hit shots comfortably inside the arc, and his playmaking upside was on full display as a junior. That said, if he can’t hit shots consistently behind the NBA line, then it will cap his upside offensively. In the end, he projects reasonably well as a role player.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 47. Filip Petrusev, Mega Soccerbet
A former Gonzaga player who went overseas and won Adriatic League MVP, there’s a lot to like about Filip Petrusev as a potential draft-and-stash option. The 6-foot-11 big man has range on his jumper, as well as soft touch inside. He should have no trouble finding his spots and scoring at the next level, whether it’s facing up, picking and popping, or getting reps in the post.
Filling out his frame will go a long way toward establishing Petrusev as a legitimate NBA defender. He moves well enough, and has a generally high I.Q., but could get overpowered by stronger bigs inside. He isn’t an elite athlete in general, but the skill level makes Petrusev a virtual lock in the second round.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 46. Neemias Queta, Utah State
Neemias Queta is a large human being. He’s listed at roughly 6-foot-11, 248 pounds and built like a cement truck. He wields a 7-foot-4 wingspan in the paint, and has some upside as a shot-blocker and play finisher because of it.
While slow-footed, traditional bigs have gone out of style, Queta has enough in his toolkit to catch the eye of NBA teams. He can finish with touch inside, and he’s a hard worker, never lagging behind in transition or falling asleep on defense. Queta will run the floor, make himself available, and take up a lot of space at the rim. He’s worth a look in the second round.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 45. Isaiah Livers, Michigan
A foot injury knocked Isaiah Livers out of the Big Ten tournament, but when healthy, he has the definite makings of an NBA player. Livers shot over 41 percent from deep for his career at Michigan, and at 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, he has a projectable frame on the defensive end.
Livers should get by on the strength of his 3-and-D trademarks alone. He shoots an easy ball, he plays with a high basketball I.Q., and he competes hard. Livers will defend multiple positions, and he averaged 6.0 rebounds per game last season. It’s not hard to predict success at the next level, health permitting.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 44. Quentin Grimes, Houston
Once a flashy recruit committed to Kansas, it took a transfer and a couple years at Houston for Quentin Grimes to reassert himself as an NBA prospect. A strong performance at the Combine seems to be shifting Grimes up, up, and up on draft boards, to the point where he’s even cracking the first round in some mocks.
While I am not entirely sold on Grimes as a first-round pick, he does provide one elite NBA skill — shooting. NBA teams need shooters like a man needs oxygen, so Grimes’ ability to fill it up from deep, both off the dribble and off the catch, will surely get him noticed. If he can continue to grow as a passer and secondary ball-handler, then yeah, he could approach first-round value.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 43. Juhann Begarin, Paris Basketball
A high-flying athlete who pops on tape, Juhann Begarin is very clearly cut from NBA cloth. He can soar down the lane for dunks, make impressive weak-side blocks, or just leave his defender in the dust. With a rangy 6-foot-5 frame and a strong feel for playmaking, he has the touchstones of a good NBA guard.
The next step for Begarin is improving his jumper, which is largely inconsistent and in need of mechanical changes. He doesn’t lack confidence as a shooter — he goes to his pull-up mid-ranger quite often, with varying degrees of success — but the shot itself is not great, and he does lack a certain self-awareness. He needs to get smarter on both ends to maximize his clear potential.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 42. Austin Reaves, Oklahoma
A five-year college player who spent two seasons with Wichita State and two seasons with Oklahoma with a redshirt in between, Austin Reaves has the DNA of a productive backup guard. He’s a nifty playmaker with, at times, absurd shot-making confidence. He plays with heart, and was a big source of offense for the Sooners.
Reaves’ limited athleticism is a concern. He plays firmly below the rim, and lacks explosiveness off the dribble. He could have trouble generating space against NBA defenders. Even so, he’s a great pull-up shooter with a misleading 3-point percentage that will surely improve in the NBA. He’s good value as soon as the second round commences.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 41. Herbert Jones, Alabama
A versatile 6-foot-6 wing who can hang his hat on defense, Herbert Jones should have no shortage of suitors in the second round. He can defend all over the floor, with enough lateral quickness to stifle guards, and the length to combat bigger wings. He combines that with a smart, well-rounded approach to offense, even if he suffers from a few key limitations.
Jones can handle the ball in spurts, with an impressive passing acumen and real upside as an explosive finisher around the basket. He can move the ball, and move without it, thriving in a glue-guy role. That said, his rigid shooting stroke is easy for defenses to ignore, which can throw a wrench into some of his possessions.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 40. Josh Christopher, Arizona State
Josh Christopher is an electric 6-foot-5 guard who has, by all indications, impressed during the pre-draft process. He showed flashes at Arizona State, too, with rim-rocking finishes, a penchant for hitting difficult shots, and real eyebrow-raising plays on defense. If he puts the pieces together, Christopher can succeed at the level of a first-round pick.
That said, he does need to put the pieces together. His jumper is a mess, with hot streaks and cold spells and rampant inconsistency. He can fall back a little too much on difficult shots, and he has never been the most team-oriented player. He has to prove he can elevate teammates, as well as himself.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 39. Joel Ayayi, Gonzaga
Gonzaga has become a hotbed for smart, well-rounded players with NBA upside. Next in line is Joel Ayayi, who spent much of his career in the shadow of Corey Kispert, Jalen Suggs, and the like. He’s a real NBA talent in his own right, with a versatile offensive skill set and the capacity to defend either guard spot.
Ayayi is the perfect complementary guard. He’s not a point guard, and he’s not going to run the offense, but he does all the little things. He makes timely cuts, he makes quick decisions, and he does everything in his power to smooth out possessions. He shoots the 3 well enough, and his high basketball I.Q. is an immediate draw for contenders looking for a day-one contributor in the second round.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 38. Joe Wieskamp, Iowa
Joe Wieskamp is possibly the best shooter on the board. He converted 46.2 percent of his 3s last season, and did so as a fulcrum of Iowa’s offense next to Luka Garza. That said, what Wieskamp provides as far as secondary skills is somewhat underwhelming. He is mostly a shooter, but that’s fine. It’s probably enough for him to stick around.
NBA teams, again, love shooting. Wieskamp will hit a healthy volume of 3s at a 40 percent clip and not blink. It’s in his DNA as a player. He’s not a great defender at 6-foot-6, and he’s limited athletically by NBA standards, but the shot is wet. That is that.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 37. David Johnson, Louisville
A 6-foot-5 guard who works hard on defense, David Johnson should cut it as a role player at the next level. Johnson has the length to contain the point of attack, the awareness to play free safety, and the hustle to consistently impose his will on the game.
Offensively, there are more question marks. Johnson is a smart passer, with advanced instincts and comfort operating out of the pick-and-roll, but defenses rightfully do not buy the 3-point shot. That, combined with mild turnover concerns, will keep some NBA teams at bay. If you believe his shot will come around, however, then he’s draftable as early as the 20s.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 36. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Villanova
Someone who inspires a lot of confidence as a role player, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should stick around at the next level. He doesn’t have much upside — he’s too heavy-footed — but for teams seeking a useful, plug-and-play role player late in the first round or early in the second round, then the Villanova prospect is a natural fit.
At 6-foot-8, Robinson-Earl can provide some level of positional versatility in spite of his athletic shortcomings. He possesses a high basketball I.Q. and great self-awareness. He knows his strengths and plays to them, always within the context of his team’s system. He can hit spot-up 3s, make timely cuts to the rim, and provide some playmaking from the elbow.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 35. Brandon Boston Jr., Kentucky
Before the season, a lot of people had Brandon Boston projected in the top five. He struggled mightily at Kentucky, and there’s reason to believe he may fall flat on his face again at the next level. That said, it’s rare to get a raw talent of his caliber in the second round (or even late in the first round), which could be enough justification to take the plunge and hope you strike gold.
Boston’s NBA prospects have always rested on perimeter shot-making. He was very inconsistent in that department at UK, but with a wiry 6-foot-7 frame and plenty of flashes offensively, there’s enough to persuade a team to invest in his pedigree. If the shots start falling and he continues to grow as a decision-maker, Boston could seriously outperform his inevitable draft slot.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 34. Jason Preston, Ohio
Former FanSided writer and potential first-round sleeper Jason Preston rocketed up draft boards after a strong showing in the NCAA tournament. He’s one of the smartest players on the board, and that alone is reason to believe he can figure out the NBA. Preston posted impressive shooting splits as a junior, and he was one of college basketball’s most creative passers.
Preston has the playmaking juice to run the show at the next level. He’s not a great athlete at 6-foot-4, and defense is a major drawback, but his I.Q. and court vision are too tantalizing to rank him lower than this. He should get looks in the first round.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 33. Day’Ron Sharpe, North Carolina
With throwback size and physicality at 6-foot-11, Day’Ron Sharpe will no doubt earn looks in the first round. He has the size to battle the Joel Embiids of the world on the block, but is agile enough to defend high up against the pick-and-roll. His motor runs white-hot, he’s a vacuum on the glass, and his shot-blocking upside is worth getting excited about.
On offense, Sharpe will serve almost exclusively as a rim-runner. He can finish with power at the rim, but bigs who are not switchable and who can’t space the floor have natural limitations. Sharpe should be a good defender, but to proclaim elite upside is overstating it. That said, his decision-making on offense is pretty advanced for a 7-footer. He won’t muck up possessions, and can do some facilitating out of DHOs or from the elbow.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 32. Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky
Isaiah Jackson’s freshman season at Kentucky was no smooth ride, but in the end, he did what was necessary to earn a first-round projection from most plugged-in sources. Teams in the market for a center don’t have too many options outside the lottery, so Jackson will naturally have suitors. At 6-foot-10, he’s a springy athlete with clear two-way potential.
Already, Jackson should find ways to contribute offensively, either as a pick-and-roll big, or out in transition. He can explode for finishes at the rim, and he gets plenty of easy second-chance points as a result of his hustle. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Jackson also carries a great deal of upside defensively. The next step is polishing the fundamentals and adding weight to his slender 206-pound frame.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 31. Joshua Primo, Alabama
The 18-year-old Joshua Primo is the youngest player on the board. He performed well at the Combine, and despite a fairly limited role at Alabama, should have immediate utility in the NBA. A lot of the upside talk around him is projection — he was less than a tertiary option for much of the season at Alabama — but, at his core, he’s an elite shooter and active defender. There’s clearly a market for him.
Primo plays the game with a high I.Q., and there’s reason to believe he can grow over time given how young he is. He will likely get drafted to a contender, meaning he won’t need to adjust to a bigger role right away, and his 6-foot-6 frame makes for some positional versatility. He’s a name to watch in the first round.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 30. Nah’Shon Hyland, VCU
The Immanuel Quickley vibes are impossible to ignore. Nah’Shon Hyland is a bucket — a gifted pure shooter, who happens to possess great speed. He can blow past defenders off the catch, and can weaponize that elite first step consistently given his proficiency from deep. Hyland also has a deft pull-up game, and slick handles to keep defenders reeling.
For Hyland, the next step is expanding the rest of his game. He can shoot and score with most players in this class, but he’s somewhat one-dimensional at times, and would benefit from an increased awareness of teammates and team construct. If he can become a consistent playmaker, then his eventual team will be extremely satisfied.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 29. Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois
Ayo Dosunmu was one of the best guards in college basketball last season, averaging 20.1 points on 48.8 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from deep. He’s a shifty downhill driver, with ambitious passing chops and a strong feel for the game. He lacks elite athleticism, but has good size for either guard spot at 6-foot-5, and should provide some defensive versatility as a result.
Getting his 3-point stroke hammered out is the next step. He shot well from deep last season, but a low release point leaves questions as to how well Dosunmu’s jumper will hold up in the NBA. If he can improve as a pull-up shooter and solve some of his turnover issues, then Dosunmu is a solid first round bet. Of note is his work ethic, which is constantly referenced with optimism.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 28. Jared Butler, Baylor
Jared Butler was one of the best guards in college basketball, leading Baylor to a national championship as half of the Bears’ dynamic two-pronged backcourt. He is not a particularly great athlete at 6-foot-3, but Butler’s confident shot-making and veteran disposition will make him a quick fit in the NBA.
Last season, Butler scored efficiently at every level, hitting 41.6 percent of his 3s and showing promise as a physical driver who’s willing to absorb contact at the rim. He can play on or off the ball, and despite his small frame, is a pesky point-of-attack defender who will hold his ground on that end. He’s tailor-made to join a contender and contribute right away.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 27. JT Thor, Auburn
The Auburn freshman will be viewed as a long-term project, but even so, JT Thor’s tools make it hard not to get excited. He’s a tremendous athlete at 6-foot-9, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He can defend adequately on the perimeter, or weaponize his length as a rim protector. His main upside lies on defense, where if things break right, he should one day be able to guard all over the floor.
On offense, there’s reason for optimism, too. He shot under 30 percent from deep last season, but his stroke is workable and there are positive indicators for potential improvement. At the rim, he’s an explosive finisher who should get more comfortable handling traffic over time. He’s only 18, and has a lot to work with.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 26. Usman Garuba, Real Madrid
Usman Garuba has a chance to become the best defender in this draft. At 6-foot-8, 229 pounds, he has the strength and agility to guard all over the floor. He’s great at the point of attack, where he can wall off ball-handlers and absorb contact, but he’s also excellent off the ball. His motor runs hot, and he imposes his will at every opportunity.
The offense suffers from his lack of a 3-point shot — a common theme in literally every draft class — but if he can improve his jumper, then the pieces should fall into place. He’ll never be a go-to scorer, but he’s an acrobatic finisher at the rim, and a smart ball-mover who understands how to elevate teammates and play unselfishly.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 25. Miles McBride, West Virginia
Very few players offer more tenacious point-of-attack defense than Miles McBride, who will smother opposing ball-handlers as soon as they cross halfcourt, and take great pride in doing so. He’s a lockdown on-ball defender, with awareness off-ball and a relentless disposition. That alone will give him value considering his 6-foot-9 wingspan, which hints at positional versatility.
On offense, the 6-foot-3 McBride has all the hallmarks of an NBA lead guard. He shot over 41 percent from deep as a sophomore, and is plenty comfortable nailing pull-up jumpers out to NBA range. He’s a smart, measured playmaker out of the pick-and-roll, and has room to improve as a finisher at the rim. He’s going to make a contender very happy.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 24. Isaiah Todd, G-League Ignite
Isaiah Todd spent last season in the shadow of Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga, for better and worse. He was not perfect — far from it — but Todd showed flashes of what earned him five stars in high school, and more than enough to warrant a first-round investment in this year’s draft.
At 6-foot-10, Todd is a springboard athlete with a smooth jump shot and fairly dynamic scoring repertoire. He doesn’t always play within himself or the offense, but he has the upside of a consistent three-level scorer, with the size and length to one day become a versatile defensive weapon. There’s a lot to like once the 20s roll around, especially for a team that can afford to be patient.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 23. Chris Duarte, Oregon
Chris Duarte is 24 years old, which will make him the oldest player selected on July 29. That should not dissuade any of the contenders in range of drafting him, who will reap the immediate benefits of Duarte’s heady play and confident 3-point stroke.
Age is a drawback, yes, but Durate plays with the requisite poise and veteran’s spirit of an older prospect. He understands his role and how to contribute on the floor. He is a nuanced and effective off-ball scorer, with timely cuts and screens all over the place, and a 3-point stroke that will demand defensive attention. At 6-foot-6, he’s big enough to guard a couple positions. He will help a team from day one.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 22. Moses Moody, Arkansas
Moses Moody is another strong bet to contribute from day one. At 6-foot-6, he is built like a tank, with the potential to guard across positions. He could prove especially useful against the NBA’s stronger, more physical scoring wings. He shoots a smooth ball from deep, and fits comfortably into the 3-and-D mold every team yearns for.
There is no doubt Moody can contribute within a team context, but it’s fair to question his upside. He’s not particularly explosive, and struggles to generate space off the dribble. He lacks go-to scoring moves, and may top out as a high-level role player. That said, in this range, high-level role player is a great outcome.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 21. Ziaire Williams, Stanford
A rocky freshman season dulled much of the excitement around Ziaire Williams as a prospect, but he still possesses rare tools at 6-foot-9. If Williams can boost his efficiency, the shot-making genes, not to mention the playmaking upside, would make him a tough nut for opposing defenses to crack. He’s a slippery ball-handler, with the vision to peer over defenders and make strong reads. That go-to upside should entice franchises who are willing to be patient.
That said, the downside is, of course, that Williams was mostly bad at Stanford, and his razor-thin frame could prove problematic in the long run. He has potential on defense, but much of it will go unrealized if he can’t add muscle to his 188-pound frame.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 20. Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
Very few players on this list even approach Corey Kispert as a shooter. He can bury the 3-ball as well as anyone, whether it’s standing still, on the move, or pulling up. That is a valuable and elite NBA skill, which is enough to predict — with confidence — that Kispert will crack a rotation at the next level. He is someone defenses simply cannot ignore.
With Kispert, it then becomes a question of what else. He’s not a great athlete, and while he competes hard, he can only do so much defensively. He’s not really switchable, and inside the arc, his game gets much more convoluted. He’s a smart ball-mover, a willing cutter, and a generally engaged player, but he won’t create his own offense or provide much as a ball-handler.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 19. Keon Johnson, Tennessee
Keon Johnson is rough around the edges, but he may be the best athlete in the draft. At 6-foot-4, he’s already a treat to watch. He can explode for sky-walking dunks, and off the dribble, he’s a constant threat to weave past defenders and leave them in the dust. He can maneuver his body like a bonafide star, even if his skill set hasn’t quite caught up yet.
As a freshman, Johnson shot a lowly 26.4 percent from deep. He will need to improve the consistency of his jumper, lest defenses ignore him entirely on the perimeter. Johnson also lacks the ancillary skills to make a consistent impact. He’s turnover prone, with a loose handle and questionable ball skills. If the pieces come together, he could become a star. That said, the puzzle is far from finished right now.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 18. Tre Mann, Florida
Tre Mann took a big step forward in his sophomore season, hitting 40.2 percent of his 3s and emerging as Florida’s most dynamic offensive threat down the stretch. At 6-foot-5, he has excellent size for either guard position, with deep range, a beautiful stroke, and the slippery ball-handling of a seasoned NBA guard.
Defense was not a strength of Mann’s in college, but he has the skill set of a potential go-to playmaker. He’s an intelligent passer, who can work out of the pick-and-roll and take advantage of a skewed defense. He probably shouldn’t be the only ball-handler on day one, but a team searching for the next volume-scoring comboguard should think long and hard about Mann.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 17. Jaden Springer, Tennessee
A hyper-efficient analytics darling who should make a quick impact at the next level, Jaden Springer screams fan favorite. He just helps pieces fit together. He’s not an offensive leader, he’s not a go-to scorer, but he does all the little things necessary to win games and elevate teammates.
As a freshman, Springer shot 43.5 percent from deep. He’s a great spot-up shooter who excels at beating closeouts and picking apart fissures in the defense. His basketball I.Q. and court vision were on full display at Tennessee. Defensively, he’s an absolute hound, with great tenacity and awareness beyond his years. At just 18 years old, he has a lot of time to grow.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 16. Sharife Cooper, Auburn
Sharife Cooper averaged 20.2 points and 8.1 assists as a freshman, cementing his status as one of the draft’s premier playmakers. He is electric with the ball in hand, tossing passes in every direction, with elite perception and precision. He can pick defenses apart out of the pick-and-roll, and clearly has the scoring acumen to elevate his passing chops.
There is no doubt Cooper can command the floor and run an offense at the next level. That said, he would do well to improve his 3-point shot. He hit only 22.8 percent of his 3s at Auburn, and while there’s reason to believe he can improve, that’s a troubling number for a short guard with less-than-elite athleticism.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 15. Cameron Thomas, LSU
As pure a bucket as you’ll find on this draft board, there’s no questioning Cameron Thomas’ ability to put the basketball in the basket. He’s a throwback mid-range scorer, with endless confidence isolating and breaking down his man one-on-one. Thomas should have no trouble extending his range to the NBA 3-point line, and he’s a talented off-ball scorer as well. He has a nose for the basket, simple as that.
For Thomas, the next step is finding a nose for other things. He can get black-hole syndrome from time to time, and struggles to involve teammates. If he can learn to leverage his scoring acumen for the benefit of others, he has All-Star upside. Hopefully, he goes to a situation built to curb his bad habits, not encourage them.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 14. Jalen Johnson, Duke
Jalen Johnson left Duke midseason and left a lot of thin-skinned people upset. Naturally, there have been reports of spotty background checks, and it would appear personality concerns could dint his draft stock come July 29. That is — in my opinion — pretty silly, as Johnson’s upside rivals the best prospects in this draft.
At 6-foot-10, Johnson is a wizard in transition, with great downhill speed and physicality, and a real gift for distributing the ball to open shooters. He’s a non-spacer at the moment, and the recent Ben Simmons flameout will naturally cast doubt on a player in Johnson’s mold, but he’s smart enough (and athletic enough) to find ways to contribute. Not every Simmons-adjacent prospect is terrified of the free-throw line, either.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 13. Trey Murphy III, Virginia
At 6-foot-9, Trey Murphy’s NBA appeal is not hard to decipher. He’s big, shoots a gorgeous 3-pointer, and can defend all over the court. He fits just about every system and style on paper, and that’s why he has been one of the biggest pre-draft risers. He could earn looks as high as the lottery.
Murphy hit 43.3 percent of his 3s last season and shot over 50 percent from the field. He doesn’t carry much water as an on-ball scorer, but he cuts, screens, and passes at a high level. On defense, Murphy has great free safety potential, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and acute awareness of his surroundings.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 12. Josh Giddey, Adelaide 36ers
Josh Giddey spurned the NCAA in favor of the NBL, and appears to have reaped the benefits. He is widely considered a lottery talent, and could go as high as the top 10. He won Rookie of the Year in Australia, and has spent the last few weeks with the national team. He will enter the league with valuable experience under his belt, most of which has come against adult professionals.
A fascinating talent, Giddey is 6-foot-8 with the passing acumen and skill set of a point guard. He can run the show with ease, making zippy cross-court passes with either hand, or delivering pinpoint dump-offs to the rolling big. He moves well, despite a lack of elite-level explosiveness, and his basketball I.Q. should result in a quick learning curve at the next level. His 3-point shot is the big question mark (shocker!) but his touch and mechanics are workable.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 11. Franz Wagner, Michigan
It is hard to imagine Franz Wagner not making a positive impact in the NBA. He’s too well rounded to flame out. That’s always a foolish statement — just about any prospect can flame out — but Wagner plays phenomenal, multi-positional defense, and is one of the better offensive glue guys in the draft.
At 6-foot-8, Wagner can guard all over the floor. He’s one of the most aware and active defenders on the board, racking up deflections, steals, and weak-side blocks. On offense, he can hit spot-up 3s, make advanced passing reads, and score with finesse on straight-line drives. He may never be a go-to scorer, but he’s one of the surest bets in the late lottery.
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.
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.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 6. Scottie Barnes, Florida State
A 6-foot-7 forward who spent last season at point guard, Scottie Barnes brings a lot of interesting skills to the table. Above all else, he projects as an elite, switchable defender who could, in time, anchor an entire scheme. He shows great awareness off the ball, combined with the lateral quickness to stick with guards at the point of attack. Naturally, the “discount Draymond Green” comparison has been made.
It is a somewhat lazy comparison, but it does extend to the offensive end as well, where Barnes’ high basketball I.Q. and playmaking instincts are counterbalanced by a poor 3-point shot. He has room to improve, and can very feasibly get to a point where he is consistently hitting spot-up jumpers, but it needs a lot of work.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 5. Kai Jones, Texas
Consider this a personal flourish, as even the staunchest Kai Jones supporters have him situated closer to the end of the lottery than the top five. I, however, will go against the grain and voice my ardent belief that Jones is the potential steal of this draft, with a combination of athleticism and skill rarely seen in 7-footers.
He is a long way away — Jones is not a day-one, tier-one contributor — but goodness, are the pieces something to behold. He has shown flashes of pull-up shooting and face-up scoring, with long, sweeping eurosteps that leave defenders swiping air. He has a wide catch radius at the rim. On defense, he’s quick enough to contain guards, and long enough to shut off the rim. It will take time, but the right situation could propel Jones to stardom.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 4. Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
A natural born leader, Jalen Suggs carried Gonzaga to the national championship game as a freshman. He is pretty firmly entrenched in the top four, and should not fall past this spot on July 29, no matter how fervently Toronto believes in Scottie Barnes or Jonathan Kuminga. Suggs is a dynamic, well-rounded talent who can help the Raptors get back in the playoff picture next season.
Suggs is a confident scorer and playmaker, with shades of several different All-Star guards. He gets to his spots with a tight handle, and has the explosiveness to beat closeouts and pick apart skewed defenses. When stationed off the ball, he does all the little things. He also defends his butt off, and should only get more consistent as a 3-point shooter.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 3. Jalen Green, G-League Ignite
The Year of Jalen. While Suggs is a measured, fun playmaker, Jalen Green is easily the most tantalizing perimeter scorer on the board. He’s an absurd athlete who can fly around the court and use funky angles to generate space. His bag is deep, with a reliable 3-point stroke, a diverse in-between game, and the ability to play above the rim.
Green grew a lot in his lone G-League season, adding more change-of-pace moves and becoming a deadly off-ball player, in addition to his well-documented success scoring in isolation. He has room to grow playmaking for others, but the indicators are positive. At 6-foot-5 with long arms and elite speed, one should expect Green to become a good defender down the line, too.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 2. Evan Mobley, USC
Evan Mobley can do just about everything on a basketball court, which is rare for 7-footers. Let’s say, hypothetically, he ends up in Houston or Cleveland. He should immediately become the most important offensive and defensive player on those teams. He has the potential to anchor a franchise on both ends, with rare versatility and a wide-ranging skill set on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, Mobley will get opportunities to score and facilitate out of the middle of the floor. He makes quick reads and delivers accurate passes. As a scorer, he has range out to the 3-point line, with a polished post game and exceptional fluidity facing up. He can pick or pop, and on defense, he will block a lot of shots and move his feet on the perimeter. Expect immediate stardom from him.
2021 NBA Draft Big Board — 1. Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
There’s no other answer here. The Pistons can feign interest in other guys all they want, but if Cade Cunningham isn’t the first name called on July 29, a mistake was made. No player is ever a guarantee to be the best player in a draft — both Mobley and Green are future All-Stars. That said, Cade truly checks every box. He’s a great three-level scorer, a dynamic 6-foot-8 playmaker, and a potentially elite multi-positional defender.
Cunningham is not the most explosive athlete, which is the only real knock on his upside. It probably won’t matter much. He uses craft to create space and keep defenders at a distance. He has the size to shoot over top, and the 3-point range necessary to demand closeouts, and subsequently pick them apart. He’s a genuine point guard, despite his strong frame and the size of a small-ball four. The Pistons are a lucky franchise.